The Taguspark and Alameda campi welcome their students on September 8 and 11, respectively. Both ceremonies were attended by the president of Instituto Superior Técnico, Rogério Colaço, professors, student members of the Pedagogical Council, and the winners of the 6th edition of the Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Award (Young Alumna category).

At Taguspark campus, the president of Técnico began his speech by questioning those present – “What does it mean to be an engineer? It’s to help change the world, to make it a better place with better conditions”. At Alameda campus, the question was different – “What is Técnico?”. It’s the largest school of Engineering, Mathematics and Architecture in the country but, more than that, it’s an inclusive school where everyone feels equal”.

The alumnae Catarina Botelho and Hemaxi Narotamo, winners of the 6th edition of the Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Award, also attended the ceremonies at Taguspark and Alameda, respectively. “This is where I met my best friends. I’ll give you one piece of advice: have fun, make friends, get involved in student organisations, go to parties and make the most of your new home”, said Maria Catarina Botelho to the audience. Hemaxi Narotamo highlighted “Técnico is a space for learning and discovery”. The alumna also left a piece of advice – “never forget that you have very talented and dedicated people around you who will always help you.”

The Pedagogical Council and the Students’ Union representatives also attended the ceremonies, demonstrating the commitment of the entire community to guaranteeing an appropriate study environment without forgetting leisure time.

The president of Técnico also highlighted the existence of student support mechanisms. “Your generation has a number of additional and specific difficulties, namely in financial terms. If you need anything – anything at all – don’t isolate yourself, ask for help. That’s the advantage of attending a large and old institution like Técnico. There are many things you can turn to”, he said guaranteeing the anonymity of those who resort to these mechanisms and ensuring discretion throughout the process.

In a speech marked by various suggestions for the new students, such as study planning, the importance of working in groups and asking for help when necessary, professor Rogério Colaço also left another suggestion. “Do you all have this booklet?” he asked, holding up a copy of the “Study at Técnico” Student Guide. “Read it. It’s the most important thing you’ll receive this year – it’s an instruction manual that will help you to settle into Técnico”. The document includes maps of the campi to make it easier to locate classrooms and school services, among other useful information. In addition to this booklet, the new students will have the support of mentors and tutors who will be available to help them in their academic journey.