October 5–16, 2026
The Critical Orientation Days are an ideal opportunity for students to network and engage in political education. In addition to an outdoor DJ Set and a Spritzer stand on campus, the orientation days will feature guided tours, lectures, and workshops addressing queer, anti-racist, feminist, and socio-ecological topics.
--Disclaimer--
Some event locations have not yet been finalized but will be added as they are announced. You can find all the latest information here on our website. Enjoy the program!
“You Don't Even Laugh Anymore” – How Racism Makes You Sick. An Autoethnographic Account
5:00–6:30 p.m., online, Zoom-Link: https://univienna.zoom.us/j/68443113107?pwd=CQb9tPNdGj4lUwtYIIDybFZUHw6sRB.1
How do everyday and structural racism affect the body, the mind, and identity? In her reading, Mahssa Behdjatpour combines personal experiences with perspectives from health research. She highlights the health consequences that discrimination and social exclusion can have—and how art, community, and empowerment can become sources of healing and self-strengthening.
The reading invites participants to take a fresh look at the connections between racism and health, to question social structures, and to discuss possible courses of action together.
Slovenian Course for Beginners and Advanced Learners
Workshop
6:00–8:00 p.m., Mondscheingasse 11, 1070 Vienna
Since 2000, the Slovenian language course has been offered in two groups—one for beginners and those returning to the language (6:00–7:30 p.m.) and one for advanced learners (7:30–9:00 p.m.). It is attended by both students and adults who want to learn Slovenian or improve their existing skills. Participants meet once a week for an hour and a half.// Tečaj slovenščine obstaja že od leta 2000 naprej v obliki dveh skupin – ena za začetnike in začetnice (18:00-19:30) ter ena za nadaljevalce in nadaljevalke (19:30-21:00). Obiskujejo ga študenti kot tudi odrasli, ki se hočejo naučiti slovenščino oz. želijo izboljšati obstoječe znanje. Srečujejo se enkrat tedensko za uro in pol pod.
Taking Action Against Assaults – Recognizing Boundary-Crossing Behavior and Remaining Capable of Taking Action (as a Victim and a Bystander)
Talk with “The Red Card Against Sexism”
3:00–4:30 p.m., online, Zoom Link:https://univienna.zoom.us/j/68562762552?pwd=Hza9R70TifwVraA4ztbeO0a4XbCzYX.1
It’s often difficult to trust your gut feeling when faced with uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior. Addressing the issue or intervening usually takes even more courage. This short talk aims to provide information and confidence in assessing situations involving inappropriate, boundary-pushing, or discriminatory behavior, as well as knowledge about your own rights and resources to turn to. Students will be provided with helpful tools for assessment, an understanding of the legal situation, and options for action—enabling them to remain capable of taking action in uncomfortable situations, whether as victims or witnesses—as well as an initial overview of support services in Vienna.
“Introduction to Queer Education with Queerconnexion”
Workshop
5:00 PM–8:00 PM, Oskar-Morgenstern Platz Seminarraum 5
Have you always wanted to gain insights into queer education and learn how to talk to young people about LGBTQ+ issues? In this workshop, we invite you to get a taste of what it’s like in practice. We’ll provide insights into methods of queer education and show you how to structure conversations with young people about gender, sexuality, and diversity. To do this, we’ll try out exercises that we also use in schools and engage in a creative self-reflection activity on the topic of the “gender journey” (please bring colorful pens and paper for this 🌱). We’ll also discuss challenging situations that queer people may face in educational settings and brainstorm together what allyship can look like in practice. In addition to exploring exciting methods, you’ll learn about our organization’s structure and have plenty of time for questions.
Whether you’d like to get involved yourself later on or are simply curious: This workshop offers a lively insight into queer educational work and a great opportunity to engage with us. Anyone who, after the workshop, can imagine getting involved and talking to young people about gender, sexuality, and diversity can participate in an in-depth training session in early to mid-November.
Lecture/Film Screening: “Where Are We Headed?”
Film Screening with SOS Balkanroute
6:00–8:00 p.m., Oskar-Morgenstern Platz Hörsaal 13
“Where Are We Headed?” addresses the humanitarian situation along the Balkan Route and at the EU’s external border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. This short documentary film chronicles the experiences of people fleeing their homes and of volunteer aid workers. Together, they invite viewers to take a closer look and reflect on the importance of aid, responsibility, and solidarity. Following the film screening, there will be a discussion with the director of SOS Balkanroute.
