The 2023-2024 academic year at DigiPen Institute of Technology Europe-Bilbao commenced with a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation as students gathered for their orientation on September 5. The campus was abuzz with eager faces containing a mix of fresh newcomers and familiar returnees, ready to embark on a journey of creativity, innovation, and technology.
DigiPen Europe-Bilbao understands the importance of a smooth transition for new students and their families. To ensure a warm welcome, the student orientation was not only designed to introduce students to the campus, but to ensure they felt welcomed and at ease in their new academic environment. It was a day filled with activities and events to help forge connections among students and faculty. The dean of faculty, Thomas Komair, offered words of wisdom to the students through a brief presentation, motivating the eager group of students to embrace challenges and strive for excellence in their chosen fields of study.
A standout feature of the day was the campus “Gynkana,” an event designed to help students explore campus while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community among the incoming class. Students from both the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation and the BFA in Digital Art and Animation degree programs were mixed into teams. Emphasizing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, the Gynkana offered thematic challenges using classroom names inspired by renowned mathematicians, artists, and programmers.
The day continued with a diverse offering of parallel activities, including a selection of short films and playtesting of student-developed games. Seasoned students guided their new peers, revealing the intricacies of project development. Adding a touch of friendly competition, the campus witnessed enthralling Mario Kart races, ping-pong matches, and table football championships.
To wrap it all up, the students gathered in the canteen for a feast. Pizza is always the pinnacle of any event, even if it features pineapple at times! Students chatted about their experiences of the day while they munched on tasty foods and sipped their refreshments.
The excitement extended beyond new faces, as returning students and faculty were equally eager to immerse themselves in the student orientation. The campus hummed with a creative energy, and planning for film and game projects was already in full swing.
Because of the immense pride DigiPen Europe-Bilbao takes in fostering creativity, the anticipation throughout the student orientation was palpable among all. As the event wrapped up, both new and returning students reflected on the memories made and the exciting possibilities of the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year!