The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) welcomed a record number of freshmen students at this year’s Freshmen Orientation Day, marking the official beginning of a new academic journey for the newest generation of IUS students.
With so many new faces joining the University this year, the orientation had to be organized in two separate sessions, as even the Red Amphitheatre could not accommodate everyone at once.
The morning session welcomed students from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS), while the afternoon session brought together freshmen from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA), Faculty of Law (FLW), and Faculty of Education (FEDU).
Both sessions opened with a warm welcome from IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı, followed by addresses from the respective faculty deans. From the very first moments, students were introduced not only to the University as an institution, but also to the people who will play an important role in their academic journey.
A particularly important part of the program was the introduction of freshmen to their respective study program coordinators. These are the academic staff members who will guide students throughout their studies, help them navigate their study programs, and serve as an important point of support as they progress from their first semester toward graduation.
Getting to Know IUS Beyond the Classroom
Orientation Day was designed to answer many of the questions every new student has at the beginning: Who do I contact when I need help? Where do I go for documents? What opportunities are available outside my classes? Can I study abroad? How can I get involved on campus?
Students were introduced to the Double Diploma Programs, as well as the services offered by the Student Affairs Office (SAO), International Relations Office (IRO), University Communications Office (UCO), and Student & Career Center (SCC).
They learned more about academic and administrative procedures, Erasmus and other mobility opportunities, student clubs, volunteering, career development, and the many ways they can make the most of university life beyond lectures and exams.
A Q&A session gave students the chance to ask questions directly and clear up anything they were unsure about before the start of classes.
For many freshmen, the day was also their first real introduction to the international IUS community, which brings together students and professors from more than 45 countries.
The Best Way to Learn the Campus? A Treasure Hunt
After all the important information, it was time for something completely different.
The official program ended with the IUS Freshmen Treasure Hunt, turning the campus into the freshmen’s first IUS adventure.
Students formed teams of three, received cards with five clues, and set off across the campus to solve tasks, scan QR codes, discover important locations, and take photos along the way.
The challenge gave students a chance to learn their way around campus without simply being shown where everything is. It also encouraged them to meet new classmates, work together and, perhaps most importantly, have some fun on their first days at university.
Once all five challenges were completed, teams made their way to the final checkpoint in front of the canteen, where their tasks were verified and participants received a special reward.
A New Generation Begins Its IUS Story
Freshmen Orientation Day was more than a presentation of offices, rules and procedures. It was an opportunity for students to meet the people who will support them, connect with future classmates, discover their new campus and start feeling at home at IUS.
For a record number of freshmen, this was the first day of what will hopefully become years filled with learning, challenges, friendships, international experiences and unforgettable moments.
Their IUS journey has officially begun.
