In the context of the discussion about the „Hasselbachplatz“ and its student life we issued the following press release.
Hassel – Attraction for students?
Sitting at home each night? Warming up yesterday’s conversation with the flat mates? Talking about uni and lecturers again? Going home or to Berlin, because it’s so boring here? Is it that what the student’s world is supposed to be like?
We Say NO! Well what are pubs, bars, clubs, concerts, open spaces, empty buildings etc. there for? Places where you can meet people, find new friends, experience other stuff and maybe even fall in love. These possibilities are, what makes a city attractive, esp. for young people, what make a cheap study destination Magdeburg a social room of action. Only that way a local unity, commitment for the society and a positive outward-appearance can be achieved. But that is not possible if students are only allowed to sit quietly in replaceable bars with expensive beer, to moan about how grey, dull, and boring Magdeburg is. What remains are only the hopes of the youth to leave as soon as possible.
It’s a fact that Magdeburg is only 2nd or 3rd choice for many students when they choose their place to study. But it’s also a fact that the city and with it the Hasselbachplatz has grown dear to them. There is in fact more to the city than high-rise buildings, a uni and Otto. If the situation for the ones creating culture and hosting events at the Hasselbachplatz doesn’t change, the city will be deprived of its potential and attractiveness. The city should look for ways to promote (cultural) events from the youth for the youth by expanding it rather than imposing prohibitions.
The Student’s Council of the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg supports the campaign Hassel.Leben because the explained above is exactly what we do not want. 20.000 students are active in the social and cultural life of the city. Many have contributed for the citizens to feel at ease here and that our fellow students speak positively about Magdeburg when they’re at home. Prohibiting events at the Hassel is a step towards destroying all that. We think others will follow the Riff and the Café Central. We have to bear in mind: when the youth stays away obsolescence and empty pockets in our city and the universities. Is it that what we want?
https://www.facebook.com/HasselLeben