A place to meet

Nestled between the library, the canteen and the lecture theatres, a special new building is taking shape on the campus of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg: the new student centre. Run by the student initiative Campus Kombinat, it is intended to be more than just another building: a space for learning, socialising, discussing and relaxing. A place that shows that a university campus offers more than just lectures and exams, namely community, engagement and a diversity of ideas.

Open from morning till night

“We wanted to create a place where you can simply turn up, without hurdles, without barriers,” says Mahmoud Sarhan, a university graduate and board member of the student association Campus Kombinat. Since 2024, the ten-strong initiative of students and graduates has been working to turn the vision of an open, self-managed meeting place into reality. “Interaction should become second nature here,” adds the board member. The new student centre will be open from morning till night: featuring a study café, lounge, stage and rooms for workshops, film nights or parties. Everything can be used flexibly, for faculty student councils, initiatives or groups of friends simply looking for a place to meet. “We particularly want to support small groups looking for affordable spaces,” emphasises Marco Dankel from the Campus Kombinat board.

A place to feel at home

With the construction of the student centre, the university is continuing its masterplan for a greener and more open campus. The two-storey building is being constructed using timber, the roof will be greened, and where there used to be car parks, green spaces will grow in future. The new student centre is part of a larger vision, says University Rector Prof. Jens Strackeljan: “We want to create a campus that connects people, ideas and cultures; we need a place where all students feel at home.”

Over 13,000 young people from more than 100 nations study at the University of Magdeburg. For them, the campus is a piece of home and a place to feel at home, says University Rector Strackeljan. The student centre will now create a space that fosters exchange and makes campus life more visible. “With the further development of our campus, we are focusing on sustainability, community and future-proofing,” says Strackeljan.

Shaping it together

Even after the building’s completion and handover on 4 December as part of the winter market on the university campus, there remains plenty for the members of the Campus Kombinat to do. Furniture needs to be built, rooms furnished and processes organised. The grand launch is planned for April 2026 with a first major event. Until then, the initiative is still looking for fellow campaigners who are keen to design spaces, build furniture or contribute ideas. “It’s our campus,” says Sarhan. “And we can all bring it to life. Anyone who wants to get involved can get in touch with us at any time,” says Marco Dankel.

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