The University of Szeged is set to welcome academics, administrators, and student support specialists from across Europe for the European First Year Experience Conference in June 2026. Scheduled for 10 to 12 June, the gathering will focus on strengthening the transition of new students into higher education institutions throughout the continent.
Background on the European First Year Experience Network
The European First Year Experience network brings together professionals dedicated to enhancing how students settle into university life. It has operated for nearly two decades as a forum for sharing practices that help first-year students build connections to their campuses and prepare for academic and personal success. The network emphasises practical approaches to orientation, mentoring, and support services that address common hurdles such as academic adjustment, social integration, and mental wellbeing.
Events organised by the network typically attract participants from dozens of European countries. Discussions often centre on evidence-based strategies that universities can adopt to reduce dropout rates and improve retention in the critical first year of study.
University of Szeged Steps Forward as Host
The University of Szeged, one of Hungary’s leading research universities, will serve as the venue for the 2026 edition. Located in the southern city of Szeged, the institution has a long tradition of international collaboration and hosts a diverse student body. Its selection as host underscores its commitment to advancing student-centred approaches in higher education.
University officials have highlighted the event as an opportunity to showcase Hungarian higher education practices while learning from counterparts in other nations. The conference aligns with broader efforts at the University of Szeged to strengthen support structures for incoming students, including expanded orientation programmes and peer-mentoring initiatives.
Conference Theme and Programme Highlights
The 2026 theme, “Roots and Wings – Connected to Campus, Prepared for the World,” captures the dual goals of grounding students in their new academic environment while equipping them with skills for global engagement. Sessions will explore topics such as inclusive orientation practices, digital tools for student engagement, and strategies for supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Keynote addresses and workshops are expected to draw on recent European research into student transition. Participants will examine case studies from institutions that have successfully lowered attrition through targeted interventions in the first semester. The programme also includes opportunities for networking and site visits to University of Szeged facilities that support first-year learners.
Photo by Dora Gyovai on Unsplash
Why First-Year Experience Matters in European Higher Education
Across Europe, universities face persistent challenges with student retention in the initial year of study. Data from national agencies and the European Higher Education Area indicate that a significant proportion of students consider leaving during this period due to academic pressure, financial concerns, or feelings of isolation. Effective first-year programmes can mitigate these risks by fostering a sense of belonging early on.
Countries with well-developed support systems, such as those in the Nordic region and parts of Western Europe, report higher continuation rates. The Szeged conference will provide a platform for sharing these successes and adapting them to different national contexts, including those in Central and Eastern Europe where resources may be more limited.
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Event
University administrators view the conference as a chance to benchmark their own practices against European standards. Academic staff anticipate gaining fresh insights into pedagogical approaches that ease the shift from secondary to tertiary education. Student support professionals expect practical takeaways on mental health resources and career guidance tailored to first-year cohorts.
International participants will benefit from exposure to the Hungarian higher education landscape, which continues to expand its English-taught programmes and research collaborations. The event also offers PhD-track scholars and early-career academics opportunities to connect with established experts in student transition studies.
Implications for Policy and Practice
Outcomes from the conference are likely to influence institutional policies on student services across Europe. Recommendations emerging from workshops could feed into national quality assurance frameworks and European-level discussions on the future of the Bologna Process. Universities attending may return home with concrete plans for piloting new orientation models or digital platforms.
The gathering also highlights the growing recognition that investment in the first-year experience yields long-term dividends in graduate outcomes and institutional reputation. As competition for students intensifies, proactive support measures become a key differentiator.
Looking Ahead: Future Directions for the Network
Following the Szeged meeting, the European First Year Experience network plans to continue its work through online forums and smaller regional events. The 2026 conference is expected to generate a publication or resource pack summarising best practices identified during the sessions. Organisers hope to secure ongoing funding to sustain the network’s activities and expand participation from newer European Union member states.
Interest in the topic remains high as demographic shifts and changing student expectations reshape higher education. The University of Szeged’s role as host positions it as a visible contributor to these continental conversations.
Practical Information for Attendees
Registration details and the full programme will be available on the official network website closer to the event. Early booking is advised given the international draw of the conference. Accommodation options in Szeged range from university residences to city-centre hotels, with organisers providing guidance on accessible transport links.
Virtual participation options may be offered for those unable to travel, reflecting the network’s commitment to inclusivity. Updates on keynote speakers and session themes will be shared via the network’s communication channels in the coming months.
