At the end of August, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) will host a week-long programme of discussions, hands-on activities and meetings with well-known Lithuanian personalities. The line-up includes racing driver Vaidotas Žala and singer Vaidas Baumila, as well as live music evenings featuring Frizz and Biplan.
Starting on 25 August, KTU invites all first-year students to take part in its Welcome Week events. Kristina Skučienė, Director of the Student Affairs Department, says that the KTU Students’ Association, together with the Department’s team, is committed to helping new students settle into both university life and their new city as smoothly as possible.
Discussions with Well-Known Personalities
On 25 August, students will be welcomed with a range of activities designed to help them get to know the KTU community. The programme includes a picnic and the art installation “Prasipuršk”, the discussion “Student to Student: Busting the Myths of Student Life”, and a board game evening.
“The focus is on social, cultural and community integration, helping first-year students get to know their new surroundings and the people around them, while also preparing for the start of their studies. Every evening during Welcome Week, the Students’ Association will host informal themed events reflecting a wide range of student interests,” says Skučienė.
Looking back on his own first days at KTU, KTU Students’ Association President Vilius Medika remembers the fair as the event that showed him just how many opportunities student organisations have to offer.
“From volunteering and organising events to developing leadership, communication and teamwork skills, there are so many opportunities to get involved. Visiting the fair inspired me to become active in student life, which went on to become an integral part of my university experience,” says Medika.
On 27 August, first-year students will also have the opportunity to meet singer Vaidas Baumila, join a discussion with KTU students, take part in the “City Rally” orienteering challenge and attend the “Stand‘inas” comedy night.
Beyond Events: Gifts and Surprises
One event that no KTU first-year student should miss is the Freshers’ Initiation on 28 August. According to Medika, it is one of the most memorable events of Welcome Week, offering new students a chance to have fun, meet their fellow students, make their first connections and begin to feel part of the University community.
During Welcome Week, first-year students will also receive a Starter Pack containing a backpack, student notebook, card holder, a “Žiogas” Kaunas public transport card and a few other surprises. Students will be informed individually about how to reserve their Starter Pack, as well as where and when to collect it.
The programme also includes the “First Glimpse of the University” tour and lecture, an academic lecture at each faculty, the “Get to Know Your Faculty” tour, the “Termosai” film night and the “Me, You and Music” live music evening, featuring performances by Frizz and Biplan.
Welcome Week will culminate on 1 September with a celebration at the KTU Student Campus, where students, lecturers and staff will come together for a community picnic to welcome the new academic year.
