The start of the semester: Kiel University welcomes new students

For most of those present, the traditional welcome event for first semester students in Kiel University’s (CAU) largest lecture hall building today (Monday 16 October) marks the start of a new chapter in their lives. Reason enough for the University Board, the student union (AStA), faculties and numerous university institutions to welcome the first year “Erstis” and celebrate the start of their studies with them.

4,362 new students have registered so far for the winter semester 2023/24 at the CAU. 3,322 of them are starting university for the first time. This means that the CAU has already reached the previous year's level in terms of first semester numbers – contrary to the national trend. Further places on degree programmes with restricted admission such as biology, psychology or medicine will be awarded by drawing lots in the coming weeks.

Around 2,500 new university members were present today in the Audimax and in front of the big screen on the forecourt. Thanks to simultaneous English interpretation via headset, the international students were also able to follow the colourful stage programme. Lots of people tuned in to watch the welcome event for first semester students on the online stream.

CAU President Professor Simone Fulda welcomed the freshers and got them in the mood for their studies: “Over the next few years, you will learn, research and live at our university. I sincerely hope you that you will enjoy this special stage of your life and that you will be successful in your studies. Take advantage of the diversity of the CAU and the view beyond disciplinary boundaries to broaden your horizons and discover exciting prospects for the future. You’ve come to the right place to do so!”

Mayor of Kiel, Dr Ulf Kämpfer, also warmly welcomed the new students. He congratulated them on their decision to study in Kiel.Sailing.City: “You’ve made the right choice. Kiel is not only an excellent place to study, but also to live. Exciting, challenging and formative years lie ahead of you. And I would be very happy if you helped shape life in our city with your ideas and knowledge.”

Together with host Rafael Vester, the vice deans and deans introduced their new students to the eight faculties in two groups. Laura Falk and Stella Thomsen introduced the student union (AStA) and invited the first year students to get involved alongside their studies.

Colourful welcoming programme

An information fair in the Audimax foyer and, for the first time, in the fair tent on the forecourt with more than 50 exhibitors offered interesting information about the CAU. This included the Central Academic Advisors, the International Center and the Sports Centre. The City of Kiel and Kieler Theater provided information on what the city has to offer. A wide range of university groups were also presented. The Studentenwerk provided food and drink on the Audimax forecourt as well as valuable information about studying.