1. Welcome Week and Onboarding for New International Students

RWTH Aachen University is getting ready to welcome new international students from around the world. The Welcome Week will take place from September 28 to October 2, 2026, featuring guided campus and city tours, information events, social meet-ups, and cultural highlights, all designed to help students get settled and feel at home in Aachen. Before arrival, students can join preparation webinars and use the First Steps for New International Students website, which provides guidance and resources available throughout the year.

2. German Language Courses for International Students

The RWTH Aachen University Language Center offers three German language courses accompanying your studies in the winter semester 2026/27:

Grammatiktraining Intensiv mit Anleitung zum weiteren Selbststudium (Intensive Grammar Training) – Wednesdays, 10:30–12:00, online | B1.1+

Sprechen und Präsentieren mit Fokus auf technischem Deutsch (Speaking & Presenting with a Focus on Technical German)  – Wednesdays, 12:30–14:00, online | B1.2+

Deutsch in Arbeit und Beruf (German for Work & Professional Life) – Mondays, 12:30–14:00, online | B1.2+

All courses run from 19 October 2026 to 5 February 2027 and are designed to help you improve your German for academic, technical and professional contexts.

Registration deadline: 21 September 2026

To register, please email flucht@rwth-aachen.de and attach a copy of both sides of your residence permit and Blue Card.

3. Failed your third exam attempt – what now? You’re not alone.

Are you facing your third written exam attempt at RWTH Aachen University? You may be feeling under pressure and wondering what will happen if you don’t pass. In this information session, experts from the Central Student Advisory Service and the Central Examination Office will provide clear and reliable information and debunk common myths.  

There will also be time to ask your questions and discuss concerns.

The session will be held in German and is free of charge. No registration required.

Join the Zoom meeting

Meeting ID: 623 2345 0802

4. Shaping Campus Bike Culture Together

How can cycling become a safer, easier and more everyday part of university life? Join this public event as part of the KLIMACS project to explore sustainable mobility and campus bike culture.

When and Where? Wednesday, 2 September 2026 | 6:30 pm | Super C (6th floor)

The evening features a screening of Cycling Cities by filmmaker Ingwar Perowanowitsch, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from RWTH, the City of Aachen and the student body. Share your experiences, questions and ideas on how we can shape a more bike-friendly campus together. Free admission – no registration required.

5. RWTH Young Academics Day

Join this year’s RWTH Young Academics Day and connect with early-career researchers from across the university.

When and where? September 4, 2026 in SuperC (6th floor)

Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger will share insights from his academic career, followed by a keynote by Dr. Jens Foell on “Science Communication as Knowledge Transfer” and how to communicate research effectively to different audiences.

Discover RWTH’s career services and support opportunities, exchange ideas and expand your network.

Register online here.

September = Exam Season: Stay Focused, Stay Connected

Why is September called September when it’s actually the 9th month? Because the Romans originally counted it as number seven – septem means “seven” in Latin. September also marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. So while summer is slowly saying goodbye, it’s time for new beginnings. Especially for our upcoming nternational freshemn who look forward to receive some support from a personal buddy. So if you're not a buddy yet, sign up for the next BeBuddy training by sending an email to bebuddy@rwth-aachen.de. Being at least in the 2nd semester and German language skills minimum on a B1 level are mandatory - and of course the wish to find a new international friend :-)

You can always update your BeBuddy profile here.

Wishing you a September full of fresh starts, good vibes and successful exams,

Dominika Lichteveld & the BeBuddy team