15 January 2024
Start of studies for new students
Today we welcomed our new students to Luleå University of Technology. The President of the Student Union and responsible “Phösare” held the welcoming of our physiotherapy students and students that study at a distance within the Department of Health, Education and Technology programs. International students from 15 countries worldwide were welcomed by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pär Weihed.
Close to 150 international students gathered on Monday morning to be welcomed to Luleå University of Technology in room C305. Every semester, students from all over the world enrich our university, about half of the international students who are now starting their studies at the university come from France as part of an exchange with the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. The students were welcomed by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pär Weihed, who spoke about life as an international student at the university and about the winter in Luleå.
"It's great to see people here from all over the world. You came here at a very cold time, but soon you will experience the fifth season, which is called spring-winter. For me, who is from the south of Sweden, this is a magical time where the light and warmth come and there is still snow here. So, I hope you will go out, enjoy the seasons, and make friends for life. A warm welcome to Luleå University of Technology," says Pär Weihed, Professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology.
This was followed by a presentation by the university, the library, the student unions and ESN, the Erasmus student network, who talked about the activities that are organized to take care of the university's international students as well as possible.
The physiotherapist students and students studying the programmes Early Years Education, Diagnostic Radiology Nursing and Nursing through distance were welcomed and called up in room F341 by the President of the Student Union, responsible “Phösare” and Jenny Jäger, Senior Lecturer, Programme Director at the Department of Health, Education and Technology. The students will receive a welcome lecture on Tuesday afternoon.
We caught up with some of our new students and asked where they come from, why they chose to study at Luleå University of Technology and what they are most looking forward to with their studies.
What's your name and where are you from?
"My name is Salome and I'm from Iceland but I'm studying in Copenhagen.
What are you going to study?
"The Master of Science in Engineering and I will be here this semester.
Why did you choose Luleå University of Technology?
"I wanted to go skiing and get some snow and winter, which I missed in Copenhagen.
What are you most looking forward to?
"This is very different from Iceland and all the places I've been to so far. Meet new people, get new experiences, do something unexpected.
We also met Sebastian from Aachen, who is studying at one of Germany's largest technical universities with over 60,000 students.
What's your name and where are you from?
"My name is Sebastian, I'm 22 years old and I'm from Aachen in Germany”.
What are you going to study?
"I'm taking technical courses here, mainly in chemistry and energy technology. Back home in Aachen, I'm studying to become an Industrial Engineer”.
Why did you choose Luleå University of Technology?
"Because of the location, I really wanted to experience a hard winter and I think I chose the right *laugh*”.
We have minus 19 degrees now, that's what you wanted?
“Definitely! Last week it was minus 32 and exactly what I wanted”.
What are you most looking forward to?
“Socialize, see Luleå, the nature around Luleå and just enjoy”.
Simona is going to study to be a physiotherapist and we caught up with her just before the welcoming ceremony.
What's your name and where are you from?
"My name is Simona, I'm 28 years old from Kalix".
Why did you choose Luleå University of Technology?
"Because I live in Kalix and it's the closest. That was mainly it".
What attracted you to becoming a physiotherapist?
"I think it's a very good profession. My mother works at the hospital in Kalix and that's what made me curious".
What are you most looking forward to during your studies?
"Learning about anatomy, learning Latin concepts that I find very fascinating".