On 23 September 2024, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) began the winter semester 2024/25. At the semester opening ceremony and other events during the induction week, HSRW welcomed around 800 first-year students at its two campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort.
On 23 September 2024, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) began the 2024/25 winter semester. At the semester opening ceremony and other events during Freshers’ Week, HSRW welcomed some 800 first-year students at its two campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort. With 415 enrolments, more than half of all enrolments this year were in the Faculty of Communication and Environment in Kamp-Lintfort.
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences can look back on a successful induction week, known as Freshers’ Week. Taking place from 23 to 27 September 2024, this eventful week marked the start of the 2024/2025 winter semester. It offered new students an excellent opportunity to settle into campus life and get to know their fellow students.
The Central Student Advisory Service and the Welcome Centre had put together a varied programme to help students settle into this new phase of their lives. For many international students, it also marked the start of life in a new country. Accordingly, informative events were organised, including sessions on everyday life in Germany, as well as social activities and guided tours of the two university towns. To foster an intercultural atmosphere of welcome, many events were held in English.
The two Music Nights in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort were a resounding success, attracting large numbers of enthusiastic students. The Freshers’ Market, the campus and town tours, the events in the faculties, as well as the AStA and sports events, once again brought student life to the fore, not only on the university campuses but also in both towns. ‘HSRW Got Talent’ showcased the diverse artistic talents of the university community.
One of the highlights of Freshers’ Week 2024 was the first-year welcome event, the official kick-off, which took place in a hybrid format. The event linked the Audimax in Kleve to the Audimax in Kamp-Lintfort via live video links and, through the live stream on the Freshers’ app, also virtually included those first-year students who were unable to attend in person. University President Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen welcomed the students from the Kleve campus with the words: “You are the most important people to us, and not just this week. The future belongs to you. I am proud that you have placed your trust in us and chosen our university. You will discover that you have become part of a vibrant, exciting and diverse community.”
At the same time, the Vice-President for Teaching, Studies and Continuing Professional Development, Prof. Dr Jörg Petri, welcomed the new students in Kamp-Lintfort and offered them the following words of encouragement: “Starting your degree marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, one that we will shape together. The teaching staff are very much looking forward to working with you. The university will benefit greatly from your creativity, your ideas and your approaches to problem-solving.”
Prof. Dr Christoph Landscheidt, Mayor of Kamp-Lintfort, wished the students a great start to a successful degree programme in his video message and congratulated them on choosing the Kamp-Lintfort campus: “Here you’ll find state-of-the-art study facilities and laboratories, lecturers who are always approachable, and students from all over the world.” He also invited the new students to explore the town’s rich cultural and sporting offerings and to feel free to contact the town’s staff with any questions.
The Mayor of Kleve, Wolfgang Gebing, also extended a warm welcome to the new students in his video message. He noted that by choosing a degree programme at HSRW, they had taken the first step towards their future. He emphasised that Kleve is a charming, open-minded and – not least thanks to its students – a youthful town: “As Mayor of Kleve, I invite you to discover our town and find your very own place at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and in Kleve.”
Sara Khaffaf-Roenspieß and Nele Decker from the Central Student Advisory Service and the Welcome Centre hosted the multimedia event. In addition, other organisations such as the university’s music and sports departments, the languages department, the General Students’ Committee (AStA) and the alumni network introduced themselves.
Only the Homecoming Cup, which traditionally marks the end of Freshers’ Week, had to be cancelled due to bad weather. But that was the only setback, which did nothing to dampen the good atmosphere. Instead, a lively and enthusiastic group of first-year students from both campuses gathered in the Audimax on the Kleve campus to belt out their favourite songs together at a karaoke session – aided by the new, wall-sized digital display – and to make new friends.
Photo credits
: Snapshots taken by students from Kamp-Lintfort ©HSRW
Music Night at the freshers’ welcome event on the Kleve campus ©HSRW/Florian Gaisrucker
Freshers’ Dance at the freshers’ welcome event in the Audimax on the Kleve campus ©HSRW/Anja Peters
