More projects created thanks to the Academic Citizens' Budget are flourishing at UG. The Oliwa Campus has already seen the creation of, among other things, an outdoor exercise zone and a pocket park - now the time has come for Sopot, where on December 11 the grand opening of two spaces took place: the Co-economy coworking zone and the eco-nomic park.

Thanks to the commitment of students Maja Hrehorowicz, Zuzanna Zgubinska, Olaf Karkutt, Celine Haida and Olga Gulbas, an ecological space was created next to the Faculty of Economics building for quiet and relaxation between classes. Additional vegetation and garden architecture appeared in the previously undeveloped zone.

The second project carried out by active students is a study and relaxation zone in the connecting area between A and B halls of the Faculty of Economics. The initiative coincided with the replacement of the floor, allowing the authors of the project to present a completely new space for students and staff. The grand opening of both spaces took place on December 11.

‘I am impressed by the commitment of our students, with whom we carried out two winning projects at the Faculty of Economics in parallel this year,’ says Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment at the Faculty of Economics, dr Magdalena Markiewicz. ‘At every stage of the creation of the new spaces - from the design, the planning process, the procurement, the delivery, the visualisation of the interior furnishings or the selection of the garden infrastructure - the willingness and determination is evident. And yet these are very large projects, the support of our administration, for whom nothing seems impossible, is essential.’

The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, dr hab. Wojciech Bizon, prof. UG, who welcomed representatives of the university authorities: Vice-Rectors Urszula Patocka-Sigłowy, prof. UG and Ewa Szymczak, prof. UG, Chancellor Aneta Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek, prof. UG, as well as the Faculty of Economics Dean of the past term, dr hab. Monika Bąk, prof. UG and dr Magdalena Markiewicz.

‘Today we are opening this amazing student zone, which was created as part of the Academic Citizens' Budget. This initiative is particularly valuable to me for a number of reasons, but mainly because it shows how students are keenly observing everything that is happening around them and are able to say what their needs are and know what can be done to meet them,' said Vice-Rector for Student Affairs prof. Urszula Patocka-Sigłowy.

Dr Magdalena Markiewicz then summarised the history of the two projects from the idea, through unexpected setbacks, to implementation and promotion. Representatives of the university and EC authorities thanked everyone involved in these initiatives and presented gifts. The informal part of the event took place in the newly opened coworking space.

The Co-economy coworking zone, the eco-nomic park and the U-bike racks under the roof of the Rector's Office are three of the four winning projects that have been realised as part of ACB 2023. Still to come is the opening of the so-called ‘Humanka Pocket’, a revitalised patio in the Faculty of Languages and the Faculty of History building.