Resistance, Imagination and Speculation: Writing With Your Senses
Workshop
14:00-16:00,Oskar-Morgenstern Platz Seminarraum 15
"If you want to change the world you have to be able to imagine the world you want." (Nalo Hopkinson) --- The workshop focuses on the tropes, shapes, and manifestations of resistant and world-changing strategies in speculative fiction, film and art of the Diasporas. Together we will artistically explore how speculative fiction is connected to past and present resistant and emancipatory movements and practices. In addition to discussing selected speculative texts, film and art works, fictional writing will be practiced on the base of creative prompts, storytelling tools and feedback sessions. By creating and writing speculative stories we will put the neocolonial world upside down, dismantle dominant systems, and imagine other futures, pasts, and presents. --- Additional information for the participants:<br />A social and caring mindset, intersectional awareness, mutual respect beyond binary understandings of gender, origin and class are assumed. Readiness to read and discuss texts and audiovisual art works in English, with the option to respond and converse in German. Willingness to try out fictional writing. --- Lydia Nsiah (@_lydiansiah) is an artist, filmmaker, writer, curator, and lecturer. She works with the in-betweens, abysses and gaps in audiovisual knowledge production by interweaving film, photography, text and installation. Her art transforms and incorporates found and recorded analogue and digital memory images and sounds, often in collaboration with sound artists. She publishes and exhibits internationally on speculative fiction and resistance, body and virtuality, forgetting and remembering, failure and error, film art and use.
This workshop is intended for BIPoC as well as migrants and post-migrants. Participation in this event requires that you identify with one of these groups.
Registration: “https://cloud.oeh.univie.ac.at/apps/forms/s/GHbMyKJZw2j48LQCd8EW2Gaq”
Writing/Media Workshop
“Under the Palm Trees” Workshop
2:00–4:00 p.m., W29 (Währingerstraße 29) Seminarraum 7
“Unter Palmen” is a media outlet—actually, there are four of them—based in Vienna. We write, speak, and share accessible information about topics and events that matter to us—and maybe to you, too. In this workshop, we want to talk together about left-wing media work and try out various writing exercises. You don’t need any prior knowledge—just a pen and yourself.
From Campus to Career
Talk/Presentation
5:00–6:00 p.m., W29 (Währingerstraße 29) Seminarraum 7
With AIESEC, Speaker: Uliana Poroshina, Guest: Toma Molerov
Students learn how to make a smooth transition from college to the workforce, receive advice on developing relevant skills, and gain insights from AIESEC alumni. Event program:
Opening segment, where we’ll highlight the “skill gap” issue after completing college
Interactive segment with students (online quiz)
Discussion with Toma Molerov (his projects, advice for students, etc.)
Showcasing AIESEC opportunities
Open Day - KritTage Edition
Guided Tour
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Meta Lab
Are you tired of hyper-personalized algorithms that drag you into doomscroll lethargy while tech oligarchs get even richer off your data and attention? Would you rather know how to free yourself from digital monopolies?
Then come to this special Metalab Open Day—the KritTage edition—on October 8 starting at 6:00 PM, in cooperation with the ÖH Uni Wien! At this crossover event, Metalab members will offer you the chance to explore the space, events, and many tools for unleashing your creativity—from laser cutters and 3D printers to a darkroom for analog photos—at Vienna’s oldest hackerspace.
On the other hand—true to the motto “Students over Profit”—and in line with the regular “Away from Big Tech” meetings, you’ll receive concrete answers and inspiration on how to become (more) independent from Big Tech corporations in your everyday digital life (from email and calendars to online shopping and laptop/smartphone operating systems).
By the way, you can find all other upcoming (and past) events at the metalab calendar!
Semester Opening Open Air
SPRITZERSTAND AND DJ'S
18:00–23:00 Uhr
Campus Altes AKH
Disability Justice
Workshop with orchi lohani
4:00–6:00 p.m., Oskar-Morgenstern Platz Seminarraum 1
This is a space for people from the Global South; Global Majority to come together and discuss disability, in the context of our lives, collective experiences and memories. It is open to everyone, not just those who identify as ‘disabled’. We will talk about disability across generations and cultures, with a decolonial lens, decentering existing discourse in this region.
