Welcome event for new students

On 17-19 September, USI welcomed about 700 new students on its Campuses, with a 3-day event to familiarize with the university and its students’ services and discover the region that will host them for the next years. On Saturday, an evening social gathering with live music was a good opportunity to get to know each other better.

The programme started on Friday 17 September at the Academy of Architecture. Students were officially welcomed in Mendrisio by the Rector, prof. Boas Erez, the Pro-Rector for Education and Students' Experience, Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni, the Director of the Academy, prof. Walter Angonese and by USI Adjunct Administrative Director, Antoine Turner. Furthermore, students had the possibility to attend presentations about safety on campus, the university library and the IT tools. Around 120 students attended; among those 45 exchange students.

On Saturday, a similar programme was offered on the Lugano Campus. Beyond the institutional welcomes, a number of sessions about the library, the academic tools and the more bureaucratic aspects of moving to Switzerland were organized. Furthermore, Campus Tours ran throughout the day as well as visits to the brand new USI Sport Center, where students could get information about the rich programme of sport activities and visit the new gym.

In the evening, a large number of students of both campuses gathered on the new East Campus for the evening party, organized by the Student Corporation in collaboration with USI’s students’ associations. A line up of live musicians, accompanied by food and beverages, allowed students to get to know each other in the relaxing atmosphere of the East Campus Court.

Over 600 students visited the Lugano Campus for one or more activites.

Sunday 19 September was fully dedicated to activities to discover the region. The choice was broad: from guided tour of Ticino’s main cities and their landmarks, to excursions in our mountain valleys, from relaxing days at our Splash&Spa or on our lakes, to more active Adventure Park challenges. A rich programme with an eye on culture, local traditions and nature. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side. Heavy rain affected some of the activities, that we were forced to cancel. Others took place, and we take this occasion to thank all students, tour guides and colleagues who participated, despite the bad conditions.