Traditionally, students at the Technical University of Dortmund swap the lecture halls for the stadium to mark the start of the new academic year. And SIGNAL IDUNA PARK was again the venue this year as BVB, the city of Dortmund, the opera, the theatre and Dortmund Concert Hall all joined the university in welcoming the majority of the 6,000 new students.

"We're delighted to have you! I wish all the new students every success with their studies at the TU Dortmund," said Professor Ursula Gather in the first lecture of the new winter semester. Together with BVB director Thomas Treß and mayor Ullrich Sierau, among others, she gave the students a warm welcome as they embark upon the latest chapter of their lives.

A diverse programme was put on for the students in attendance in the North Stand at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, with the theatre and the opera providing musical contributions. Three students also won vouchers for the Mensa in a competition.