Student Welcome Leuven 24.09.2026
Guess Who's Back?
The tradition continues: on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Leuven will once again kick off the new academic year in style with Studentenwelkom Leuven 2026. Start the academic year in the best possible way and enjoy an evening filled with atmosphere, music, and new encounters, as students come 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 making their way from the station into the city. Heading to their student rooms, meeting friends, or making their way to the Oude Markt.
We’re turning this familiar movement into a spectacular student arrival. From 18:30 onwards, we’ll gather at Martelarenplein. And make sure you get there on time, because we’re treating you! Together with AB InBev, we’ll be handing out free Stella Artois 0.0, while Holy Guacamoly is treating you to free nachos. While supplies last.
At 19:00, we’ll kick off the evening together and the Student Sing Along will get underway.
19:00-20:00 Student Sing Along
This year, the student arrival gets a renewed musical twist with the first-ever walking cantus. We’ll sing our way together to the city centre, with alcohol-free beer to quench our thirst.
At 7 PM, a mobile DJ booth will get the procession moving. None other than Voltage will kick off the Sing Along. Together with lead singers, the student brass band and thousands of students, we’ll make our way along Bondgenotenlaan towards the Oude Markt.
Along the way, we’ll stop twice for live music from the student brass band. At each stop, you’ll get free alcohol-free beer.
20:00 Student Village
Discover the Student Village on the Grote Markt. Meet our partners, explore fun activations and enjoy a variety of promotions and sampling moments. Student associations Industria, VTK and Ekonomika will also be there with their own food and drink stands.
On the Grote Markt, DJs from the Fakbars will keep 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 continues at Leuven’s most iconic student square. This year, the students themselves are unveiling a completely new stage design and are taking care of the production and programming. A fresh look, heavy beats and a line-up that will turn the Oude Markt upside down. Omdat Het Kan × Average Rob will close out the party. This is one night out you don’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 is 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 are actively involved in the organisation, programming and production. Together with our partners, they are building 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 is there to support the well-being of visitors. You can turn to the team for a listening ear, information, support or help if you are not feeling well or are dealing with a problem.
You’ll recognize us by our pink vests, so don’t hesitate to come and talk to us! You can also find us 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.
