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.
Spring semester 2027 includes:
Welcome Day
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.
See the recording from 18 August on GU Play
The Spring 2027 Welcome Day will take place online on 13 January, 10:00-12:00 CET.
Swedish study culture & Living in Sweden
We look into Swedish study culture and life in Sweden with the aim to shed light on this topic from five directions:
- Swedish study culture
- Effective study technique
- Sustainable student life
- Life on a student budget
- Living in Sweden with a focus on intercultural competence
See the recording from 25 August on GU Play
Welcome Fair
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.
The Spring 2027 Welcome Fair will take place on 21 January, 17:00-19:00 CET in Studenternas Hus (Götabergsgatan 17)
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. The packs can be picked up at the University's different Servicecenters.
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 educational programs 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: