Universidad Camilo José Cela has welcomed the first-year undergraduate students beginning their university journey in the 2026/27 academic year. The Villafranca Campus hosted Welcome Week 2026, an event designed to help new students settle into university life and introduce them, from their very first day, to the services, facilities and opportunities available to them throughout the coming years.
Following student registration, the Rector of Universidad Camilo José Cela, Jaime Olmedo, welcomed the new students and reminded them of the significance of the moment they are embarking on: “Today marks the beginning of a stage that will shape your future.”
During his address, Olmedo particularly emphasised the support students will receive throughout their studies. “You will be taught by the best possible academic staff in the degree programmes you have chosen,” he said, before highlighting one of the principles underpinning the University’s educational model: “You have made the right choice, because Universidad Camilo José Cela puts students at the heart of everything it does.”
The Rector also highlighted the professional opportunities offered by the University, stating that “UCJC ranks among the five universities in Spain with the highest graduate employability rates.” In this regard, he encouraged the new students to view the coming years not only as a period of academic education, but also as the beginning of their professional and personal future: “The harder you work now, the better your future will be.”
Olmedo also encouraged students to make the most of university as a space in which to explore, question ideas and develop their own thinking. “Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Ask questions, investigate and change your mind when you find better arguments,” he told them. Finally, he reminded this new cohort that they are now becoming part of the University’s history: “It is now up to you to write the next chapters in the history of this University.”
Following the Rector’s welcome and the presentation by the Student Development and Alumni Department, the new students began discovering UCJC through Cami Bros Island, an experience designed to introduce them, in an interactive way and through a range of activities, to some of the University’s main services and resources.
Throughout the morning, students explored different areas of the Villafranca Campus and took part in activities linked to Alumno 360, LanguageLab, Sports, Mentoring, Student Guidance, Careers, Entrepreneurship and MediaLab. The activities gave them the opportunity to reflect on their sense of purpose and expectations for this new stage, take part in a CV-related challenge, develop an entrepreneurial idea and experiment with audiovisual dubbing.
The day continued with presentations of the different degree programmes, led by the heads of each course, enabling students to meet their academic teams from day one and learn about some of the key aspects of the studies they are about to begin.
Welcome Week concluded with a gathering on the main lawn of the Villafranca Campus, featuring music, food and a range of spaces dedicated to university life, student groups, volunteering, entrepreneurship and other initiatives in which students will be able to get involved throughout their time at UCJC.