A Tradition That Unites Generations: LSMU Marks the Beginning of the Academic Year with a Festive Student Procession

Laisvės Alley came alive today with the bright melodies of a marching wind band, cheerful smiles from locals and city guests, and the youthful energy of a student procession. At the heart of Kaunas, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) celebrated the beginning of the new academic year.

The festive procession of students, LSMU leadership, and faculty deans along Laisvės Alley is a long-standing tradition at LSMU. It symbolises joy, the freedom and identity of the University, its traditions and continuity, and the University’s close integration with the life of Kaunas city.

Symbolically, the procession was largely composed of the LSMU first-year students, many of whom were international. LSMU is one of the most international universities in Lithuania, renowned for its multicultural atmosphere.

In the Nepriklausomybės Square, new students were welcomed with speeches and entertainment. Professor Rimantas Benetis, Rector of LSMU, emphasised that admission to the University had required hard work, the journey ahead would demand even greater dedication, perseverance, and time.

“On this path you have chosen – to help those who are ill or suffering – you will be supported by our University community, which possesses both the knowledge and experience to guide you. Take full advantage of the opportunity to experience the University’s multicultural environment. Kaunas is a wonderful place to study, and the city takes pride in the LSMU community,”  – said Prof. R. Benetis, expressing his hope to one day present these young people with their well-earned LSMU diplomas.

Professor Jūratė Macijauskienė, Chairperson of the LSMU Senate, celebrated the special moments of unity:

“We are beginning a new academic year together, and we hope it will be full of new experiences and challenges – one that will inspire curiosity and scientific exploration. Today, we are all united: students eager to learn, teachers ready to help, University staff, and city residents – together forming part of this major celebration for both the University and the city.”

Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, President of the LSMU Student Council, remarked that the 1st of September symbolises a freshly turned page – a new beginning filled with opportunities and challenges.

“As Einstein once said, curiosity is more important than knowledge. This reminds us that our journey is not only about collecting facts but also about the desire to understand and to keep learning.

I wish you courage in the face of challenges, patience when the road gets tough, and curiosity that keeps you searching for answers. Every experience, lecture, or difficulty is part of your professional journey. So let’s embrace this academic year with open hearts and new energy.”

At the LSMU activity fair, first-year students were introduced to various University organisations and artistic groups, all inviting them to spend their free time meaningfully, nurture creativity, and connect with like-minded peers. Among them were the Student Union, Sports Centre, student associations, academic choir, dance ensembles, Cynology Centre, Wildlife Rescue Centre, and other organisations.

Participants of the celebration marking the Day of Science and Knowledge enjoyed festive treats, played outdoor games, and later attended Mass at Kaunas Arch-Cathedral Basilica of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, where prayers were offered for the academic community.

Health sciences at LSMU remain among the most popular fields of study in the country. This year, a total of 1,773 young people were admitted to the University, including 289 students who achieved maximum national exam scores, and 376 first-years who will be studying in English.

This year, the most popular programmes among applicants were medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine. The pharmacy and health psychology programmes also attracted considerable interest. The average admission score of students who signed study contracts with LSMU was higher than last year – 8.62 for state-funded places and 7.84 for non-funded places.

According to this year’s university rankings, LSMU is one of the top two universities in Lithuania – a position it has maintained for the third consecutive year. The consistently high quality of studies continues to drive strong interest in health sciences at LSMU.