The first day of October is traditionally dedicated to welcoming new students, or “freshers”, at the University of Zadar. In the Grand Hall, first-year students of undergraduate and integrated undergraduate and graduate programmes gathered, where they were welcomed on behalf of the University by the Rector, Prof. Josip Faričić, PhD, together with the Vice-Rector, Prof. Anita Pavić Pintarić, PhD, Head of the Student Services Office Emilija Matassi Botunac, and student representatives.
The beginning of the academic year is always a special moment – for new students, it marks entry into university life, while for professors and senior colleagues, it is an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and support with the new generation. This year, the University of Zadar invites its students to make the most of the rich array of educational, scientific, cultural and social activities, as well as the unique atmosphere of studying in Zadar – a city where history and tradition meet modern student life.
“Before you lies a new chapter and a world of opportunities and challenges. We met many interesting people, and when we first arrived in the unknown, Zadar gave us a sense of safety and home,” shared Hana Sivec, a representative of psychology students, and Roberta Tomičić, president of the Student Council.
Zadar is a city proud of its tradition of having the oldest university founded in this part of Europe, dating back to 1396. Even in that first year, both professors and students came not only from the territory of present-day Croatia but also from other European countries. Today, students in Zadar still have the opportunity to build collaborations and gain knowledge at numerous partner institutions, including the European alliance EU-CONEXUS, of which the University of Zadar is a member.
“We live in a time when modern technologies allow us to quickly find facts we are interested in, even the steps to reach a solution. Artificial intelligence changes people in the sense that it saves time that might previously have been wasted and can now be used for something else. However, we should not become slaves to artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Let your mobile devices be your servants, not your masters. Let any digital content truly help you, but never distract you – first from meeting other people, making new acquaintances and friendships, and later from your professional path, which will be an opportunity to show your knowledge and skills,” said Rector Faričić to the students.
He also referred to research showing that in many Croatian cities, young people are dissatisfied with the quality of cultural and entertainment activities, encouraging students to be the ones who create content.
“Be active and creative, not just passive consumers of everything offered to you. I hope you will be satisfied with the study programmes we have offered and that you have chosen. However, if you find that something does not meet your expectations, feel free to respond and propose an innovation, something different and more relevant in your view, and we will consider it – and if we determine it is worth adopting, we will do so,” added Rector Faričić.
After the formal programme and welcome speeches, students went to their respective departments, where heads of departments and professors introduced them to the study programmes, methods of work and first obligations. Regular classes for undergraduate and integrated study students, as well as second-year graduate students, begin tomorrow, 2 October, while classes for first-year graduate students will start on Monday, 6 October.
At the entrance to the Old Campus, representatives of the Student Council, Student Services, the Foreign Language Centre, the Student Counselling Centre, the Office for International Cooperation, the Centre for Physical Education and Student Sports, EU-CONEXUS representatives, and the Academic Choir of the University of Zadar provided new students with information about studies and life in Zadar. Students could also scan a QR code to access information and register for a free sunset boat ride offered to them as a gift by the University of Zadar.
Today, freshmen have stepped into a new chapter of their lives, and the University wishes them a student journey filled with knowledge, friendships and experiences they will remember for a lifetime.