Uppsala Universitet – International student guide 2012/2013

28
Student lIFe
a Year of traditions
In Uppsala things happen all year round,
ranging from festivals to formal balls. Valborg
is a widely known celebration and attracts
students from near and far. Here are some of
the year’s major events. You will notice that
there is something for everyone to discover.
The day Before Walpurgis Eve
– Kvalborg – 29 April
One of the newest student traditions – a
warm-up event before Walpurgis Eve (see
below). The day is often spent playing games
and barbecuing, and finally ends at a nation.
The Last Day of April, Walpurgis Eve
– Valborg – 30 April
Valborg is the biggest student event in Uppsala
with rafting, traditional food, singing,
champagne, parties and much more. And not
only students celebrate. The entire town of
Uppsala participates in the festivities.
STORK – Usually in May
A Student Orchestra Festival that is held
every other year in Uppsala (and every
other in Linköping). Student orchestras
and bands from all over the country come
to the city to play music and socialize.
Spring Ball – Vårbal – 19 May 2012
A formal ball and a grand finale to the student
year. Begins as a dinner with singing and
dancing – and then continue with a full day
of festive experiences. Held simultaneously in
all 13 of Uppsala’s student nations.
Cultur Night – Kulturnatten –
8 September 2012
The city’s main cultural event. Uppsala
residents take to the streets to experience art,
music, dance and much more in the Autumn
darkness.
Goose Dinner – Gåsbal
– Usually in November
Formal ball in the fall, serving traditional black
soup as a starter and goose as the main course.
Held in many of Uppsala’s nations.
Intervarsity rowing – Universitets-
kapprodden – Usually in October
The traditional rowing race between the oldest
university cities of Sweden. Uppsala and Lund
alternate as host of the race.
Exercise
Additionally, there are over a hundred football
fields, a dozen golf courses, sports facilities and
a water park in Uppsala. The town is also near
to Ekoln, the northern end of lake Mälaren.