Packed north stand in the arena, diversity and a spirit of optimism: 1,200 first-year students welcomed to TH OWL

For the first time, the central welcome event took place at the Phoenix Contact Arena in Lemgo. Bachelor's and Master's degree students as well as international students from all locations were invited: from the Innovation Campus Lemgo, the Creative Campus Detmold, the Sustainable Campus Höxter, and the learning centers at the Education Campus Herford and the RailCampus OWL in Minden. The event provided an opportunity to engage in conversation and network across campus boundaries. The new format of this welcome event is intended to strengthen the sense of community among students who study across multiple locations.

Festive opening with clear messages

In his speech, University President Professor Dr. Jürgen Krahl emphasized the wide range of opportunities offered by studying at TH OWL: “We are delighted to welcome you here. Here you have the opportunity to research, learn, think critically, and, above all, put theory into practice.”

The Presidium also joined in. Professor Dr. Yvonne-Christin Knepper-Bartel, Vice President for Education and Sustainability, highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the degree programs and emphasized the importance of sustainable approaches. Professor Dr. Stefan Witte, Vice President for Research and Transfer, highlighted the excellent conditions for practical research and underscored the close cooperation with companies. The university is currently hosting “Transfer Year 25,” in which students work on real projects from regional industry and business in an interdisciplinary and cross-location manner.
Internationalization was the focus of the speech given by Professor Dr. Uta Pottgiesser, Vice President for Culture, Communication, and International Affairs: “Students from over 80 countries are currently enrolled at TH OWL—that's around 17 percent of all students. This puts us above the national average. We want to further strengthen this diversity with new English-language degree programs.”

Support from cities

The mayors of the university towns also warmly welcomed the new students and emphasized how closely the towns are linked to the university. Markus Baier, mayor of the Hanseatic city of Lemgo, addressed the current challenges of student housing in his speech. He emphasized that in recent years, more and more young people from all over Germany and abroad have come to Lemgo, which has significantly increased the demand for accommodation. The planned expansion of housing options near the campus is therefore one of the most important tasks for the future in order to offer students short distances, good learning conditions, and an attractive environment.

Frank Hilker, mayor of Detmold, highlighted his city's cultural diversity and wide range of leisure activities. In addition to a lively music and theater program, diverse sports opportunities, and numerous student initiatives, Detmold attaches great importance to giving young people space for creativity and new ideas. Events and projects in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital media, and artistic formats are specifically supported by the city in order to address and promote the interests of students.

Daniel Hartmann, mayor of the district town of Höxter, emphasized the special quality of life in his city. Surrounded by nature, historic buildings, and famous gardens, Höxter offers a unique blend of relaxation and inspiration. The numerous summer concerts and events on the banks of the Weser River also create a lively atmosphere that enriches student life. Hartmann emphasized that the city works closely with the university to create attractive conditions for students and to further develop Höxter as a modern yet nature-oriented place to study.

Tips, talks, and personal encounters

Gavin Just and Jule Lütke-Föller guided the participants through the varied program. In informal discussion groups, the newly arrived students received valuable information on topics such as semesters abroad, BAföG, campus cards, internships, funding opportunities, scholarships, academic advising, and semesters abroad.

They got to know the central contact points such as the AStA (General Student Committee), the StuPa (Student Parliament), the International Office, the S(kim) (Service Communication Information Media), the Central Student Advisory Service, and the Inclusion Office.

“We really got all the important information we needed here at the welcome event—it was great and very helpful,” said Danis Alikadic, a student from Detmold.

There was also plenty of room for creative activities: many students designed their own colorful jute bags – fitting for the start of a new, colorful phase of their studies.

International diversity on campus

TH OWL attracts students from all over the world – from India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia to the USA, Guinea, and numerous European countries. A total of 765 international students are currently enrolled. Scott Lewadowski from the USA is starting the new English-language General Engineering degree program and is looking forward to learning German. Marie Madelein Tossou from Guinea is beginning her studies in environmental engineering and appreciates the cultural diversity and atmosphere. Afreen Unnias and Sakshi Shinde from India are studying for a master's degree in information technology and are enthusiastic about the opportunities to meet new people and network in the region.

Enrollment still possible

Across all locations and 55 degree programs, TH OWL currently has just under 1,200 enrollments. The enrollment process is still ongoing. Those who have not yet enrolled have until October 15 to do so.