This weekend, international students will get the chance to experience one of the oldest traditions at Lund University: the student ball.
Representatives from all the nations, except Smålands, have gathered to create this party, which will have a more relaxed atmosphere and a lower price than the traditional balls.
“This is the only ball organized by all the nations together,” mentioned Shawn Thane, chairman of the International College, a group that coordinates the international secretaries of the different nations at Lund University.
Old tradition
Similar arrangements have been taking place at the university for decades, such as the GA Ball organized every fall by Göteborgs nation since 1964.
“It was considered a big part of a person’s education to have good table manners”, explains Shawn.
Compared to other balls, the International Student Ball is a new tradition. The student nations aimed to give international students a glimpse into these events, especially for those who are at the university for one or two semesters.
Formal dinner
The International Student Ball retains the most important features of a traditional ball, including a formal, three-course dinner, singing and a choir. At midnight, attendants will move from Lunds Nation to the AF Building for the dancing part of the night, joining students from the Lunds’ own ball.
More accessible for international students
There are, however, certain changes that aim to make balls more accessible for international students. The dress code is relatively more relaxed: dark suits for men and cocktail dresses for women (instead of the traditional tails and night dresses.)
Prices are also more accessible. Tickets were sold for SEK 300, a significant difference from the traditional balls, which usually range from SEK 700 to 800.
“We want to share this tradition with the international students without having to spend a lot of money,” Shawn stated.
70 people for dinner
In comparison to the traditional Nation balls, this could be considered a scaled-down event, since Nation balls can have up to 500 people, while for this event around 70 people are expected for dinner.
Etiquette is considered to be an important component of the balls. This however, should not deter students from taking part in these events. As Shawn puts it: “The most important thing is to have a good time.”
