Introduction and welcome activities
At the beginning of the semester, most educations have introductory days and welcome activities for their students. During these you will learn more about your studies and student life in Gothenburg, and get to know other new students.
Welcome Programme for international students
The International Student Welcome Programme is held at the beginning of each semester. It provides new international students with practical information about the University and living in Gothenburg. It is also a perfect opportunity to meet other international students and Student Buddies from all over the world.
Autumn semester 2025
Welcome Day, 19 August, Online in Teams.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pauli Kortteinen opens the Welcome Day by officially welcoming you to the University. After that, we move on to introductions to university services, such as the GU card, University Library, student unions and more. The presenters will also be available to answer your questions.
Details:
This is an online event that will be held through Microsoft Teams, and you can choose which time to attend:
- Time slot 1 (10:00-12:00 CEST) Use this link to register (Teams)
- Time slot 2 (17:00-19:00 CEST) Use this link to register (Teams)
Swedish study culture & Living in Sweden 26 & 27 August, On-site
With the help of colleagues from the Unit of Academic Language, guest lecturers, and current international students, we'll delve into Swedish study culture, academic writing, and what life is like in Sweden.
Details:
The event is run twice, 26 & 27 August at the University of Gothenburg main building (Universitetsplatsen 1) at 10.00-12.00 CEST. You choose which of the two dates you want to attend; you do not attend both days.
Read more and register for the Study culture and Living in Sweden event here
Welcome Fair 28 August, On-site
At the Welcome Fair, you will meet student associations, student unions, university services, support functions, sport clubs, and more.
Joining a student organisation is a great way to meet new friends, meet Swedish students and gain experiences of value for your future career.
Details:
The event will be held at Studenternas Hus (Götabergsgatan 17) There are three time slots to choose from, 11:00-12:00, 12:00-13:00 or 13:00-14:00 CEST.
Read more and register
Welcome Packs
The Welcome Pack, a tote bag for international students, includes a city map, a guide to activities in Gothenburg, and information on public transport and recycling. Some details are accessible digitally via a QR code. Dates for when to pick up your Welcome Pack, autumn 2025, will be posted after the summer.
Faculty organised activities and events
Some faculties at the University also arrange activities for their students at the start of the semester. Individual departments or programmes might also arrange orientation or introduction events. You often receive information about the activities via email or under Information from Faculties and Departments on this page.
Welcome activities by the student unions
At the start of the semester, the student unions organise various welcome activities for new students. Through these activities, you get to know other new students and the student life in Gothenburg. There are four student unions at the University of Gothenburg, and which one you belong to depends on what you are studying. For certain programs, there are also student associations that arrange welcome activities.
You often receive information about the student unions' welcome activities from your education, but you can also read information from the unions: