(Picture Credits: Thomas Schermer)
As the winter term 2026/27 gets underway, RWTH Aachen University is preparing to welcome new international students from around the world to Aachen.
From September 28 to October 2, 2026, the International Office, together with numerous RWTH services, student initiatives, and partners, will host the Welcome Week for new international students. The week offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get to know RWTH, explore Aachen, meet fellow students, and settle into their new surroundings.
The program features guided campus and city tours, information sessions, social meet-ups, and cultural activities. Whether getting familiar with the university, discovering the city, or making first connections, the Welcome Week is designed to make the transition to life and studies in Aachen as smooth as possible.
Support for new international students begins even before they arrive. Preparation webinars and the First Steps for New International Students website provide practical information and step-by-step guidance on getting started at RWTH. The website remains available throughout the year, making it a useful resource also for students arriving later in the semester.
For students looking to connect with someone who already knows the ropes, the BeBuddy Program offers the opportunity to be matched with an experienced RWTH student. Buddies can help newcomers navigate everyday student life, build social connections, and get a first-hand impression of life at RWTH and in Aachen.
The Welcome Week is also the starting point for further support during the first semester. Through dedicated support for international first-year students, international newcomers can take part in additional events and benefit from the guidance of Peer Success Coaches. The program supports students in their academic integration by helping them understand RWTH and the German academic system, familiarize themselves with academic structures and expectations, and connect with fellow students. It is particularly valuable for students who arrive later or are unable to participate in the Welcome Week.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of the many partners, volunteers, and members of the RWTH community who contribute to the program. A big thank you to everyone involved in making the Welcome Week and the support offered throughout the first semester a welcoming start to international students’ time at RWTH. RWTH students who volunteer during the Welcome Week can receive a component of the Certificate International.