Starting university in a new country involves more than finding the right classroom and enrolling in courses. Students also need to navigate an unfamiliar academic environment, take care of practical matters and get to know the place where they will be living. In September, Matej Bel University (UMB) supported them through two programmes. A Successful Start at UMB was designed for international students beginning degree studies taught in Slovak, while Orientation Days welcomed students arriving for an Erasmus+ mobility.

Around 50 international students preparing for their first year took part in A Successful Start at UMB from 7 to 18 September 2026. Over two weeks, they prepared for studying in Slovak and became familiar with the university, Banská Bystrica and everyday life in Slovakia.

A central part of the programme was a Slovak language course, which participants spoke highly of. Alongside the language lessons, students learned how the university works, where to find information about their studies, how to use its online systems and whom to contact when they need help. The programme also covered residence requirements, accommodation, intercultural communication, the buddy system and opportunities to study abroad through Erasmus+.

Learning extended beyond the classroom. In Vígľaš, the students attended an EIUS project conference on the inclusion of Ukrainian students in higher education. The event gave them an opportunity to experience an international academic conference and engage with a topic closely connected to the experiences of students studying in another country.

A walking tour of Banská Bystrica and UMB’s faculties helped participants find their way around the places they will visit throughout the academic year. At the end of the programme, students received certificates confirming their successful completion of the course. The certificates were presented by doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Ing. Miroslava Knapková, PhD., Vice-Rector for Strategy, Internationalisation and International Cooperation.

While participants in A Successful Start at UMB were preparing for a full degree taught in Slovak, incoming Erasmus+ students needed to get to grips with how their semester at UMB would work. Orientation Days, held from 16 to 18 September 2026, brought together around 20 students for that purpose.

Over three days, they were introduced to the university and its faculties, the academic calendar and assessment procedures. They also received guidance on course enrolment and mobility documents. Practical sessions covered the university’s online systems, library services, accommodation, dining options and requirements connected with their stay in Slovakia.

The programme also addressed life beyond the classroom, including local customs, travel, public transport, healthcare and ways to spend free time. A guided tour introduced students to Banská Bystrica and UMB facilities, while an interactive quiz at the end of the programme gave them a chance to revisit what they had learned.

Both programmes were held under the patronage of Vice-Rector for Strategy, Internationalisation and International Cooperation doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Ing. Miroslava Knapková, PhD. Along with the information they needed for their studies, participants had opportunities to ask questions, meet new people and grow more confident in their new surroundings. For many, the academic year at UMB began well before their first lecture.