On a sunny Monday afternoon, in a corner room of a building in Lund, a place that seemed like a secret society was in its prosperity, where the dices were rolling on the table and laugter was in the air. Yes, that it – the Game Nights hosted by the International Desk.
Photo: Xche Balam.
Julian Blair, Student activity coordinator, who has been in charge of the event for already 3 years:
“The event is getting very popular, as it is a great place to meet new people from different countries and a good way to hang out with friends”.
He goes on further saying that the Game Night welcomes 30 to 50 students every week in the autumn semester and a bit less number of students in the Spring semester, as there are less international students in Lund in general.
“There are students that come to visit us every week, it is nice to see so many regular faces”, says Julian Blair.
“Such events are very welcomed by the students and we are creating other similar events like this – regular tours around Lund and Skane, which help the students to enjoy their stay in Lund.”
Monopoly most enjoyable
Through out the event, students are sitting around many tables playing all kinds of board and strategy games, everything you could think of and the ones, perhaps, you’ve never played before. Among those games, Jungle speed and Monopoly and most enjoyable, and students keep playing them hundreds of times, without noticing how the time flies. The free snacks and drinks provided keep the players to maintain the high energy level – after all, playing games are energy consuming, just as studying!
“Game Night is a great for socializing, you can become really good friends during the games, competing and cooperating with each other. It is great for finding new friends. Actually, some people I have met here have become my friends and we often hang out together beyond the ground of Game Nights”, says Severin Filonov from Russia, who attends Game Nights on a regular basis.
Photo: Xche Balam.
More than movie nights
Severin Filonov also told us that actually sometimes life in Lund may seem to be a little bit boring, so he suggested that it may be good if there will be more events like this. “Personally, I really enjoy movie nights. After watching films you can always discuss it with others and it’s a good way to get to know people who share the same opinions with you”, he added.
As it was pointed out by Danai Bourotzika from Greece, who is at the Game Night for the first time, says that it is so cool to meet students from so many different countries. She pointed out that there are not so many events held in English, or at least she has not so many knowledge about them,
“I wish there were more events held in English like this, where you can meet more people, and get to know the life in Lund better, especially in the beginning of the semester, during the orientation weeks”, says Danai Bourotzika.
Attractiveness of staying
The main objective of the International Desk is not only to assist students to adjust to the life at Lund university, but also help them realize the attractiveness of staying in Lund.
“Everything we do here is to let the students to fully enjoy their stay here, and we are doing our best to see the positive results where all the students can find what they are looking for and enjoy themselves”, says Julian.
