Arriving in a new country to study is a milestone filled with both excitement and uncertainty. For more than 1,500 international students joining the University of Szeged for the 2026/2027 academic year, the university made those first days count. From September 1 to 4, the Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations organized a four-day Orientation Days program packed with information sessions, cultural activities, team-building games, a library tour, a scholarship ceremony, and even a tram party through the streets of Szeged. The goal was clear: help newcomers handle the practical side of moving to Hungary, connect with peers from around the world, and feel at home before lectures even begin.
If you are considering studying at the University of Szeged, or you have already received your admission letter, understanding what Orientation Days offer — and how to prepare for them — will make your own transition to Hungary far smoother. This article breaks down the program, highlights what new students experienced in 2026, and shares practical advice for making the most of your first week in Szeged. Have questions about studying at the University of Szeged? Explore the university’s international admissions resources or contact the international office directly to get reliable answers before you apply.
Why Orientation Days Matter for International Students in Hungary
Moving abroad involves far more than enrolling in courses. Students must navigate immigration procedures, learn how a Hungarian university operates, adapt to unfamiliar cultural norms, and build a social network entirely from scratch. For many newcomers, the first days in Szeged mark much more than the beginning of their studies: they are a first encounter with a new city, a new culture, and a new way of life — all at once.
The University of Szeged addresses this challenge with a structured welcome program. Orientation Days give international students a single point of entry for the information and connections they need, replacing weeks of scattered searching with a few well-organized days. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 1,500 students from around the world, bringing new energy, cultures, and perspectives into the university’s growing global community.
One key element behind the program’s success is peer support. Fifteen senior international students were actively involved throughout the event, assisting new arrivals at every step. For newcomers, speaking with students who recently went through the same transition is often more reassuring than any official handbook — they know which questions actually matter and can share honest, first-hand advice about living in Szeged.
Starting Strong: Practical Guidance for Life in Hungary
Registration, Police, and Immigration Procedures
Orientation Days began with the essentials. After registration, students attended sessions covering the key procedures involving the police and immigration authorities in Hungary. For many international students, residence permits, address registration, and legal requirements are the most stressful part of relocating. Addressing these topics early — with clear, official guidance — removes a major source of anxiety and helps students stay compliant from day one.
The Bridging Cultures Program
Beyond paperwork, the Bridging Cultures program prepared students for studying and living in a multicultural academic environment. Courses at the University of Szeged bring together students from dozens of countries, and classroom expectations can differ significantly from what newcomers are used to. Sessions like this help students understand those differences before they become obstacles.
University Support Services and Enrollment Steps
The second day shifted the focus to the support network available across the university. Representatives from various SZTE service units presented the resources students can rely on throughout their studies, followed by a session outlining the key steps and requirements of enrollment. Knowing exactly where to go and whom to ask saves new students significant time and stress during their first weeks of the semester.
Learning Hungarian Cultural Norms Through Interactive Sessions
Settling into a new country involves more than documents. Orientation Days therefore dedicated time to the cultural norms and customs students will encounter in Hungary. Through engaging activities such as the Kahoot Quiz and the Life Hacks and Fun Facts session, organizers highlighted cultural differences and the unwritten rules that shape everyday life — from attitudes toward punctuality and university culture to everyday habits and social conventions. These sessions turned potentially awkward misunderstandings into shared laughs while delivering genuinely useful insight.
From Team-Building to City Adventures: Experiencing Szeged and Beyond
Once the practicalities were covered, the program shifted toward connection and exploration. At Ópusztaszer, a historic destination near Szeged, students traded presentations for team-building games and activities. The excursion gave newcomers from different countries the chance to get to know one another before the academic year began — and according to student feedback, it quickly became one of the highlights of Orientation Days. Friendships formed during these first days often become the foundation of a student’s social circle for years to come.
