Excited voices, bustling crowds and long queues for the faculty backpacks: on the first day of the new semester, THI’s main hall is buzzing with activity. Many of the new students leave carrying one of the sponsor-funded Deuter backpacks, which feature the faculties’ new colours for the first time. Others try their hand at fishing at the Neuland stand, climb into Schanzer Racing Electric’s electric racing car or pick up a giveaway from Xaver, the mascot of ERC Ingolstadt. Amid all the activity, first conversations are struck up and new connections are made. For around 2,400 first-year students, this is the beginning of a new chapter.
THI President Professor Walter Schober welcomed them to the university: “We have made an excellent start to the new semester and are delighted by the strong interest in our degree programmes. The Digital Building is another particular highlight. Its new spaces broaden the possibilities for modern teaching and provide ideal conditions for active and collaborative learning.”
The first-year students also had an early opportunity to discover what the coming semesters have to offer beyond lectures and seminars. Sonja Bedington, Head of the International Office, outlined the various opportunities to gain experience abroad. This does not necessarily mean spending an entire semester away: the European university alliance ACE2EU also offers shorter stays at partner universities. Elmar Lienerth from the Student Representation introduced the students to campus life, which since May 2026 has included the Cube student centre – a place to meet, connect and take part in activities together.
The students then headed to their respective degree programmes. During the introductory sessions, programme directors provided guidance for the weeks ahead and answered questions.
One of the new students is Marlene Denz. The 19-year-old has chosen the Bachelor’s degree programme in Media Psychology & Digital Business. What appealed to her most was the breadth of the programme and the way it extends beyond traditional business psychology. After a day full of new impressions, she now knows her degree programme and the university a little better – and has probably already met some of the people who will accompany her over the coming semesters.
