Get involved and socialise

1. How do you go about if you want to join a student association or get involved in the Student Union?

Morgan: – You can read about the various student associations and get their contact information, here on the student web. If you cannot find anything that matches your interests, you can contact me and I will try to help you to get in touch with other students with a similar interest or help you with the process of starting a new student association.

Student associations and engagement

Jonathan: – As an international student, the most suitable part of the Student Union to join is the University Friendship Organisation (UFO). They organise trips to various parts of Sweden and are also in charge of the buddy programme, with the aim to match Swedish and international students for cultural exchange. If you are on social media, I advice you to follow their page, as they update their activities there regularly.

UFO on Facebook External link.

2. Apart from being engaged in an association or in the Student Union, are there any other groups or social activities organised by the University?

Morgan: – The Student Healthcare Centre, together with the Student Union, organise a series of activities called "Just Join", a few times per semester. The activities are free of charge, and can be anything from a board game night at campus, to a BBQ event on the beach. Check the student calender to see when the events take place.

Student calendar

There is also an extra-curricular programme called the Student Experience and Employability Programme (SEEP), offered to international students in their final year of their Master's studies. The aim of the programme is to prepare international students for the Swedish labour market, but also to enhance the student experience at Halmstad University.

Student Experience and Employability Programme (SEEP)

3. What are the benefits of being a part of a student association and joining social activities?

Morgan: – I would say there are only benefits. Creating a good student life balance is crucial in order to succeed with your studies. If you are worried that you will not have time for social acitvities, due to your heavy workload in you course or programme, quite the opposite is often true. Students who are engaged in extra-curricular activitities often perform better in their studies, because they learn to plan their time. Being a part of an association is also a great experience to add to your CV, as it teaches you to take responsiblity and work together with others.

4. How much does it cost to become a member of the Student Union or a student association?

Jonathan: – International fee-paying students get a free membership in the Student Union during their first year of studies. If you have not received any information about your membership, please contact us via email.
info@karen.hh.se

International students who are not paying tuition fee (exchange students and students from an EU/EEA country), pay a membership fee of 250 SEK per semester or 400 SEK per full year.

Morgan: – The various student associations have different membership fees, but in general it is a very small amount compared to what you get out of being a part of their activities.

5. How can you keep track of all the social acitivities that are going on?

Jonathan: – Follow the Student Union, UFO and any relevant student associations on social media where the latest information is updated. Remember to check the Student Calendar for all social acitivities organised for students.

Student calendar