Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences welcomed its new students for the 2026 summer semester with its traditional English-language orientation event. Once again this year, first-year students received numerous tips for a successful start to their studies. In his welcome speech, rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Alexis Papathanassis said: “A college education is one of the few and valuable opportunities for a second chance. Here, you can become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Be bold and ask questions that others don’t dare to ask. Be present—not just physically, but also with your mind. Be kind to your fellow students, your instructors, and especially to yourself. And be patient, because great things rarely happen in just one semester.”

To ensure a smooth start to the academic year, the most important information has been compiled at orientierung.hs-bremerhaven.de. Student Luca Heise showed students how to find not only links to class schedules, service centers, and the Elli learning platform, but also informative video tutorials. An interactive campus map is available to help students find their way around.

Various student initiatives at the university also offer support, some of which introduced themselves during the welcome event. Franjo Gießel spoke about the responsibilities of the General Student Committee (AStA). The AStA is there to assist all students with questions and problems and organizes events. The “Queer Students” group, represented by Lily, as well as “StudiTalk,” also regularly host events and promote interaction among like-minded individuals. Those interested in staying active can join the “Mar i Zaga Club” running group, the student Kira Kaul explained.

On behalf of the Local Erasmus Initiative (LEI), Lea Kristin Kuhlmann welcomed the first-year students. This initiative supports international students with everyday questions and organizes events where they can interact with one another and with their German peers. Veronika Pril, a staff member at the International Office, presented the additional services available to international students and the opportunities all students at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences have for studying abroad.

On behalf of the Association for the Promotion of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences (Verein zur Förderung der Hochschule Bremerhaven e.V.), board member Ulf Abbes delivered a welcome address. The association has been supporting students since 1978 and, among other things, awards an annual prize to the three best theses. Once again this year, all first-year students will find a mug sponsored by the association in their “goodie bag.”

Admissions Manager Sonja Puncken-Kassen and Veronika Pril co-hosted the English-language welcome event. Afterward, the new students took the opportunity to make initial connections during guided campus tours. They can further these connections at an evening event in the cafeteria.

As of April 7, 2026, 150 first-year students have enrolled for the summer semester at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, most of them in the international master’s program in Embedded Systems Design as well as in the two bachelor’s programs in Engineering and Food Science.