The start of the 2024/2025 academic year was marked by a series of welcome and introduction events across 4EU+ Alliance universities. From lively information fairs to engaging student initiatives, the alliance made its presence felt at each institution’s opening celebrations and information sessions.
These activities provided an ideal opportunity to introduce students to the benefits of the 4EU+ Alliance, a European network that enhances their academic journey, offers cross-border collaboration opportunities, and enriches their university experience from day one.
Kampus Hybernská in Prague was buzzing with activity as Charles University welcomed students to the new academic year during its Unique Start event on 2 October. The 4EU+ Alliance was introduced at a booth, where students could explore a wide range of opportunities for international mobility, collaboration, and involvement. To make the experience even more interactive, a "4EU+ Speed Dating" session connected students who were already familiar with 4EU+ activities with those just beginning to learn about the Alliance. The session allowed students to share firsthand experiences, make new connections, and get inspired to join 4EU+ initiatives and benefit from the various opportunities available. In addition to the activities in Prague, the 4EU+ Alliance was also present at the opening event of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen.
From 7 to 11 October, the University of Geneva showcased the 4EU+ Alliance as part of its International Week, highlighting the diverse mobility opportunities available to students. A dedicated 4EU+ booth offered information on summer schools, virtual exchange programmes, and international collaborations within the Alliance. The 4EU+ Student Ambassadors played an active role, taking over social media, hosting quizzes, and organizing giveaways to engage their peers. Additionally, a public presentation introduced students to all that 4EU+ has to offer, inspiring them to take advantage of the many possibilities for international experiences and collaboration available through the Alliance.
“A warm welcome to Heidelberg University. I’m sure you are looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead of you. When you leave the university in a few years you will enrich the world with your knowledge and valuable experience.” With these words, Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior, Rector of Heidelberg University, greeted the newly enrolled students at a Welcome Day for freshers at University Square in the old city. “All students enrolling here are, first of all, members of the university. The openness marking our university is now more important than ever. Heidelberg University is a space for discourse—always preserving mutual respect,” the Rector emphasized in her address. The new students had the opportunity to attend an information fair featuring various advisory and service organizations available at the university. These included the 4EU+ Local Office and other, also non-university, facilities that support everyday student life.
The start of the academic year has been filled with enthusiasm across the 4EU+ Alliance, introducing new students to exciting possibilities they have thanks to their university's membership in the European University Alliance. The University of Milan will soon join in, celebrating international experiences at their upcoming International Mobility Day on 19 November, where students can explore how they can benefit from 4EU+ programmes and mobility initiatives.
As we continue into the year, we look forward to seeing students engage with this growing community, connecting, collaborating, and enriching their university experiences. Welcome to the 4EU+ family—we wish all students an inspiring year ahead!