Vilnius University Starts the New Academic Year with a Traditional Parade

On September 1, Vilnius University (VU) announces the beginning of the new academic year with a solemn ceremony. The celebration events take place throughout the day, and the main highlight is traditionally an impressive procession of the university community through the streets of the old town of Vilnius.

VU rector prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas congratulates the VU community on September 1, noting that it has been taking place in the background of various crises for the past year: "Let's not forget that we are not living in a normal era but in the background of the war in Ukraine and economic challenges. Everyone will need patience, solidarity, and understanding. I can assure you that you will be heard, your interests will be protected, and the University will seek to provide all possible assistance to those who need it."

According to the Rector of VU, the University is an opportunity for everyone to improve, to pursue knowledge, career, recognition, and self-fulfilment.

"Also, it is the opportunity to realize your potential, learn to ask questions, find answers, and think critically. At the same time, your realized opportunity becomes a guarantor of the state's future. University provides a solid foundation for the future, which enables one to achieve personal and social goals. Find time not only for studies but also for volunteering, contributing, and developing social initiatives yourself. Become ambassadors of the idea of ​​the university", says Prof. R. Petrauskas.

VU Introduction Days #StudentAUK for new Students

VU invites everyone to the #StudentAUK introductory days, where fun activities, discussions and meaningful meetings await university freshmen, allowing them to learn everything about studies and life at the university. This is a great opportunity to meet new fellow students and feel like a part of the large VU community. The festive mood of the introductory days of #StudentAUK will be ensured by live events and presentations, and all members of the VU community, as well as residents and guests of the city of Vilnius, are invited to participate.

Procession and Renovatio Studiorum

On 1 September, at 9:30, we will start the new academic year with a traditional flag-raising ceremony in the courtyard of the VU Library (Universiteto st. 3), after getting acquainted with the faculty premises and from 15:00 everyone is invited to participate in the traditional procession of the VU community along Gediminas Avenue from the Seimas Palace to the Great Courtyard of the VU, where the greetings of the VU managers and guests will be heard, the oath of freshmen will be announced and the start of the new academic year will officially begin.

The first day at your Faculty

On 2 September at 9.00

First-year students are invited to visit their faculties. On this day, new members will listen to the first lecture, meet with representatives of study program committees and participate in other traditional activities of the faculty.

Discover VU Library

On 5 September

Vilnius University Library is a special and important place for learning and discovery. Get to know the services provided by the VU library, learn how to find the publications you are interested in, how to borrow documents, to get help from the librarian, to use computers. Discover the unique main VU libraries in the Vilnius Central Palace and Saulėtekis, visit reading rooms, there are even nine of them at Vilnius University. For those who are most curious, the doors of the never-sleeping VU Scientific Communication and Information Center are always open!

Orderly studies, ethics and career opportunities

On 2-9 September

VU Academic Consultants invite you to learn about studies and assessments of achievements at the university. During this meeting, you will also find out the ways how to adapt your studies to your needs, and what to do if you plan on academic leave or you want to suspend your studies. In addition, the entire community of the university, of which you have become a part, adheres to high academic standards, so during the meeting, you will receive detailed information about compliance with the provisions of academic ethics.

VU Students’ Representation is the oldest and largest public education organization in Lithuania and members of it will tell you about one of the most important aspects for you – the representation of students’ interests and relevant issues in the university and beyond. During the meeting, you will also find out about Representation’s activities, popular events, training and programs for students, which you can also join. 

VU Career Center’s colleagues will answer the question “What can VU provide for You?” and will present the beginning of the academic process, tell about career services and opportunities for interns, the VU Mentoring program, training on personal effectiveness and stress management. You can start building a successful career right now!

You are also invited to attend meetings about international programs conducted at the university, in which you can also participate – you will learn about exchange programs, studies and internships abroad, and international joint programs. 

Emotional well-being and health in the university

On 2-9 September

VU Health and Sports Center will introduce its’ activities to students and invite them to attend open training sessions in the courtyards and common areas of VU. During the meetings, you will hear about free sports and wellness classes offered to VU students, individual sports opportunities in gyms, group training with coaches, gym reservations and VU sports teams. VU students with sporting achievements are very welcome! If you join the sports team maybe the next Rector’s Cup will end up in your faculty?

The psychological health of the Vilnius university community is also very important, so VU Counseling and Training Center invites you to hear about the ongoing activities in providing psychological services and support. You are becoming a part of the new big community, so during this meeting, you can get answers to questions about how to adapt to a new environment, how to behave academically, socially, psychologically or institutionally, and where to apply if you or your friend needs psychological help.

Express and recognize yourself

On 2-9 September

These events are intended for your initiative and self-expression in the university. Discover where you can join and extend your interests and experiences.

Students’ art groups of VU Culture Center will introduce themselves in all VU common spaces and courtyards. You will learn in what events members of these groups participate in in Lithuania and abroad and you will discover the creative activities and projects organized by the VU Culture Center. Watch the open rehearsals of the students’ art groups at the VU Culture Center and join the VU cultural community. Experience new cultural adventures in VU!

VU Volunteer Center colleagues will inform you how to become a volunteer and will present volunteer projects carried out at Vilnius University and beyond. Volunteering leads you to a more sustainable society, helps to find new friends, to develop desired competencies and even to discover an area that could be related to your professional path. To become a volunteer, you can get a recommendation for a scholarship, and the hours devoted to volunteering can be recorded in the diploma supplement. 

Meet the University in the City

On 9 September

The curious are invited to participate in the following excursions in Vilnius University Museum, Central Library and Scientific Communication and Information Center, in VU Botanic Garden or attend a tour in Saulėtekis.