There was laughter, hugs, and nervous whispers in the corridors when Aarhus University welcomed the largest intake of engineering students in its history on August 20. The hallways buzzed with anticipation, and for many, the day marked a shift from youth to student life, from curiosity to academic immersion.

“Study start is simply the most important day of the year for Aarhus University, for the Faculty of Technical Sciences, and for me personally,” said Eskild Holm Nielsen, Dean of Technical Sciences, as he welcomed the new students in the university’s main auditorium.

He continued:

“Study start is one of the greatest highlights of the year. It is a time full of hope, joyful expectations – and perhaps a few butterflies in the stomach?”

With so many new engineering students, the university strengthens its contribution to future solutions in green transition, digitalisation, and technological innovation. And for the students, today is the starting point for both academic ambitions and a world of new friendships.

(See photos from study start at the bottom of this article!)

From a love of math to global goals

The new students arrive with expectations, questions, and – not least – heads full of dreams.

Nicolai Søgaard begins today on the Software Technology program. He loves mathematics and sees the growing importance of how computers shape our everyday lives.

“I’ve always wanted to do something with mathematics, and I thought this sounded like a way to combine it with everyday life. I’ve had two gap years working as a lab assistant, so I’m really excited to start learning again,” he says.

Ida Stingsted has traveled half the globe during her gap years and now starts Electrical Energy Technology. She hopes to one day work with wind turbines and sustainable energy.

“I’m probably most excited about the social side. To settle in, to start learning again – and I’m really looking forward to meeting my classmates,” she says.

And for Maria Henriksen, Health Technology became the natural choice because it allowed her to combine her fascination with natural sciences with a desire to help others:

“I actually wanted to study medicine, but I’ve never been good with blood and such. And I’ve always been good at math, so I thought this was a good way to combine the two. I’m excited about everything. The introduction days will be awesome, but also just getting started, seeing what it’s like, taking notes, doing assignments – I think it’s going to be great,” she says with a smile.

Technology with a human perspective

“Many of you are probably unsure whether you can handle the program, or if you’ve made the right choice. I was too,” said Mikael Bergholz Knudsen, Head of Department, in his speech to the new students of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He shared his own experiences and emphasized that the most important thing is to follow one’s academic curiosity – no matter what it is. He continued:

“All opportunities are open before you. What matters most is your personal motivation, engagement, and interests.”

The Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University is known for working with some of society’s greatest challenges, such as the green transition, digitalization, and health. This makes the study years meaningful and mission-driven – and that is exactly what many of the new students are looking for.

Tobias Nygaard, who just started in Electrical Energy Technology, says:

“You can go out and do exactly what you want within the field. No one is going to put a stop to you.”

Butterflies and community

A sense of community was what mattered most for the many new students we spoke with. And that is why community is one of the strongest foundations they can lean on. For although everyone is different, they all start at the same time, and to a large extent, they share the same questions and thoughts. It is by using each other, listening, asking, and sharing that students learn the most – both academically and personally.

“Butterflies are perfectly understandable,” said Dean Eskild Holm Nielsen. “They are a sign of something very brave: that you have made an important choice, creating a direction for your life, paving the way for new knowledge, new opportunities, and new friendships.”

Hasse Emil Rudbæk, who just started in the Electronics diploma program, put it simply when asked what he looked forward to most:

“I’m mostly looking forward to beer! What else would you look forward to?” he laughs.

This year, AU Engineering at Aarhus University has offered 1,290 study places in engineering programs – an increase of nearly 7 percent compared to 2024. Of these, 1,176 students begin this summer, with the rest starting in winter. The university’s three most popular engineering programs are Software Technology, Civil and Architectural Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, which together account for a third of all new students.

Welcome to Aarhus University – and a very happy study start to you all.

You can follow study start on our Instagram page here.

Didn’t get a place this time? Read more about our winter-start programs here.

See photos from study start here: