Looking for a Sense of Belonging: VU Invites You to Discover Your Community Through Student Organisations and Activities

Starting your studies at Vilnius University (VU) can feel daunting at first – a different country, unfamiliar people, and a new environment. However, VU offers plenty of opportunities to find your community. The University invites you to get involved in a wide range of student organisations, clubs, and activities – from the Debate Society, which helps develop public speaking skills, to the Students’ Representation, which offers opportunities to contribute to real changes in student life.

Mariia Rudavska, a fourth-year medical student at VU, became a mentor last year. The Mentoring Programme is a project in which senior student volunteers help first-year students integrate smoothly into University life. Mentors who have completed special training introduce newcomers to how studies are organised at VU and to its traditions, help them address academic and social issues, and provide all the information they may need after enrolling to help them settle into life at VU.

The student describes this experience as rewarding, meaningful, and valuable: ‘When I first arrived at Vilnius University, I felt completely lost. Unfortunately, I did not have anyone to help me or guide me at the time; I did not know anyone and had no one to turn to. Everything seemed new and confusing. Trying to figure everything out on my own was difficult and challenging. This experience inspired me to become a mentor, so that I could help and support others in similar situations – even in small ways, because I understand how important that can be.’

Mariia says that being a mentor not only gave her a sense of purpose but also helped her develop valuable skills, such as event organisation, information gathering, and communication: ‘Most importantly, I had the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and build relationships.’

This is just one of the many activities offered by VU. International students, too, are encouraged to join a range of organisations and initiatives, including:

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Lithuania. This organisation helps international students integrate into VU, introducing them to academic procedures and to Lithuanian culture and traditions. This work is carried out by ESN VU mentors – over 100 student volunteers provide academic and practical assistance to fellow students from more than 60 countries worldwide. Volunteers who join the programme have the opportunity to help organise events and trips, get involved in committees such as human resources, information technology, and public relations, and gain experience in project management and partner outreach.

Debate Society. Students who join this club can practise debating in the British Parliamentary format, as well as learn useful methods for developing public speaking, hone their ability to deliver persuasive argumentation, and improve related skills.

‘No Labels’. This programme is active in the fields of social inclusion and human rights. It aims to challenge prevailing societal stereotypes, promote the full inclusion of socially vulnerable groups, and foster a culture of mutual respect within the VU community. Its core values are equality, openness, and respect for each individual. These values are promoted through informal meetings that help create a safe space for socially vulnerable people, as well as through lectures and discussions.

Students’ Representation. This community brings together students from all faculties across the University. By participating in decision-making processes and initiating changes related to the quality of studies, infrastructure, and student life, its members actively shape the University’s future.

Association of Young Journalists. This initiative brings together pupils and students from across Lithuania who share an interest in journalism. It is intended for those who wish to gain practical experience in journalism – whether through writing, interviewing, or developing other relevant skills.

Writers’ Club. Members of this club discuss literature and the writing process, provide anonymous feedback on each other’s work, and share useful advice. The club also meets with writers, tries out various experimental writing exercises and games, and organises open lectures on key literary movements and prominent authors in Lithuanian and world literature.

Young Energetics Club. This organisation brings together young people interested in the energy sector from economic, political, and technical perspectives. Members visit various energy facilities, organise lectures, and volunteer at major national and international energy conferences.

More information about student organisations is available here.