From September 14 to 16, the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) in Braga will welcome new students for three days of orientation, integration, and discovery, as part of a program designed to bring them closer to the academic community and introduce them to the University, its programs, faculty, fellow students, and the various opportunities that are part of the UCP experience.
The initiative kicks off on September 14 with check-in and the distribution of welcome kits, followed by the “Welcome Dreamers” event, which will feature remarks by the Vice-Rector of the Braga Campus and the Deans of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Theology. The morning continues with a performance by Liricas—UCP Braga’s women’s musical group—and “The UCP Experience,” followed by a Peddy Papper activity that will challenge participants to discover the different spaces and aspects of academic life. The first day concludes with a social lunch, a time dedicated to building connections and forming new bonds.
On September 15, the focus turns to the identity and experience of the academic community. Under the theme “A Legacy to Discover… a Dream to Fulfill,” new students will be invited to learn about the history and values that have shaped the institution’s journey. This will be followed by “Voices of the Alumni—They’ve Been Where You Are Now!”, an opportunity to hear testimonials from former students and learn about the different paths they’ve taken since graduating from the University. The morning will also feature the introduction of the academic groups through “Come Meet Your Tribe” and a “Brunch with Friends,” two events that emphasize interaction and a sense of community.
The final day, September 16, is dedicated to introducing students to the various academic programs. During the event “Come Meet Your Program, Faculty, and Classmates,” new students will have the opportunity to interact directly with the respective academic departments and with those who will guide them throughout their academic journey. The sessions will take place in various locations across the University, in the departments of Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Work, and Applied Management. Following a coffee break, the “Enrich Your Experience at UCP” initiative will showcase projects and activities that complement academic studies and promote student engagement in university life. Among the programs presented are Transform4Europe, Cuidar*te, Voluntaria*te, Sê+, CAB, ELO, and the Protection and Care Plan.
Over the course of three days, Católica Braga offers new students an introduction to university life characterized by closeness, participation, and a sense of community, with the aim of creating an environment where new students feel, from the very beginning, that they are an integral part of the institution and can discover all that this new phase has to offer.
