At University Orientation in Brazil: Ask About Campus Services
Orientation phrases help new students find the right office and learn where to check official campus information.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Recepção is reception, secretaria acadêmica is academic office, and apoio ao estudante is student support. Ask the guide to point out the services most relevant to your program.
Ask where to find essential campus services
A campus map or institution website may use different names for each office. Write down the label you hear so you can find it later.
Onde fica a secretaria acadêmica?
Where is the academic office?
Que setor ajuda estudantes internacionais?
Which office helps international students?
Check schedules and how to book support
Ask when an office is open and whether it takes walk-ins or appointments. Use atendimento for service or support and agendamento for a scheduled appointment.
Do not assume the same office handles course questions, housing, and student wellbeing; ask which team is responsible for each issue.
Qual é o horário de atendimento deste setor?
What are this office's service hours?
Preciso agendar para conversar com alguém?
Do I need to make an appointment to speak with someone?
Ask where official updates are posted
Portal do aluno is a student portal and mural is a notice board. Ask where the university posts schedule changes, academic deadlines, and service announcements.
Use the institution's official channel for dates and procedures. Orientation remarks are helpful, but written notices can contain the exact current instructions.
Onde encontro os avisos oficiais da universidade?
Where can I find the university's official announcements?
As mudanças de horário aparecem no portal do aluno?
Do schedule changes appear in the student portal?
Put it into practice
Learn the names of key offices, ask how to reach them, and find the official channel for campus updates.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Do schedule changes appear in the student portal”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.