As it does every year in September, the University of Gdańsk Students' Parliament organised an adaptation camp near Starogard Gdański for first-year students who will start their studies at our University on October 1.
The camp started with a training session on, among other things, students' rights and duties, what to look out for at university, and the opportunities the university provides. The presenter pointed out the regulations that are relevant to students and highlighted the importance of meeting the applicable deadlines. The university's organisational structure was also presented, with emphasis on those responsible for specific issues related to education and social or scientific matters.
On the second day, the future students were visited by representatives of the university authorities: Rector prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Senior Rector prof. Bernard Lammek, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Quality dr hab. Arnold Kłonczyński, prof. UG, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG, and Vice-Rector for Research prof. dr hab. Wiesław Laskowski. The Rectors congratulated the participants on their choice of university and emphasised the significant development of UG in recent years. They also mentioned that being active during studies is worthwhile, as this will undoubtedly contribute to success in professional life.
Traditionally, representatives of the university's authorities also handed out commemorative T-shirts and talked to camp participants about their plans and expectations regarding studying at the University of Gdańsk.
For the first time, an adapciakowa familiada took place, in which teams consisting of the university authorities and participants of the adaptation camp competed against each other by answering questions about the camp. The new highlight was fun for both participants and spectators and will probably be present in future years.
Over several days, future students participated in training sessions on educational issues, scholarship offers, or using the Student Portal. They also became acquainted with various forms of student participation at the University of Gdańsk. Representatives of the Centre for Student and Doctoral Activities (CASID) talked about the offer of activities in the field of science and social and charitable actions, also at the international level. Łukasz Bień and Piotr Patalas from CASID pointed out that it is worthwhile to undertake a wide range of activities complementing the curriculum during your studies, whether these are related to social, cultural, or sporting matters.
Piotr Walczak from the Academic Sports Association (AZS) talked about the sporting activities that can be undertaken at UG. He also explained how to apply to the AZS and become a player within the section, how to sign up for physical education classes and how participation in sections can replace compulsory PE classes.
Barbara Madany and Paulina Zaborniak from the Academic Cultural Centre Alternator presented the broad cultural offer of our university. The speakers talked, among other things, about the most important initiatives of creative groups such as the University of Gdańsk's Academic Choir, the University of Gdańsk's Song and Dance Ensemble 'Jantar', and the UG Vocal Studio. Paulina Zaborniak, a student of cultural studies at the UG, talked about her participation in the latter.
There was no shortage of attractions unrelated to the beginning of the studies, such as participating in volleyball and basketball tournaments, kayaking and pedal boating on Lake Borzechowskie Wielkie, canoeing down the River Wda, or a paintball tournament.
Karaoke and a horror film screening under the stars held right on the beach were very popular. The true summer aura was conducive to spending time by the water. Thanks to the organisers, it was active fun, including a limbo competition, a game of water volleyball and a beach runmageddon. However, those who preferred to spend their time lazing around could also do so, swimming on inflatable rings or basking on the beach.
There were also quizzes with prizes with a wide range of questions, from pop music and computer games to mathematics and biology. Board game enthusiasts were able to devote their time away from the lectures to their hobby, playing titles such as Talisman or Dixit.
Participants rated the camp as a definite success, emphasising that by taking part they had already learned a great deal about how university works and how to acclimatise to a new environment without stress.
