Starting your first semester in Oldenburg: Tips and tricks for a successful start!

Starting your first semester in Oldenburg: Tips and tricks for a successful start!

On October 6, 2025, 1,800 first-year students started their studies at the University of Oldenburg. The orientation week, which kicked off on Monday, began with a festive opening ceremony in the lecture hall center. University President Prof. Dr. Ralph Bruder welcomed the new students to the Audimax, supported by Prof. Dr. Andrea Strugind, Sebastian Wilks and members of the AStA. Mayor Jürgen Krogmann also addressed a few words to the freshmen in a video message.

Insight into the O week

The welcome event was held twice due to the high number of participants and offered the new students a comprehensive overview of campus life. The event was moderated by Charles Good, who is studying history and English to become a teacher. Students like Croatian student Sonja Bozic shared their experiences, while jazz and modern dance courses and a student band led by Stephan Schomaker provided the musical accompaniment.

In the foyer of the lecture hall center there was an “information market” where information about study programs, cultural and sports opportunities was provided. Regular teaching for the total of 14,800 students begins on October 13, 2025, and many of the new students face the challenge of finding their way in a new city and among new people.

Tips for getting started

The first week at university often brings with it questions and nervousness. That's why some preparation tips are helpful. It is advisable to get to know the city of Oldenburg better before the start of the semester, for example by exploring Wallstrasse or JuMO. A cheap bike, possibly found on eBay, could support mobility.

• Fachschaften nutzen Social-Media-Kanäle, um Programmankündigungen zu teilen.
• Infoveranstaltungen finden zwischen dem 10. und 14. Oktober 2022 statt, sowohl live auf dem Campus als auch online.
• Es ist empfohlen, neue Bekanntschaften aufzubauen, etwa über WhatsApp-Gruppen.
• Wohlbefinden und Gesundheit sind wichtig, auch nach geselligen Partynächten sollte auf ausreichenden Schlaf geachtet werden.

To make the start of your student life even easier, some basic tips are helpful. These include good organization by having students plan their timetable and important appointments well in advance. The use of to-do lists and the timely procurement of materials are also recommended. Contacts with fellow students help to network in study groups. Testing different learning methods, such as mind maps or flashcards, can also be useful.

Self-care should not be forgotten: sufficient sleep and a healthy diet contribute to high concentration. Sports and leisure activities help to reduce stress and ensure a balanced everyday study life.

With these tips on the Study blog have been published, it is reinforced that an organized and sociable start to your studies means creating the best conditions for a successful time at the university.