Created: 2026.09.08. 16:09
In the first few days of September, first-year students arrived at Széchenyi István University to prepare for the start of the semester during Freshers’ Week. In addition to casual fun and community-building, the goal of this traditional event is to share vital information with the help of the Students’ Union, lecturers and upper-year students.
From 1 September, the Győr campus of Széchenyi István University was once again filled with first-year students. During the four-day Freshers’ Week, they not only got to know one another but also received vital information on all the most important issues affecting them. Among other things, they attended presentations about the fundamentals of the educational system, scholarships and funding or sports opportunities. During the “programme-specific orientation” sessions organised by the Students’ Union, everybody received first-hand the most important information related to their programme, advice and tips on their respective courses from upper-year students, lecturers and mentors.
Much like Freshers’ Meet-up, the main goal of Freshers’ Week is to welcome newcomers into the University community, introducing them to the institutional traditions while giving them a taste of student life. It all takes place in teams, through playful activities, in competition with each other – with evening parties to wind down after a busy day.
Group photo of the participants in Freshers’ Week in the Győr Municipal University Hall (Photo: András Adorján)
“Every year, we work with the organisers to ensure an unforgettable experience for freshers. This year, too, our goal was to make them feel safe in a positive atmosphere”, pointed out Csenge Kálmán, Freshers’ Week coordinator. She noted that special attention was also given to international students, who generally participated in the programmes alongside their Hungarian peers. She added: “Once again, we organised an orientation day where we provided assistance with everything from enrolment to opening a bank account.”
“Freshers’ Week is the largest event organised by the Students’ Union, the result of a six-month preparation work by nearly a hundred organisers” – explained Dávid Vályi Nagy, president of the Union. “We work with several partners, many of whom contribute to making the event even more colourful with stands and activities. I must especially highlight the support of the University’s senior management, without which Freshers’ Week would not have been realised”, he said.
On behalf of the University, Professor Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi University, while representing the Győr Municipality, Dr Péter Tóth, Deputy Mayor welcomed the freshers. (Photo: András Adorján)
In keeping with tradition, once again this year, the Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences organised its own camp for first-year students, held during Freshers’ Week. This allowed them to join the programmes at the Győr campus from the third day, thereby strengthening institutional integration.
Group of students in front of Óvár Castle in Mosonmagyaróvár, home to the Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)
Gyula Viktor Ferling, who is studying to become an electrical engineer, came to Széchenyi István University from Tatabánya. As he explained, it was primarily the practice-oriented nature of the education that convinced him. “I attended the Open Days twice, and I found the lecturers very accessible, really friendly and helpful” – he said. Regarding Freshers’ Week, he added that those who are able to participate in the event will find it much easier to overcome the first challenges at the University.
Gyula Viktor Ferling (Photo: Máté Dudás)
“It’s an irreplaceable experience – you shouldn’t miss it,” said Ákos Kozenkow from Komárom, who got to know many of his fellow business informatics students during the event. Inspired by this positive experience, he has also decided to apply to join the Student Union – a move his older brother, who also attends the University, had encouraged him to make.
Ákos Kozenkow (Photo: Máté Dudás)
For Luca Ősze from Sopron, Széchenyi István University was the only choice. “I already liked the campus during the open day, but now that we’ve been given a tour, I’m even more convinced that I applied to the best university possible,” said the student, who was admitted to the Business Administration and Management programme. She felt the atmosphere during Freshers’ Week was the highlight. “The community was welcoming, and the organisers did everything they could for us. From the very first moment, I felt like I was in the right place,” she added.
Luca Ősze (Photo: Máté Dudás)
Esraa Nannoush from Egypt, who completed her undergraduate degree in her home city of Alexandria, has joined the international student community. “I chose Győr to continue my studies because I read positive reviews about the University everywhere. The University’s ranking also helped me make my decision, as did its ideal location,” she emphasised. “We’re glad we could be part of the event; we enjoyed the programmes, and the information sessions were very helpful in getting our bearings. We owe a great deal to our mentors, as they were always there for us.”
Esraa Nannoush (Photo: Máté Dudás)
