A Striking Procession Through Central Vilnius

Vilnius University began the academic year with a traditional procession through the city, bringing together new students, returning students, lecturers and university staff. The group marched from the Lithuanian parliament to the university’s historic central buildings.

Before the procession, Rector Rimvydas Petrauskas welcomed the new members of the community during a ceremonial flag-raising. Nearly 7,000 first-year bachelor’s and master’s students have joined the university this year.

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Today, first of all, we welcome those huge numbers, nearly 7,000 first-year bachelor’s and master’s students who have joined our community. We also welcome our staff, as every year we renew ourselves with new people who begin working at the university.

Petrauskas also pointed to the Ukrainian flag displayed beside Lithuania’s flag at the university since 2022. “Let us not stop or grow tired of supporting Ukraine,” he said.

After the march, the university community gathered in the Grand Courtyard for the formal “Renovatio Studiorum” opening ceremony. First-year students were scheduled to take part in activities throughout the week, including an informal picnic and the “AD ASTRA” festival organized by the university’s student representation.

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Let us not stop or grow tired of supporting Ukraine.