Welcome Week at RSU: new international students settle into life in Rīga
Last week, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) welcomed 429 new international students from 43 countries who will be studying Medicine, Dentistry and Social Sciences, alongside 44 Erasmus+ exchange students. To help them adapt to their new academic and cultural environment, the RSU International Department organised Welcome Week from 26 to 30 August.
The students took part in a wide-ranging programme introducing them to studies, student life and the city of Riga, while also providing opportunities to connect with fellow groupmates.
From first welcomes to first impressions
Despite heavy rain and thunder on the first day, many students arrived eager to begin their journey at RSU. Welcome Week was opened with greetings from Toms Baumanis, RSU Chancellor, and Reinis Gailītis, Head of the International Admissions Office. The day was moderated by Māris Ginters, Director of the International Department, who also introduced the September 2025 admission. Students learned how to use the MyRSU portal and heard current international students Karlijn Johanna Linda Henricus Op de Laak's and Johanna Hamra's stories first impressions of Latvia. On the first two days, new students could also join a walking tour of the RSU main building to familiarise themselves with their new study environment.
Academic focus
The following day was devoted to academic matters, starting with welcomes from Ingūna Rence-Bambīte, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Smuidra Žermanos, Vice-Dean for International Students at the Faculty of Medicine, and Mg. sc. soc. Līga Ozoliņa, Acting Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. New students were introduced to the International Student Association (ISA) and the Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP) as well as the various events they organise. They received insights into the study process, examinations, and more. RSU alumnus Dr Jerzen Benny Malayaatil (class of 2025) gave advice for medical and dental students, while social sciences students explored the premises of their Faculty. Incoming Erasmus+ students attended a separate seminar on study and campus life. A group photo outside the university and the Welcome Week morning run started the day off with a lot of energy with students running either 6km or 12km around Riga.
Health, sports and well-being
A highlight of this semester’s Welcome Week was the new Health & Sports Day. Students received guidance on navigating health services in Latvia, while ISA and the RSU Sports Club presented the wide range of sports clubs and activities available to students. In the afternoon, nearly 300 international and Latvian students joined Sports Afternoon featuring basketball, football, volleyball, Zumba, a photo walk and even a chess tournament! It proved to be both an energetic icebreaker and an exciting way to start building a sense of community across cultures.
Integration and culture
The week concluded with a focus on life in Riga and integration into Latvian society. Students learned about the wide range of support services at RSU, as well as opportunities for involvement in student organisations and activities. Practical advice on safety from the Riga Municipal Police was combined with an inspiring presentation by the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency on discovering and exploring the city as an international student. The programme wrapped up with the academic year opening ceremony – a festive occasion marking the start of studies and a new chapter in the students’ lives.
A strong start
RSU’s Welcome Week provided an excellent introduction to studies and life in Latvia. Beyond practical advice, it offered opportunities for friendship, cultural exchange and inspiration, laying the foundation for a successful and rewarding university experience. For many of the students, RSU and Riga will be their home for the next several years – and Welcome Week was their first step into this new adventure.
