Moving from the coastal city of Galle, Sri Lanka, to Visby, Sweden, felt like a poetic transition. As someone who grew up wandering through colonial forts and watching sunsets over the Indian Ocean, arriving in Visby felt strangely familiar yet thrillingly new— this time it was the Baltic Sea! But what truly made the experience special was the warm welcome I received as a new student at Campus Gotland. From the moment I landed, the university’s Welcome Activities made me feel not just like a student, but like a part of a vibrant, international community. Through this blog, I’d like to walk you through how this year’s welcome activities looked and what you can expect once you begin your journey here at Campus Gotland and Visby.

Arrival Days – August 27 & 28

The arrival days at Campus Gotland are to make sure new students feel supported from the moment they step off the plane or ferry. Although I came a couple of days earlier, arriving on the official arrival days makes the transition a lot more easier. You will have to sign up earlier to get the services.

What to expect:

  • Free shuttle service from Visby Airport and ferry terminal
  • Student hosts to guide you to your accommodation
  • A calm, welcoming start to your student journey

Orientation Day – August 29

Orientation Day at Maltfabriken (Campus Cafe) was the first big event that brought the students together. It was informative, friendly, and a great way to ease into university life.


What to expect:

  • Presentations on academics, student services, and Swedish systems
  • Tips for navigating life in Visby and Campus Gotland
  • Fika to meet fellow students and staff, plus a little game (It was Bingo this year!)

Guided Walking Tours in Medieval Visby– August 30 & 31

This guided walk through Visby’s medieval streets was a beautiful way to connect with the city’s history and charm. There’s a north and south walk, and I participated on the 30th.


What to expect:

  • A city tour led by the University Guide, Mikael Norrby
  • Stories about Gotland’s History
  • Exploration of ruins, alleys, and hidden gems

Don’t worry if you miss this first one, because this trip is organized from time to time. (But still don’t miss it!)

Welcome Ceremony – September 1

The Welcome Ceremony at St. Nicolai Ruin was truly magical. Joining the procession starting from the student union, Rindi, led by “The Knight of Knowledge”, was a fun and meaningful way to start student life in Visby, especially indulging in Gotlandic traditions.


What to expect:

  • A symbolic procession through Visby
  • Speeches from the Vice Chancellor and other senior university officials
  • Swedish music and celebration in a stunning historical setting

(Check out for more insights into the event in the highlight “Gotland” on our Instagram, @studyatuu !)

Lamningen – September 3 till 12

Lamningen was two weeks of fun and bonding organized by the Gotland Student Union, Rindi. It was the perfect way to meet people and feel part of the student community. Once you buy a ticket for the event, you’ll be placed in a group and will compete together as a team.


What to expect:

  • Games and challenges every evening on weekdays
  • Pub nights, game nights, parties, and a Gasque at the end of the event
  • A warm welcome into Gotlandic student traditions

Tourist Train – September 5

Even though I missed this, the tourist train ride is meant to be a lighthearted way to explore Visby with new friends on a cute little train that doesn’t need a railway track to run on!

What to expect:

  • A free ride on the Visby’s famous tourist train
  • A recorded guided ride through Visby’s main sights
  • Great photo opportunities and relaxed vibes

Discover Gotland Bus Tour – September 27–28

I participated in the 27th, and this tour took us beyond Visby into the southern countryside of Gotland. It was a refreshing escape and a chance to see more of the island’s beauty. You will have to sign up early because the seats fill up very quickly!

What to expect:

  • A free bus ride and a little snack while immersing in Gotlandic culture
  • Visits to coastal cliffs, churches, villages, and stunning landscapes
  • Historical insights from the university guide, Mikael Norrby

(Check out the reel I posted about the bus tour on our Instagram here)

Student Expo – October 7

The Student Expo was the best place to discover clubs, services, and opportunities on campus and meet all of them in one place.

What to expect:

  • Booths from university services and student services beyond campus
  • Info on volunteering, sports, and creative activities
  • In-person meetups with the services and friendly conversations (and free chocolates!)

(Check out the different services offered for you as a student at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland in brief, here.)

The welcome activities helped me connect with the university, the city, and most importantly, new friends. If you’re a future student reading this, I encourage you to take part in everything you can. Please also note that these were the activities that came up this year (August 2025), and they can be subject to change in the coming years. So, bring your curiosity, your stories, and your camera because Uppsala University, Campus Gotland, is not just a place to study; it’s a place to live, learn, and grow.