Where better to kick off the 2024/25 academic year than at the Kampus Hybernská cultural and educational centre? Upper-year students are already familiar with this creative hub, but for first-years, it was a truly UniKátní START (Unique Start) to the next phase in educational life.
“This place is amazing! How come I didn’t know about it until now? I’ll definitely come back soon to take a proper look, it’s packed today,” excaimed Kristýna, a first-year student at the Faculty of Arts and a native of Prague, as she looked around the courtyard of the popular meet-up and arts facility. Located just steps away from the Powder Tower at Náměstí republiky and a few minutes' walk from the Carolinum, the courtyard’s unique atmosphere wasn’t diminished by the crowds that gathered for the ceremonial start of the new academic year. Even the dreary weather seemed force to wait outside the gates at Hybernská Street. Since its inception, almost, Kampus Hybernská has been the place to get the new school year underway.
“This year is dedicated to the theme of sustainability. I hope each of you finds something within it that sparks your interest, brings you joy, and benefits both you and our university,” Milena Králíčková, rector of Charles University, said via a video message, as she was returning from a business trip to Heidelberg University in Germany.
Charles University Rector Milena Králíčková addresses attendees at KH, namely new and returning students, wishing them a great academic year.
“I wish for this day, and the whole academic year, to be unique. Not too long, not too short, with time for yourself, your family, your friends—and most importantly, I wish you good health,” said Martin Vlach, Charles University’s vice-rector for Public Relations. He also drew attention to the theme of adaptation, which closely ties to sustainability and will be a focal point at Kampus Hybernská.
“We’re adapting not only to sustainability and climate change but also to new projects, international collaborations, and much more. I wish the same for you!” added Ema Pospíšilová, Director of Hybernská Campus, echoing the vice-rector’s remarks.
Kampus Hybernská (or Hybernská Campus) is a collaborative project between Charles University and the City of Prague, so it’s no surprise that members of the city council attended the academic year’s opening. “Hybernská Campus is my favourite place, and that’s widely known. Now you know too—and you can see why!” Prague City Councillor Mariana Čapková confirmed with a laugh, addressing the audience from the stage.
Activities prepared by Charles University and Kampus Hybernská for the start of the academic year also revolved around the theme of adaptation. Visitors could join a game of bingo, make new friends, and ease their transition into student life. The influence of AI on education is growing, so the organisers offered a workshop on how to create your own simple AI programme for anything.
The event also showcased university achievements: student athletes who represented both the Czech Republic and Charles University at the Summer Olympics in Paris. The sports experiences in France were followed by a humorous video presentation of upcoming activities and projects from CU Point, the university’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, and the Centre for Knowledge and Technology Transfer at Charles University. Students also learned about opportunities to get involved with the Charles University Volunteering Centre and about activities offered by the 4EU+ university alliance.The fun side of science was highlighted by the finalists of the FameLab international competition, where contestants popularise science in just three minutes. Kampus Hybernská is a busy, vast and multi-use space, and a tour led by one of its founders, Jan Bičovský, helped visitors get their bearings.
In the evening, DJs cranked up the volume and the afterparty began. As Rector Milena Králíčková noted in her speech, the start of every academic year is a great reason to celebrate.
