Excitement was in the air yesterday for the start of classes at the University of Trento. Over the week, more than 3300 new students, about as many as last year, stepped into classrooms for the first time. The departments and centres of the University have organized welcome activities for those who have just enrolled, to provide information on University life, teaching and learning and student services, as in the past years.
Rector Flavio Deflorian personally addressed the new students at some of the University's departments, with the president of Opera Universitaria, Maria Laura Frigotto, and the president of the Student Council, Edoardo Giudici, the directors of departments and centres, course coordinators and heads of staff.
Their tour of the University started in Trento, at the Faculty of Law, and continued at the Department of Humanities, the Department of Economics and Management and finally the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences in Rovereto.
Rector Flavio Deflorian said a few heartfelt words to welcome and encourage the new students: "The complications of distance learning are finally over and we can restart safely. The transition from high school to university is a big leap, and we are here to help. We will try to give you all the support you need in this new cycle of studies that you start today and will keep you busy for some years, as you will lay the foundations for your professional future. Take advantage of all the opportunities that you will be offered, to study but also to participate in various activities. You will learn new things that you will need in life. Many of you come from distant places: we are honoured that you have chosen the University of Trento for your studies and pleased to welcome you in a culturally stimulating environment".
"This is the beginning of your adult life. The Constitution, that the new law students receive as a present, should inspire you to behave as adults", commented the president of Opera Universitaria, Maria Laura Frigotto. "Article 34 of the Constitution is dedicated to the right to study, the heart of the activities of Opera Universitaria. As an institution focusing on the right to education, we will be with you along your journey to help you with our services and accommodation facilities, but also to invite you to participate in cultural and socialization activities. There are things that you don't learn from books. Things that you will need for your profession, which are as important as the strong relationships that you will start building in your university years and that will be with you in life". After the meeting with the students, the president of Opera Universitaria announced the publication of a call for private home owners to create further accommodation for students from out of town who are currently looking for a place to rent in Trento.
"A few years ago, I was sitting in this classroom like you, full of excitement," said Edoardo Giudici, president of the Student Council. I invite you to make the most of these years. Go to classes, study in the library, use the services, meet new people, participate in activities, join student associations, volunteer. As students, we managed to achieve important results for public transportation and student accommodation, with more initiatives that will start soon. What made this possible is that students actively participate in university life". The president of the Student Council stressed the role of student representatives, who are always available to answer questions and hear problems and proposals, and invited students to participate in the student election in November, maintaining our University among those with the highest turnout (around 40%) in student elections in Italy.