Guess who’s back: Student Welcome gets a fresh new look

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, Leuven will come alive again as thousands of students kick off the academic year in style with the revamped Student Welcome. Under the slogan Guess who’s back, this event gets a fresh makeover. With a student parade and celebrations across two squares, Student Welcome is becoming a new annual ritual for the city.

Leuven is Belgium’s student city, home to over 50,000 students who keep its heart beating. It’s no surprise that the tradition of giving students a festive welcome on the first Thursday of the academic year started here. In the celebratory year when KU Leuven marks its 600th anniversary, the event gets a brand-new look. Artists Benjamin Verdonck, Tine Van Aerschot, composer Alan Van Rompuy and sound artist Daan Geysen contributed to a brand-new ritual: the Student Parade and State of the Student. And from this year onwards, there will also be two party squares: both the Oude Markt and Vismarkt will host top DJs for an unforgettable evening. In this celebratory year, the university, the city, and students celebrate the past together while sending a strong signal for the future of Leuven as a vibrant student city.

"The renewed approach makes the start-of-year celebrations stronger than ever and confirms Leuven as the student city of Flanders," says Liesbeth Vandermeeren, alderwoman for student affairs. "We want students to feel welcome, find their way in our city, and show their engagement. Student Welcome 2.0 not only brings thousands of students together, but also connects them with the people of Leuven. With this new tradition, we focus fully on cohesion, safety, and pride – for both students and Leuven."

"This cohesion between students, locals, and the city is indeed essential," agrees Bert Cornillie, alderman for culture and events. "It’s really embedded in Leuven’s DNA. Students and the university are enthusiastic partners in LOV2030, our bid for European Capital of Culture. The Student Parade creates a brand-new and festive ritual that highlights the bond between the city, the university, and its students."

"Right in our anniversary year, Student Welcome is the moment where tradition meets innovation," says Tom Van Puyenbroeck, vice-rector for Student Policy at KU Leuven. "KU Leuven has remained young for 600 years thanks to its students, and we celebrate that together with the city."

Hogeschool UCLL is also joining enthusiastically. Sebastiaan Boussauw, Head of Education & Students, emphasizes the collaborative spirit: "We continue the tradition, but with a fresh look: together with our colleagues and the city, we warmly welcome students to Leuven. Student Welcome is the moment to celebrate that Leuven is their home. Now we just hope for good weather and an amazing party!"

Kick-off with rolling suitcases and beats at Martelarenplein

All students are expected at 18:00 at Martelarenplein, with their rolling suitcases. The festivities start with free Alma fries and beats from StuBru DJ Nona Van Braeckel. From there, the Student Parade departs – a brand-new ritual marking students’ arrival in the city.

The parade moves from Bondgenotenlaan to Grote Markt and is designed as an accessible, festive, and inclusive procession through the city. Artists Benjamin Verdonck, Tine Van Aerschot, and composer Daan Geysen contributed to this unique experience. The sound of hundreds of rolling suitcases, a mobile DJ booth – built by Existenz & Atelier Circuler – and twenty amplified trolleys create an original soundscape that every participating student contributes to.

State of the Student at Grote Markt

At Grote Markt, a special musical moment follows: the State of the Student. This composition by Alan Van Rompuy (Azerty Klavierwerke) is performed by a powerful mix of choirs, a brass band, the carillon, electronic sounds, and the audience itself. The text and content are based on the experiences and insights of 163 students about life in Leuven. Kaat Van Stralen and Maya Mertens (aka Vieze Meisje) guide the performance in their unique style.

Party on two squares: Oude Markt & Vismarkt

From 20:00, the celebrations move to two top locations:

Oude Markt – programmed by vzw Oude Markt and Het Depot, with DJ sets from AMBER BROOS, Tjade, séa, and yli
Vismarkt – hosted by three major Leuven student organizations (Ekonomika, Industria, and VTK), with a lineup including MICHAEL AMANI, Mark with a K & MC Chucky, Karakals, and Jaël Ost & MagiK

Practical info

Thursday, 25 September 2025

18:00 – Kick-off at Martelarenplein
19:00 – Student Parade on Bondgenotenlaan
19:30 – State of the Student at Grote Markt
20:00 – Party at Oude Markt & Vismarkt
00:00 – End

Free entry

For students and anyone young at heart

Rolling suitcases can be safely left behind after the Student Parade

Student Welcome Leuven 2025 is a collaboration between the City of Leuven, KU Leuven, 30CC, Hogeschool UCLL, LUCA School of Arts, LOKO, Industria, Ekonomika, VTK, vzw Oude Markt, Het Depot, maakleerplek, Atelier Circuler, Existenz, Alma, and vzw Martelarenplein.

Contact

Liesbeth Vandermeeren

Alderwoman for Civil Affairs, Youth, Student Affairs and Tourism – City of Leuven

email hidden; JavaScript is required | +32 488 29 11 16

Bert Cornillie
Alderman for Culture, Events, Part-time Art Education and Personnel – City of Leuven

email hidden; JavaScript is required | +32 485 99 52 05 | +32 16 27 41 30

Kris Peeters

Event Coordinator – City of Leuven

email hidden; JavaScript is required | +32 474 37 08 11 | +32 16 27 22 41

Emmanuel Rottey

+32 492 15 18 18