Although there was still much left to explore at the Alameda Campus of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, on 7 May, a group of 12th grade students from Professor Ruy Luís Gomes Secondary School in Almada, were already exchanging views on laboratories, academic programmes and future prospects, during a guided tour organised by the Student Support Office (NAPE) of Communication, Image and Marketing Unit at Técnico. This was one of many visits that Técnico hosts throughout the academic year.
“This visit helped me to challenge many preconceptions I had about Técnico”, said Rebeca, who is interested in studying Mechanical Engineering and Electronics. As she toured the campus, she began to realise that the “academic environment goes beyond the high standards often associated with the School”. “I was surprised by the number of extracurricular activities and students’ organisations we can join alongside our degree” she commented. As she walked through the Civil Engineering Building, she said she could imagine herself “studying here in the future”.
A visit to the Vibrations Laboratory in the Mechanics Building II added another dimension to the conversation: the relationship between theory and practice, the hours spent on projects, and adapting to the university pace. Amid questions about study methods and time management, the students made the most of each stop to clarify doubts directly with those already experiencing academic life on a daily basis. “Many students arrive feeling apprehensive about what they’ll find”, noted Maria Rosa, a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate student and member of Técnico’s Ambassadors Programme. “We aim to show that there are support networks and that they’re not alone”. For the student, these visits also help participants realise “that the university experience isn’t just about lectures”, but also engaging in projects, activities and campus life.
Interested in Computer Engineering, Sandro said he was looking for a course that combined technical knowledge with the ability to adapt to different challenges. “I believe that Técnico is a place that helps us develop problem-solving skills and autonomy, which are essential for an engineer”, he said. Among the various highlights of the visit, he singled out the opportunity to explore the facilities and the chance to “imagine the daily life of a university student”.
At the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the conversation focused on the academic programmes, the different areas of specialisation, and the Career Weeks organised by students. Lara, who had already attended Técnico Open Day in April, once again found a “friendly atmosphere” between university students and prospective applicants.
“At the time, I really appreciated how willing the Técnico students were to answer our questions”, she recalled. During that first visit, she attended the presentation session of the Undergraduate Programme in Computer Science and Engineering, which is the field she intends to study. “The question-and-answer sessions helped me clarify many doubts”, she explained, adding that the visit allowed her to “better understand the different opportunities and future options”.
“We try to show them different possibilities and realities so that they can choose their own path”, said Margarida Meirinhos, a Physics and Chemistry teacher who accompanied the class on the visit. Throughout the tour, she highlighted the “students’ enthusiasm” and the “spontaneous interactions” in each space they visited. For the teacher, these initiatives allow students to “experience and feel higher education” in a different way.
Maximina Raposa, the class’s teacher of ICT and Computer Applications, also emphasised the importance of “getting to know the spaces and talking to university students”. “Seeing it for yourself is completely different from just hearing about it”, she explained. Instead of merely influencing specific choices, she believes the most important thing is to help students discover a field where they feel fulfilled. “When they are happy and working in what they enjoy, they can excel in any area”.
The individual guided tours are part of various initiatives promoted by Técnico throughout the year, bringing secondary school students closer to the “academic life at Técnico”. From campus tours and school visits to participation in education fairs and events such as Técnico Open Day, the aim is to answer questions about academic programmes, academic pathways and university life, allowing prospective applicants to engage more closely with students, professors and the Técnico campi before applying for higher education.
