Milano The School of Design

The students’ journey is shaped by experiences that blend knowledge, participation, and personal growth. Through moments of discovery and sharing, the school nurtures a dynamic, inclusive, and creativity-driven community.

For this academic year, with the support of the Student Desk, a programme of extracurricular activities has been developed to accompany students both on and off campus. In this first part of the year, a variety of initiatives took place—different in nature yet united by a common goal: enhancing the central role of students and strengthening their sense of belonging to the community.

From Halloween magic to the first moments of socialisation
The season opened with a celebration that transformed the campus into a more playful and welcoming space. The Halloween setup, featuring themed decorations in the break area and a photo booth at reception, created an informal atmosphere where students could meet, take pictures, and enjoy a light-hearted moment between classes.
This first, simple yet effective event set the tone for the shared experiences that would follow in the coming weeks, helping to break the ice—especially among newcomers.

Board games: building authentic connections
The intention to reinforce the relationships formed in the early days continued with a board-game-focused event, designed based on the students’ own preferences. Through a survey, the community selected which games to introduce on campus, choosing popular titles that encourage interaction and group dynamics.
The break area, enhanced with snacks and drinks, became an informal environment where friendly competition, laughter, and collaboration fostered new connections. The playful dimension proved to be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, valuing diversity, and nurturing a genuine sense of closeness.

From social life to culture: a journey to the Venice Biennale
The community-building journey expanded with one of the most meaningful experiences of this period: a visit to the Venice Biennale. For starter students, it was a valuable opportunity to approach contemporary art through an immersive and shared activity.
Accompanied by faculty and staff, students explored the Arsenale and Giardini, engaging with installations, artistic languages, and pressing contemporary themes. An on-site seminar provided an additional layer of insight, allowing the content of the visit to connect with academic and professional perspectives in the design field.
A moment that not only broadened cultural horizons but also strengthened the sense of community through an experience shared outside the campus.

Emotions in motion: the Sport Club
Alongside social and cultural events, the school also focused on students’ physical and mental well-being. The emotional video created for the Sport Club captures the community’s active participation in sports and highlights the role these activities play in fostering balance, motivation, and team spirit.
The initiative contributes to promoting a holistic approach to student life, where vitality and energy become an integral part of the educational journey.

Pizza Masterclass: creativity and conviviality
Among the most appreciated activities, the pizza masterclass offered Foundation and first-year students a unique opportunity to combine hands-on practice, gastronomic culture, and teamwork.
After a brief introduction to the history and origins of pizza, students tried their hand at preparing the dough, shaping it, and composing their own pizza, choosing ingredients according to their tastes.
The final moment—a shared dinner—represented not only the satisfaction of enjoying the result of their work but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships, converse freely, and create new points of connection within the group.

A Christmas tree that tells the story of the community
To close this first part of the year, the community gathered around the traditional decoration of the campus Christmas tree. In addition to ornaments, small cards were provided for students to write thoughts, greetings, or personal wishes: a simple gesture that transformed the tree into a symbol of the school’s plurality and sensitivity.
Sharing panettone and pandoro made the moment even warmer, once again highlighting how extracurricular activities help build an environment that is welcoming, engaged, and profoundly human.