Student Welcome Leuven 24.09.2026
Guess Who's Back?
The tradition continues: on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Leuven once again kicked off the new academic year in style with Studentenwelkom Leuven 2026. 15.000 Studentens began the academic year in the best possible way and enjoyed an evening filled with atmosphere, music, and new encounters, as students came together to celebrate the start of the academic year.
Thursday 24 Sept. 2026
- 19.00: Kick-off (Martelarenplein)
- 19.00: Student Sing Along (Bondgenotenlaan)
- 20.00: Student village (Grote markt)
- 20.00: Party (Oude Markt)
- 00.00: End
19:00 – KICK-OFF Martelarenplein
Nothing is quite as iconic of Leuven at the end of September as the stream of students made their way from the station into the city. Heading to their student rooms, meeting friends, or making their way to the Oude Markt.
We turned this familiar movement into a spectacular student arrival. From 18:30 onwards, we gathered at Martelarenplein. And make sure you got there on time, because we treated you! Together with AB InBev, we handed out free Stella Artois 0.0, while Holy Guacamoly treated you to free nachos.
At 19:00, we kicked off the evening together with the Student Sing Along.
19:00-20:00 Student Sing Along
This year, the student arrival got a renewed musical twist with the first-ever walking cantus. We sang our way together to the city centre, with alcohol-free beer to quench our thirst.
At 7 PM, a mobile DJ booth got the procession moving. None other than Voltage kicked off the Sing Along. Together with lead singers, the student brass band and thousands of students, we made our way along Bondgenotenlaan towards the Oude Markt.
Along the way, we stopped twice for live music from the student brass band. At each stop, students got free alcohol-free beer.
20:00 Student Village
Discover the Student Village on the Grote Markt. Where students could meet our partners, explored fun activations and enjoyed a variety of promotions and sampling moments. Student associations Industria, VTK and Ekonomika were also there with their own food and drink stands.
On the Grote Markt, DJs from the Fakbars kept the music going throughout the evening.
20.00–21:00 – Nando de Rijck + Wannes Huygh
21:00–22:00 – Robin Janssens
22:00–23:00 – Seppe Schoofs
23:00–00:00 – M84U
20.00 Party Oude Markt
From 8 PM onwards, the party continued at Leuven’s most iconic student square. This year, the students themselves unveiled a completely new stage design and took care of the production and programming. A fresh look, heavy beats and a line-up that turned the Oude Markt upside down. Omdat Het Kan × Average Rob closed out the party. This was one night out you didn't want to miss.
Timetable:
20:00–21:00 – Ruby XX
21:00–22:00 – Lennert Wolfs
22:00–23:00 – Nina Black
23:00–00:00 – Omdat Het Kan × Average Rob
Discover the line-up
Guess Who’s Back?
Guess Who’s Back was more than just a party. It’s a welcome, a grand arrival and a moment when students come together to kick off the new academic year.
And above all: Studentenwelkom Leuven is by students, for students. Student associations Industria, VTK and Ekonomika were actively involved in the organisation, programming and production. Together with our partners, they built an event that truly belongs to the students.
And this is only the beginning. Together, we’re creating a new tradition to mark the start of every academic year.
Partners
Studentenwelkom is a collaboration between KU Leuven, stad Leuven, Hogeschool UCLL, LUCA School of Arts, LOKO, Industria, Ekonomika, VTK, vzw Oude Markt, KBC, Christelijke mutualiteit, Stella Artois & Coca Cola.
Practical Information
All information about reusable cups, the medical aid station, accessible toilets & CM-earplugs can be found here:
Leuven Cares
The Care Team Leuven was there to support the well-being of visitors. You could turn to the team for a listening ear, information, support or help if you were not feeling well or were dealing with a problem.
You recognised them by the pink vests, so don’t hesitate to come and talk to them! You could also find them at Café Apero at Oude Markt 52.
There is no place here for discrimination, harassment, shaming or (verbal) violence. Respect yourself and each other. See something problematic happening? Step in or speak to a member of the care team.
Would you like to report something afterwards or are you looking for support? You can always contact Leuven Helpt at leuven.helpt@leuven.be or +32 16 27 27 72.
Student Welcome 2025
Guess who’s back? On September 25, 2025, Leuven came alive again as students returned to the city! And we didn’t just celebrate their return — we celebrated it with a special edition of the iconic Studentenwelkom. One special edition? Forget it. A new tradition has been born.
