Traditionally, most students start in the winter semester, but around 550 first-semester students will also begin their studies at one of the four campuses of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester of 2026. 340 of them have opted for a degree programme in electrical engineering and information technology, computer science, mechanical engineering, law, social work or supply engineering at the Wolfenbüttel campus.
Volker Küch, Full-time Vice President for Human Resources and Finance, welcomed the new students to Wolfenbüttel on behalf of the Presidential Board at the official welcome ceremony on 2 March 2026: "From today onwards, you will be taking new, unknown paths, but you can also pave new paths. You can leave your footprints here. For example, by working together with the teaching staff on projects and ideas and getting involved in shaping university life."
Ivica Lukanic, Mayor of the city of Wolfenbüttel, conveyed his welcome via video greeting and wished the new students a wonderful time: "Wolfenbüttel is more than just a place to study. It is a historic, vibrant city that thrives on its baroque architecture, museums and diverse cultural and sporting activities. Above all, however, it lives from you, the young, committed minds who enrich our community."
The first semester event in the Audimax mixed information about starting university with an interactive quiz organised by the university sports department and music by Ostfalia graduate and current professional musician Robin Kap. The members of the General Students' Committee (AStA) took the new students on a tour of the campus for an initial orientation. At the subsequent action mile, the first-semester students could look forward to various hands-on activities organised by student initiatives and university institutions, drinks, waffles and a photo box to capture the moment of their first day at university.
In addition to the central welcome event, new students at the Wolfenbüttel campus will have individual introductory events in their faculties as well as a first semester website with all the important information. At www.ostfalia.de/erst semester (external link, opens in a new window), new Ostfalia students can find useful contacts and information on support programmes for the start of their studies.
Rotary Prize awarded for special social commitment
Student Lisa Steffens was also honoured at the first semester welcome ceremony in Wolfenbüttel.
Dr Thomas Böckmann, President of the Rotary Club of Salzgitter-Wolfenbüttel, presented her with the club's "Award for Special Social Commitment" in the amount of 1000 euros. "As a service club, Rotary is committed to social projects both locally and worldwide. That's why we are particularly keen to recognise individuals who have the courage and energy to get involved in social projects alongside their studies," said Böckmann.
Lisa Steffens is studying at the Faculty of Social Work and is a volunteer in youth welfare in criminal proceedings. She runs road safety seminars for teenagers and young adults who have been convicted of road traffic offences. "I particularly enjoy getting involved here, as I believe there is a person behind every offence. I want to give young people a space where they can speak openly and help them to reflect on their behaviour, take responsibility for their actions and develop new perspectives," says the 34-year-old.
Lisa Steffens has been studying at Ostfalia since September 2024, before which she trained as a bank clerk and also worked in the profession for several years. A voluntary assignment in a social project in Kenya, where she provided support in a school for children with disabilities, then reinforced her decision to take a new path and study social work in Wolfenbüttel.