Around 500 incoming students from the Faculty of Geological, Mining, Metallurgical and Geographic Engineering at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) were welcomed on March 20 with a guided tour of the university’s main facilities. The event marked the beginning of their academic journey, which will span the next five years.
The initiative is significant as it helps new students familiarize themselves with their future study environment and introduces them to available resources and services at UNMSM.
The day began early with a welcome speech delivered by Ciro Bedia Guillén, dean of the faculty, along with student representatives. They congratulated the newcomers for their achievement in joining “la Decana de América” and wished them success as they start this new chapter as UNMSM students.
Students then boarded university buses known as “burritos” for a tour that included stops at key locations such as the gymnasium, university dining hall, clinic, residence halls, and Central Library “Pedro Zulen.” At each stop, staff members explained functions and services provided to support student life. After visiting Huaca San Marcos—a notable archaeological site on campus—the group was divided according to their chosen professional school for further tours of specific pavilions where they will pursue their studies.
During these visits, participants explored laboratories, research centers, and other academic spaces relevant to each discipline. For example, those entering Geological Engineering visited mineralogy cabinets (minerals), petrology cabinets (rocks), paleontology cabinets (fossils), and the Mineral Museum. Professors and researchers explained aspects of specialized training offered within these environments.
The event concluded with sports activities such as futsal and volleyball matches aimed at fostering camaraderie among students. The faculty comprises seven professional schools: Geological Engineering; Mining Engineering; Metallurgical Engineering; Geographic Engineering; Civil Engineering; Environmental Engineering; and Architecture & Urbanism—the most recently established program.
