Integration Week at Collegium Da Vinci – Welcoming First-Year Students into Academic Life

Between October 1-8, Collegium Da Vinci held an Integration Week for first-year students, marking an important introduction to academic life. Over the course of several days, newly admitted students had the opportunity not only to learn about the university’s functioning but also to face their first academic challenges and gain inspiration, helping them feel more confident in their new environment.

This week included a rich program, where young students participated in workshops, lectures, and integration meetings. The event’s program was tailored to the needs of both Polish and international students, allowing everyone to feel part of the Collegium Da Vinci academic community.

Welcome and Adaptation – Support from the Very Beginning

The transition from high school to university is, for many young people, a time full of challenges, not only academically but also in adapting to a new lifestyle. Recognizing this unique need, Collegium Da Vinci has focused on comprehensive support for first-year students. The goal of Integration Week is not only to provide essential information about the university but also to facilitate adaptation to student life, enhancing the comfort of education and helping with integration into the new environment.

An Intensive Introduction to University Rules and Procedures

At the very start of Integration Week, students learned about the university’s regulations, including codes of conduct, grading standards, and available support from academic and administrative staff. This allowed new students to understand how to navigate university structures effectively, use library resources, seek help with formal matters, and establish connections with mentors and coordinators in their fields.

Design Thinking Workshops – Creativity and Collaboration

A key component of the Integration Week program was project-based workshops using the Design Thinking method, which promotes creative problem-solving. This method is widely used in the creative industry and project management, and familiarity with it is highly valued in the job market. During the workshops, students went through each stage of this process – from identifying the problem, brainstorming, and prototyping, to testing solutions. Group work allowed them to develop collaboration and communication skills, which are invaluable for further studies and future careers.

Lectures and Meetings with Coordinators – Introduction to Specializations

Integration Week also included lectures that introduced students to the themes of their future specializations. Students were introduced to initial topics related to their chosen fields and had the chance to meet with program coordinators, who outlined the specifics of each area of study. This was an important moment, helping students feel more connected to their chosen fields and understand the skills they will develop during their studies. These meetings also facilitated contact with those responsible for organizing the curriculum, which is a key support for young people starting their academic journeys.

Group Tutoring and Integration with Student Clubs – Building Social Bonds

Another aspect of Integration Week was group tutoring sessions, which helped students build connections in small groups, fostering an atmosphere of support and mutual motivation. Students also had the chance to participate in integration meetings organized by student clubs, giving them an opportunity to explore additional ways to develop their interests and gain practical experience during their studies.

Student clubs are an integral part of academic life at Collegium Da Vinci, and the university encourages students to actively participate from their first days.

Classes in English – Support for International Students

Collegium Da Vinci also places great emphasis on supporting international students, who are a significant part of the university community. For this reason, some integration sessions were conducted in English, creating a space where international students could feel fully comfortable. These sessions not only facilitated their adaptation to new conditions but also promoted integration, helping students learn mutual understanding and build cross-cultural relationships from day one.

Collegium Da Vinci – Supporting Student Development from Day One

For years, Collegium Da Vinci has been committed to supporting and fostering the development of its students, a commitment reflected in every stage of education, beginning with the first days at the university. Thanks to initiatives like Integration Week, the university ensures that new students can fully benefit from the opportunities available and feel comfortable in their new environment. Collegium Da Vinci’s priority is to build an academic community based on trust, collaboration, and mutual support, positively impacting the well-being and educational experience of its students.