University sports messages

14. January 2025

Record participation in online HIT: HSZG inspires prospective students digitally

On January 9, the HSZG's online university information day attracted more prospective students than ever before.

HIT participants sit on the green sofas in the studio and chat.
Photo: Oliwia Sikorska A special HSZG version of "Stadt-Land-Fluss" created a great atmosphere in the studio in the "Celsiuz" co-creation lab during the interval program.

On January 9, 2025, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences hosted its Online College Information Day (HIT). Prospective students were able to learn about the various degree programs and campus life via a live stream from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year, more prospective students than ever took advantage of the opportunity to gather information from the comfort of their own homes. “At its peak, nearly 500 visitors followed our program in the lobby, and interest remained high even toward the end of the information day,” said Victoria Hohlfeld, who served as the moderator guiding attendees through the diverse program. For the nearly 700 users, the online platform once again provided a good setting. In the end, the organizing team received over 100 more feedback messages than the previous year. For example, prospective student David gave the event a thoroughly positive review.

“

I am absolutely fascinated by your friendly manner, the detailed explanations of the studies and the quick answers to the questions asked. The organization of the individual rooms, breaks, etc. also help me to get to know you better. Thank you very much!

”
David J., prospective student

Insights, Discussion, and Inspiration—the Highlights of the Online HIT Program

The Morning Show kicked off the day and brought together students, faculty, and university leadership. With the ability to ask questions live via chat, participants had the opportunity right from the start to engage directly in the event and receive answers to their questions.

There was particular interest in the presentation of new degree programmes, including European Business, Environmental Sciences, and teacher training for high schools specializing in special needs education. Informative sessions shed light on the content, structure, and career prospects of these innovative programmes.

For anyone seeking guidance, workshops on academic orientation and several student-led sessions offered valuable support. Topics such as “How did I find a place at university?”, “University vs. University of Applied Sciences: How practical is a UAS really?”, and “The Provinces or Provence? Living in Zittau and Görlitz” allowed participants to delve deeper into students’ perspectives and receive personalized advice.

The program presentations provided comprehensive information on course content, while experts answered all questions at the networking tables and information booths. Taster lectures also allowed interested visitors to experience the teaching units firsthand, and at the 'Studentenwerk' (student union) booth, attendees found answers to questions about topics such as housing and financing their studies. Rector Alexander Kratzsch expressed his satisfaction.

“

With this diverse program, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has once again demonstrated that college orientation can be not only informative but also entertaining and accessible.

”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas. There are black screens on the floor in the foreground. There is a light screen at the edge.
In a room separated from the studio by a glass wall, two employees sit in front of screens and look at them. A large screen can be seen in the background.
Employees sit and stand in a technical and production room, surrounded by production technology.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
Two participants are sitting on a green sofa. The one on the right speaks into a hand-held microphone.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
Two participants are sitting on a green sofa. The one on the right speaks into a hand-held microphone.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
In a studio with brick walls and large windows in the background, participants sit on green sofas and chat.
A contributor and the presenter stand behind an HSZG counter in the studio. On the left in the foreground is a black camera. Four HSZG cubes are piled up to the right of the counter.

"Stadt-Land-Fluss" Meets HSZG

Once again, the break-time program proved to be a special highlight, this time featuring a special HSZG version of the classic game “City-Country-River.” In the platform’s “lobby,” host Victoria Hohlfeld kept the mood good as she led the game by suggesting HSZG-related categories. Among the players were the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, as well as numerous HSZG students. The participants named terms beginning with the specified letters that they associated in some way with the HSZG and that came to mind spontaneously. Student Emil described the HSZG with the letter “H” as the “University of Hearts,” and the Vice President emphasized the importance of “committee work” for students. On the topic of financing, the role of “SHK” (student assistant) was mentioned.

“

The Online HIT impressively demonstrates how we can introduce prospective students to our university in an innovative and accessible way. I am particularly pleased with the lively engagement of our participants—whether in interactive formats like the “Stadt-Land-Fluss” game or in the diverse information sessions and Q&A rounds. Events like these are not only platforms for information but also bridges that bring prospective students and our university community together. With formats like these, we aim not only to provide guidance but also to let people experience the unique atmosphere of our university and the cities of Zittau and Görlitz.

”
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Education and International Affairs

It’s all about finding the right balance between school and life!

This year, the Online-HIT focused particularly on the topic of psychosocial health in student life. Matthias Baldt from the Dresden 'Studentenwerk' explained what a healthy work-life balance can look like and presented the wide range of advisory services offered by the 'Studentenwerk'. Student Benedikt emphasized that Görlitz is a great place for a healthy lifestyle and added: “Parties aren’t about crawling up the stairs drunk, but about surrounding yourself with new people you can count on in life.” He said his campus is the perfect place to forge such connections. HSZG Health Manager Ulrike Bobek underscored the importance of students recognizing when they need help, seeking it out, and ultimately accepting it in order to stay healthy throughout their studies.

The HSZG’s Rector, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, expressed his delight at the positive response to the online HIT and mentioned the planned in-person College Information Day on March 22, 2025. “We look forward to welcoming the many prospective students in person then,” he said.

After the online HIT is before the face-to-face HIT

The next in-person university information day—our University Open House —on March 22, 2025, at the Zittau and Görlitz campuses will once again offer the opportunity to get to know HSZG and learn all about study options and campus life.

We are the HIT together!

From the contributors from research, teaching and administration to our committed students and our external partners: a big thank you goes to everyone involved who contributed to this successful online university information day.

Text: Cornelia Rothe
Photos: Oliwia Sikorska

Ihre Ansprechperson
Victoria Hohlfeld
Victoria.Hohlfeld(at)hszg.de
Staff unit for University development and communication
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.65
+49 3583 612-4390