Orientation week for exchange students: A successful start of the summer semester 2026

The week started with a digital welcome meeting. There, the students were given an initial overview of life in Germany and the university’s key support services. In the evening, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) hosted a get-together at a bar, where participants were able to chat and make their first connections in a relaxed atmosphere.

The following day, the programme continued on campus. The students were given an introduction to the Sankt Augustin campus, toured the library and were introduced to the LEA platform. This allowed them to familiarise themselves with the structure of the H-BRS and meet their coordinators in the departments.

Alongside the organisational aspects of the programme, there was plenty of opportunity for shared experiences. A convivial evening of bowling provided a chance to get to know one another better in a relaxed atmosphere. During a guided tour of Bonn, the participants were able to discover the historic sites of the former federal capital. Another excursion took them to Rheinbach, where the students explored the campus and the town’s unique features. The week was brought to a successful close with a trip to Brühl, including a visit to Augustusburg Palace – a cultural highlight that left a lasting impression on many.

With a wealth of new information, their first friendships and many new experiences, the exchange students are now starting their summer semester at H‑BRS. The International Office wishes everyone a successful start to their studies and an enriching time in the region.