Welcome Week 2025/26: The First Steps of a New Journey
From September 1 to 3, Técnico – Oeiras Campus welcomed new students, from both undergraduate and master’s programs in engineering, for Welcome Week 2025/26. The program was designed to introduce them to the campus, their study areas, and the academic life that is just beginning. These three days were filled with discovery, expectations, sharing, and community spirit, marking the start of a new stage.
The first day was dedicated to guided campus tours and to the presentations of Computer Science and Engineering and of Electronic Engineering. For many, this was the realization of a long-planned goal. Tiago, enrolled in the Computer Science and Engineering undergraduate program (LEIC-T), shared: “I had already planned to come to Técnico since the beginning of high school.” Constança, also a LEIC-T undergraduate student and coming from outside Lisbon, emphasized the atmosphere: “I’m excited, I hope it goes well. It seems like an interesting program and an interesting university.”
On the second day, it was time for the presentations of Industrial Engineering and Management and of Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering. For Rafael Valera, a student in the Industrial Engineering and Management undergraduate program (LEGI), the decision was clear: “I was torn between studying Management or Engineering, but Management felt too theoretical. Here I found the practical side of engineering, which appealed to me.” João Coelho, in the Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering undergraduate program (LETI), recalled with humor how his connection to Técnico began: “They gave me a Técnico pencil when I was in high school, and I felt it was a sign.”
The third and final day was marked by the Official Welcome Session in the auditorium, with the participation of the School’s leadership and the Students’ Association. “You are the best thing about this university. Make the most of this journey to try, to make mistakes, and to learn,” said Joana Mendonça, Vice President of Técnico for Oeiras Campus. Técnico’s President, Rogério Colaço, highlighted the institution’s historical mission: “You are entering a unique stage of your lives, at a time when the world is going through a technological revolution. Here, you will transform your talent into knowledge and into the capacity for change.”
After the session and the traditional group photo on the staircase, the atmosphere became more relaxed, with a performance by Tuna Mista (TMIST), a speed dating activity between new students and mentors, and the much-anticipated outdoor barbecue, featuring music, table football, and even a mechanical surfboard.
Throughout the week, the testimonies of new students revealed not only enthusiasm, but also some natural apprehension about Técnico’s well-known academic challenges. For Daniela Ferreira (LEIC-T), the balance was very positive: “I really enjoyed the welcome, people were very friendly. One thing I want to highlight is the wide range of opportunities, from student groups to leisure activities such as Tuna, which I plan to join.” Afonso Henriques (undergraduate program in Electronic Engineering) added: “The reputation, the rigor, and the quality of learning always made me want to come to Técnico. This week showed me a welcoming, well-organized environment with mentors always ready to help.”