Arrive, Connect, Get Started: Welcome Day 2026 at Campus Villach

More than 300 new students came together at Campus Villach on September 30. The Welcome Day at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences | Hochschule Kärnten focused on orientation, first connections and a shared start to university life.

Starting university brings many new impressions – especially when it also means arriving in a new country, city and environment. This is exactly where Welcome Day 2026 came in: international students received important information for the start of their studies and had the opportunity to make their first connections.

A warm welcome to CU

After an informal first get-together over coffee, the official programme began with welcoming remarks from the CU management and Sarah Katholnig, First Deputy Mayor of the City of Villach.

The focus was not only on studying, but also on a question that is particularly important for international students: How can settling into life in Carinthia become easier?

Orientation for studies, everyday life and careers

Under the theme “Life and Work in Austria”, students received practical information about living and working in Austria.

The CU International Relations Office, the Carinthian International Center, the Public Employment Service (AMS), the Carinthian Welcome Center and the CU Career Service presented their support services and provided useful insights into everyday life, career opportunities and regional resources.

Students were also introduced to the key support services offered by CU. These include services for everyday student life as well as language courses designed to support international students in settling in and becoming part of the local community.

Exploring the labs and ending the day together

During guided lab tours by the Faculty of Engineering & IT, students had the opportunity to explore the technical facilities and laboratories at Campus Villach and gain first insights into their future study environment.

The Welcome Day concluded with coffee, cake and time for networking. A special cultural highlight was provided by the Villach folk dance group, which introduced students to traditional Austrian dance.

We wish all first-year students a successful start, many new experiences and a great time at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences | Hochschule Kärnten.