Every semester there is a Hälsningsgillet, a student association fair (or a fresher’s fair). It welcomes students to see what is going on in and around Lund, with last semester’s fair featuring 150 stalls and 4,000 students. This year will be the second time that Anna Sterner has organised the event. So let’s see what she has to say about Hälsningsgillet.
Photo: Rebecca Foxcroft
What is your role within the university and within organising Hälsningsgillet?
“I’m working as the Studentlund coordinator which is a full time job, where you take a year off from your studies. To be the project leader for Hälsningsgillet is one of my work assigments and it’s the second time I arrange the fair which happens every semester; September and January near the end of the month.”
How do you feel the organisation of the fair has gone?
“The organisation has gone really well, even though the project is bigger than it has been before with more organisations and companies.”
Do you feel that it will be as successful as last semester’s Hälsningsgillet?
“It is hard to say but it has good potential. It is set up to be larger than before.”
What makes Hälsningsgillet different from the Student Association fair held a few weeks ago?
“It is bigger! It’s not just the nations, unions and the Academic Society but also companies and a lot of non-profit organisations, such as sport clubs and political organiations. Moreover, the stalls are from associations based both within and outside the university. It is less about companies hiring the students and more about self-promotion. It is a way for them to meet students. Hopefully 4000 students.”
Is it suitable for international students, i.e. non-Swedish speakers?
“Absolutely. The associations want to meet all the students. Everyone speaks English, I’d be surprised if someone didn’t or wasn’t friendly! It is for all students, new and old. It has something new and different.”
Do you believe it shows ‘what makes Lund so great’?
“Yes, I love student life in Lund. It is a good project that collects organisations allowing students to meet them and perhaps experience the unknown.”
Text: Rebecca Foxcroft
