This Wednesday, young people that are part of the new generation of PUCV students initiated their trajectory in higher education. The first day was marked by various welcome activities organized by the Student Affairs Office (DAE, for its name in Spanish) and the academic offices, designed so that beginners would have a memorable experience from the first minute.
The warm welcome from the University was one of the most highlighted aspects by the students on their first day. Vicente Ponce, a new student of the Bachelor of Theology, especially appreciated the support he received. “They’ve been in close contact with me, very friendly, always concerned about whether I have any questions or concerns. That really helps us feel more comfortable and confident in this new step we’re taking,” he explained.
Regarding the start of this new phase, he stated that “the welcome from all the students has been perfect, because they have supported us from the very first minute. It has been a wonderful experience and I would like many other people to have it.”
Along the same line, Antonia Silva, first year student of the Biochemical Civil Engineering program, highlighted the warmth of the university community. With a strong personal connection – her father is an alumni of the Electrical Civil Engineering program – pointed out that the university has fulfilled her expectation of being an environment that prioritizes the integral education. “I like this very much, they are not only looking for the professional profile here, but there is a real emphasis on values and training good people”, she said.
What has surprised Antonia most is the warmth of the community, where support has been key in guiding newcomers through their first steps. From interviews at the main building to the group dynamics in her program, the feeling of being in a place with "open arms" has been constant. She also especially appreciated the scheduled cultural events: "I love that they organize these kinds of activities; I think that balance between academics and culture is what makes the university experience complete."
A similar experience was lived by Noemí Fernández, first year student of Mathematics Education. She graduated from the Liceo Santa Teresa de Los Andes in Viña del Mar and entered the University through the Propaedeutic program. “The program made easier for me to know the university, its facilities and other students”, she commented, highlighting that the process has been “speedy and super calm”. The young girl also acknowledged that it is a “great responsibility to carry the PUCV mark”, however, she feels confident in her academic performance and that institutional prestige will be a foundation for her work future.
For Clemente Bernales, a law student, entering the PUCV combines academic rigor with a warm welcome. “The welcome has been excellent; the professors are aware that we are new and have treated us very kindly,” he emphasizes. Aware of the institution's prestige and the responsibility of studying here, the student envisions his time at the school as an opportunity to graduate with honors and specialize abroad.
Dreams that begin to come true
From different places in the country, students arrived at the PUCV to initiate the career they dreamt of. Josefa Sigel traveled from Ancud to study Public Administration and she valued the welcome programs as an opportunity to include herself. “These activities have been ideal to meet people and leave the nerves outside the door”, she stated.
“Enrolling here was the best decision, everything I have seen and experienced so far has been very good. This is one of the best universities in the country and has tremendous prestige”, she added.
Isaac Olivares enrolled in the Industrial Civil Engineering program and expressed his satisfaction for achieving a long-time goal: “I chose it two years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school. I worked hard to get here, to have better grades, and now I am enjoying my first day of this university experience at the IBC.”
He added that he has felt “guided by everyone. I have made new friends despite the little time we know each other, and it has been very gratifying.”
From Quillota, Dylan Pérez, freshman student of the Agronomy program, also experienced his first day with excitement. “I always wanted to study this career and I prepared for it. I chose this university because of its Prestige, its academic recognition and because they prepare students to face the working world”, he added.
The choice of career and university also responds to vocational interests and professional development goals. At the Sausalito campus, Benjamín Huerta began his experience at the Psychology School. He said that he has “always been interested in this area. I enjoy reading and learning from this discipline, not only from the area of psychological help, but also about its multiple applications to everyday life”.
For her part, Micaela Mondaca, new student at the English – Spanish Translation and Interpretation program, stated that she would like to “fully develop my professional abilities so in the future I can work as a translator. I decided to study at the PUCV because I have heard very good things about the university and its quality education”.
So, with great expectations and enthusiasm, the 2026 generation began their university life at the different PUCV campuses. The activities will continue to take place within the context of the Welcome Program, which will extend until Friday, March 6 th , with a schedule especially designed to support students during their first days at the university.
Strategic Communication Department
