During the first days of the new academic year, first-year students of the Department of Geography and Tourism enrolled in the Geography and Tourism and Recreation programmes took part in a series of informational events, assessments, tutor sessions, and training activities designed to help them adapt to university life and begin their studies successfully.
On September 2 and 3, the first-year students took part in assessments organised by the university at the Tivadar Puskás Centre for Informatics, where they had an opportunity to evaluate their current knowledge and skills. On September 2, they completed mathematics tasks, while on September 3, their reading comprehension skills were assessed.
Such assessments are an important component of the university’s education quality assurance system. The results do not affect students’ academic performance. Their main purpose is to determine the initial level of knowledge and selected competencies of first-year students. The findings may later be used to further improve the educational process and study programmes.
An important part of the first days at the university also included tutor sessions, during which the first-year students met their group tutors as well as the lecturers of the Department of Geography and Tourism. The students learned more about the organisation of the educational process, the specific features of studying in their chosen programmes, the structure of the department, and its main areas of activity. These meetings also gave students an opportunity to receive answers to their current questions, establish their first contacts with lecturers, and feel increasingly connected to both the university and departmental community.
During the following days of the week, students of the Department of Geography and Tourism took part in training sessions on adaptation and stress management organised by the university. The activities were aimed at helping first-year students adjust to the new educational environment, strengthening the student community, and developing skills necessary for successful studies.
During the training sessions, students became familiar with practical stress-management techniques that may prove useful both in their studies and in everyday life. They also had an opportunity to get to know their classmates better, establish new connections, and learn more about the mental health support services available at the university.
Another important part of the adaptation programme was an introduction to the IRIS electronic educational management system. First-year students received detailed information about the system’s main functions and rules of use. IRIS significantly simplifies the management of academic documentation, enables students to register for courses, and supports a range of administrative procedures related to the organisation of the educational process.
The first days of study became not only the beginning of a new stage in education for students of the Geography and Tourism and Recreation programmes, but also an opportunity to become more familiar with the university environment, their lecturers, tutors, classmates, and the organisation of the educational process.
We would like to thank our first-year students for their active participation, interest, and cooperation. We hope that the knowledge they have gained, the useful experience they have acquired, and the new connections they have made will help them face the challenges of their first semester with confidence.
We wish all students of the Department of Geography and Tourism a successful academic year, many exciting discoveries, new achievements, and unforgettable university years!
