...or even go to a pub!

Finally back in person! On September 30, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences held this year’s enrolment ceremony on the Zittau campus in a marquee erected especially for the occasion, with approximately 700 students and guests in attendance. In addition to the newly enrolled students and their families, numerous distinguished guests from other universities and colleges accepted the Rector’s invitation.

Carolin Renner and Cornelius Baier confidently presided over the ceremony, which featured musical performances by student Lea Heymann on the electric piano and the Brass Balance brass quartet.

After the Senate entered, Zittau’s mayor, Thomas Zenker, addressed the new students with words of welcome. He congratulated the freshmen on their decision to study at the HSZG and emphasized that the university, with its degree programmes across six faculties and its curriculum, precisely meets the current needs of society. He stressed that the university urgently needs young people like them—who equip themselves with knowledge and the necessary tools—to play a decisive role in shaping current societal developments.

He also highlighted the benefits of the area’s recreational opportunities in his speech. Whether it’s the Zittau Mountains, Lake Berzdorf, or Lake Olbersdorf, he is certain that the beauty of nature and the variety of outdoor activities will surely delight the newcomers at HSZG and enrich their daily student life.

“You could also ‘just pop into a bar,’” the Rector replied with a smile as he began his ceremonial address, earning approving nods from the audience. He emphasized the numerous advantages of the region and of studying at HSZG and was particularly pleased that, after the pandemic-related hiatus, he could finally welcome the newly enrolled students in person as they began their studies.

In addition to the subsequent remarks by the Student Council and the ceremonial presentation of this year’s awards by the Friends of the University for outstanding academic achievement, the symbolic enrollment ceremony was the highlight of the event.

Equipped with a university backpack repurposed as a raffle drum, the university’s study scouts took the stage one after another and had the Rector, on behalf of all six faculties and the university’s own 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college), draw the name of one newly enrolled student or one new student be selected at random, who were then invited onto the stage to receive not only a small personal gift but also a magnum bottle of sparkling wine. After the ceremony, they were able to enjoy it together with their fellow students at their respective faculty booths on campus.

This opportunity to get to know one another was extremely good among the new HSZG students. And so, after the ceremony, in a good atmosphere with sparkling wine, coffee, and burgers, the first bonds of friendship were formed—bonds that will prove to be life-enriching and essential for many students long after their time as students has ended.

A great day with great live music! In the evening, guests got to experience what it means to celebrate together as students during a performance by the Zittau band Jenix and a set by DJ Martinus. Anyone who wanted to could capture these unforgettable moments forever with a photo in the photo booth provided.