In spring, nature awakens to new life. At OTH Regensburg, there was already a spirit of optimism a few days before the official start of spring: 1,069 first-year students began their university career on 17 March 2025. This means that a total of around 10,600 students are now enrolled at the university for the 2025 summer semester.
Prof. Dr Birgit Rösel, Vice President of OTH Regensburg, warmly welcomed the new students at the first semester welcome ceremony: ‘The start of your studies is an exciting time full of new impressions, challenges and opportunities. At OTH Regensburg, you can expect not only excellent teaching with a high level of practical relevance, but also an open and supportive university community. Take advantage of the many opportunities for academic and personal development in an international context. We are here for you and look forward to accompanying you on your journey,’ she emphasised. She also gave her welcome address in English in order to speak directly to the many international students.
This open, dynamic atmosphere at the university is also reflected in the student city of Regensburg. As is tradition, Regensburg's Lord Mayor Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer welcomed the students to the cathedral city. She emphasised how actively involved the students are in the city's society and invited the first-year students to do the same. She particularly praised organisations such as the Green Office, which is once again taking part in Sustainability Week, and the Campus Asylum university group, which brings together students with and without a refugee background.
The Student Lifecycle Centre (SLC) team introduced itself to make it easier for students to get started. It supports students from their initial orientation through to the alumni network with comprehensive advice, including on studying, scholarships, stays abroad and career planning. Helena Behr and Markus Langmantel from the student representation offered an insight into student life away from lectures and labs. They presented the diverse initiatives and clubs at OTH Regensburg that enrich everyday life on campus and offer space for engagement and networking. One of the initiatives, the International Campus Friends, then introduced itself and provided information about joint events organised by and for students.
After the central welcome, the new students made their way to their faculties, where they received further important information for their individual start to their studies. With a great deal of curiosity and motivation, they are now embarking on a new phase of their lives at a university that promotes practical relevance, internationality and personal development in equal measure.
