Starting university also means becoming part of a wider European community. On 2 October 2026, E³UDRES² joined the welcome programme for new students at the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (UNIPS), introducing them to the international opportunities available through the Alliance.
This year’s welcome programme had a particularly symbolic meaning. UNIPS welcomed 2,619 new students in its first academic year as a polytechnic university, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the institution’s history.
During the joint institutional welcome session, Rector Ângela Lemos encouraged students to approach university life with curiosity, critical thinking, freedom and a willingness to participate. Her invitation to question, explore and contribute with their own ideas reflected values that are also central to the E³UDRES² community.
Bringing E³UDRES² Closer to New Students
E³UDRES² was present throughout the welcome activities, beginning with an information stand during the joint programme, where students could meet members of the UNIPS E³UDRES² team and learn more about the Alliance.
The stand also provided a relaxed and welcoming space where students could stop by, ask questions, talk informally with the team and receive small gifts. Among them was a plant to take home and care for — a symbolic reminder that new connections, ideas and opportunities need attention to grow, just like their journey within the E³UDRES² community.
Following the institutional session, the team joined the individual welcome programmes organised by the different UNIPS schools in Setúbal and Barreiro. Through short presentations and direct conversations, students discovered that enrolling at UNIPS also means becoming part of a European University Alliance.
The central message was simple: At UNIPS, you are also part of a European University.
As a founding member of E³UDRES², UNIPS connects its students with a European community of higher education institutions, researchers, companies and regional partners. This gives students opportunities to work in international and multidisciplinary teams, respond to real-life challenges, practise English, develop new skills and build relationships with peers from different countries and fields of study.
Students were also introduced to the E³UDRES² Arena and the different opportunities offered through the Alliance, including international activities, courses, challenges, events and collaborative learning experiences.
An Introduction to E³UDRES²
During the school-specific sessions, the E³UDRES² team also presented the course “Introduction to E³UDRES²”, designed to help students understand what the Alliance is and how they can become actively involved.
Offered in Portuguese for UNIPS students and in English for students from across the E³UDRES² partner institutions, the course combines live sessions with practical activities. Participants learn how to navigate the E³UDRES² Arena and Learning Hub, discover international and interdisciplinary opportunities and prepare to collaborate with students from different academic and cultural backgrounds.
More than an introduction to the Alliance, the course provides students with practical tools to take their first steps within the E³UDRES² community and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their academic journey.
By including E³UDRES² in the welcome programme, UNIPS placed internationalisation, collaboration and European engagement at the beginning of the student experience. The new students were welcomed not only into their university and schools, but also into a European community where they can connect, participate and help shape the future of their regions.
Links
➝ UNIPS
Article created by: UNIPS
