Finally back in presence! On September 30, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences celebrated this year's matriculation ceremony with around 700 students and guests on the Zittau campus in a specially erected marquee. In addition to the newly enrolled students and their families, numerous guests of honor from other colleges and universities also accepted the Rector's invitation.

Carolin Renner and Cornelius Baier confidently led the ceremony, which was musically framed by the singing of student Lea Heymann on the electric piano and the brass quartet Brass Balance.

After the Senate had moved in, the Mayor of Zittau, Thomas Zenker, greeted the new students. He congratulated the 'first-timers' on their decision to study at the HSZG and emphasized that the university, with its degree courses in six faculties and its course content, precisely meets the current needs of society. It urgently needs them as the young people who equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to play a decisive role in shaping the current development of society.

The advantages of leisure activities were not neglected in his speech either. Whether the Zittau Mountains, Lake Berzdorf or Lake Olbersdorf, the beauty of nature and the variety of outdoor activities will certainly inspire the new arrivals at the HSZG and enrich their everyday life as students, he is certain.

You could also "just go to a pub", replied the Rector with a smile at the start of his speech, to which he received a sympathetic nod. He emphasized the numerous advantages of the region and of studying at the HSZG and was particularly pleased that, after the pandemic-related break, he was finally able to personally welcome the newly enrolled students to the start of their studies.

In addition to the subsequent greetings from the Student Council and the ceremonial awarding of this year's prizes for outstanding academic achievements, the symbolic matriculation ceremony was the highlight of the event.

Equipped with a university rucksack that had been converted into a lottery drum, the university's student scouts took to the stage one after the other and had the Rector draw lots on behalf of all six faculties and the university's own preparatory college for one newly enrolled student each, who then received not only a small gift for themselves on stage, but also a magnum bottle of sparkling wine. After the ceremony, they were able to empty this bottle together with their fellow students at the respective faculty stand on campus.

This opportunity to get to know each other was extremely well received by the new HSZG students. And so, after the ceremony, the first friendships were forged over champagne, coffee and burgers in a very good atmosphere, which will prove to be life-enriching and essential for many students long after their studies.

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