‘Today we are UV, tomorrow we'll be UC’

Students bid farewell to the UC Summer University 2024 (UV 2024) amidst smiles, hugs and even a few tears. An intense few days of activities led the more than 500 students to discover 24 areas of knowledge, 20 workshops, a Junior Congress, a volunteering activity and many other activities designed especially for them.
Fernando Silva, an 11th grade student from Leiria, highlighted the usefulness of the workshops he attended, namely those on leadership, creative writing and public speaking. 'I think public speaking was very useful, they gave us lots of tips on how not to get nervous when you're speaking and I found it very useful,' he added.

Maria Dias was also quite enthusiastic: 'I think it's been an amazing experience and, what's more, we're creating memories that we'll treasure forever.' Maria also highlighted that UV 2024 was an opportunity to 'clear up any doubts we might have about the courses and university life.'

With the Rectory Auditorium packed, more than 500 UV students stood in silence to listen to the Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Attractiveness, Cristina Albuquerque, who expressed her gratitude to all the participants: 'First of all, I would like to thank those who give meaning to the Summer University, and that is all of you,' she said. 'It is an honour for us to have you here with us.'

The Vice-Rector emphasised that the end of the Summer University is actually a beginning: "Every end is also the beginning of something else: new friendships, a new path, a new way of looking at everything you've learned and experienced. The idea is to give you a glimpse of what studying at the University of Coimbra is all about".

Cristina Albuquerque underlined the University of Coimbra's commitment to supporting students on their journey: "We are the university that wants to see you as a unique individual and accompany you on your journey." The Vice-Rector also mentioned that the University is already preparing to welcome new students in September, "with the Orientation Week, specifically to show them all that the University has to offer," she concluded.

The closing ceremony marked the end of an intense week of learning and personal growth. UV 2024 took place from 21-26 July and was supported by Santander Universidades and the Recovery and Resilience Plan.