The FSI organizes or participates in various events throughout the year. Below you’ll find an overview of the different events, as well as the latest information about them.
The freshman orientation takes place every year during the last week before classes begin (typically the first or second week of October). Although it is primarily organized by the GeoZentrum itself, the FSI introduces itself at the event and also organizes welcome goodie bags and a get-together with snacks for all new students on that day. The orientation is intended for all bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Please check the dates on the following page.
The Freshman Rally is organized every year by the FSI during the second week of classes. It usually starts at 4:00 p.m. and ends around 8:00 p.m. at the Eleon. During the event, you’ll explore downtown in randomly assigned teams, play games, solve puzzles, and earn points along the way. The winning team will then receive a small prize at the Eleon. The event is intended for first-year students in all degree programs at the GeoZentrum (Bachelor’s & Master’s) and offers a great opportunity to get to know one another.
Date for 2026: Tuesday, October 20, starting at 4:00 p.m. in front of the GeoZentrum in the Schlossgarten.
The field trip to the Nördlinger Ries is traditionally organized by the FSI. During this trip, you’ll explore the Ries impact crater, which was formed about 14.6 million years ago by an asteroid impact. The field trip typically takes place on a weekend in November and offers an excellent opportunity to get to know each other even better and gain some initial field experience.
Depending on demand, the field trip takes place in several parallel groups over different weekends (start: Friday evening at 5:00 p.m., end: Sunday afternoon between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.). Accommodations are provided by the Gasthaus Wildwechsel in Dornstadt. You can find all the important information about this on the bulletin boards or through internal communication channels (WhatsApp groups / FSI-Schwarzes-Brett on StudOn).
Dates for 2026:
Group 1: Nov. 6–8
Group 2: Nov. 12–15
The Barbara Celebration is traditionally held around December 4 in honor of Saint Barbara (the patron saint of miners). It is organized entirely by the FSI and takes place at the E-Werk. The celebration usually begins at 5:00 p.m. behind the GeoZentrum, with a march to the E-Werk starting at 7:00 p.m., where the rest of the program begins at 8:00 p.m. The event is intended for everyone at the GeoZentrum (faculty, staff, and students). You can find detailed information about it through the internal communication channels (WhatsApp groups / FSI-Schwarzes-Brett on StudOn).
Date for 2026: Thursday, December 10, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Every year, “Bergdienstag” takes place during Bergkirchweih week in Erlangen. This day is a long-standing tradition during which many stores close at noon so that all employees can go to the Bergkirchweih together. At FAU, too, all lectures are canceled starting at noon so that everyone can attend the Bergkirchweih. At the GeoZentrum, the various working groups usually gather to head to the Berg. The FSI also likes to organize a group march to the Bergkirchweih for anyone who wants to join.
Date for 2027: Tuesday, May 25.
The Geo-Baptism takes place every summer (usually in June) and is a must-attend event for every new student in the Earth Sciences and GeoSustainability programs. Students in the master’s programs at the GeoZentrum are also invited. The event usually starts at 12:00 p.m. in front of the GeoZentrum and ends late in the evening at the Herbstwiesenweg recreation center in southern Erlangen. Once again, you’ll be playing games and solving puzzles in different teams to earn points. The program is even more extensive this time, but the rest is top secret! The only way to uncover the mystery is to join in!
Date for 2027: to be announced
The graduation ceremony, or alumni celebration, takes place every year at the end of the summer semester to honor all graduates. Each graduate is formally presented with a diploma and has the opportunity to catch up with fellow students and celebrate during a relaxed afternoon. Alumni (former students and staff) are also warmly invited to attend. The event begins immediately after the final bachelor’s thesis defense at the Steinkreis (backyard) next to the GeoZentrum.
Date for 2027: Friday, July 16
Disclaimer: You don’t have to attend any of the events listed above if you don’t want to.