Vilnius University Welcomes International Students with ‘Orientation Day’

As the new academic year approaches, Vilnius University (VU) welcomed international students arriving in Vilnius from all over the world. On 31 August, students took part in a special ‘Orientation Day’, where they had the opportunity to meet VU representatives and organisations, learn more about university life, and discover various activities and opportunities available to them. 

The day began with a warm welcome from Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas, VU Pro-Rector for Partnerships, followed by a lecture on the history of Lithuania delivered by Assoc. Prof. Loreta Skurvydaitė, Dean of the Faculty of History. 

Students also received information about life in Lithuania from representatives of the VU Students’ Representation, VU Culture Centre, VU Health and Sport Centre, VU Community Well-Being Division, VU Counseling and Carrer Centre, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), as well as guests from JUDU (public transport services), ‘International House Vilnius’, and the Emergency Response Centre. 

The international students described the event as an inspiring and informative start to their studies at VU. Many appreciated the opportunity to learn more about university life, discover activities and services available to students, and get a better sense of what to expect in the semester ahead. 

‘I feel inspired and I think that a big semester awaits,’ said Theodora Frouzaki from Greece, a student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. ‘The event was interesting, many presentations were interactive, I had a lot of questions coming here, and I think they were answered. I found many events that I am interested in and I’m going to search for them later.’ 

For Aysenur Senturk from Turkey, who will begin her Master’s degree at the Faculty of Philology this autumn, returning to Vilnius University felt particularly meaningful. ‘I feel so excited and motivated because I like Vilnius University and Lithuania. I was an Erasmus student three years ago, and I kept coming back again and again. I became addicted, so now I chose to do my Master’s degree here.’ 

International students have joined VU through a range of exchange programmes, agreements and other international initiatives, including 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 through dedicated events taking place throughout the week: 

From 2 to 3 September, first-year students will have the opportunity to meet their coursemates and tutors, get acquainted with their faculty and department administration, and take part in other activities organised especially for them. 

On 3 September at 4.00 p.m., first-year students are invited to join an informal picnic featuring icebreaker games, activities, and opportunities to meet new people. The picnic will take place at two locations, allowing students to choose the one that is most convenient for them. You can register for the picnic here. 

On 4 September, the VUniverse Introduction Days will conclude with the AD ASTRA festival, organised by Vilnius University Students’ Representation. The festival will feature a fair of student organisations and initiatives, discussions, various activities, and an evening concert. You can register for the event here. 

From 7 to 10 September, international students will have the opportunity to explore VU’s historic buildings and discover some of its most fascinating places through guided tours. These will include tours of VU’s central architectural ensemble and the Saulėtekis campus, where students can learn more about their architecture, history, and development. First-year students are also invited to join a guided tour of the Church of St Johns Bell Tower, the tallest building in Vilnius Old Town, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.