The Congress encouraged our students to think bold, imagining how the University of the Future might look in 10, 20, even 30 years’ time. This envisioning was highlighted by focus groups the students participated in, exploring concepts and values central to the University of the Future. The students became visionaries, working together to develop innovative solutions inspired by the Future UniLab, the think tank of Una Europa. The participants were equipped with creative tools to facilitate their problem-solving, from role play and debate to TikTok and even Lego. In the afternoon the students presented their explorations to their fellow students, developing a holistic vision for the University of the Future while enhancing their public speaking skills.
Other highlights from the programme include a Student Talk delving into ideas of belonging and the essence of the University of the Future; Una.Connect speed-networking led by members of the Jagiellonian University Student Government; an evening pub quiz; and launching the #UnaForUkraine fundraising campaign.
" When building the University of the Future we cannot forget the main passengers: the students. "
Natalia Szymańska, Una Europa Student Board member for Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie
Creative discussion in focus groups
Roksolana (Uniwersytet Jagielloński) sharing the experiences of Ukrainian students who fled to Kraków
Student Talk exploring, What is the essence of the University of the Future?
Lovina (Freie Universität Berlin) delivering a creative presentation in Una.Brochuras
Natalia (Uniwersytet Jagielloński) welcoming students to Kraków
" Welcome to this community of over 500,000 students. It is yours to shape. "
Una Europa Secretary-General Emily Palmer speaking at the Student Congress Opening Ceremony
#UnaForUkraine
Inspired by our student community’s compassion and commitment to taking action in response to the war in Ukraine, we launched our fundraising campaign #UnaForUkraine at the Una Europa Student Congress Opening Ceremony in Kraków which took palce on Wednesday 26 October 2022.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Uniwersytet Jagielloński in Kraków, Poland threw open its doors and became a safe haven for people fleeing war. #UnaForUkraine unites the Una Europa community in support of Ukrainian refugees at Uniwersytet Jagielloński by raising funds for emergency aid and scholarships.
Show your solidarity. Donate, get involved or spread the word.
" We stand with all students affected by the conflict. As representatives of all Una Europa students, we issue a solemn call for peace and for action, such as assistance for students transitioning from their home countries to EU universities. "
Taken for the Una Europa Student Board statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
PhD networking at Uniwersytet Jagielloński
At the same time as the Student Congress, Uniwersytet Jagielloński also held a parallel programme for doctoral researchers from Una Europa universities. Each of the nine participating university was represented by one doctoral researcher who travelled to Kraków to connect with their fellow researchers and explore the role doctoral researchers can and should play in building the University of the Future.
The doctoral and student participants had the chance to connect at the shared Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner hosted at Uniwersytet Jagielloński's Collegium Novum, before splitting into their bespoke programmes. Highlights from the dynamic PhD programme include presentations where each researcher introduced themselves and their university; group discussion to develop tangible actions to support junior researchers at Una Europa; tour of Kraków Old Town and a visit to the host university's Collegium Maius museum. The programme was coordinated by the Towarzystwo Doktorantów Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego (Jagiellonian University Doctoral Student Association), helping to build strong bonds between doctoral researchers a related organisations at Una Europa universities.
Hear more from the Una Europa student community
Interested in hearing more voices from our student community? Listen to our latest podcast episode, in which four students reflect on the journey they have taken with Una Europa and the changes they would like to see implemented in future.
The Una Europa Student Congress format was initiated under the 1Europe project.
