Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) welcomed its new generation of students on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at the Auditorium of the “Markos Karanastasis” Indoor Sports Center on the Heraklion Campus, as part of “HMU Freshers’ Welcome Day 2026”. The event attracted strong participation and was dedicated to informing new students, helping them become acquainted with the University, and supporting their smooth integration into their new academic community.
The Welcome Day was designed and coordinated by the Career Office of Hellenic Mediterranean University and offered first-year students an important first opportunity to become familiar with the University, its academic and administrative services, student benefits and support structures, as well as opportunities to take part in cultural, sports, technology, volunteering and outreach activities that enrich student life at HMU.
The official opening of the event began with a welcome address by the Rector of Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, who warmly welcomed the first-year students and congratulated them on their achievement. In his address, he referred to the new chapter beginning in their lives, emphasizing that HMU invests not only in the quality of education and research but also in supporting its students. He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the University, to participate actively in student life, and to set ambitious goals for their academic and personal development.
The event was also attended, on behalf of the Holy Archdiocese of Crete, by Archpriest and Parish Priest of the Estavromenos Parish, Fr. Ioannis Papatheoharis; on behalf of the Region of Crete, by Regional Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning Eleni Maraki-Beladaki and Regional Councillor for Digital Governance Georgios Matalliotakis; and on behalf of the Municipality of Heraklion, by Councillor responsible for Liaison with Universities and Research Institutions Nikos Kontarakis.
A special moment of the event was the presentation by the Rector of honorary commendations to the top-ranked students admitted to each HMU Department, in recognition of their effort and performance in the Panhellenic Examinations. Through these awards, the University honoured the achievement of the newest members of its academic community and wished them a creative and successful course of study.
A presentation of the main benefits, services and opportunities available to students throughout their studies followed. First-year students were informed about student welfare and academic support, information services and access to knowledge, international mobility, student counselling and support, as well as opportunities for skills development and active participation in university life.
At the same time, information stands and networking activities were set up in the foyer of the “Markos Karanastasis” Indoor Sports Center, giving new students the opportunity to speak with representatives of University services, student, cultural, sports, technology and volunteer groups, as well as partner organizations. The program also featured cultural activities and traditional dance performances, while music provided by the HMU Radio Station contributed to the lively and celebratory atmosphere of the day.
Due to weather conditions, the scheduled interactive QR Game could not take place. The prize draw that had been planned as part of the activity was subsequently conducted online.
Hellenic Mediterranean University warmly welcomes its new generation of students to the University community and wishes them a creative and rewarding academic journey, filled with knowledge, experiences and success, encouraging them to participate actively in the activities and opportunities offered by the University.
