LSMU Opens Academic Year with Festive Parade and White Coats for First-Year Students

The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences welcomed its newest students with a parade through central Kaunas, turning the start of the academic year into a public celebration. Students, university leaders and faculty deans walked along Laisvės Avenue in a tradition the university associates with community, identity and continuity.

First-year students formed the largest group in the procession, including many international students. At Independence Square, LSMU Rector Rimantas Benetis told them that university life begins with traditions and wished them success in studies that would not always be easy.

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I wish you successful studies. They will not be easy, but your support and strength will be the faculties.

Student representatives urged newcomers to take an active role in campus life. Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė said university offers knowledge, skills, connections and opportunities, but students also help shape the institution. Chloë de Moura encouraged international students to remain curious and seek support when their studies become difficult.

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University life is not only about what we receive, but also what we bring ourselves. Do not wait for the university to happen to you, create it yourselves.

The opening events continued with a fair featuring student organizations, sports and arts groups, the academic choir, associations, the Canine Center and the Wildlife Care Center. Students were invited to combine professional studies with sport, creativity, volunteering and community activities.

The ceremony also included white coats for first-year students, marking their entry into health, life and agricultural science fields. Events continued at LSMU faculties, while a Mass for the academic community was held at Kaunas Cathedral Basilica.

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If you are here today, it is not accidental luck: you earned it through your efforts.