Reintegration Week

From February 23–27, 2026, Reintegration Week was held for the first time, during which first-year and other students were invited to participate in various initiatives. The initiative was organized with the aim of strengthening the integration process at the University during students’ first year of studies after the examination session period. Activities were organized at the VU Health and Sports Center, the VU Culture Center, and the VU Library, while workshops and meetings were also held with VU SA divisions and student initiatives such as “Be etikečių”, “(Un)discovered Asia,” “Hema Freifechter,” and others. The event was organized by the VU SA integration process coordinators and the VU Student Affairs and Career Office.

Reintegration Week attracted considerable student interest. There are plans to continue the initiative next year by involving even more student organizations and VU units.

Curator and Mentor Program

In 2025, the Mentors Programme involved 275 curators, of whom X participated in mentor training sessions. The training sessions were conducted in three groups, one of which was held in English. During the training, particular emphasis was placed on communication skills, as well as knowledge about Vilnius University Students’ Representation and Vilnius University units.

Mentors were also actively encouraged to contribute to the organization and promotion of Reintegration Week among first-year students. In some VU SA units mentors organized dedicated meetings and activities for first-year students during Reintegration Week.

Freshman Camps

In August 2025, 15 divisions of Vilnius University Students’ Representation organized camps for first-year students. Three of these camps were held in English, marking another important step towards improving the integration of international students. During the camps, students were introduced to essential academic and social information, as well as the structures of the University and its core academic units. Discussions were held with lecturers, student initiatives, and alumni. A total of 929 first-year students participated in the camps.

VU SR Integration Festival “AD ASTRA”

On September 5, the Ad Astra Integration Festival organized by Vilnius University Students’ Representation brought together more than 2,000 participants. Festival activities took place across four historic courtyards of Vilnius University – the Grand Courtyard, Sarbievijus Courtyard, Observatory Courtyard, and K. Sirvydas Courtyard.

The festival began with a lecture by VU Rector Rimvydas Petrauskas on Alma Mater and the university community. Afterwards, students had the opportunity to become more familiar with the heads of different VU units, hear their answers to frequently asked questions, and learn about personal growth opportunities at the university. A discussion was also held with students from different University faculties about everyday student life and academic experiences. In addition, the traditional contacts fair took place, attracting nearly 40 student organizations and initiatives that encouraged active involvement in the university community and the realization of students’ ideas.

In the Sarbievijus Courtyard, particular attention was given to science, civic engagement, and technology. Students presented their research and shared experiences related to academic activities and international opportunities. Discussions were also held on Lithuania’s security, civic preparedness, and the use of artificial intelligence in studies and everyday life, covering both the opportunities provided by AI and the importance of its responsible use.

In the K. Sirvydas Courtyard, participants were able to attend practical CV-writing workshops, try out activities offered by the “Mobile BioClass,” and briefly step into the role of a scientist in a laboratory environment. The courtyard also featured leisure activities, with students spending time playing board games together with the “Kauliukas” club.

The Observatory Courtyard hosted VU SR units, which introduced their activities and invited first-year students to join the community. Various creative and sustainability workshops also took place – participants created ecosystems, planted greenery, learned about waste sorting principles, explored the world of synthetic biology, and gave fabrics a second life by making beeswax wraps.

This year once again, “Ad Astra” became a space not only for new connections, but also for discussions, ideas, and active engagement in university life.