Introductions for new students

This page is aimed at those who are responsible for students´ work environment or whose work involves introductions for new students.

A well-implemented introduction increases the students’ awareness of rules for the work environment, rights and obligations. In addition, activities during the initial period or year of the programme promote a sense of togetherness and increase the students’ feeling of belonging. One condition for a good introduction is that it is designed to include all students.

There is good general information available that is important for all students, but the introduction needs to be adapted according to the course or programme in question. For example, the structure may need to be adapted depending on whether it is a freestanding course or programme, if the rate is 50% or 100% of full-time study and if the course or programme is conducted on campus or online.

See the introduction as a common thread through the course or programme

An introduction should not be seen only as a one-time introduction, but as long-term work. The introduction should run as a common thread through the initial part of the course or programme, with a focus on e.g. the first week, first assessment and first year.

Plan for a manageable information flow in different channels

In connection with the students starting their studies, they receive a lot of information in different channels and from various senders. It is therefore important that you and your colleagues think through together how, when and who will communicate what to the students. It is preferable not to communicate all the information at one and the same time, but rather highlight information when it is relevant for the students. Some information may need to be communicated several times during the initial period of the course or programme.

It is often a good idea to wait before informing about the details of assessments. However it may be sensible to provide information at an early stage that students with disabilities may have the right to special support.

Another way to create a manageable information flow is to show the students where the information is available, instead of presenting it in its entirety. For example, instead of explaining how the student reports an accident, you can show where on the website (lunduniversity.lu.se) the students can read about it.

Welcome students on site in connection with the start of studies

It is a good idea at the beginning to have a welcome event for students on site, in connection with roll-call, for example. This is already a feature of many courses and programmes. During such a welcome event, teaching staff, the programme director, director of studies and possibly other key individuals can introduce themselves and welcome the students. The event is an opportunity to give the students information that is relevant for the start of studies and can strengthen the sense of belonging in the student group.

The student union plays an important function in the students’ education. It is therefore a good idea to involve the student union in the planning and implementation of the welcome event. It is also a positive move to give the student union the opportunity to introduce themselves in connection with the start of studies. It is a good occasion for clarifying the role the student union has in matters such as the students’ work environment and equal opportunities.

Promote a sense of belonging through social activities

To help students to feel good during their period of studies, it is important to promote a sense of belonging by consciously planning various social activities. Such activities counteract loneliness and can be good for future cooperation within the group. This is important for both national and international students. 

It is a good idea to mention the University’s student organisations, such as student unions, student nations and other associations. Student organisations offer a social context that is particularly important for new students.

Checklist for planning and implementing an introduction

A checklist has been produced to facilitate the work on welcoming and introducing students to Lund University. The aim of the checklist is to act as support for those planning or implementing the introduction. It can be used to ensure that the information the students need is included as part of the introduction. 

Checklist for introductions