1. Modul - Get to know your University
What is the intro period ?
The introduction period, also called tutoring, takes place during the last two weeks of August and gives you the opportunity to receive an introduction before your studies officially begin. We are very focused on ensuring that you get the best possible start to your studies. By participating in the intro period, you will receive a thorough introduction to both the social environment, your bachelor program, our IT systems, and much more. You will have ample opportunity to ask your tutors questions and receive plenty of useful tips and tricks for your studies.
The intro period is organized by us in the Student Council, who have recruited tutors who are enthusiastic about helping you and your fellow students navigate what it means to be a university student. Your tutors are students who have voluntarily undergone extensive training, including courses in physical and mental first aid, to be well-prepared to handle various situations that may arise. All their work is 100% voluntary, so remember to give them plenty of recognition and support!
What should I know about the intro period?
First and foremost, we do this because we want to pass on what we ourselves received when we first started. Additionally, we believe that the best introduction to the study program is given by fellow students, which also strengthens the social environment that we are so proud of at the university. When you participate in the intro period, you will especially notice how much fun your tutors have together with each other and with you.
As mentioned earlier, the intro period is almost entirely planned by volunteer students, who all began this process in as early as April. It has therefore been a long work in progess that we have all been very excited to carry out and bring to life! The intro period, and its planning, is something we all care deeply about and look forward to every year.
But this also means that there are some unwritten customs that can be a bit confusing to encounter as a new student. We have therefore gathered some explanations of things that might be a little confusing right when you start.
If you are interested in hearing more about tutoring as an organization, check out our lesson called “The volunteer environment at RUC” in module 2!
What is a tutor?
A tutor is typically an older student responsible for planning and carrying out your introduction period. This includes, for example, the social events that give you the opportunity to get to know each other, the education, and the institution better. Tutors therefore serve as a guide to your future student life, as they prepare you for the various aspects of student life you may encounter.
As mentioned earlier, your tutors have undergone thorough training before the start of the introduction period. This is intended to create a safe environment where all new students have the opportunity to seek help from their tutors. You are always welcome to seek help from your tutors, whether it concerns academic, social, or other matters. Your tutors will do their best either to assist you themselves or direct you to someone who can.
Group color and theme
Each group has its own color and theme, around which their intro period will be based. New students will therefore be required to wear their group color on their first day of the orientation period, so that members of the same group can more easily find each other. The group colors and themes are designed to create a stronger sense of community and to enable more coordinated social activities. The extent to which a group's tutors focus on the theme varies; some choose to incorporate it into all activities, while others only organize a few activities or parties based on it. However, all tutors choose their own themes to create a more enjoyable orientation period for their new students.
What is a welcome letter?
The welcome letter is the letter you receive when you accept your spot at the university. Each group receives a different welcome letter because the letter is written by the group's tutors. Therefore, you may become confused when you first read the letter, as it might seem less formal than what you expected to receive from your studyprogram. However, this is because it is the tutors' way of welcoming new students to the intro period, which mainly focuses on the social aspect of starting a new education. The letter may also be filled with jokes and references related to the theme chosen by the group.
Another thing that can be somewhat surprising and confusing is the appearance of the welcome letter. The first thing you usually notice when opening the letter is how it is themed. The letter typically follows the theme your tutors have selected, which we explain further in the section about group color and theme below.
Rus-fest
The "rus-fest" is an on-campus event for all the new international students at RUC. It is a day filled with attractions to create a memorable day for you to enjoy with your team mates. The rus-fest is a great way to get to know your teammates better, as it allows for more intensive bonding time compared to the ‘regular’ intro period on campus. It’s a great way to feel and become like a part of the RUC community right from the start!