LSMU Opens the Academic Year with a Festive Procession and White Coat Ceremony
Today, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) celebrated the beginning of the new academic year in the very heart of Kaunas. The lively melodies of a brass band filled all corners of Laisvės Avenue sparking curiosity and smiles of passers-by, and the youthful student procession once again brought a cheerful buzz to the city centre, where this traditional University event is eagerly anticipated each year.
The festive procession of students, members of the Rectorate and faculty deans along Laisvės Avenue marking the opening of the new academic year is a long-standing LSMU tradition. It symbolises joy, a sense of community, freedom and identity, traditions and continuity of the University, and its part in the life of Kaunas.
Symbolically, first-year students of LSMU, including many international students, were the largest group in the procession, testifying to the multicultural atmosphere of one of the most international universities in Lithuania.
The LSMU community and students embarking on their studies, gathered in Nepriklausomybės Square, were welcomed by LSMU Rector Professor Rimantas Benetis. The Rector emphasised that studies at the University begin with certain traditions, one of which is the festive procession on the first day of the academic year.
“I wish you every success in your studies. They will not be easy, but your faculties will be there to support you and give you strength. The University keeps upgrading its infrastructure for your convenience and needs. I wish you every success as you become professionals in the health, life and agricultural sciences,” said the LSMU Rector.
Professor Jūratė Macijauskienė, Chairperson of the LSMU Senate, expressed her delight that the LSMU community was beginning yet another academic year together, warmly welcoming the people of Kaunas, sharing in the excitement of first-year students, and greeting the lecturers ready to guide the students through the world of professional knowledge.
Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, student representative and President of the LSMU Student Union, also welcomed the large group of first-year students.
“The University will give you a great deal – knowledge, competences, new connections and opportunities – but university life is not only about what we receive, but what we bring to it ourselves as well. Do not be afraid to be the ones who ask questions, who say, ‘We can do better.’ Do not wait for the university life simply to happen to you – be the ones who also shape it. I wish you confidence in following your path,” said R. Kriaučiūnaitė.
Chloë de Moura, President of the International Student Committee, addressed international students with a word of encouragement: “If you are here today, it is not by chance: you have earned your place through your own efforts. Learning will not always be easy, but there will always be people around you who are ready to advise, help and share their insights. Do not isolate yourselves, stay curious, and never stop seeking knowledge,” said Chloë de Moura.
Nepriklausomybės Square then hosted a fair showcasing a wide range of activities at LSMU. First-year students were introduced to organisations, student initiatives, sports and artistic groups as well as other opportunities available at the University alongside lectures and practical classes.
Among those presenting their activity were the LSMU Student Union, Sports Centre, student associations, the academic choir, dance groups, the Cynology Centre, the Wildlife Rescue Centre, and other University organisations. First-year students were encourage not only to seek professional knowledge, but also to take part in sport, creative activities, volunteering, engage in community life and meet like-minded people.
The academic year opening events continued across LSMU faculties, and Holy Mass for the LSMU academic community took place at Archcathedral Basilica of Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul of Kaunas.
White coats presented to all first-year students
A special tradition pioneered in Lithuania by LSMU – the presentation of white coats, symbols of their future profession, to all first-year students of the University – was also part of the academic year opening celebration.
According to Professor Andrius Macas, Dean of the LSMU Faculty of Medicine, the international White Coat Ceremony tradition emerged in the United States towards the end of the twentieth century, and the LSMU Faculty of Medicine was the first in Lithuania to adopt and foster the tradition, at the initiative of the then Dean of the Faculty, Professor Dr Algimantas Tamelis.
“This is not merely a ceremony at which a coat is presented. At its heart are responsibility, professional commitment and the relationship with the patient. Medical students come into contact with patients while they are still studying, so it is important from the very beginning to understand that the white coat represents not a privilege, but a duty. The tradition embodies professionalism, integrity and unconditional commitment to the patient,” emphasised Prof. A. Macas.
According to Associate Professor Dr Laura Malakauskienė, Dean of Student Affairs, the Student Affairs Office initiated and continues the tradition of presenting white coats to all LSMU students, irrespective of their faculty or study programme.
The white coat symbolises responsibility, professionalism and respect for human and animal life, while also embodying the spirit of community and the values that unite all LSMU students.
Growing numbers choose to study at LSMU
LSMU begins the new academic year with a larger first-year student community. Following the second additional admissions around, 1,129 students signed study agreements with the University – almost 100 more than last year.
Medicine remains among the most popular study programmes. This year, 385 applicants signed agreements to study medicine: 168 in state-funded places and 217 in self-funded places. Compared with 2025, 40 more students chose medicine. According to the 2026 data published by the magazine Reitingai, LSMU continues to be one of the two highest-rated universities in Lithuania.
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