ErstiWoche in Ilmenau - every year anew a highlight that all students remember with pleasure. A week full of events, new contacts and experiences, which should make the start into the studies more beautiful and easier. In addition to the university's introductory events, there is also a varied cultural programme. This week is planned and organized by students of the TU Ilmenau. Freya Hartmann and Theresa Köhler talked to Patricia Nöther and Kai Ehlich, the management team of the ErstiWochen organizers, about what is involved.
Report
An almost normal freshman week ...
Behind the scenes of the major student project
Of course, you two couldn't plan this week completely on your own. Who is behind the organization of the ErstiWoche?
Patricia Nöther: The ErstiWoche is planned and organized by students for students. We call ourselves ErstiWochen-Orga, EWO for short, and are a department of the student council of the TU Ilmenau, the StuRa. The EWO is usually made up of students from various courses of study, including representatives of the student councils. During the ErstiWoche, members of the StuRa and other volunteers join in as helpers. Our team consists of 25 members. During the ErstiWoche we are additionally supported by about 85 tutors.
Speaking of the Orga: How does the EWO actually work?
Patricia Nöther: We work in different departments: equipment, ErstiGameNight, Erstiguide, Erstisportfest, breakfasts, GalaNight, IT, Kickelhahnwanderung, communication, sPiTV, Stadt-Rallye, technology and Workshopday. The management acts as coordinator and is responsible for the communication between EWO and university as well as for everything that has to be done organizationally around the ErstiWoche. The departments then plan and organise the respective events and tasks, such as ordering tutors' and orga clothing. During the ErstiWoche we are a big team and everyone helps everywhere.
That sounds like a lot of work. When did the preparations for this start?
Kai Ehlich: The EWO starts planning the ErstiWoche as early as April. At the beginning, the members divide themselves into the various departments. Afterwards, the departments set themselves milestones that they want to have reached by the set deadline. In weekly meetings, the department heads then have the opportunity to update the other members and also to clarify questions with the whole team.
What is the best thing about working in the EWO team?
Patricia Nöther: Definitely getting up early to prepare the breakfasts during Freshers' Week (laughs) - it's the best way to make the most of the day. Another plus point is the free fitness training during the ErstiWoche. Because usually a lot of beer table sets, technology or decorative items have to be dragged around and set up. The right disposition is the be-all and end-all. Because otherwise it is said: "What you don't have in your head, you have in your legs". But seriously: Despite the different departments, teamwork is our top priority. Everybody helps everybody. And even outside of the freshers' week we attach great importance to joint activities: whether cosy barbecue evenings or adventurous trips to the Kickelhahn, we are up for any kind of fun. But one thing must never be missing: our orange shirts.
Tutors have to have some qualifications. What qualifies interested students for this task and what does it involve?
Kai Ehlich: The tutors accompany the first-year students through the entire ErstiWoche. This means that they support the first-year students in their orientation, but also give them valuable tips about the structure, requirements and organisation of their studies. But also for the time after the ErstiWoche they are contact persons for problems and organize regular meetings. As far as requirements are concerned, first-year students should be communicative and helpful, as this makes the start of their studies easier. To ensure that all tutors are well prepared for the ErstiWoche, there is a basic training session. There they are given many useful and practical tips and ideas so that they can make the week a great experience for their seminar groups. At the end of the week, they will receive their yellow T-shirts, which will make them easily recognizable during the ErstiWoche.
Unfortunately, the ErstiWoche 2021 is already over: What is your conclusion?
Patricia Nöther: After last year's ErstiWoche had to be cancelled due to Corona cases at the university, this year we can say: We did it! The ErstiWoche 2021 is behind us and we were able to pull it off successfully until the end. Of course, there were always smaller hurdles that had to be overcome. For example, tree felling work in the forest during the Kickelhahn hike meant that the actual route had to be spontaneously rescheduled. Checking all the 3G evidence and tracking was a lot of extra work for us, but hopefully it made all participants feel safer. And this year we still had restrictions on the number of people due to Corona regulations. We hope those won't be necessary next year. But on the whole we are satisfied and look back exhausted - but happy - on a great week.
One last question: What should future first-year students bring with them to the ErstiWoche?
Kai Ehlich: Just like a child's birthday party: Good mood and weatherproof clothing! Joking aside. Of course, we are always happy when first-year students arrive here open-minded and eager to take part in our events. The ErstiWoche offers the unique opportunity to get to know your fellow students, to get to know students from other degree programmes and of course to get to know the numerous clubs at the university - you shouldn't miss this.
Impressions of the ErstiWoche 2021