Anmeldung:https://cloud.oeh.univie.ac.at/apps/forms/s/rEYAiMqJZYo2d4DBYrZHFYNT
“Sexual Violence and Perpetrator Strategies”
Workshop with “The Red Card Against Sexism”
3:00–5:00 p.m.,Oskar-Morgenstern Platz Seminarraum 6
This workshop provides basic knowledge about the strategies perpetrators use to push boundaries and exert power. Participants will learn to understand sexualized violence as a systematic approach that consists less of “situational slip-ups” and more of deliberately employed mechanisms of manipulation and power. The goal is to better recognize and interpret signs of trouble, thereby strengthening participants’ ability to act when dealing with people who push boundaries. Participants will be able to identify typical perpetrator strategies and “red flags,” understand the basic legal framework, and know specific resources and options for taking action for themselves and those around them.
Don't mess with the JÖH - Jüdischer Studierendenaktivismus zwischen NS-Kontinuitäten und toxischen Nahostdebatten
17:00-19:00, Hauptgebäude Hörsaal 5
Antisemitismus und Rechtsextremismus stellen jüdische Studierende in Österreich seit jeher vor große Herausforderungen. Der seit dem 7. Oktober 2023 zunehmende Antisemitismus hat die Sicherheitslage weiter verschärft und bestehende Allianzen immer wieder neu geordnet; Trotz dieser herausfordernden Situation bleiben wir resilient und zeigen immer wieder, was es bedeutet, sich aktivistisch gegen Antisemitismus einzusetzen.
Kommt vorbei und erfahrt mehr über die Aktionen und die Arbeit der JöH. Wir freuen uns auf euch!
Lecture Series: What Happens When Universities Run Out of Money?
3:00–4:30 p.m., Universität Wien
Lecture Hall Screening: “When You’re Afraid, You Hold Your Heart in Your Mouth and Smile” + Q&A with the Director
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., film starts at 7:30 p.m., ends around 10:00 p.m., Oskar-Morgensternplatz Hörsaal 4
˙✧˖°🎞️ ༘ ⋆｡˚ LECTURE HALL CINEMA “When You’re Afraid, You Put Your Heart in Your Mouth and Smile” + FILM DISCUSSION with the director ˙✧˖°🎞️ ༘ ⋆｡˚
Anna is new to the class at the posh school in Vienna’s First District. She comes from Floridsdorf, while the other students in the class come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Anna’s mom, Isolde, is deaf. And Anna’s Ralph Lauren sweater is a fake. What’s real, though, is her new friend Mara—and the shared realization they come to: There’s no place for shame in life.
Marie Luise Lehner’s radically tender coming-of-age film explores classism, background, transformations, and young people who haven’t a clue yet but already know everything they need to know for the future.
Come by on your own or with your loved ones on October 13 starting at 7:00 p.m., bring some snacks and drinks, and join us for this cinematic journey through class, followed by a discussion with the director, Marie Luise Lehner!
The University of Vienna’s Anti-Fascist History: A Historical Walking Tour
Walking tour with Prof. Dr. Reiter-Zatloukal and Prof. Dr. Staudigl-Ciechowicz
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., University of Vienna
During the Nazi era, the University of Vienna was not merely a bystander—it, too, submitted to the political views of German nationalist groups. Today, it is important to come to terms with this dark past and educate ourselves so that history does not repeat itself. During a two-hour tour of the University of Vienna, legal historians and professors from the University of Vienna—Dr. Reiter-Zatloukal and Dr. Staudigl-Ciechowicz—will give you insight into the university’s past.
Screening of “Ghost in the Machine” (2026), followed by a discussion
Film screening with fuck u:ai
6:00 PM–9:00 PM, Kolingasse 14-16 Seminarraum 15
What role should LLMs play at the university? What political implications does this technology carry? And what are left-wing approaches to dealing with it? To reflect on these questions together, we’ll watch “Ghost in the Machine” (2026). The film traces the history of artificial intelligence and sheds light on its destructive reality. Afterward, we’ll discuss our impressions in a relaxed atmosphere. The screening will be in English with English subtitles.
Time to Take Action—Short Film Workshop Against Racism, Sexism, Militarization, and Social Cuts
4:00–6:00 p.m., W29 (Währingerstraße 29), Seminar Room 4
with the International Youth Association
For years, racist attacks and scandals have been on the rise, sexist role models are making a comeback, new wars keep breaking out, and funding cuts are being made at universities—it often feels like the bad news never ends. Using thematic short films, we want to discuss together: What are the social and political causes of these developments? How are racism, sexism, militarization, and social cuts interconnected? And how can we fight back? Because these developments are not a law of nature! Together, we can fight for a better world.
