At the intro party: We asked new students what it felt like. Any wardrobe panic?

It was as if the heavens opened at 4 pm as the rain washed down over the Islands Brygge district. Fortunately, the Student Council’s intro event started at 4.30 pm, and the rain eased off to a light drizzle, and it was (almost) over when the Student Council welcomed everyone at 5.

This was fortunate, as this year’s event had moved out on to the new Karen Blixens Plads square on South Campus, and colourful rain jackets were flashed on the yellow ground surfaces.

Student Council chairman Mike Gudbergsen gave a welcoming speech in which he – in addition to welcoming the new students – criticised politicians and the university management for making the university less accessible to all, regardless of background.

Afterwards, prorector Bente Stallknecht welcomed the students and talked about how the flock of students in front of her in the longer term would help solve the world’s crises – like the climate one, for example.

Then the new students were sent out to get to know their new classmates, but before that, we caught up with five of them.

Marie, 26, is to start on Theatre and Performance Studies

Can you try and describe how you feel right now?

»I find it really overwhelming that there are so many people here right now. It is like butterflies in my stomach, with a feeling of general excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety.«

Have you prepared for the start of your study programme – have you perhaps been out to buy a new school bag?

»Maybe I should have done that. I have an Eastpack Jesus bag that has followed me since I went to 4th grade, and this will also come with me to uni.«

Have you thought about what to wear today?

»I haven’t dressed up for a particular study programme, but I’ve definitely thought about what I’ve put on. I’ve tried to look like someone you’d like to talk to.«

Anab, 19, to start on economics programme

Can you try and describe how you feel right now?

»It’s kind of a bit: Wow, I hope I don’t do something embarrassing in a minute. I have no idea what is going to happen, so I feel a bit nervous and look forward to seeing what will happen.«

Have you prepared for the start of your study programme – have you perhaps been out to buy a new school bag?

»Yes, I have, actually, bought a school bag! But I haven’t bought anything else.«

What kind did you buy?

»A black backpack.«

Have you thought about what to wear today?

»Yes, because you give off a first impression today, so you have to look presentable.«

Did you have any wardrobe panic?

»No, things actually went pretty fast.«

Valdemar, 21, to start on history programme

How do you feel right now?

»I’m really nervous. My heart is pumping more than usual, and I feel that I am really small again – just like starting in upper-secondary or with the big kids in school.«

Have you been out shopping for stuff, have you bought a new school bag or something else?

»I’ve deleted some files from my Macbook and cleaned up my room, that is as far as I got to.«

Have you thought about what to wear today?

»I’ve put on some black clothes, because it’s hard to offend anyone with black clothes. When you are a redhead, it’s all about being neutral. You already make an impression.«

Signe, 23, is to start on Eastern European Studies

Can you describe to me how you feel right now?

»It’s a bit nerve-racking, but it’s nice to be here. It was a huge hurdle to overcome for me just to be here. I didn’t think so many would turn up, but I’m so happy I came, because I’ve already got a lot out of it.«

Have you thought about what to wear today?

»Yes, that is, my jacket is warm, but I didn’t count on it raining. I took the train in all the way from Næstved, and I thought it would be warm when I went home later.«

Jonas, 20, to start on the communication and IT programme

Can you describe to me how you feel right now?

»I am actually quite relaxed. I have had two gap years, so I’m just super hooked on getting started, I think it’s cool.«

Have you prepared to start up – did you get a new backpack or something?

»I’m looking at getting a new computer, but otherwise not really.«

Have you thought about what to wear today? Has there been any wardrobe panic?

»I have been in a little bit of a wardrobe panic, but it ended up being what was at the top of the cupboard, because I thought there was really no reason to think too much about it.«

»So you got into the panic zone, and then you took a deep breath?«

»A bit of a crisis and then: Relax!«