21 Oct 2025
LMU welcomed its first-semester students with an address by LMU President Professor Matthias H. Tschöp, words of encouragement from vice presidents, and an information fair.
From early in the morning, the atrium in the LMU main building filled with curious faces. At the LMU information fair, new students learned about central advice and support services, clubs and societies, and cultural partners. They found answers to initial questions about the start of their courses, semesters abroad, accessibility, and professional orientation.
For many students, the main attraction was gathering in the atrium, making new friends, and becoming part of the LMU community.
Particular highlight: the photo wall with LMU merchandise, at which many first-semester students took their first souvenir photos as new members of the university community.
© LMU / Stephan HöckAt 6 o’clock in the evening, the atrium filled up again, this time for the official welcome address by LMU President Professor Matthias H. Tschöp. In his speech, he warmly welcomed the new cohort to the university of excellence. He emphasized the special significance of this moment – both for the students and for himself, just a few weeks after the new Executive Board took office. In the packed atrium, the young students from all LMU faculties listened attentively to the words of their university president. Anyone who could not find space inside was able to follow the speech at a live transmission on Geschwister-Scholl-Platz.
I studied here at LMU myself – though that was quite some time ago. And after just three weeks as new President of this university, I must admit I feel a bit like a first-year student again.Matthias H. Tschöp, President of LMU
LMU President Matthias H. Tschöp in conversation with students
© LMU / Stephan HöckTschöp reminded his listeners that LMU, with its history going back over 550 years, is not just a place of scholarship, but also of social engagement: a university at the heart of society, which assumes responsibility beyond the campus.
LMU stands for excellence in research, but also in attitude, collaboration, and community. We aim to be a university at the heart of society – engaged wherever the future of our world is at stake.Matthias H. Tschöp, President of LMU
In his speech, the president called on the students to view their time at LMU as an opportunity to discover new things, develop critical thinking skills, and form their own values. He cited the role of artificial intelligence in particular as an example of how times are changing: AI can support learning, however it can never replace judgment or moral orientation.
He encouraged students to remain open, create networks, and see the diversity at LMU as an opportunity – at the academic and human levels.
I hope you’ll grow here at LMU Munich in knowledge, through new experiences, and as a person. Welcome to LMU, and welcome to this new stage of your life.Matthias H. Tschöp, President of LMU
LMU President Matthias Tschöp and his vice presidents at the 2025 welcome event for first-year students | © LMU / Stephan Höck
In addition to President Tschöp’s address, there were speeches by Prof. Francesca Biagini, Vice President for Mathematics and Computer Sciences and for International Affairs; Prof. Armin Nassehi, Vice President for Law, Economics and Social Science; Dr. Philipp Baaske, Vice President for Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Margit Weber, Vice President for Equity, Talent Management and Diversity. The speakers encouraged the students to pursue their own individual path, actively shape the university, and avail of the opportunities at LMU.
After the talks, the assembled first-semester students celebrated the start of their student life with drinks and music. As President Tschöp and his team were keen to emphasize: life at LMU should also be fun.