Orientation week starts with activities in Dieburg and Darmstadt – the central welcome event takes place on October 7th at the State Theatre
On October 1st, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences began its 2026/27 winter semester, welcoming numerous first-year students. To ensure a smooth start to their studies, student representatives and the university are planning a diverse program for all new students this year.
The orientation week officially kicks off on October 7th with the university's central welcome event for first-year students at the Darmstadt State Theatre. Afterwards, students can mingle at the departmental booths, ask questions, and get to know their future classmates.
Following this, students will have the opportunity to explore Darmstadt on a student-organized city rally, discovering their new university town in a fun and engaging way.
Who does what – and for whom?
The central orientation week for first-year students is organized jointly by various student associations and takes place on the main campus in Darmstadt. A campus tour on October 8th will allow first-year students to familiarize themselves with their new location beforehand.
As a grand finale, the central welcome party for everyone will take place on October 9th in the AStA-Café Glaskasten on the main campus.
The lectures at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences will then begin on October 12th.
In addition to the central events, some student councils offer individual programs.
Starting on October 12th, the Department of Architecture will be organizing a separate campus rally for architecture students, in addition to a shared meal and a guided tour of the department
The Computer Science Student Council offers individual laptop advice for all first-year students who do not yet know which laptop they want to use for their studies.
The Media Student Council is planning a customized scavenger hunt for all students at the media campus in Dieburg. In groups, first-year students will collect stamps at various booths, complete tasks, and explore the campus.
Here's an overview of all the dates again:
| October 6 | 11:00 a.m. Welcome at the Media Campus Dieburg 11:30 a.m. Campus Rally at the Media Campus Dieburg |
| October 7 | 12:00 Central welcome event for first-year students h_da Premiere at the Darmstadt State Theatre Afterwards: City rally through Darmstadt's city center |
| October 8 | 12:00 Campus tour at the main campus of h_da |
| October 9 | 8:15 pm Welcome party at Café Glaskasten |
| From October 12th | Orientation week, Architecture Department |
| October 17 | Freshers special in the Centralstation |
| October 23 | Freshers' party in the castle cellar in Darmstadt |
By Lucy Medert
Featured image: The best participants in the rally win a bag. Photo: Lucy Medert
