The ErstiWoche has become a tradition in Ilmenau. Normally, the members of the ErstiWoche-Orga (EWO) meet at the beginning of the summer semester for the first meeting. Then the planning phase for the next ErstiWoche in October begins, an annual highlight, not only for the new freshmen. But this time everything was different.
After a Corona-related delay, we decided to start planning despite many uncertainties and met weekly from the end of April, first via online meeting, later with distance in presence. While around us numerous events were cancelled and most universities already announced an online winter semester, we developed hygiene concepts, alternatives to the program points and did not give up hope that our beloved ErstiWoche could take place.
Cutbacks in the program
In the course of planning, we had to say goodbye to some of the larger events, such as GalaNight, MenSAParty and Clubrotation, as they were unfortunately not feasible within the framework of the requirements. For all other program points our members worked out detailed plans: breakfasts in the form of lunch packages to go, contact registration by means of QR codes on the Ersti badges, admission restrictions, one-way systems, mandatory masks and gallons of disinfectant. So also for us completely new challenges.
Outdoor barbecue to get to know each other
Then October came and the Freshers' Week traditionally started with the get-to-know-you barbecue, which this year took place on the main campus between the Humboldt and Newton Buildings and not, as usual, between Houses H and I. This larger area was needed because the barbecue was held in the open air. This larger space was needed, as far more students than expected came to celebrate the beginning of this special week. All of this, of course, at a distance and in compliance with hygiene regulations.
Breakfast to go
On Monday we were able to test our new breakfast to go concept, which was very well received by the first-year students and tutors. The plans worked out and we were happy that the events went smoothly.
Fallback to virtual events
On Thursday we received the news we had hoped would not come during the ErstiWoche: a positive Corona case among the Erstis. With a heavy heart we decided to cancel the remaining face-to-face events of the ErstiWoche. The decision was not easy, but it was the only sensible one. The ErstiGameNight, which should have taken place that evening, was moved to the online discord server of the Student Council of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Despite difficult conditions we managed a lot
So, unfortunately, it was time for us to dismantle, tidy up and sort out the last organisational things before the orange ORGA sweaters and t-shirts were packed back into the wardrobes for the time being.Even though the ErstiWoche 2020 didn't quite go according to plan, we are proud of what we put together under these difficult conditions in order to give the first-year students the most pleasant start possible at TU Ilmenau. Of course, we hope that the next ErstiWoche can take place again under normal conditions and with all events. Nobody can tell us whether and how this will be possible next year. But we only know one thing: We will do everything we can, no matter under what circumstances, to organize a ErstiWoche again.
Patricia Nöther & Freya Hartmann, ErstiWochen-Orga
Impressions of the ErstiWoche 2020
