91ÌÒÉ«

With the new academic year approaching, 91ÌÒÉ« (VU) has opened its doors to welcome international students. On 27 August, students from around the world who have come to Vilnius attended a dedicated ‘Orientation Day’ event at ‘Compensa’ Concert Hall, where they were introduced to representatives and organisations, as well as activities and opportunities at VU.

A warm welcome was given to the freshers by Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas, the Pro-Rector for Partnerships at VU: ‘Welcome to VU. Three things are important today and during your studies. First, explore: VU is a large university offering a variety of study programmes, courses, and modules. Engage in cultural activities: here, at VU, we offer a wide range of activities – from dance to photography. I encourage you to find friends and befriend Lithuanians. Enjoy life in Lithuania and your studies at VU,’ he encouraged.

Assoc. Prof. Loreta Skurvydaitė, the Dean of the Faculty of History, delivered a lecture to international students on the history of Lithuania. Information on life in Lithuania was shared by representatives from the VU Students’ Representation, VU Culture Centre, VU Health and Sport Center, VU Community Well-Being Division, VU Student Affairs and Career Office, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), as well as guests from JUDU (public transport services), ‘International House Vilnius’, and the Emergency Response Centre.

International students who came to Lithuania expressed their joy about the event, adding that they are excited to start their studies at VU.

‘I like Vilnius and 91ÌÒÉ« very much. I want to meet new people, and I’m looking forward to my lectures. I would like to learn about VU and its history,’ said Igor Andropov from Ukraine, who will begin his studies in Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

Halley Titla from the USA, who will study Nursing at the Faculty of Medicine, says that she expects practical tasks during her studies, while Eyzul Ozan from Turkey was pleased that she received useful advice about life in Lithuania during the event.

‘Lithuania seems to be a beautiful country, I’m excited to see the Old Town, chat with locals and other international students, and start with my studies,’ explained Eyzul, who has enrolled to study International Business at the Business School.

Maksym Hudym, who came to Vilnius from Ukraine as an exchange student, said that the information provided at the event about the study process and assessment system was helpful. This is his second time coming to VU through an exchange programme.

‘I’m happy that I can continue to learn Lithuanian. I’ve already reached level B2 in the Lithuanian language. I also want to get to know Lithuania better – not only Vilnius, but beyond; I’d like to see Kaunas and Klaipėda. There are so many things to see here, exclaimed Maksym, who will study at the Faculty of Philology.

International students have been admitted to VU under the following programmes: the Erasmus+ exchange programme, bilateral agreements with universities, the ISEP exchange programme, the Fulbright programme, the international exchange programme of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and study agreements for unclassified students.

International students will be introduced to VU during the dedicated events that will take place during the whole week of activities:

On 29 August at 10:00, international students are invited to a remote lecture on the most important VU e-services. A remote meeting on the services relevant to international Master’s students will be held at 11:30.

On 1 September, when the new academic year begins, international students are invited to attend the traditional RENOVATIO STUDIORUM ceremony, which will start at 9:30 with the raising of the VU flag in the Library Courtyard (Universiteto g. 3). After visiting their faculties, VU staff, students, and alumni will gather at 14:45 for the tradition vibrant celebratory parade from the Seimas Palace to VU’s Grand Courtyard, where greetings by the heads of VU and guests will be delivered, freshers will take their oath, and the new academic year will officially be declared open.

On 5 September, the VU Students’ Representation will organise the ‘’ event. New students can attend discussions on relevant topics, learn about student initiatives, and enjoy the closing concerts.

VU freshers will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of VU buildings: two dedicated tours will be held on 8–10 September. Get to know the Saulėtekis campus complex on the ‘’ tour, while the tour of the will reveal impressive places full of history.