On Monday 4 April, Paderborn University welcomed numerous incoming students to campus. A total of 824 students (a provisional figure) began their studies in Paderborn in the summer semester of 2022, thus entering a new stage in their lives. The final enrolment figures will be available in early May. Professor Birgitt Riegraf, University President, welcomed the new arrivals to their first semester in the Auditorium maximum (Audimax): "We are delighted to be able to welcome you all in person. Paderborn University is a young, exciting, ambitious university – so you have made the right choice." During the two or three days of orientation, organised by facilities such as the Central Student Advisory Service, the Center for Educational Research and Teacher Education – PLAZ Professional School and the Student Councils, students had an opportunity to find out more about their course of study and the campus itself as well as to begin getting to know their teachers and fellow students.
Shaping the future together
The diversity of Paderborn University and its home city was demonstrated by a varied programme to welcome students to their first semester. During a round table discussion, University President Riegraf, Mayor of Paderborn Michael Dreier and Deputy Chair of the Student Union Sharlene Frammelsberger offered incoming students more information about studying and living in Paderborn. The discussion was moderated by Gerrit Pape, Student Union representative for university politics.
Dreier, who also welcomed the new arrivals on behalf of the city, noted the particular features that Paderborn has to offer. He highlighted the city’s innovative nature by focusing on the new future district on the site of the former Barker Barracks, which is being created in conjunction with the university and should be one of the most modern in Europe. "Paderborn is the second youngest university city in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is great that you are here. Studying is a particularly important time in your life. I wish you all much fun and happiness", the Mayor of Paderborn declared.
Frammelsberger encouraged the new students to get involved at the university and actively help to shape student life. "It is absolutely fantastic that we are back learning in person, so we all need to pitch in to make our studies and life together at the university exactly what we want it to be", the Deputy Chair of the Student Union noted. "Get involved in this university, because it is your university as well. Make the most of the opportunities you receive", Riegraf added. "We look forward to working with you under year’s anniversary motto ’Celebrating the future’, and to seeing you at the many upcoming events."
Burning bathtubs and basketballs
A spectacle of an unusual kind was provided by Paderborn University’s Event Physics, which transformed the Audimax into a show stage. The eight person team headed by Dr. Marc Sacher, who created Event Physics, introduced the audience to physics phenomena in a truly entertaining way. For example, they demonstrated and explained the science behind a fire whirl, an imploding can and a burning bathtub.
In addition, two university basketball players welcomed the new students. Jens Großmann and Johannes Konradt, who both play in the second national league and study at Paderborn University, handed out new basketballs (which they threw to the new students) as well as three free tickets to university basketball games.
Birk Fischer, Student Union representative for media production, provided musical entertainment in guitar and song.
