For yet another year, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) has organised welcome sessions for new undergraduate students. Held to mark the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, these sessions brought new students together to meet their classmates, get to know the University and discover the range of academic, support and extracurricular opportunities available to them as part of university life.

The sessions opened with a welcome address by the Rector, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, who encouraged the new students to make the most of the many opportunities they will encounter during their studies as they prepare for their professional future. In his address, he outlined the five key pillars that underpin UIC’s educational philosophy: an international outlook, personalised attention, simulation as a teaching strategy, a humanistic foundation and a digital curriculum that enables students to learn while incorporating the latest technological advances. In this regard, he stressed that university education is not simply about learning a profession but is also an opportunity to reflect and grow as individuals. All this is aligned with UIC’s mission to “humanise the transformation of society”.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Rector for Students and Sustainability, Dr Esther Jiménez, also welcomed the new students, highlighting the excitement of this new chapter and encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities ahead, pursue their ambitions and make a positive contribution to society. The Vice-Rector also emphasised the importance of preparing students for the real world through simulation and work placements and introduced the four values that should guide them throughout their time at the University: excellence, the person, the pursuit of truth and social commitment. She also spoke about the role of mentors and the importance of a service-oriented mindset, as well as recognising one’s strengths and using the knowledge acquired to help others.

The three welcome sessions, held on 7 and 8 September, were led by lecturer Carla Vidal and UIC alum Xavi Casajuana, who shared their experiences with the new students and offered some advice for adjusting to life on campus.

The sessions also included an introduction to the University’s Mentoring Service, which supports students in their personal and professional development, and the Boost Your Talent programme, designed to help students strengthen their soft skills and ease their transition to the world of work.

Also present at the sessions were representatives from several of the University’s services, who presented the range of extracurricular activities available: Mia Bravo, from Culture, introduced the University’s cultural groups and workshops, while Carlos Serra, from Sports, presented the sports activities, groups, competitions and University leagues, as well as one of this academic year’s new initiatives: the UIC Teams, which bring together the University’s most outstanding athletes. Meanwhile, Dani Bonsfills, from Solidarity, explained the different local and international volunteering opportunities, charitable getaways and campaigns and initiatives taking place throughout the academic year.

The sessions also featured the University’s chaplains, Mgr Marc Teixidor, from the Barcelona Campus, and Mgr Enric Bonet, from the Sant Cugat Campus, who gave the new students an overview of the Chaplaincy Service and outlined how they can support them spiritually during their time at UIC.

Through these sessions, UIC welcomes its new students and encourages them to begin this new chapter with their sights set on the future and a strong commitment to society.