The programme for UniMe Welcome Fest, the 's welcome festival, has now been announced. The event will take place on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October, from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm, in the Rectorate Courtyard.
Conceived as an evolution of the traditional Welcome Day, the initiative aims to introduce first-year and newly enrolled students to the University community through two days of orientation, information, engagement and entertainment. The festival is also open to current students, secondary school pupils, student associations and the wider local community, transforming the Rectorate into a vibrant space for meeting, sharing and socialising.
From 4.00 pm on both days, information areas dedicated to University services will be available. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the services, opportunities and support offered by UniMe, including the Welcome Point and Orientation Service, Student Administration Offices, student services and benefits, International Point/Erasmus, the Centre for Research and Psychological Support, services for students with disabilities and specific learning disorders (SLD), the Language Centre, the Library System and UniMe Sport.
An information stand hosted by ERSU Messina, the Regional Agency for the Right to University Education, will also be present, together with the UniMe Student Associations Area, designed to encourage interaction between first-year students, current students and the University's student organisations.
Throughout the afternoon, Radio UniVersoMe will provide live entertainment with music, interviews and broadcasts. From 5.00 pm, student associations will organise activities at their stands, including games, quizzes and tournaments. These will include "Welcome to ME: Messina is Your Home" by the Astra Association, "Get to Know Uni & ME" by the M31 Association, "UniMe Fest" by UDU, "UniMe Level Up: An Interactive Information Show for New Students" by the Morgana Association, and a table football tournament organised by the Obiettivo Studenti Messina Association.
From 7.00 pm, the festival will move to the main stage, where the evening programme will feature contests, live performances and DJ sets. A refreshment area will also be available.
An event specifically dedicated to international students, "Welcome Aboard!", will take place on Wednesday 14 October at 6.00 pm in the Former Chemistry Lecture Hall (Aula ex Chimica).
The first day, Wednesday 14 October, will begin at 7.00 pm with UniMe's Got Talent, organised by the Controcorrente Association. At 9.30 pm, local artist Fabri-T, known for combining songwriting, melody and contemporary sounds, will take to the stage. The evening will conclude at 10.00 pm with a DJ set by Angemi, organised by the Atreju, Orum and Claud associations. Angemi, a DJ and producer from Catania, is among the most recognised Italian names on the international electronic music scene.
The second day, Thursday 15 October, will open at 7.00 pm with the Quiz Prize Ceremony featuring ACR Messina players, organised by the M31 Association. At 7.30 pm, Albert Mud will launch the evening's music programme with a DJ set. At 8.45 pm, singer-songwriter CMQMARTINA will perform, bringing her distinctive blend of pop, electronic music and club culture influences. The festival will conclude at 10.00 pm with Fenoaltea, an electronic music project from Palermo, whose set draws inspiration from contemporary music research and the club scene.
A refreshment area will remain open throughout both days, helping to make the Rectorate Courtyard an even more welcoming environment where participants can relax, meet one another and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Admission to UniMe Welcome Fest is free of charge, subject to registration and download of a digital ticket. Free tickets for the evenings of 14 and 15 October can be booked at the registration form.
The University encourages students, participants and members of the public to reach the Rectorate using public transport. Travel to the Welcome Fest with ATM: UniMe students can use the service free of charge, helping to make the event more accessible, sustainable and efficient from an urban mobility perspective.