The auditorium is packed. People are still whispering and, with a touch of excitement, fiddling with the orange sunglasses lying on the seats. It’s a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and excitement. Roll the film! “There is magic in every beginning,” a voice booms from the speakers. The beginning is now. For about 2,000 first-semester students at Fachhochschule Dortmund, a new chapter in their lives is about to begin.
The university had invited students to the Konzerthaus Dortmund for the official welcome ceremony for first-semester students. For many, the journey there wasn’t far. About one in five new students comes from Dortmund. But the university attracts prospective students from all corners of the country. Students have enrolled from Munich, Berlin, Dresden, Rostock, and Kiel. The more than 300 international students come from nearly 50 countries, including Argentina, Peru, the Philippines, and Ukraine. And it’s still possible to begin a degree program at Fachhochschule Dortmund. There are still openings in some of the approximately 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. www.fh-dortmund.de/frei(Opens in a new tab)
“Studying doesn’t mean following a predetermined path. Studying means discovering new paths,” said University of Applied Sciences President Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel in her welcome address to the new students. She added that this is facilitated by dialogue across faculties and beyond the university. “Be curious when there’s something you don’t yet understand. Be determined when you’re passionate about something. Be willing to change your mind when a good argument convinces you,” the president continued.
At the same time, she noted, college can sometimes be a challenge. However, the Fachhochschule Dortmund offers many support options. The first-year students were able to see this for themselves in the foyer of the Konzerthaus. In addition to the General Student Council (AStA) and the student associations, the Career Service, Student Services, University Sports, Family Services, Math Help Desk, International Office, and many others were also represented there.
“No matter where you’re from, we in the city of Dortmund are delighted to have you here. You’ve chosen a great city to study in,” said Mayor Norbert Schilff in his welcoming remarks. Dortmund is a livable, green, and innovative city, he noted. He expressed his hope that many would choose to stay in Dortmund even after completing their studies. “We need bright minds; we need young people who ask questions and see things differently. And we need people who take on responsibility.”
But first-year students still have some time before then. In the coming days, they’ll be attending orientation sessions at their respective faculties. The highlight will be the freshman party on October 8, 2026, at the FZW(Opens in a new tab) .