It’s time to take action: Blokada Beč—about the student list and the upcoming parliamentary elections in Serbia
7:00–9:00 p.m., Oskar-Morgenstern Platz, Lecture Hall 13
Two representatives from Blokada Beč will provide an overview of the current political situation in Serbia, with a particular focus on the upcoming parliamentary elections and the student-led movement that has emerged over the past nearly two years.
The talk will introduce the Student List and discuss the broader political context in which it has developed. The speakers will also provide insight into the activities of Blokada Beč and the involvement of the Serbian diaspora in Austria. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Colonial Connections in the 1st District: A Search for Traces with Carla Bobadilla
Guided Tour
2:00–3:30 p.m., Fleischmarkt 7, 1010 Wien
What do colonialism and Vienna have in common? We’ll set out to uncover these connections. --- We invite you to get to know Vienna from a new perspective and take part in a very special kind of walking tour. This city walk is dedicated to tracing colonial connections in the heart of our city.
With Carla Bobadilla from Decolonizing in Vienna!, we’ll walk to important historical sites in the heart of the city where Vienna’s colonial legacy becomes visible. We’ll view the neighborhoods we’ve come to know so well from a new and critical perspective, recall the colonial legacy, and reflect on its significance.
Registration: https://cloud.oeh.univie.ac.at/apps/forms/s/KY8Tx9Hrkt3oo6CQcyZPPBXQ
Fundraiser for MUT - CANCELLED
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., In front of the Main University of Vienna Builidung
Film Screening “Arenafreiheit”
6:30–9:30 p.m., Oskar-Morgenstern Platz HS 12
(regie: Otto Mörth, Cornelia Kraus. Doku, A 2006, 60min), afterwards there will be a talk with regisseur Otto Mörth
What Does Education Mean to the Left? 4 speakers TBD Education is of central importance to the Enlightenment’s view of humanity and the realization of freedom. The utopian socialist Robert Owen wrote in 1813: “Experience will soon teach us how to shape character—individually and socially—to achieve the greatest possible happiness for the individual and for humanity.” With this, he advocated for the establishment of a rationally organized national education system. The possibilities of education are intertwined with work, family, the state, and society. The Left addressed this both through criticism of the public education system and through the organization of education outside of state institutions. At present, the relationship between public and private education and upbringing, society, and freedom seems unclear.
Against this backdrop, the Platypus Affiliated Society asks: Can individuals and society be liberated through education? Can there be education in the 21st century? What should be learned, and how? Who takes responsibility for education, and what form should it take? What is the state’s role, and what is the role of political organizations in this context?
Spritzerstand und DJ's - CANCELLED
from 6 pm.
Hof 8, Campus altes AKH
Abolitionist Botanical Hike for BIPOC
Hike
1:00 PM–4:00 PM, Subway Station U4 (Exit in direction of bus 52A)
This guided hike combines in-depth botany with a clear abolitionist and anti-fascist perspective on nature, knowledge, and social power dynamics. Together, we’ll explore native medicinal, edible, and poisonous plants and examine who owns knowledge and how it has historically been suppressed and exploited. The tour invites participants to rediscover nature as a space for self-empowerment, solidarity, and acts of resistance.
This city walk is for BiPoC only. Please note that you can only participate if you identify as BiPoC.
Registration: cloud.oeh.univie.ac.at/apps/forms/s/JoXTrpeRY3EN3r6cwsXm2qko
Panel Discussion “Students over Profit”: Generations of Struggles Over Education Policy!
5:00–7:00 p.m., FAKTory
In May 2026, it was announced that the budgets of Austrian universities were to be drastically cut. Shortly thereafter, 28,000 students took to the streets in Vienna to protest this decision together. This is not the first time such a struggle has been waged. From a historical perspective, students have always been at the forefront of social struggles. And not just when it came to fighting for their own rights. In this intergenerational discussion, we want to talk about exactly that with (former) higher education activists: We’ll look back at the evolution of higher education policy and compare past debates on education policy with those of today. How much has really changed over time, and what has remained the same?
Registration: veranstaltung.akwien.at/de/students-over-profit-bildungspolitische-kaempfe-im-wandel/registration