Start of the semester at THI: Around 700 first-semester students welcomed

The smell of popcorn greeted the students in the auditorium at the start of the summer semester on Monday, 18 March 2024, at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (THI). Among the 7300 students in the summer semester, 900 more than in the previous year, were around 700 first-semester students on this day. Of course, fewer than in the winter semester 2023/24, when 2500 first-semester students enrolled at THI, more than ever before. The reason: significantly fewer degree programs start in the summer semester. The increase at the Neuburg campus from 190 to 290 students is therefore particularly pleasing.

THI Vice President Professor Hans-Joachim Hof welcomed the new arrivals. Hof emphasized how highly topical the subjects taught at THI are: "We are living in the age of AI, which will affect them all. Be open to what we offer here. Meet the change. We will prepare you today for the day after tomorrow." Hof handed over the floor to the student representatives, pointing out that the university was not banning ChatGPT, but rather encouraging students to actively engage with the AI tool.

Fabian Groß gave the first-semester students some basic information about orientation at THI and encouraged them to actively participate in the organization of the university. The students then learned interesting facts about the mentoring programs and were welcomed by the heads of their respective degree programs. Meanwhile, numerous student councils, sports clubs from the region, and the student union had set up information stands in the auditorium. Here, the new students were able to find out about the activities of the Student Stock Exchange Club, among other things.

THI President Professor Walter Schober had already welcomed the international exchange students the previous week. As part of the so-called Orientation Week, they had the opportunity to get to know each other informally over pretzels and coffee. In addition to intercultural training, there were also practical tips on excursions around Ingolstadt and networking with student associations.