Rikke Gürgens Gjærum

The midnight sun and after a while, the northern lights and the mysterious dark days, will give you both wonderful moments, but perhaps also troublesome sleep. But above all, they offer memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. I remember first moving to the Artic from my hometown, Oslo – it was a new life, but after a while you get used to it. And you learn to love it.

I have been an international student as all of you. My first time was 30 years ago, but I remember it very clearly…The moment you walk into a new university in a new country – you enter a new pathway.  A pathway to a different life. Believe it or not. Your journey is now to begin, with this day and great people around you.

I was abroad both in Bath and London in England and in Brisbane in Australia. Far from home. And I will tell you. For me it was both exciting and scaring. But it was the real starting point of my life journey as a researcher.

The language, the culture, the institutions, the manners and the nature. All is new and quite difficult to understand. But it’s an important learning process. I must admit I envy you a little – because, when you are young you learn quick, and your experiences actually change your life. 

The artic University of Norway is diverse in its nature. UiT is the world’s northernmost university, and we have approximately 18000 students and 4000 employees. UiT is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. We have 11 campuses in Northen Norway, from Mo in Rana in the south to Svalbard in the north and Kirkenes in the east. The university contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international level. This gives us a close connection to both nature, society, and global challenges.

We carry a special responsibility: to develop knowledge that matters for life in the Arctic and in Sapmi – the Sami region. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT.

Academia is a place where ideas are challenged, and knowledge is built. Today, freedom of expression is under pressure. That is why it is especially important to emphasize that strong academic institutions can play a vital role in safeguarding democracy. Academic freedom can promote cultural, social, and political diversity. At The Arctic University of Norway, everyone should feel free to raise their voice and be themselves in a safe and inclusive study environment, no matter gender, religion, political perspective or sexual orientation. 

So, embrace the moment. Be brave, connect to people, both Norwegians and fellow international students – don’t be shy, bot try to reach out – because meeting new people is part of your education. Dear international students, I hope you will find inspiration, insight, friendship, and cultural exchange!