Joy and community at the Kick Off

About 3,420 new students have arrived at Jönköping University! The Kick Off is underway and the students are taking part in many activities to build a sense of community and get their student life off to a flying start.

Students in white, yellow, blue, red and green overalls can be seen and heard here and there on campus and around Jönköping during the ten-day induction week. The idea is that, by doing fun things together, they will get to know one another and settle into student life ahead of the start of term. Many current students act as mentors (faddrar) during the induction week. They lead the activities and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves and that no one is left out.

"Warm and welcoming"

Tuva Tolgfors from Örebro is going to study the programme in Social Work at the School of Health and Welfare. She describes her first encounter with both the school and the city of Jönköping as very positive.

“It’s great fun to be here. There’s a lovely atmosphere and everyone seems open to getting to know new people. My first impression of Jönköping is very positive; it feels warm and welcoming, not least thanks to the mentors,” she says.

"I’ve ended up exactly where I should be"

John Marthinsen has moved from Kungsbacka to Jönköping to study Logistics and Management at the School of Engineering.

“I’ve had a very positive first impression of Jönköping and the campus. It feels as though I’ve ended up exactly where I should be,” says John.

He was drawn to the programme’s combination of technology, mathematics and entrepreneurship. The excellent opportunities for exchange programmes also tipped the balance in School of Engineering’s favour.

“I’m looking forward to getting started with the programme and learning new things. I have heard a lot of good things about student life in Jönköping, and I think the induction days are going to be really fun.”

From Italy to Sweden

For Gabriele from Italy, this is his first time in Sweden. He is going to study the Master’s programme in Conflict, Risk and International Security at the School of Education and Communication.

“Jönköping is a beautiful city full of students. I’ve still got plenty to explore, but what I’ve seen of the city so far is fantastic. On Monday, I met my classmates for the first time and now, during the induction week – which is incredibly fun – I’m meeting people from all over the world. I love it,” he says.

A more relaxed alternative

The Laid back Kick Off, which is organized by the Student Health, continues to grow. It is a more relaxed alternative to the regular Kick Off, and over 100 students took part in the first event on 26 August.

Among the participants was Engla Nordell from Karlskoga, who is due to start studying International Management at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS).

“It’s great fun; there’s plenty going on and lots of activities. I’ve been to the JIBS kick-off a bit, but I also wanted to come here and see what it’s like. It’s good that there’s something to suit different people. Not everyone wants to party every night; personally, I like reading and just taking it easy as well. This is a great way to meet other people,” she says.

"Feels good to give something back to the new students"

Ella Johansson Strahl is one of this year’s mentors (fadder). She is in her second year of the Marketing Management programme at Jönköping International Business School and took part in the induction herself last year.

“Now I am looking forward to doing it again! It’s great fun to welcome the new students, make sure everyone knows where they’re going and that they get a good first impression of the school. I know just how brilliant my mentors were and how important they were to me. So, it feels good to have the chance to give something back to the new students,” she says.