Starting university in another country is easier when you know where to go, who to ask, and what happens during the first days. Slovenia’s main universities organise welcome and orientation activities for new students, but the structure differs. Some events are university-wide, while others are organised separately by faculties or international offices.

1. University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana will hold its central Welcome Day for International Students online on 16 September 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00. The programme is in English and covers practical topics such as residence permits, health insurance, accommodation, student meals, public transport, Year Plus, tutoring, career services, and extracurricular activities. Registration is mandatory.

Bachelor’s and master’s students should also check the website and email of their own faculty. Many UL faculties organise separate first-year welcomes, programme introductions, tutor meetings, or Erasmus sessions around the end of September and the first day of classes. These faculty events may contain the most important information about timetables, student systems, course selection, and the physical location of classes.

For more information: Check the central international-student page and the website of your faculty.

2. University of Maribor

The University of Maribor’s central Orientation Week for Freshmen will take place from 21 to 25 September 2026. It includes shared online presentations about university IT services, student life, libraries, career support, international opportunities, and support for foreign degree students.

The university also publishes separate programmes for its faculties. Some faculties organise preparatory courses, campus tours, tutor meetings, and official receptions on different dates, often between 21 September and 1 October. New master’s students should therefore check whether their faculty has a separate introduction for their programme.

Erasmus students receive information from the UM International Relations Office and their faculty coordinators. The autumn 2026 Erasmus welcome reception had not yet been published when this article was checked, so incoming exchange students should follow the official Erasmus+ news page and their email.

For more information: Check the UM Orientation Week programme, your faculty page, and the UM Erasmus+ portal.

3. University of Primorska

The University of Primorska offers one of the most complete central welcome programmes. Its online Preparatory Days are planned from 14 to 25 September 2026 for admitted and enrolled students. The programme includes practical information about life on the Slovenian coast, the university, residence documents, student benefits, mobility opportunities, and a free introductory Slovenian course.

The main in-person Orientation Days will take place from 28 to 30 September 2026. These days are designed to introduce students to university facilities, faculties, student services, organisations, and other students. The programme is relevant to international degree students and exchange students, although individual faculties may also send separate instructions about enrolment, courses, and first meetings.

For more information: Register through the UP Welcome portal and check messages from your faculty’s student or international office.

4. University of Nova Gorica

The University of Nova Gorica starts the winter semester on 1 October 2026, but its central Orientation Day programme for 2026/2027 had not yet been published when this article was checked.

UNG usually combines activities organised by individual schools with a shared university welcome. Because teaching takes place across Nova Gorica, Rožna Dolina, Vipava, Ajdovščina, and other locations, students should confirm exactly where their first meeting will be held. Bachelor’s, master’s, and Erasmus students may receive different instructions from their school, student office, or international office.

Students who are still finalising their study choice can also attend UNG’s online international Info Day on 10 September 2026 at 14:00, but this is an admissions information event rather than the final welcome programme for enrolled students.

For more information: Follow UNG notices and contact the secretariat of your school if the orientation details have not arrived by email.

Before your first day

Save every welcome email and check whether registration is required. Central events usually explain student life and administrative procedures, while faculty sessions explain your timetable, course registration, student portal, tutors, and programme expectations. Attend both whenever possible.

Sources

Last checked: 3 August 2026