Exploring the University Library and the City
The third day brought the program back to Szeged. Students toured the József Attila Study and Information Center, the university’s main library and study hub, on a guided visit — an essential introduction to one of the most important academic resources they will use throughout their studies. Afterward, a city-wide treasure hunt sent students into the streets of Szeged in teams, combining sightseeing with problem-solving and teamwork.
The SZTE Start Scholarship and the Freshmen’s Oath
The day also carried real significance for twelve outstanding students. In Dugonics Square, in front of the university’s main building, the SZTE Start Scholarship award ceremony took place in the presence of university leaders. Twelve international students received a one-time, merit-based scholarship of EUR 900 — a meaningful recognition of academic achievement and a strong incentive for future applicants. The celebrations continued with the new international students taking the freshmen’s oath, followed by a freshmen’s party to close out the day.
A New Tradition: The Szeged Tram Party
One of this year’s most memorable additions took students beyond campus and onto the streets of Szeged. With the support of the city’s public transport company, SZKT, a special tram party gave new international students another opportunity to relax, connect, and experience the city together in a memorable setting. The event reflects the broader spirit of Orientation Days: the University of Szeged and the city of Szeged work together to make international students feel genuinely welcome, not simply administratively processed.
The Opening Ceremony: An Official Start to the Academic Year
Orientation Days concluded on September 4 with the Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year, marking the official beginning of the new academic year for the university’s newest international members. For many students, the ceremony transformed four days of activity into a clear milestone: their studies at the University of Szeged had formally begun.
Accessing Orientation Online: Support Before You Arrive
Not every admitted student can be in Szeged on day one — visa processing, travel arrangements, and personal circumstances vary widely. Recognizing this, the university streamed the opening session and key practical briefings, including presentations by the police and Hungary’s immigration authority, on YouTube. This allowed students to access essential information wherever they were in the world.
This is a practice worth adopting as a prospective or newly admitted student. Monitor the university’s official communications, email updates, and social media channels closely in the weeks before your arrival. Important announcements about housing, registration deadlines, and orientation schedules are typically distributed through these channels, and missing them can complicate your first days in Hungary.
Advice for Future International Students at the University of Szeged
Based on the structure of Orientation Days, here are concrete steps you can take to prepare for your own arrival in Szeged:
- Prepare your documents early. Immigration and police registration sessions are a core part of orientation. Research residence permit requirements for Hungary well before you travel and bring all necessary documents with you.
- Engage actively during orientation week. Team-building activities, the treasure hunt, and social events are designed to help you meet people. The effort you invest in these first days pays off throughout your studies.
- Learn how the university works. Attend the service unit presentations and the enrollment briefing. Knowing the support system — from the library to student services — will save you time and stress later.
- Stay connected online before arrival. Watch streamed sessions if you cannot attend in person, and monitor official SZTE channels for updates about Orientation Days and the start of the semester.
- Explore the city early. Szeged is a welcoming university city. Joining events like the tram party or the city treasure hunt helps you feel at home much faster.
Ready to take the next step? Submit your application to the University of Szeged’s international programs, or schedule a consultation with the admissions team to discuss your study options in Hungary.
Conclusion: More Than an Introduction — A Sense of Belonging
Orientation Days at the University of Szeged deliver far more than a practical introduction to university life. Across four days, new international students move from unfamiliar arrivals to members of a community: they receive essential legal and academic guidance, learn about Hungarian culture, form friendships through shared experiences, explore their new city, and celebrate the formal start of their studies together. For the more than 1,500 students who joined in 2026, the program provided an early sense of connection, community, and belonging — the foundation for a successful academic year in Hungary.
If you are planning your own studies abroad, let this be a preview of what awaits you in Szeged. Explore the University of Szeged’s international study programs, prepare your application, and monitor official announcements about upcoming Orientation Days. Have you already experienced Orientation Days at SZTE, or are you preparing for your arrival in Hungary? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below — your story may help the next generation of international students find their footing in Szeged.
