Back-to-school Solidarity : supporting more than 510 students as they start the academic year đź’›
On Tuesday, September 15, the Multiplex at UniversitĂ© Bourgogne Europe was transformed into a vibrant space for solidarity and community during “SolidaritĂ© RentrĂ©e”. Organised as part of the Campus Days by UBE, and more specifically by the Student Life Department, the event had a simple goal: to give students who need it a helping hand and enable them to start the academic year with greater peace of mind. And the event was a great success: more than 510 students were able to benefit from the day free of charge.
Everyday essentials, free of charge
For many students, the start of the academic year is an important milestone, but it can also be a time when expenses quickly add up: moving into a new home, buying clothes for the new season, getting supplies and purchasing everyday essentials…
Thanks to donations collected from UBE’s partners, “SolidaritĂ© RentrĂ©e” offered a large solidarity event, allowing students to take home useful everyday items free of charge. Clothing for autumn and winter, tableware and everyday essentials, school supplies,hygiene products…and many other useful items!
It was also an opportunity to give everyday objects a second life while providing practical support to students.
A day to take care of yourself
“SolidaritĂ© RentrĂ©e” was about more than just finding useful items! Throughout the day, several activities were offered to give students the opportunity to take care of themselves, find information and meet others in a friendly atmosphere. Massages were available, offering students a well-deserved moment of relaxation during the busy start of the academic year.
The Student Health Service (SSE) was also on hand to answer students’ questions and provide information about the resources and support available at the university, with a particular focus on nutrition. With the Bicloune workshop, students could also get advice on maintaining and repairing their bikes ; a particularly convenient way to get around Dijon and the university campuses.
And the Student Solidarity Centre was also there throughout the day. This solidarity service is open all year round to support students with their administrative procedures and address their needs, including housing, finances and essential assistance.
There were plenty of opportunities to leave with a few useful items… but also with advice, information and a little time for yourself.
A collective effort in support of students
The official launch of “SolidaritĂ© RentrĂ©e” was attended by Vincent Thomas, President of UBE, and Maxence Roulliat, Vice-President in charge of Student Life, alongside Francine Chopard, Regional Councillor for Health and Social Action at the Bourgogne-Franche-ComtĂ© Regional Council, and Hamid El Hassouni, Deputy Mayor of Dijon in charge of Youth, Community Life and Popular Education.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the strong commitment of all those working alongside students.
UBE would like to warmly thank its partners: Atelier Bicloune, Centre Social la Passerelle de Quetigny, CAF Côte-d’Or, CPAM, French Red Cross, CROUS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, EDF, FEBIA, France Bénévolat, HopHopFood, Infos Jeunes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Regional Council, Secours Catholique and Secours Populaire.
A huge thank you also goes to the student volunteers and UBE staff members who worked to prepare, organise and run the event throughout the day.
Solidarity continues throughout the year
Through “SolidaritĂ© RentrĂ©e”, UniversitĂ© Bourgogne Europe is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that material difficulties do not become a barrier to students’ university journeys.
Two more solidarity events will take place during the academic year: Solidarité Noël and Solidarité Printemps.
🎄 Next stop: “SolidaritĂ© NoĂ«l”, on Thursday, December 17, 2026! This new edition promises to be even more festive, while keeping the same goal: supporting students and helping them make the most of their university experience.