Next generation of engineers kicks off their studies
The biggest day of the year has dawned for hundreds of new engineering students starting the first day on their new degree programmes at Aarhus University. “It’s a landmark day on which it’s crucial to remember the key role of student advisers," says the director of studies.
The whole of Aarhus University was buzzing with activity on Wednesday morning with the arrival of thousands of new students. More than one in seven new AU students are starting an engineering programme, and both Katrinebjerg and Navitas, the two engineering campuses in Aarhus C, abounded with new faces with expressions of excitement, enthusiasm, hope, and perhaps a little anxiety. The new students were welcomed by smiling student advisers ready to make it a day to remember.
Maria Agger Holm, who is on the seventh semester of her architectural engineering programme, was waiting at the entrance to Navitas, and she had been looking forward to the day.
"It’s the culmination of what we've been planning for the last six months, so I'm really looking forward to the next few days. We’ve arranged a lot of games with the new students to help them can get to know each other, there’s a guided tour of the school, academic lectures and all sorts of other events," she says.
She continues:
"I'm delighted that so many have applied for engineering. I think the programme's brilliant. It’s very practical and hands-on, and you’re doing something that’s actually needed out there in the real world. So I can well understand why so many have applied."
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Student advisers take on a huge job
The importance of the day cannot be emphasised enough according to Maibritt Hjort, the director of studies for all engineering degree programmes at Aarhus University. She spent the whole of Wednesday morning visiting the various engineering programmes and meeting the new students.
"Starting with us marks a milestone in their lives. They’ve pushed a lot of boundaries to get here, and it’s been a weighty choice. When they got up this morning, they were expectant, nervous and unsure about what was going to happen. Now they’re here, and that means so much. There’s a lot going on in these young people's lives right now, and that's why it's so important that they get a good start to their studies," she says, and continues:
"That's why I can't emphasise enough how big a role the student advisers have, and how much we value the massive task they undertake. There’s a huge link between well-being and learning. And well-being must come first when you’ve broken one or other social barrier, so orientation week is crucial: as is the role of the student advisers."
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Happy to be starting
Two of the students starting their engineering programmes are Agnes Bennedsen and Magnus Kongskov.
Agnes is starting her studies on civil and structural engineering. She explains that she has always been interested in mathematics and physics, and that her older sister is already studying on the same degree programme.
"So I've already heard a lot about the programme. I think it'll really suit me, and it all sounds terrific. I'm really looking forward to meeting people and finding out more about the teaching and whether it’s incredibly difficult, or whether I can keep up. I think I'm well prepared, but we'll just have to see," she says with a smile.
Magnus has started on the mechanical engineering programme, but he originally considered studying mathematics. He changed his mind during his sabbatical year. He decided on mechanical engineering because he has always been interested in technology and electronics, and the physics behind it all.
"I think it's fascinating how planes can stay in the air, for example. All the physics in technology are simply mind-blowing. I'm really looking forward to getting started,” he says.
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A big day and blast-off for a new generation
Finn Borchsenius, the vice-dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, rounds it up:
"It's a huge day for all of you starting your university education, and it's a really big day for us too, as Aarhus University welcomes you here. I’m thrilled to be standing here to say hello to a lecture theatre full of students. We’re overjoyed, and we’ll do all we can to make sure that you enjoy a fantastic few years of study here with us," he says.
This year, AU Engineering at Aarhus University offered student places to 1,092 applicants for engineering programmes. This is an improvement of 19 per cent compared with 2019. The university's most popular engineering programme is Software Technology, which has doubled its intake since 2019.
Contact
Jesper Bruun
Journalist
Mail: bruun@au.dk
Tlf.: +45 42404140