A Night to Remember
A recap of the nighttime letter writing event at TU Darmstadt
2024/11/26
On November 15, 2024, the Nighttime Letter Writing event brought together students, faculty, and staff of TU Darmstadt for an evening of creativity, well-being, and belonging. Organized by International Student Services, with TUtor International, the Center for Educational Development and Technology (HDA), and the SchreibCenter, this unique workshop provided a relaxed atmosphere where participants explored letter writing as a tool for reflection and personal connection.

Held in the historic old main building, the participants were guided all throughout the event by the warm words of Dr. Vanessa Geuen (SchreibCenter) and Dipl.-Päd. Diana Seyfarth (HDA). Through a series of guided prompts and creative exercises, attendees learned about various formats of creative writing and reflected together on themes of belonging—whether tied to relationships, places, or emotions—while fostering connections within the diverse university community.
In between and throughout the exercises, the attendees could engage in genuine conversations with one another under the warm and comfy atmosphere while enjoying some snacks and a good cup of tea. At the end of the day, the attendees left the event with not only a sense of accomplishment from writing a thoughtful letter but also a deeper connection to themselves and their community. From heartfelt poems to moments of shared reflection, the evening served as a reminder of the power of creativity in nurturing mental well-being.
Our International Community
The event showcased a rich tapestry of languages, reflecting the diversity of its attendees. As a proud member of the Unite! Alliance, TU Darmstadt joined partner universities in hosting similar events, highlighting its commitment to fostering international collaboration and a vibrant sense of community.
Nighttime letter writing has been a tradition of Wroclaw Tech since 2016 and through this cooperation, it’s spreading across Unite! universities! Volunteers at Wroclaw Tech wrote letters requesting support for a scholarship fund for students with disabilities. Similarly, ULisboa wrote letters asking companies for donations for students in financial need. Meanwhile, participants at TU Graz came together to write letters to alumni and companies, requesting funding to increase psychosocial consultation hours. Learn more about Unite! and the variety of impactful programmes they offer on . their website
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for more events by the SchreibCenter and HDA that blend creativity, well-being, and academic growth. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills as a writer or someone simply curious about new ways to reflect and be mindful, their next events might be the perfect opportunity to get involved.
The SchreibCenter (Writing Center) has been a cornerstone of writing support at TU Darmstadt since 2016. It provides an array of services, including writing workshops, sprints, and a certification programme in writing consultation. With expertise in creative, academic, and intercultural writing, the SchreibCenter helps students and researchers alike develop their writing skills and foster personal growth. Find out more about them on ! their website
Among other things, the HDA focuses on promoting well-being in an academic context. With workshops and mental coaching, the HDA supports both teaching staff and students in creating a healthy learning environment. Explore the many resources they have on ! their website
Also keep an eye out for updates and initiatives by TU Darmstadt’s and International Student Servicesl to continue building connections within the diverse university community! See you on the next event! TUtor Internationa
Natasha,
Student Assistant at ISS
I didn’t realize that something as simple as writing could foster such deep connections between people and with yourself. With the warm and cozy winter vibe, it felt magical to be able to reflect on the feeling of belonging and share those thoughts with others. It was such a joy to take part in this event and I can’t wait for the next one!
