Orientation Days – a must for all international VUB newcomers
It is the time of year again when new adventures will begin, new frontiers will be explored, new challenges faced and new friends made. In other words, it’s the start of the academic year at the VUB – a time for questions, answers, some necessary planning and, importantly, fun and socialising! The first weeks are crucial – it is a time when new arrivals will meet their classmates for the rest the year, as well as get to know their campus and get much of the practical information they need for the entire year. All of this information exchange and necessary bonding can be accomplished in the two days known as Orientation Days, beginning with the first one on 26 September, and followed up by a second on 10 October, during which everything from the essential and practical to the fun will be covered. It’s a true survival guide on how to make the first few weeks on campus count and help integrate those taking on a new adventure.
Who is IRMO in a nutshell?
We’re the central international office with a welcome desk for international students. The welcome desk helps students with all the general questions and issues they may have when arriving and settling in Brussels and Belgium. For example, we provide information on housing, insurance, registration at the local town hall, etc. For specific scholarship programmes, the central coordinating officer (in charge of Erasmus, Erasmus Mundus and Development Cooperation grants) is also present at the IRMO offices and, as having health insurance is obligatory for all VUB students, they can get in touch in person with one of the main local health insurers, PARTENA (at IRMO offices on Mondays and, until end of September, also Thursdays). Click here for more details on IRMO and PARTENA.
What is Orientation Day all about?
There are two Orientation Days. Orientation Day 1.0 is on the first day of the academic year. It’s about getting to know the VUB, your classmates, and generally how to get started with your studies and life in Brussels. Orientation 2.0 is on 10 October and it aims to guide you into becoming an expert VUB student, getting to know student facilities and student life on and off campus. Experienced VUB students will present tips and tricks to help you get the fullest out of the VUB experiences. Importantly, there will be a welcome drink to really kick off the semester and close the Kick Off week. Participation in both Orientation Days is free of charge and it’s really highly recommended!
Why go? What are the activities it offers?
Basically, to get to know your fellow international students and really start the year well prepared, as well as get lots of useful information all in one go. On top of our info sessions, do not forget to sign up for a campus tour – you can select one of several times by clicking here. And during Orientation Day 2.0 – do not miss the welcome drinks. As always, it is a nice way to mix and interact. All info on the programme can be found here.
What can new international students expect to gain?
It’s a really fun day, as you will meet your friends for the rest of the year, and be ready to start your studies. Many faculties will, in addition, organise specific info sessions but students are normally informed of those by email.
Useful reminders: To register for an Orientation Day 1.0 campus tour – click here.
All further information, including on health insurance by PARTENA, can be found at IRMO.