{"id":331,"date":"2016-06-16T10:34:59","date_gmt":"2016-06-16T10:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/uls.nu\/?page_id=331"},"modified":"2026-04-03T22:19:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:19:53","slug":"valkommen-till-ultuna","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ultunastudentkar.se\/en\/ny-student\/valkommen-till-ultuna\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to Ultuna!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We are pleased to welcome, as usual, many new SLU students this fall.

The minion weeks is the name of ULS's welcome weeks - two weeks that are designed to make you, as a new student, feel welcome on campus. The pace during the minion weeks is often high and there are a variety of activities that are all arranged by our student union officials. There is a familiar atmosphere on campus and it is very important to us that you, as a student, feel welcome and safe.

The minion weeks begin on Monday in connection with the call for applications and end on Sunday two weeks later. The two weeks are filled with activities and elements that enrich the student life and help you get settled in your new student city. As a new student (also called a minion), you will get to know other students, and the traditions that are tied to the Ultuna Student Union and the university.

The purpose of the welcome activities is for you, as a new student, to have the opportunity of meeting other students within and between grades and between programs. It is a perfect opportunity to make new contacts and have fun at the same time. The welcome activities also include an introduction to the campus, the Student Union and the university. Here you will not only meet sponsors and officials from the Student Union (an official is a student who works voluntarily at the Student Union), but also have the opportunity to get to know representatives and organizations from both the business community and the municipality.

Since these weeks are so intense, it can sometimes be difficult to find time to cook. A strong recommendation is therefore to have lunch boxes prepared in advance so you don't have to think about it during the minion weeks and can enjoy the fun.
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More information will come in the form of a so-called small booklet where there will be a lot more useful information about the weeks themselves, but also other good information about the campus, the university and the student union. More information can be found under<\/mark> the minion weeks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Board of 2026<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Traditions at the beauteous\nmeadows of Ultuna.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ultuna Student Union is a long-standing union with a rich history, but don\u2019t let that intimidate you. Much of it will, of course, be new and unfamiliar, but you\u2019ll learn quickly. Our traditions include everything from dinners and celebrations to more subtle practices. The most important thing to know is that these traditions exist to enhance (and enrich) our time as students at Ultuna.

When you arrive at Ultuna Student Union, you will encounter a number of terms and historical figures that it\u2019s helpful to know a little more about:

Jyns Ultunae<\/strong>: Jyns, or Jynsen, is a Viking chieftain who, along with his Viking brothers, is said to be Ultuna\u2019s first inhabitant. Jyns is more myth than fact, because although Ultuna is home to many ancient Viking graves, it has not been possible to determine with certainty where he rests.

Ulla Ultunae<\/strong>: The Wife of Jyns, and subsequently the mother to their shared children, the minions.

Union Name (K\u00e5rnamn)<\/strong>Awarded each year to Union officers who have worked on the board, in the Festivities Committee or as chairs of their respective committees. The Union nickname is written in capital letters between, or instead of, the first and last name and is used, for example, at dinners. Union nicknames originated in the early 1900s and were then called \u201ck\u00e5knamn,\u201d named after K\u00e5ken, the residence where the students lived. At that time, the nickname served as a classless name to promote equality among students, as everyone became brothers and no one was \u201cCount\u201d anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sj\u00f6slaget (The Battle of the Lake)<\/strong>: A long-standing tradition held every ten years, where we Ultuna students defend our birthright to the Fyris River against the students from Uppsala, who pollute our crystal-clear waters. The event is organized by the ULS Admiralty. The most recent naval battle took place on May 14, 2022, when Ultuna Student Union claimed its 7th victory against Uppsala Student Union. We look forward to the next naval battle in 2032!

Inspector<\/strong>: The Union\u2019s Inspector was formerly a university official tasked with overseeing the students\u2019 activities. Today, the title of Inspector is an honorary role; the Inspector serves as an important link between the university and the Union, providing supportive guidance for the Union\u2019s activities.

The Union's current inspector is Emil BALDER Sandstr\u00f6m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Picture of K\u00e5ken taken 1887 by Henri Osti\u2019s Fotografiateli\u00e9r<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Picture of Sj\u00f6slaget between Ultuna Student Union and Uppsala Student Union 1959<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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One year at the Union<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is just a small part of everything that happens at the Union. Are you curious about our committees and what everyone is working on? You can find all committees under \u201cCommittees & Independent Associations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dinners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the Union year, the Union\u2019s Festivities Committee organizes dinners, or \u201csittnings.\u201d These are very enjoyable events where, in a more formal setting, you can enjoy good food and socialize with fellow Ultuna students. The dress code varies depending on the academic occasion, but it is usually formal, such as a suit jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Union Meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here you can share your thoughts and ideas. This is where we make decisions about our operations together. At these meetings, officers are elected to our various committees, and all members are treated to free food!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pubs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most Thursdays, the Union\u2019s pub is open. Here you can purchase food and drinks, and sometimes there is also entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports & Outdoor Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Running sessions, Advent hikes, paddling courses, climbing, camping trips, and almost every ball sport you can think of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educational Monitoring Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the course, the study councils offer fika for the students who have participated in course monitoring. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fika & Social Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Waffle caf\u00e9, study fika, game nights, Lucia morning, and a joint Christmas calendar morning with breakfast. These are just a few of the cozy activities organized by the Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials' Parties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The board thanks each year\u2019s Union officers with a free dinner event twice a year. At these dinners, Union nicknames are awarded during the baptism ceremony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ceremonial Celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We organize ceremonies for bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s graduates every spring, followed by a ball.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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