Campus and Community

“Get involved with the community”: New students learn about students’ organisations and projects on the second welcome day

September 2ndupdated on September 5th at 15:25

Students’ organisations, associations and mentoring programmess marked the second welcome day, creating a space for new students to explore and connect at Técnico.

The second welcome day at Instituto Superior Técnico provided newcomers with a chance to experience student life. Stands decorated with posters, materials, and prototypes brightened the Alameda campus, while groups of students engaged in presentations and lively discussions, showcasing the diversity of the academic experience. Each space served as a meeting point where new students could learn about various projects, participate in initiatives, and discuss campus life with more experienced students through the Técnico Students’ Organisations.

“Técnico is more than just academics. These organisations allow you to apply engineering concepts, meet colleagues, and develop valuable skills”, says Gonçalo Leiria, a member of the Técnico Fuel Cell (TFC) group.

Families of new students were also welcomed with a session specifically designed for them. The parents of Inês Tonel, a new undergraduate student in Applied Mathematics and Computation, expressed their confidence in the support system: “We feel reassured knowing that integration here goes beyond classes. It also includes a supportive network for socializing and sharing experiences. Seeing Inês embark on this journey with enthusiasm and so many opportunities around her brings us peace of mind”. The student emphasised her decision, stating, “I had many good references but wasn’t sure what I wanted. However, I always knew Técnico was an option”.

Bernardo Mendes, a newcomer in the Undergraduate Programme in Computer Science and Engineering, shared, “this is exactly what I wanted and this is the university I wanted”, adding that he hopes to “learn as much as possible” and build a solid career in the field he has been dreaming of since middle school.

The day also featured the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST), which showcased what association life has to offer to new students. Isabela Teixeira, a master’s student in Energy Engineering and Management and a member of AEIST, emphasised the importance of welcoming new students: “We take great pleasure in welcoming new students and showing them what we can offer. The welcome days reaffirm the importance of integration and student life at Técnico.” Reflecting on her own arrival at the School, she added, “I joined Técnico after the pandemic, and the welcome activities were essential for me to connect with older colleagues, integrate, and make new friends. It was my first impression of what Técnico is like, and now I want to pass on that experience.”

Additionally, interactions with mentors provided another opportunity for integration. In the corridors, small groups sat in a circle to share experiences about subjects, services, and academic life. Maria Rodrigues, an undergraduate student in Computer Science and Engineering, joined the Mentoring Programme team this year. “Last year, I had my mentors, and I really enjoyed the experience. It was fundamental for my integration at Técnico, and this year I wanted to give back”, she said. “New students naturally feel nervous. Mentoring allows us to reassure them and show them that they can adapt, that they will find welcoming colleagues, and that this is just the beginning of a new stage”, she added.

New students also arrived at Oeiras campus. Mariana Teixeira is enrolled in the Undergraduate Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management and shares: “I chose Técnico because it is a very prestigious school in Portugal and I know that, even if I want to go abroad, it will provide me with a solid foundation and many opportunities.”

João Coelho, a newcomer in the Undergraduate Programme in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering, humorously recalled his connection to the institution: “I was given a Técnico pencil when I was in secondary school and I used it a lot—I felt it was a sign. Besides, my father also studied here”.

During the Welcome Session, Técnico President Rogério Colaço highlighted the importance of the first day at school, which is “never forgotten.” Miguel Teixeira, President of the Pedagogical Council, made a direct invitation to new students: “Get involved with the community”. This message was echoed in every conversation, visit to students’ organisations and mentoring session, underscoring that “life at Técnico is built together.”

On the second day, Técnico welcomed the new students from the following courses: