Toomas Asser to new students: make the most of the wisdom the university has to offer

Dear students, colleagues, and guests,

Welcome to the University of Tartu, our new first-year students! I have the honour to greet and congratulate you on behalf of the university. As of today, you are members of one of the most dignified organisations in Estonia. For you, this is both a recognition and a responsibility.

Our this year’s entrants’ path to the university was more competitive than before. Remarkably more people did not get the admission offer from the University of Tartu. We are happy to see that as many as 45% of Estonian upper secondary school graduates decided to start their studies at the University of Tartu. At the same time, we must work closely with the government and other educational institutions to seriously consider how we can ensure that as many young people as possible – those with the interest and ability to learn – can continue their educational journey in a situation where, on one hand, too many young people in Estonia still lack any specialised education, and on the other, we are expecting several large cohorts of secondary school graduates in the coming years.

I truly hope that, in choosing your field of study, you made a well-considered decision, and that the university will not only meet your expectations but also open new opportunities. I trust you know the penalties that come with interrupting or restarting your studies, so I sincerely hope you will not find yourself needing to change your course in the coming years.

It is also my duty to share a few words of advice with you. I hope they help you avoid decisions that might lead to disappointment.

First and foremost, I encourage you to embrace the mindset that, for the next few years, studying is your main job. I understand that starting work can be tempting or even inevitable at times. But we hope you will make the most of the wisdom the university has to offer. It is equally important to us that you do not burn out when study and work demands pile up. And perhaps most importantly – by dedicating yourself to your studies, you will build a safety net of fellow students. These are the people with whom you will create lasting memories, and who may remain by your side for life. That is something you cannot recreate later or buy with all the money in the world.

Secondly, studying at the University of Tartu – and truly being present at lectures and seminars – offers you an extraordinary opportunity to draw knowledge directly from the source. Not only the best and most up-to-date scientific insights, but also the wisdom that has been passed down through generations in the academic world. Make the most of this opportunity. Stay curious and take in as much as our teaching staff have to offer. Ask questions from them, and do not be afraid to challenge ideas or engage in discussions. Learning how to participate in respectful academic debate is itself a vital part of your university education. It is a value that the university can carry forward into society.

Dear colleagues,

The young people you see here today could become the future leaders in your field. In addition to a successful admission period, this is a hopeful time for the university because we are finally seeing a noticeable rise in interest in doctoral studies among young Estonians. Ensuring continuity – both within the university and in society – and maintaining strong ties with our alumni begins today, here after the ceremony. Take these young people on board from the start. Show them the paths they might follow and give them a push forward. Inspire them so that they feel that they want to study, not that they have to.

Now, a call to all students, no matter if it is your first day at the University of Tartu or you are nearing the end of your doctoral journey. Without you, the university would be just another research institution. You play a vital role here. Beyond learning and personal growth, I encourage you to actively engage in university life and speak up so that things that could be improved or done differently would indeed change for the better. You have student representatives through whom your ideas can reach the heads of the institute or faculty or even the Rector’s Office. Use this opportunity wisely and, what is more important, boldly.

I also want to extend my best wishes to the new board of the Student Union. I hope that over the next two years, UTSU will build an impressive list of achievements and show that students truly have considerable power at the University of Tartu. Believe me, the door to my office is always open to you.

I am wishing a wonderful and successful new academic year to all!

Vivat academia!