380 first-year students are starting one of the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Automotive Engineering or Business at the Wolfsburg Campus. They were officially welcomed at the start of the academic year on 21 September. The new students were welcomed by Prof. Dr Thomas Benda, Vice-President for Teaching, Studies and Continuing Education, as well as by Dr Antje Fitschen-Lischewski, Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Business, and Jens Hofschröer, City Councillor for Digital Affairs and the Economy for the City of Wolfsburg.
In his welcoming address, Vice-President Prof. Dr Thomas Benda set the tone for the new students as they embarked on their studies: “One of Ostfalia’s particular strengths is that we combine academic education with a practical focus. For us, it is not just about accumulating knowledge. It’s about applying knowledge: in projects, in laboratories, in collaboration with businesses and institutions, and in addressing specific societal issues. You are studying at a university that is firmly rooted in the region whilst also making an impact beyond it. You will meet people with diverse perspectives, fields of expertise and experiences.”
Following the central welcome, the new students headed to their respective faculties for an onboarding programme and information on the individual degree programmes. As well as tours of the campus and various introductory sessions, the second day of the academic year (22 September) features further activities for new students, such as the Campus Market, a Wolfsburg rally and an evening ‘After-Study’ get-together in the canteen.