“Arrival Day is about much more than just logistics. For many students, this is their first time in Lund, and we want them to feel welcome, safe and well looked after right from the start,” says Maria Yartseva, one of the organisers of Arrival Day at Lund University.
The largest group of students this year comes from Germany (around 400), followed by students from the USA (around 310), the Netherlands (around 300), China (around 210), the UK (around 200), Italy (around 160) and France (around 120).
The new arrivals include both exchange students who are due to study for a semester in Lund and students who are starting international bachelor’s or master’s programmes.
More students from the USA
The number of admitted students whose most recent studies were in the US has increased compared with previous years. At the same time, the number of applications from China has fallen, a trend that is also evident at other major Swedish higher education institutions.
Compared with last year, the number of applications from China has fallen by around 30 per cent. At the same time, the University is seeing growing interest among students from Latin America, with the number of applications on the rise.
Focus on sustainability
When international students arrive in Lund for the autumn semester, they are greeted by a comprehensive welcome programme in which staff and volunteers work together to help them feel at home from the start.
The University is constantly working to make the welcome programme more sustainable and evaluates the arrangements every year to identify areas for improvement.
“We review Arrival Day every year to find new ways of reducing our environmental impact. We are constantly working to reduce waste and resource consumption,” says Hanna Gustafzelius, organiser of Arrival Day at Lund University.
Among other things, students are offered the opportunity to buy both new and second-hand duvets, as well as pillows and bed linen, which helps to reduce consumption and waste. Students are also given detailed information about sorting waste. One new initiative to reduce the use of single-use items is asking guests to bring their own glasses to the Welcome Reception.
Making Arrival Day more accessible
A trend evident in the run-up to this year’s Arrival Day is an increased demand for support and adaptations for students with various disabilities and other special needs.
“We want all students to feel welcome and safe from day one. That is why we are constantly working to adapt the way we welcome people so that as many as possible can take part in Arrival Day on an equal footing,” explains Maria Yartseva.
Volunteers make the difference
Arrival Day is organised by around 50 members of University staff, together with approximately 100 international mentors and volunteers. The latter play a particularly important role in engaging with newly arrived students. Using their local knowledge and their own experience, they help to create a warm and personal welcome.
“Being welcomed by students who know first-hand what it’s like to be new to Lund creates both a sense of security and a sense of community. Our volunteers help new students settle in more quickly,” says Tilda Thorsson, student coordinator.