Set sail on Freshers' Week: exciting 2024 lineup revealed

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Orientation Week, organised by the University’s International Department, is set to begin on Tuesday, 20 August. Running in parallel with these official events, the RSU International Student Association (ISA) will host its bi-annual Freshers’ Week, organised by Wafaa Farhath Valiyakathu and Mazeen Mazhar from the Integration and Sports Office.

Bowling bash to kick off the week

The festivities kick off on Wednesday, 21 August, with a bowling event. Participation costs €4, which covers entrance and shoe rental. A mini tournament will be held, with prizes awarded to the top three players.

Scavenger hunt in the Old Town

On Thursday, 22 August, ISA will organise a Scavenger Hunt in Old Town, this time featuring an exciting twist on the traditional format. Participants will meet at the Laima Clock and be split into groups. After the fun activities and solving the puzzle with the use of their phones, everyone will gather at the RSU Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP) house, where prizes will be awarded for various achievements.

Night Out in Riga!

The fun continues on Friday, 23 August, with a night out in Riga. For €16, participants can join a pub crawl, which includes a beer or non-alcoholic drink at each bar. Students will be divided into groups to explore the city's nightlife together.

Boat trip to conclude Freshers' Week

Freshers’ Week concludes on Saturday, 24 August, with a new and exciting event: a boat trip along the Daugava River. Participation costs €4. The boat departs in the late afternoon, providing a relaxed setting where students can enjoy the views, participate in various activities, and get to know their fellow students.

Reflecting on the importance of Freshers’ Week, Mazeen encourages all new students to participate:

‘It’s an opportunity to meet your new family and a wonderful way to make the next six years amazing!’

He highlights the new boat trip and the revitalised Scavenger Hunt as the key attractions for this year’s programme. Recalling his own start at the university during the COVID pandemic, Mazeen shares, ‘I was confined to my laptop, but Zoom allowed us to connect with our group mates. Organising Freshers' Week now gives me the chance to think out of the box and step into the shoes of new students.’

Wafaa Valiyakathu also emphasises the value of Freshers’ Week: ‘Partaking in Freshers' Week is a great way to get to know your entire semester.

It will allow your to create new bonds and familiarise yourself with the student community and your new city.’

She fondly remembers her own orientation day and the activities that helped ease her into university life.

‘Knowing others were in the same boat as me made the first week of university less stressful.’