Welcome and Orientation Day

Welcome in Fribourg!

Welcome Days 

The Welcome Days before the beginning of the semester are an opportunity for us to welcome all new international students to Fribourg and facilitate a successful start of their studies. 

During the 2 or 3 weeks before the official start of the semester, the Language Centre of the University of Fribourg oranises intensive French and German courses. The International Relations Office (IRO), together with the Language Centre and ESN Fribourg (Erasmus Student Network), organises several activities and events for the international students to familiarise them with the University and the city of Fribourg.

When do the Welcome Days take place and who can participate?

The Welcome Days always take place before the beginning of each semester (autumn and spring semester).
The next Welcome Days will take place as follows:

  • Welcome Day 1: August 26, 2024 (with guided tour of the city) - for incoming students participating in the Intensive French or German Course.
  • Welcome Day 2: September 13, 2024 (with guided tour of the city) - For all incoming students who are NOT taking the Intensive French or German Course.
The participation to one of the session is mandatory for all incoming exchange students.

What do the Welcome Days offer?

The detailed program of this welcome and orientation day will be sent to you in January for the spring semester and in July for the autumn semester.

At the welcome and orientation day, the IRO will give you your certificate of registration at the University.
This certificate enables you to register for the Immigration Office (SPOMI). Please refer to the Residence Permit page. You can also find this document on your MyUnifr portal

Students whose home university requires a Certificate of Attendance can have it signed by the IRO at the Welcome Day (please bring the printed document with you).

After the welcome and orientation day, you will be able to go to the UNI-INFO office (MIS 10) to get your student card (Campus Card).

The recommended date of arrival is 24 to 48 hours prior to the orientation day.