The Instituto Superior Técnico at the Oeiras Campus kicked off its famous Welcome Week, welcoming more than 200 new students who entered in the 1st Phase of the National Access Competition. Over the course of four days, hundreds of national and international students were integrated into the institution ready to start their academic year.

The week began with training for 40 mentors from the 2024/2025 Mentorship Program. During this training, various interactive dynamics took place, such as Speed Dating and Wireless Drawing, allowing the mentors to get to know each other better and exchange experiences. These activities reinforced communication, teamwork and leadership skills, which are essential for the role of mentor, which is to help new students during their first year at Técnico.

During the Welcome Week, the students were accompanied by mentors – colleagues from their courses who volunteered to present the spaces and services. Madalena Martins, a LETI student and current mentor, highlighted the importance of this support: “My mentor helped me a lot last year. I think it’s important to show students that tech is nothing out of this world and that it’s done well.”

The activities included visits to laboratories, classrooms, amphitheaters and the library. In the central atrium of the Oeiras Campus, various student groups set up information stands, allowing new students to get to know the different groups and clubs at Técnico. “Welcome Week is very interesting, very dynamic. There are several stands with the groups,” commented André, one of the new students.

One of the highlights was the workshop on Cyberbullying, organized by the Oeiras Public Security Police as part of the Safe School project. The session aimed to make students aware of the risks and consequences of cyberbullying in the digital and university environment, addressing ways of preventing it and taking action.

“I’ve already been on the tour, visited the labs, classrooms, etc.”, shared student Rita. Diogo, also a newcomer, was enthusiastic: “I really like the space at the Oeiras Campus. I think it’s very beautiful with the gardens inside the building.”

The week ended on Friday, September 6, with the official welcome session, which was attended by members of the Board of Directors and the Pedagogical Council. The President of Instituto Superior Técnico, Professor Rogério Colaço, addressed the students: “I would like to welcome all the students entering our Técnico campus here in Oeiras. We are proud to welcome you. You are, as you know, the best students in the country. You’re going to enter a school that will give you a set of tools that are extremely important for your professional lives.”

After the session, the students were treated to a performance by the Mixed Tuna (TMIST) and took part in outdoor activities and a barbecue organized by the Students’ Association (AEIST), thus promoting conviviality and integration. Frederico, one of the new students, summed up the general feeling: “I’m really enjoying Welcome Week. I can’t wait to start classes”.

With this initiative, Técnico Oeiras reinforces its commitment to providing not only an excellent science and technology education, but also a welcoming and stimulating environment for its entire academic community. The Welcome Week continues to be an important step in helping to guide new students through the academic year that is now beginning.