At the beginning of every term, the Lord Mayor of the City of Cologne invites all new international students and visiting academics to the Historic City Hall of Cologne.
The reception starts with an official welcome on behalf of the City of Cologne and welcome addresses by a representative of the Cologne universities and the Kölner Studierendenwerk. Afterwards, the international guests can chat over snacks and drinks in the atrium. An information fair featuring numerous stands - e.g. the Foreigners' Office of the City of Cologne, student councils, international university groups, university communities, the Cologne Student Union - provides information on services specifically for international students in Cologne.
Right before the reception, we offer newcomers the chance to get to know Cologne better during a guided city tour (German or English).
You need to register for this event. Registration will be possible by filling out an online form on this website (March/April resp. Sep/Oct).
next reception: Friday 9 Oct 2026, 5.30 pm
