A visit to the RIFF international film festival, lunchtime concerts, a football tournament, and sessions on effective study skills and opportunities to study abroad are just some of the highlights of the University of Iceland’s Orientation Week, taking place from 31 August to 4 September.
Orientation Week has become a longstanding tradition at the University of Iceland. Held at the start of each academic year, it is organised jointly by the University of Iceland and the Student Council. The aim is to welcome new students to the University community and introduce them to the wide range of services and support available, as well as the vibrant and diverse student life on campus.
As usual, the programme will run throughout the week.
The week begins with an Introduction Day at the University Centre (Háskólatorg) on Monday, 31 August, from 11:30 to 13:00. New and returning students will have the opportunity to meet staff from the University’s key services and learn more about student support and university life. Representatives from the Student Counselling Centre, the International Division, Student Registration, the Language Centre, the Writing Centre, the National Library, and Smáuglan, the University of Iceland app, will be available to answer questions.
Students can also chat with representatives from the Student Council, sustainability and environmental affairs, the University Choir, University Dance, Viska (the students’ trade union), the Queer Student Association, and Icelandic Student Services (FS), which operates the Student Bookstore, Student Preschools, Student Housing, the Student Cellar, and more.
The University Choir will perform during the event, and students will also be invited on a guided campus tour led by student representatives from the University of Iceland. The tour will visit the University’s main buildings and will depart from the Orientation Week information desk in the University Centre at 13:30. Student Council representatives will staff the information desk throughout the week. They will be available to answer questions about studies, campus facilities, student life, and University services.
Tuesday, 1 September, is Green Orientation Day, dedicated to sustainability and environmental issues at the University. Representatives from the Student Council and the University will receive and raise the Green Flag at 12:00, and a tree-planting event will take place on campus. Representatives from Strætó will also be present at the University Centre between 11:00 and 13:00 to introduce the student travel card and assist exchange students with purchasing bus passes. The University of Iceland places strong emphasis on environmentally friendly transport to and from campus.
The International Division will present the many opportunities available for exchange studies, internships and training placements abroad in Room 281 in Saga from 12:30 to 13:10.
At lunchtime on Wednesday, 2 September, artist Yungamli will perform a short set on the stage at the University Centre. Yungamli is the stage name of Tumi Björnsson, also known as Tumi Gonzo Björnsson.
The day's programme also includes a Teams presentation by the University of Iceland Student Counselling and Career Centre on effective study skills and academic success, starting at 13:00. Later, from 14:10 to 14:50, the International Division will host an English-language information session on study abroad opportunities in Room 300 at the University Centre.
On Thursday, 3 September, representatives from University Dance will showcase their activities and perform at the University Centre at 12:00. Later, at 13:30, the Student Counselling Centre will host a Teams session on time management and academic planning, two essential foundations for successful university studies.
The programme takes a cinematic turn later that day as the Student Council organises a group visit to the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) at Háskólabíó.
The Student Council will manage registration in cooperation with student associations, and further details will be announced on social media closer to the event. Students will also be able to purchase RIFF festival passes at special discounted rates.
That evening, the Student Bookstore will host a Welcome Evening for New Students from 18:00 to 20:00, featuring live music, refreshments, pop-up events, and more.
Orientation Week concludes on Friday, 4 September, with the Student Council’s annual New Student Football Tournament. The tournament begins at 12:00 on the lawn in front of the Main Building. All students are welcome to participate in their student association. Each team must have seven players, including at least one new student. Prizes will be awarded to both the winning team and the team with the most creative and entertaining outfits.
Further information will be available on the Student Council’s Culture and Social Activities Committee's social media channels.