UP.START – Orientation Day: Impressions from the Writing Assistance Program

The big UP-Start Orientation Day on October 6 was a real highlight at the start of the semester! Right from the start, there was a lively atmosphere in Building 6 on Griebnitzsee Campus: Curious first-year students in bachelor's or master's programs were streaming through the halls, looking for information, making contacts, and clearly enjoying getting to know the University of Potsdam. 

Our Writing Assistance Program  was present with its own booth in the Zessko area, decorated with information flyers, materials, and our ever-popular wheel of fortune, which immediately attracted many interested visitors. Questions about artificial intelligence were particularly popular—clearly a topic that many people are interested in. As a small reward for correct answers, we gave out pencils and sweets, among other things, which added to the positive atmosphere. We were able to explain directly to countless first-year students how our various services can support them in their academic work and writing during their studies—from their very first term paper to their thesis! Many were relieved and happy to get to know us so early on and said that it made them feel more confident about their studies. Numerous flyers found their way into the jute bags they received from the other university departments.

In addition to the information stand, our three workshops were also a great success: a total of around 200 participants wanted to know how best to get started in academics, what type of writer they actually are, and what they need to bear in mind when writing—do they tend to plan, write spontaneously, or produce multiple drafts? There were also lots of practical methods and tips to support the individual writing process and get started with writing.

Even though we were pretty exhausted at the end of the day, the event was a complete success overall: it showed how interested new bachelor's and master's students are in exchange and support, and how important services such as our Writing Assistance are right from the start of their studies. The day was colorful, lively, and inspiring—a successful start to the new winter semester!
 

Contact: Writing Assistance

Published on October 20, 2025