More than 200 new students have been welcomed to Lancaster University Leipzig this week as the campus came to life with a packed Welcome Week programme designed to help students settle into university life, connect with their peers, and prepare for academic success.
The October intake includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students joining the University’s Business Management and Computer Science programmes. Representing a wide range of nationalities and cultures, the cohort reflects the truly international character of Lancaster University Leipzig.
From the moment they arrived on campus, students received personalised support from Student Services, academic staff, and professional services teams. Many students arrived with their parents for their first days in Leipzig, and the University ensured that every student received the guidance they needed to begin their journey with confidence.
One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity for students to meet their lecturers in a relaxed and informal setting over coffee. These early conversations allowed students to ask questions, learn more about their programmes, and begin building relationships with the academics who will support them throughout their studies.
As always, Welcome Week quickly demonstrated the strength of the University’s international community. New friendships formed across cultures and nationalities, with students connecting not because of where they came from, but through their shared excitement about the opportunities ahead.
The University’s Careers Team also met with students early in their academic journey, providing practical advice on career planning, employability, and the importance of thinking ahead from the very beginning of their university experience. The sessions highlighted the many opportunities available to students and encouraged them to make the most of their time at university both inside and outside the classroom.
Student Services organised the popular Campus Connect event, transforming part of the campus into a fair-like environment where student clubs and societies introduced themselves to new students. The event gave newcomers the opportunity to explore extracurricular activities, discover new interests, and find ways to become actively involved in university life from day one.
Another highlight of Welcome Week was the German Night, where students from more than 80 nationalities came together to learn about German culture and traditions. An interactive Germany quiz sparked friendly competition and conversation, helping students better understand their host country while sharing perspectives from their own cultural backgrounds. The evening was another great opportunity to build friendships across borders and celebrate the University’s international community.
Students also had the opportunity to explore their new home city through guided tours led by the University’s Student Ambassadors. Having experienced life in Leipzig themselves, the ambassadors shared practical local knowledge on everything from public transport and shopping to leisure activities and everyday life, helping new arrivals feel at home more quickly.
Parents were welcomed to a dedicated information session hosted by the Campus Director, who introduced them to student life at Lancaster University Leipzig and explained the support structures available to their children throughout their studies. Reflecting the University’s international outlook, staff members provided translations and additional support in several languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese, ensuring that families could fully engage with the discussions and feel reassured about their children’s next steps.
One of the steps is setting up the mandatory health insurance, which students could complete with on-campus service from our trusted health insurance providers.
Throughout the week, the University’s IT Team and Student Services Team offered extensive one-to-one support, helping students set up their digital accounts, access learning platforms, complete administrative processes, and resolve individual questions. This personalised approach ensures that no student is left behind and that every member of the new cohort feels supported from the very beginning.
Alongside practical sessions covering enrolment, health insurance, residence registration, and academic preparation, students also enjoyed social activities, cultural events, networking opportunities, and workshops designed to help them make the most of their time in Leipzig.
As Welcome Week comes to an end, attention now turns to the start of teaching and the first lectures of the semester. Having already demonstrated such enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement throughout the week, the newest members of the Lancaster University Leipzig community are well positioned for a successful start to their studies.
If the motivation and energy displayed during Welcome Week are any indication, there is every reason to believe that this cohort will achieve great things in the years ahead.
