Students, we need your help!
Uppsala and Visby are great student cities. Right now, as the semester begins, we are all doing our best to make you feel welcome. We hope we can help you get off to a good start, both in your studies and in other ways. Many of you are far from home and we know that the welcome you receive means a lot when it comes to meeting new friends and feeling you belong.

At the same time, we are in the midst of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We have made many changes to reduce the spread of infection: our courses involve more digital offerings, we have put up reminders in our buildings about keeping a distance, spaced seating out, reduced the size of study groups and deployed hand sanitiser pretty much everywhere.

Moreover, we know that student unions, associations and nations are doing their best to make sure everyone can feel welcome without crowding.

However, I would like to call on you all individually to join in and take personal responsibility. Keep your distance, wash your hands, stay at home if you are sick and get tested if you have any symptoms at all. The test is free and immediate appointments are available. Cycle or walk rather than taking public transport. Follow the guidance posted at your campus.

We need to carry on and stay strong to make sure the University can stay open and you students can experience as much as possible of every part of student life.

A very warm welcome to Uppsala University.

Eva Åkesson
Vice-Chancellor, Uppsala University