Here, at Jacobs University, one of the most exciting times during the year is when the new students arrive on campus. It is very important for them to explore the area and to get to know each other at the beginning of their university life. The planning of orientation week usually starts in April, for everything to be ready by the end of August. This year, however, the welcome of our new students was a bit different considering the pandemic. To ensure the safety of the newcomers and the people already living on campus, there were strict measures for everyone. All students needed to provide information about their travel history and COVID-19 test results and quarantine if necessary. After their status was ‘cleared’, they could go out and spend time with the others. The freshies were divided into smaller groups and shown around campus by their Peer Counsellors, while keeping the recommended distance and wearing facemasks. Orientation Week was completely remodeled and done 100% online, which ensured that everyone can be safe and still have fun activities with their peers. These measures showed great results, as there are no suspected nor confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus. However, the battle is not over yet, students are expected to arrive on campus by October 26th, which is the day all courses switch to in-person teaching. Some of the new students volunteered to share their experiences with the community.
What were the most memorable activities for you (during orientation week)?
“The scavenger hunt was fun, especially when we started getting into the spirit. Well, but what do you do if you can already see the other group on your heals? You run like hell to get to the next tasks first so you don’t have to wait for them to finish the game first! But in general, the games were super fun, especially the pantomime by the direction halls. The Freshie Lounge was also amazing, even if the music made getting to know each other a little harder with the whole social distance thing. More importantly, the timing was just right. It was late enough that I could settle in first and could go out for dinner with my parents before it started, but more important was the fact that it started about the time the realization set in that ‘oh wow, I know absolutely no one here and I feel kind of depressed’. It counterworked that feeling very nicely.”
- Janina Müller (Germany) | BSC Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology | Class of 2023
Did you feel safe (considering the pandemic and the measures taken on campus)?
“Definitely! Maybe even a little ‘overprotected’, given that for the last year I did a voluntary ‘work year’ (in German: FSJ) working for the emergency services and medical transport. Some of our rules were stricter than one or the other hospital took the, so I was impressed!”
- Janina Müller (Germany) | BSC Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology | Class of 2023
“On Wednesday the 26th of August, I arrived on campus and was excited for what was to come. As I am from Bremen, Jacobs University was one of my top picks, especially regarding my major program. The concept intrigued me from the beginning and the Jacobs community itself was a great point too. Due to the pandemic, the orientation week had to take place in a different way than it used to be but I enjoyed the various activities. Additionally, the peer counselors did everything so we could have the proper experience. As all lectures are online till the end of October, we had to start our studies online which was weird in the beginning. Although, it almost feels like a real lecture with some friends and a coffee from the coffee bar. Soon after classes started, the IRC library became one of our good friends. I’m looking forward to the in-person lectures to meet everyone, study together, and explore Bremen (or show people the best spots here). One of my favorite activities on campus until now was just being on campus green with my friends and enjoying the last summer days before the fall comes. Moreover, I enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know more about their culture. The pandemic is not going away soon but the university does everything to prevent an outbreak here and I feel as safe as you can feel in these times.”
- Thea Mischel (Germany) | BA Global Economics and Management | Class of 2023
“I graduated from my high school in 2019 and attended a foundation year in JUB. So, this is my second year of being here. During O-week, I attended all events and Welcome Street. I feel that the university did well, welcoming events during the pandemic. And I could see people fromsecurity patrolling to ensure the rules are being followed, which made me feel that the campus is safe to live in. Compared with my experience from last year, I believe Jacobs University is a very nice place for us to live and study. In the upcoming months, I want to get to know more people, meet with my classmates, and get used to my academic responsibilities. I am excited to study and live on this beautiful campus.”
- Xu Songyue (China) | BSC Industrial Engineering and Management | Class of 2023
By Kremena Terzieva (Bulgaria) | Class of 2021
