The ‘Welcoming Night’ event held as part of the Eastern Mediterranean University 28th Orientation Days organized between 19 August and 30 September 2025, ahead of the 2025-2026 Academic Year, was filled with colourful moments thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students. Supported by Municipality of Famagusta and with North Cyprus Turkcell (KKTCELL) as the communication sponsor, this year’s EMU Orientation Days program also featured numerous activities, including online seminars, social and cultural events, workshops, and city and campus tours.
‘Welcoming Night’ Held
On Friday, 26 September 2025 at 06:00 p.m., a ‘Welcoming Night’ event was held at EMU Beach Club, for the new students of EMU. During the event, the Niyal Öztürk Band and DJ Fame performed, offering an enjoyable evening for attendees. Additionally, the event also featured a band performance and a stilt-walking show. Administrative units, faculties and schools, student clubs and international student societies and student council set booths, offering information for the new students of the university. Koop Süt provided beverages, and Oza Coffee sponsored the coffee for the event, while the noodles prepared by EMU Tourism Faculty students were a big hit among attendees.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, and General Secretary Derviş Ekşici met with the students during the event.
“This Is Your Home, and You Are Part of Our Family”
Making an address, Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu said; “Dear students, welcome! Today, you are here to get to know EMU, spend time with your new friends and professors, and begin an exciting journey together. For many of you, this is your first time in Cyprus, and you are away from your families and loved ones. But rest assured, this is your home too, and you are part of our family. EMU will be stronger and more successful with you. The doors of both the university and your professors are always open to you”. Drawing from her own student experiences, Prof. Dr. Zorlu shared that while the first days at university can be challenging, graduating leaves you reluctant to leave—an experience she believes students will also go through. Prof. Dr. Zorlu highlighted that students’ families are an integral part of the EMU community and wished everyone a successful academic year, encouraging them to build strong friendships and create lasting memories.
“Celebrating Very First Steps towards Dreams and Lifelong Journey”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also delivered a speech, commencing by saying; “Today, we are delighted and excited to be together with the students who are joining the EMU family”. Extending a warm welcome to the families, Prof. Dr. Kılıç continued; “Dear students, valued families, and members of the EMU community, it is a great pleasure to be with you this evening. Tonight, we celebrate not just the start of a new academic semester, but also the first steps toward your dreams and future journeys. The orientation period aims to help you bond with one another and settle into campus life and the city of Famagusta. This evening also marks the beginning of new friendships and meaningful connections”. Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized that EMU offers a unique international environment, uniting students from 100 different countries. He noted, “While it may not be possible to visit all parts of the world, studying here gives you the chance to make friends from diverse nations. EMU stands out not only for its academic excellence but also for its 78,000-strong alumni network and the wide array of opportunities it provides”.
