On January 9, the HSZG's online university information day attracted more prospective students than ever before.
On January 9, 2025, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences hosted its online University Information Day (HIT). Prospective students were able to find out about the various degree programs and campus life via live stream from 09:00 to 16:00. This year, more prospective students than ever before took advantage of the opportunity to obtain information from the comfort of their own homes. "At the peak, almost 500 visitors followed our program in the lobby and the popularity did not dwindle towards the end of the information day," says Victoria Hohlfeld, who moderated the varied program. The online platform once again provided the best setting for the almost 700 users. In the end, the organization team received over 100 more feedback messages than in the previous year. For example, prospective student David drew a consistently positive conclusion from the day of the event.
The morning show kicked off the day and brought together students, lecturers and the university management. With live Q&A opportunities via the chat, participants had the opportunity to get directly involved in the action and receive answers to their questions.
There was particular interest in the presentation of new degree programs, including European Business, Environmental Sciences and Teaching at Secondary Schools with Special Needs Education. The content, processes and career prospects of these innovative courses were highlighted in informative sessions.
For those seeking guidance, workshops on study orientation and several student sessions offered valuable support. Topics such as "How did I find my university place?", "University vs. university of applied sciences: how practical is a university of applied sciences really?" and "Provinces or Provence? Housing and living in Zittau and Görlitz" enabled participants to delve deeper into the students' perspectives and receive individual tips.
The course presentations provided comprehensive information about the course content, while experts answered all questions at the networking tables and information stands. Taster lectures also allowed those interested to experience the courses on offer at first hand, while the Student Services stand provided answers to questions on topics such as housing and student finance. Rector Alexander Kratzsch expressed his satisfaction.
The break program was once again a special highlight, this time with a special HSZG version of the classic game "Stadt-Land-Fluss". In the so-called lobby of the platform, moderator Victoria Hohlfeld created a good atmosphere as game master by setting categories with HSZG reference. Among the participants were the Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, as well as numerous HSZG students. The participants named terms with predetermined initial letters that they associated with the HSZG in some way and that spontaneously came to mind. Student Emil used the letter "H" to describe the HSCG as a "university of the heart", and the Vice-Rector emphasized the importance of "committee work" for students. On the subject of financing, the work as a "SHK" (student assistant) was mentioned.
This year, the online HIT focused in particular on the topic of psychosocial health in student life. Matthias Baldt from Studentenwerk Dresden explained what a healthy study-life balance can look like and presented the various counseling services offered by Studentenwerk. Student Benedikt emphasized that Görlitz is a very suitable place for a healthy life and added: "Parties are not there to crawl up the stairs drunk, but to surround yourself with new people you can count on in life." His place of study is ideal for making such connections, he said. Ulrike Bobek, Health Manager at the HSZG, emphasized the importance of students recognizing when they need help, seeking it and ultimately accepting it in order to stay healthy throughout their studies.
The Rector of the HSZG, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, was delighted with the positive response to the online HIT and referred to the planned university information day in person on 22 March 2025. "We look forward to welcoming the many prospective students in person then," he said.
The next University Information Day in presence - our Open University Day - on March 22, 2025 at the Zittau and Görlitz campuses will once again offer the opportunity to get to know the HSZG and obtain comprehensive information about study opportunities and campus life.
From the contributors from research, teaching and administration to our dedicated students and our external partners: a big thank you goes to everyone involved who contributed to this successful online university information day.
Text: Cornelia Rothe
Photos: Oliwia Sikorska
