She Was One of the First

Christine Hofmann-Niebler shares her memories:

“We were the very first freshmen at UBT, maybe around 60 students in total studying math, physics, biology, chemistry, and sports. Lectures took place in the former rooms of the Pädagogische Hochschule at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, only the physics sessions were held in the new NW I building. There weren’t any other buildings yet.

Starting our studies was a bit tricky – there were no senior students we could ask what things like a Schein, a Studienbuch, a Semesterwochenstunde, an Übung or a Seminar even were. But our professors and assistants taught us quickly. They also organized the first semester party – after that, we managed it all on our own… and we partied often and enthusiastically.

The study atmosphere was very familiar – everyone knew everyone. We had great study groups and regularly met at each other’s homes, since most of us still lived with our families or in sublets – there weren’t any student dorms yet.

But there were great university sports opportunities. One of my fondest memories is competing in the Bavarian University Championship in giant slalom at the Arber. As the math team Joe-Epsilon-Racing-Team, we didn’t win, but we were good!

Did the people of Bayreuth see the university as its own little cosmos? I don’t know. Back then, the general attitude toward the university was positive. Of course, outsiders don’t really know what goes on inside a university – but isn’t that the same everywhere? As someone born in Bayreuth, I truly believe the university was a great asset to the city. For example, 50 years ago, having restaurant seating in Maxstraße was unthinkable – it was the city’s main traffic artery, with a bus terminal and parking on the sides. There wasn’t even room for a standing table.
When I look at the marketplace and surrounding areas today – the openness, the many young people – I think that’s just wonderful.

What advice would I give today’s students? Go out, see the world – there are so many opportunities, not just within one university. You can’t learn that online – you have to experience it yourself. I think a Studium Generale is extremely valuable. I’m not sure if that’s still possible today, back then things were much more flexible.
I had many career ideas and studied at several universities in Germany and abroad after Bayreuth. Those experiences were always great – but different.
Today, I’m thinking about starting a senior study program – but first I need to find my high school diploma... Where would I want to study? In Bayreuth!”

First lecture at the University of Bayreuth by Prof. Dr. Erwin Beck in the winter semester 1975/76. Dr. Christine Hofmann-Niebler started her studies in a similar way.