How has the KTU campus changed in a decade?

A good study environment is key to productivity and focus. Numerous studies show the importance of well-designed campuses to the students’ well-being and health. Campus activities, including time after studies, sports and societies – are also proven to be essential not only for psychological health but also for academic achievements.

Good walkability, greenness, and natural environment support students’ mental health and quality of life. Indoors, the renovated ventilation systems and good lighting are crucial.

In recent years, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) has improved in these areas immensely – the reconstruction of the main campus street – Studentų Street – has taken place, renovated dormitories are accepting new inhabitants, and numerous contemporary study environments have opened.

Highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency

Over the last decade, the face of the KTU campus has changed beyond recognition – the Santaka Valley and M-Lab Prototyping Laboratory Centre have been built, the older buildings have been insulated and modernised, and the area around the major campus buildings has been landscaped.

“In addition to the buildings, the Studentų Street’s pedestrian walkways, lighting and bicycle paths were completed,” says Visockas.

“To create a more beautiful and nature-inspired space around the student campus, it has been planted with sakura trees. In addition, students can easily access Kaunas Oak Park, which emanates the synergy of nature and history,” says the KTU Director of Infrastructure.

KTU campus upgrades focus on sustainable solutions, as is suiting for a healthy and future-focused institution. To achieve the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency, eight solar power plants have been installed on the KTU campus.

“This is not only a step towards a sustainable future for KTU, but also a great example of how technology can influence our daily lives. In this way, we want to reduce our carbon footprint and to set an example for the younger generation,” emphasises Visockas.

Sports, arts and student organisations for full student life experience

Life after classes can influence your success no less, and sometimes – even more than the classes themselves. Various studies show that extracurricular activities help learn time management and leadership skills, they boost self-esteem and self-confidence, and students, who are involved in after-class activities, are less likely to drop out.

For those who want to spend their free time not in active sports, but fostering their artistic hobbies, there is the INSPIRed programme, which brings together six arts societies. Those who dream of developing their leadership skills are welcome to join the UNITed programme, which includes nineteen student organisations, including the KTU Students’ Union.

For those, joining a student organisation, it is enough to be motivated and curious. However, for joining an art society or a sports team previous experience is also important.

“Both arts societies and sports teams set high professional standards for their activities, so new members need to have the necessary skills in the field,” adds Skučienė.

Scholarships for the most active

Students who actively take part in sports, art or student organisations can be rewarded with one-off incentive scholarships of EUR 165.

“Of course, great attention is paid to high study results, and students who have achieved them receive the University Talent Scholarship of 250 euros per month. Students who achieve only the highest study results and are actively involved in University life, get extra points in the talent scholarship competition and often win the scholarship,” says Skučienė.

Due to KTU’s active cooperation with various business organisations, more than 15 different scholarships are offered every year. Their size varies from 200 to 1.2 thousand euros.

Those, interested in gaining specific skills, developing extra competencies and studying with the most gifted peers, are invited to join Talent Development Academy’s programmes – GIFTed, GIFTed Masters, SKILLed FinTech and SKILLed AI.

Eylul Guleryuz from Turkey is one of a few international students, chosen for GIFTed Talent Academy. With her talented colleagues, she participated in numerous competitions and activities, which allowed her to develop personal and professional competencies through teamwork, additional high-level modules, challenges, and cooperation with professionals.

“I had made amazing like-minded friends that I would probably have never been able to meet otherwise. I would recommend all the prospective students to try their chance by applying to the GIFTed in the first semester of the first year,” encourages Guleryuz.

SKILLed AI is the latest addition to KTU’s talent development programmes, which focuses on the rapidly developing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). SKILLed AI equips students with the competencies needed for a career in the field of AI.

Members of all Talent Development Academy programmes are supported by a €300 per month scholarship.

Studying at KTU means international experience

International experience is increasingly demanded in the job market, as it not only broadens the horizons of young professionals, but also strengthens their competitiveness, allows them to acquire valuable cultural and professional skills, and fosters personal and academic growth.

Laura Stasiulienė, Associate Professor and Director of the KTU Department of Studies, is delighted that the University can offer students an international experience in the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).

Solving an ECIU University challenge is a unique learning experience – solving real challenges in international interdisciplinary teams, flexible learning paths and personalised studies. The experience gained at ECIU University helps to strengthen not only professional but also personal and interpersonal competencies – creative thinking, cooperation, and work ethics.

“Sustainable development and social responsibility are a priority here. The challenges students tackle are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and can contribute to solving problems that are relevant to Europe and the world,” notes Stasiulienė.