The 9th edition of Welcome UPL, held on October 2, 2026, at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL), brought together nearly two thousand students. Organized in conjunction with the FAIPL – Federação Académica do IPL, the event marked the start of the 2026/2027 academic year and was notable for being the first edition as the Polytechnic University of Lisbon and the event's debut at ISEL.
The initiative welcomed students from all eight Schools of the UPL, on a day dedicated to the integration and socialising of the academic community. This edition held particular significance for the new students, who form the first cohort to begin their academic journey at the Polytechnic University of Lisbon, embarking on a new chapter in the institution's history.
More than just a welcome event, Welcome UPL 2026/2027 served as a meeting point for students, projects, and University structures, reinforcing the sense of belonging to the academic community.
The welcome session featured speeches from the Rector of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon, António José da Cruz Belo, the President of FAIPL, Jaden Gomes, and the Administrator of the Social Action Services of UPL, João Lobato.
The President of FAIPL, Jaden Gomes, addressed the new students, highlighting the challenges and discoveries of entering higher education, the new friendships, learnings, and opportunities. He emphasized the importance of each student finding their place in the academic community and engaging in the activities and projects of the UPL Schools.
The Rector of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon, António José da Cruz Belo, noted the special significance of this edition, the first as the Polytechnic University of Lisbon. "This is the first welcome party of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon. It is a new page in our institution's history. But that page is written by all of us," he stated, reinforcing the role of the academic community in building the University's identity and urging new students to give meaning to their journey, honouring the opportunity they have.
The Administrator of the Social Action Services of UPL, João Lobato, reinforced the importance of all students feeling welcomed and supported, highlighting the support provided by the Social Action Services through scholarships, accommodation, food, and social assistance, as well as the existence of Student Support Spaces within the Schools.
Several groups and projects, such as ESCS FM, ISEL Game Studios, ISEL Formula Student, Pancadas do Infinito, and Flow UPL, presented their activities. ISEL Formula Student showcased their car, allowing students to get a close look at a project that combines engineering training with teamwork.
The edition also featured participation from ECO-UPL, promoting sustainability initiatives, and Just a Change, a project dedicated to rehabilitating housing for vulnerable individuals, which presented its work and volunteer opportunities. These projects reinforced the message that the academic experience extends beyond the classroom.
New students received the Welcome Kit, containing orientation materials and useful information, as well as a Dinner Box.
The cultural and musical program included performances by academic music groups (tunas). Throughout the evening, the ISEL stage hosted DJ Cloudz, followed by performances by Miguel Luz and Active Boyz. The musical closing was provided by Funk Edition.
