Webster Introduces Students to Vienna, University Services during Orientation

Over 80 students from across the globe joined Webster Vienna Private University for the Fall 2021 semester. The New Student Orientation (NSO) was a three-day event packed with information sessions, outdoor activities, and excursions where new students could learn more about our university and the city of Vienna while also getting to know other fellow new and current students.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7, new students were welcomed on campus by Webster Vienna's Student Resource Center (SRC) Officer, Serena Giacomin, and 12 student leaders/volunteers. NSO student leaders were keen to help new students as they made their way through their first week at WVPU.

"Being a NSO leader is a great way to help others and make new friends!" said one student leader from Russia.

On this day, new students were introduced to Webster's student services (SRC, Career Services, and Counseling Services) while also getting their Student ID photos taken and learn more about transitioning into University Life.

After a morning packed with activities, a study abroad student from St. Louis, Missouri, said, ‘’My experience here so far has been great! You guys, helping us through this transition, have made everything much easier!’’

At Lunch time, the SRC prepared a lunch box for students to take and enjoy at the Augarten Park, which is only a 10 minutes’ walk from campus.

The following day, students were introduced to the diversity of clubs presently at Webster Vienna. There is so much interest in the volleyball club, "we now have around 28 team members," noted a current undergraduate business student from Jordan and Austria.

Students also got to meet Ben Fasching-Gray from the Webster Vienna library, as he introduced them to the library facilities and our online databases and research tools. Students then enjoyed a traditional Austrian lunch at a nearby restaurant before going on a city tour with a licensed tour guide from Secret Vienna Tours. The tour took students through Vienna’s historic first district as the guide presented students with interesting facts about the city.

After the tour, an Erasmus exchange student from Lithuania, commented, "The city is so beautiful, the staff is so helpful, and everyone is so friendly -- I can’t wait to start!"

After just a few days in the city, a study abroad student from St. Louis, Missouri, said, "Vienna is a beautiful city with great people and an easy transportation system – it is a great place to live!"

On the last day of NSO, students got their last information sessions with the SRC and their academic departments. Prof. Johannes Pollak, Webster Vienna's rector, also welcomed all new students in a welcome session.

Following these sessions, the students headed to Prater for a delicious picnic and to try out some thrilling rides. While some adventurous students rode the Black Mamba, a snake-like swing that whirls riders through the air at a speed of 80 km per hour, others opted for the water slide ride, Wild Alps.

"I am looking forwards to my first semester, meeting other students, not only studying but making new friends," said an MBA student from China and Austria.

To the entire Webster community, let’s give a warm welcome to our new students this semester. Welcome to WVPU, and welcome to Vienna!