Getting to know the University online

This year, the University of Bayreuth's University Information Day will once again take place online. Annelie Schmidt, Head of Student Advising, explains why and what advantages this offers in an interview with UBTaktuell.

Why is the University Information Day being held online?

Like so many other events, our University Information Day has been impacted by the pandemic. At the beginning of the winter semester, we were still confident that we would be able to host the event on site on campus again. But then the coronavirus figures and the accompanying regulations for large events caught up with us, so in November we decided to organise the University Information Day digitally like last year. And when we look at the current situation, that was certainly a good decision.

How long does the preparation of such an event take?

The preparations take several months. There is a lot to organise. First of all, we have to find a date and coordinate it internally and with our most important school partners. Then a programme has to be drawn up, and departments and speakers have to be recruited for their contributions. We also contact students from the student councils who regularly support the event with their participation. Finally, the entire event with its almost 50 programme items as well as copious accompanying information for participants have to be displayed on the event website at www.hit.uni-bayreuth.de and our own webinar, which we contribute, and has to be specially designed. Not to forget the numerous press, marketing, and public relations activities planned that are to be carried out. It is only thanks to the excellent support from departments, students, and numerous colleagues that this large annual project can be completed by the small team at Student Advising.

How many actors are involved? What can potential students expect?

On the day of the event, well over 50 participants will be active in the programme and will present their departments, degree programmes, and contacts. Prospective students can get a comprehensive picture of the University of Bayreuth at the University Information Day. The entire range of degree programmes will be presented. Student Advising Service will provide information on the topic of "Studying in Bayreuth" in an introductory webinar, and will be available for discussions. In sample lectures, you can get a taste of actual study content and also ask questions at any time. And even if you can't be on campus in virtual form, you can get to know many facets of the University through the predominantly live events. The session planned for lunchtime with students who talk about what it's like to start studying, how to make contacts, what's going on in Bayreuth, and what makes the campus so special is particularly exciting.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the online event?

The advantage of the online format is obvious: you can participate in our event on your sofa from home or anywhere in the world - and in any weather. You don't have to travel far - especially prospective students who are not yet of driving age felt this was an advantage at last year's event. It is uncomplicated and convenient: you simply click on the events you are interested in. Registration is not necessary. Of course, we would still like to organise a university information day in person again in future. The day in February has always been something very special. The campus fills up with prospective students, most of whom are getting a taste of university life for the first time, sitting in a lecture hall, and eating in the cafeteria. For many, the university information day is the first physical, practical step towards in going to university.

If you still want to see the campus, are there opportunities to do so?

You can visit the campus at any time. You don't have to register. You simply come, download a campus map from our website for orientation purposes, and take a look around. In addition, we have thought about adding an on-site experience to the digital university information day in the summer. For this purpose, we are offering a campus day for prospective students on 9 July 2022. That’s when you can really immerse yourself in the campus - with guided tours, food in the canteen, and much more, all of which is currently being planned.

If there are any further questions, how should young people contact you? Where can they get the information they need?

Student Advising is always happy to help if there are any questions or need for advice. On our website www.studienberatung.uni-bayreuth.de you can find our contact details and a lot more information for prospective students. If you wish to find out more about our study programmes, you might start with the programme finder at https://uni-bayreuth.de/studiengangsfinder.