First-Semester-Students' Welcome
The next First-Semester-Students' Welcome will take place on October 8, 2026. More information will be available on this page shortly.
Welcome to the University of Bonn!
Dear First Semester-Students,
It is my distinct pleasure as rector to welcome you to the University of Bonn — a University of Excellence with over 200 years of proud history. You are now one of roughly 40,000 students here at our university. Welcome!
You are beginning your studies at the University of Bonn in (at least) one of our seven faculties, each offering a broad palette of degree programs. Many of our departments have earned a stellar reputation in comparisons with both national and international competition. In part this reflects our Excellence Strategy, which has successfully secured eight Clusters of Excellence for our institution, more than any other German university. Yet it is not just the strength of our sciences that makes Bonn so special. This place, this haven for academia is extraordinary in its own right: Bonn is a city of great history and promising present and future…
In addition to world-famous scientists and thinkers, one of the greatest musicians of all time was born here: Ludwig van Beethoven. In Bonn, in the heart of Europe, the Basic Law was also passed, the best constitution that has ever existed on German soil. As a university, we therefore see it as our particular responsibility to promote the values of democracy, freedom and enlightenment and to stand up for fundamental values such as equal opportunities and diversity. As the German city of the United Nations, where the UN Climate Change Secretariat is based, as well as numerous globally active organizations and companies, Bonn also has a very international character. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special greeting to the students among you, who are coming to us from all over the world! I am sure that you will all quickly settle in and feel at home in Bonn on the Rhine. There is a great variety of university and non-university cultural and leisure activities on offer for you!
We want to give you, the first semester students, the opportunity to get to know our university, your lecturers and fellow students personally. Because we know how important direct contact is, especially at the start of your studies. You can find all the information about your studies on the university website under "Studies". There you will also find a wealth of further information and advice from your faculties and departments.
And now it’s time to wish you all a great and successful start to your academic pursuits at the University of Bonn.
Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Hoch
Rector of the University of Bonn
A Report on First-Semester-Students' Welcome 2025
First- Semester Welcome 2025
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
Live Stream (EN) 2025
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
A report on the 2025 First-Semester Students’ Welcome
The University of Bonn celebrated its traditional First-Semester Students’ Welcome on October 8, which offered them no end of things to see and do. As well as providing information, the emphasis was mainly on making new contacts so that the new students could get the latest chapter in their lives off to a successful start.Every year, the University of Bonn greets its new students with a truly special event, the First-Semester Students’ Welcome, which is all about getting their studies off to a good start. Interest was so great that the official welcome given by Klaus Sandmann, the Vice Rector for Teaching, Learning and University Development (standing in for the Rector), and Sean Bonkowski, President of the General Students’ Committee, in the main auditorium was also broadcast in the lecture halls next door, on a big screen in the Arkadenhof and via a livestream.
On the stage, representatives from the Rectorate and the wider University talked about the areas they are responsible for as well as presenting opportunities for the new students to get involved themselves. The speakers covered numerous aspects of University life, including sustainability, diversity, internationalization, musical activities, student services and support.
The info market in the Arkadenhof enabled the guests to find out about the activities of the many University- and student-run organizations, from student councils and University Sports through to counseling and advisory services and initiatives. Anyone who was interested could also join a guided tour of the University Main Building and take part in hands-on activities run by the departmental student bodies. The day culminated in a lively party in the University Main Building that gave the new students the chance to come together and celebrate.
“Our First-Semester Students’ Welcome marks the start of a completely new chapter in these people’s lives,” says Professor Klaus Sandmann. “So we make a point of taking the time to say a proper hello to the new students and make it easier for them to settle in here. I'm delighted that there was so much interest and I'm sure that the new freshmen will start their studies with motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm."
Click here to see the first photos!
Info-Tip:
The "Starting Your Studies"-Portal
The Central Student Advisory and Counseling Service's (ZSB) "Starting Your Studies"-portal provides all info you might need for a successful start to your studies. The ZSB is your first point of contact for all questions about studying.
Here you can get consultation, a checklist for starting your studies and the Study Compass!
The Student Registry's Service-Hotline
Do you have questions about current application, enrollment and/or admission procedures for your studies and would like to clarify them quickly by phone? The Student Registry's Service Hotline is there for you!
The service hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm, at +49-(0)228/73-4464 and -4491.
Infopoint of the University of Bonn
You have questions about the university in general? You are looking for a contact point for a specific problem? You would like to buy university apparel or accessories? Just contact our Infopoint! You will find us at our new location at Poststraße 26. There you will also find the university store. University apparel and accessories are also available at our online store.
Welcome Days for international students
With the Welcome Days we would like to welcome all new students and doctoral students from abroad to Bonn and facilitate a successful start of their studies. You will find all important information on the International Office's Welcome Days-page.
Student Representative Bodies participating in the First-Semester-Students' Welcome
Meet the General Students’ Committee AStA
Get to know the Student Councils
Find out more about Campusradio bonn.fm
Information Fair for First-Semester-Students
Follow the University of Bonn on Social Media:
Contact person for the First-Semester-Students' Welcome
Lena Hufschmidt
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Friederike Demant
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn