Expanding Higher Education Presence Through Dynamic Festival Engagement
Hungary’s vibrant higher education landscape is increasingly committed to connecting with prospective students and the wider community. Széchenyi István University of Győr exemplifies this approach by actively engaging with students at major national events like the EFOTT festival. In 2025, the university transformed its participation into a lively, street-style exhibition, offering detailed insights into its academic programs and campus life while fostering direct interactions with young festival-goers.
Széchenyi István University at EFOTT: A Unique Campus Experience on the Shores of Lake Velence
The EFOTT festival, now Hungary’s third-largest festival and the country’s premier student-focused event, provided an exceptional platform for Széchenyi István University from Győr to highlight its offerings. Hosted near Sukoró, this five-day event gathers thousands of students from all over Hungary, making it an ideal setting for universities to showcase their programs beyond traditional channels.
At EFOTT, the university reimagined its participation by creating an expansive, street-like setup that stretched nearly 50 meters, lined on both sides with booths featuring academic programs, research projects, and corporate partners such as Audi Hungaria and E.ON. This setup was designed to emulate a vibrant street scene, inviting attendees to explore various facets of university life interactively and engagingly.
Interactive Exhibits and Programmes that Draw Students Closer to Higher Education Opportunities
One of the highlights was the joint exhibit of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transport Engineering, where visitors experienced hands-on demonstrations with 3D scanners and 3D printers. Such interactive activities gave students a tangible glimpse into future engineering and design careers, making the university’s programs more accessible and understandable.
Additionally, the Alumni and Wellbeing Centre, teamed with the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, offered first aid demonstrations, emphasizing practical skills alongside academic education. The focus on cutting-edge digital and drone technology by the Digital Development Centre showcased the university’s commitment to integrating modern technology into its curricula, reflecting the demands of the evolving job market.
Engaging Activities and Thought Leadership on Campus Development
The university also presented a series of talks and events on the Jövőkép (Future Vision) stage, organized in collaboration with the National Conference of Student Unions (HÖOK) and the Student Loan Centre. The topics ranged from manufacturing technologies to road safety and financial literacy, providing valuable information to students contemplating higher education and career choices.
Promoting health and sports, Széchenyi István University invited prominent athletes like swimmer Dalma Sebestyén and canoeist Kincső Takács to discuss the synergy between sports and higher education, inspiring students to pursue holistic development. The university’s sport teams also participated in street hockey tournaments and keepie-uppie contests, further demonstrating campus life vibrancy.
Creating a Memorable Campus Connection with Festival-Goers
The university planted itself firmly in the festival’s spirit by distributing branded souvenirs such as sunscreen, tote bags, and tasting sessions featuring the university’s own cheese and craft beer—creating a relaxed environment for students and staff to connect outside traditional academic settings.
Even high-profile visitors, including Balázs Hankó, Hungary’s Minister for Culture and Innovation, joined the festivities, receiving a pint of Széchenyi University beer—an example of the institution’s close ties with national cultural and educational initiatives. This approach effectively bridges the campus with the community, emphasizing accessibility and student-centered engagement.
Student Volunteers: The Heart of the University’s Festival Presence
Key to the success were the dedicated student volunteers who played vital roles in logistics, content creation, activities, and social media outreach. From organizing henna workshops to managing crowd interactions, students like Dominik Kozelka, Nikolett Orbán, and Barbara Tóth enjoyed a hands-on experience, fostering teamwork and leadership skills beneficial for their future careers.
These volunteers reflected the university’s philosophy of experiential learning and active student participation, transforming the festival into a practical extension of campus life and student opportunities.
Looking Forward: Leveraging Festival Engagement to Promote Higher Education
Széchenyi István University’s innovative street-style setup at EFOTT exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to higher education marketing and student outreach. By combining interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and community involvement, the university not only promotes its programs but also creates a memorable impression that extends beyond traditional campus visits.
For prospective students and families interested in exploring higher education options in Hungary, Széchenyi István University’s presence at EFOTT demonstrates its commitment to accessibility, innovation, and community engagement. If you’re considering your next academic step, this dynamic university offers a broad array of student opportunities, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant campus life that can support your academic and personal growth.
Explore Student Opportunities at Széchenyi István University
To learn more about the various programs, scholarships, and campus facilities offered by Széchenyi István University of Győr, visit the official website. Whether you’re interested in engineering, health sciences, arts, or digital development, the university provides a supportive environment designed to prepare students for successful careers.
Discover if studying in Hungary is the right fit for you by exploring the university’s international collaborations and scholarship opportunities, including the Stipendium Hungaricum program. Take the next step in your higher education journey today.
Conclusion
Széchenyi István University’s active participation at EFOTT festival highlights its strategic approach to engaging with the next generation of students through innovative, community-oriented initiatives. Its street-like exhibition and diverse activities showcase the university’s commitment to fostering a modern, accessible, and vibrant higher education environment. For students looking for a university that combines academic excellence with memorable campus experiences, Széchenyi István University stands out as a compelling choice.
