It doesn’t matter if we are Swedish students or international students. It doesn’t matter if we are from an energetic & vibrant city or, from a small village full of untouched natural beauty. We don’t care which corner of the world we come from because these corners are part of the same room.
When you live in Uppsala, you know in your heart that we are all equal... and at the same time we are all unique, we all have something to share, something to say, something that will enrich our views and perspectives.
There is no absolute truth, although we tend to believe so. There is no path to follow, although we feel the need to check a map or draw a plan. But one thing is certain: we are all in Uppsala, we are all in Sweden and we all have the opportunity of playing a role in one of the most uniquely fulfilling student town in the world, let alone Europe! Whether you like to dance, do some sport, go clubbing, travel, meet new people, you will find Uppsala has something to offer you.
The leaves have already started falling, each in its turn, creating a new path for the new students to experience. This started with the truly diverse orientation week and many took part in trips to IKEA with the same excitement one goes travelling. As it gets colder you will meet new friends with whom you will look forward to share a bottle of glögg (comforting Swedish wine), have fika with or have a laugh after a busy day studying. Some of you will also experience a gasque for the first time and realize how singing brings people together. And how great it is going to be to build the first snowman! The V-Dala International Committee will make sure your weeks are filled with activities, allowing you to try new things and interact with different cultures. Among our many plans are origami workshops, to teach you the Japanese art of paper folding, international cuisine nights, to try food from all countries in the world, a ski trip, turning your winter into an adrenaline slope, etc… Game nights and winter fika will also play its role in warming up the cold winter.
In my humble opinion I should say each person will experience this new life differently but all will certainly make lifetime memories.
Welcome to Uppsala.
Welcome home!
Tiago Pinheiro
International Secretary
