Practical degree programs, cooperation with over 150 corporate partners, innovative teaching concepts and an international orientation - this is what studying at HNU stands for. Prof. Dr. Julia Kormann welcomed the first-year students and introduced the HNU, its faculties and the HNU educational mission. In her welcome address, she encouraged the students to take on responsibility and get involved in one of the many student organizations at HNU. Her tip to the new students: “Start now with a list of regional companies that you would like to get to know better during your studies. We offer you many opportunities to network at an early stage throughout your studies.” Prof. Dr. Volker Reuter, Rector of Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU), was also present and welcomed the students of the cooperative study programs of HNU and THU.
In addition to representatives of student faith communities, other HNU contacts also introduced themselves. For example, Christoph Giebeler, Head of the Advice and Information Center for Parents, Personal and Social Affairs (BIZEPS), explained the advice he offers on personal challenges such as exam anxiety, family care issues or studying with a child. Anna Vander Beken from the International Office presented HNU's opportunities abroad.
International university
HNU welcomes more than 60 students from foreign partner universities in the winter semester 2024/25. In addition, around 270 international full-time students are enrolled at HNU. HNU is enabling more than 70 students to study abroad, including stays as part of double-degree programs with universities in Finland and Italy.
As in previous semesters, the HNU Student Representation (StuVer) organized an initiative market in the foyer, where the student initiatives Lions Campus Club, Arbeiterkind, Einstein Motorsport, Ponte Consult, Engineers without Borders and HNU eSports as well as HNU institutions were represented with stands.
Orientation phase
The rest of the so-called “O-Phase” (orientation phase) continued with an extensive program spread over the whole week, which offered many activities to get to know university life and fellow students. In addition to a joint veal sausage breakfast, there was also a guided tour of the HNU, a city rally, a freshers' party and a joint visit to the beer garden. In addition, the new students were introduced to their respective degree programs and took part in the interdisciplinary business simulation game. Here, the students each manage a fictitious company in competing groups, work on business management tasks, make decisions and establish contacts, all with a practical focus.
New degree courses in AI and sustainability
The Bachelor's degree course in Artificial Intelligence and Information Management (B.Sc.) and the Master's degree course in International Entrepreneurship, Digitalization and Sustainability (M.Sc.) have been launched for the winter semester 2024/25.
The Artificial Intelligence and Information Management course combines artificial intelligence with business informatics and teaches important skills for the development and IT management of innovative products with AI. In practical study projects, students learn to develop, understand and market smart solutions. In this way, they are optimally prepared for a career in the future-oriented field of AI - for example as a data scientist, business analyst or digital transformation manager.
In the International Entrepreneurship, Digitalization and Sustainability degree programme, students dedicate themselves to the development of sustainable business models and research into digital transformations in a globalized world. The international and interdisciplinary orientation of the course opens up career prospects in areas such as global entrepreneurship or sustainability management, but also prepares students for a career in academia. In addition, a second Master's degree (double degree) can be obtained abroad.
