It may not be visible from an outside perspective, but a lot of work is put down in coordinating and organizing the reception of the students. For most students, social belonging in a student group is an important factor to succeed with their studies. Inclusion and well-being are therefore key values at the start of studies at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MN). This job takes place in close collaboration between students and staff and is a shared responsibility.
For the first time, our faculty organized “REALstart”, a joint event for all of MNs study programs. Through the rebus race, the new students became acquainted with where the other study programs at the faculty are located. We also organized very popular lectures in the Science Library.
In addition, the event "Ready, Go, UiO" was new this year, with lectures and workshops focusing on study technique, mastery and motivation. This was a collaboration between the faculties at the University, spurred by an idea from MN, and involved a large number of staff at the university who had the pleasure of meeting over 800 students during the day.
The next step in our integration of the students is the program seminars. All undergraduate students are invited program-wise to a free, two-day seminar at a hotel under the competent leadership of our student administration staff. The program contains elements with academic lectures, study techniques, personality types and other relevant elements. But the most important thing is also here to lay the foundation for a good learning environment. Therefore, great emphasis has been placed on social integration through various exercises in which many professional lecturers also participate. The seminar concludes with a session where the students discuss what they need to succeed with their studies. Inspirational teaching, motivation and structure along with enough sleep, exercise and a healthy diet are often mentioned in this context. At a deeper level, the students consistently express a clear desire to belong in a safe social environment where there is openness for asking “stupid questions”. Facilitating a study environment that meets these last two needs is the real goal of both the study start and the program seminars.