Here’s a step-by-step guide to help first year students smoothly begin their university experience, from both an academic and legal perspectives.
1. Check your university system access
From a legal standpoint, Lukas Serzantas advises paying attention to the registration process in university IT systems. The university, upon receiving your personal information, protects it according to strict data protection rules, including the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Lithuanian laws. However, to further protect your personal data, it is important to take care of your login credentials by using strong passwords and managing your information securely.
2. Familiarise yourself with the study schedule and requirements
The lawyer reminds us that every student has not only rights but also responsibilities. Therefore, it is helpful to familiarise yourself with the consequences of not fulfilling those responsibilities properly. Failing to comply with university regulations can result in penalties ranging from warnings to expulsion. Thus, it is better to know in advance what is expected of you and to try to meet these requirements.
3. Utilise university IT services
When using university IT services, it’s essential to highlight how to protect your data. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple but effective way to safeguard your account against unauthorized access, says Lukas Serzantas. In one real case, a student used their university email and the same password combination to log into various services, such as social networks. Since two-factor authentication was not enabled, only the password was required to log in. When one of the services experienced a data breach, the student’s password was stolen, which allowed malicious imposters to access their university email and, subsequently, internal university systems, which stored important information such as academic records and financial details. Due to not securing the account with two-factor authentication, the student suffered significant data loss and privacy violations. It took a lot of time and effort to recover accounts and prevent further damage. Therefore, enabling two-factor authentication could help prevent such incidents, as it would ensure that even if a password is stolen, an additional authentication step protects the login.
4. Get acquainted with the library and its resources
When using library resources, respect copyright laws and properly cite literature in your coursework. Lukas Serzantas emphasises not only the importance of honesty but also the necessity to cite sources and avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is a violation of intellectual property laws and can have legal consequences.
5. Take advantage of international opportunities
When studying abroad, it's important to familiarise yourself with legal matters, such as visa requirements. Lukas Serzantas advises students to know their rights and responsibilities when studying at a foreign educational institution to avoid unpleasant surprises. The main rights of students participating in international projects include:
- Receiving quality education at the host institution based on the approved learning agreement;
- Having their academic results recognised (after completing studies abroad, the results should be recognised by their home institution);
- Receiving an "Erasmus+" scholarship, the amount of which depends on the country and other factors.
- Complying with the learning agreement (students must meet the obligations outlined in the agreement, attend classes, and complete their studies at the host institution);
- Submitting reports on time (after completing studies, students must submit a report, which is important for both the host institution and the "Erasmus+" program administrators);
- Repaying the scholarship if required (if the student discontinues studies or fails to meet the learning agreement, they may be required to return part or all of the scholarship).
6. Utilise psychological support and student assistance initiatives
Students using psychological support at the university have the right to full confidentiality, which is ensured by the aforementioned laws and the anonymity rules established by universities. At the same time, when participating in the above-mentioned initiatives, know your rights and responsibilities to make the experience positive and beneficial for both you and others.
7. Explore study funding and scholarships
Students from socially disadvantaged families can apply for social scholarships. In case of financial difficulties, it is possible to request the university to split the payment for studies into instalments. Also, note that students can apply for loans until September 18th. The loan can be used to cover both tuition fees and living expenses, but the amount for living expenses cannot exceed €4,400. Loan repayments begin two years after completing studies. More information about this can be found here.
When receiving a scholarship or other financial support, carefully review all conditions. Some scholarships may be linked to academic performance or other obligations. By understanding what is expected of you, you can maintain the financial support you receive and continue your studies without additional worries.
Starting student life smoothly requires thorough preparation and active participation in both academic activities and university community life. As the new academic year begins, every student has endless opportunities to pursue their goals, and the various services offered by the university will help overcome the challenges that may arise. Therefore, remember your rights, responsibly fulfill your student duties, and you will avoid undesirable situations. This will ensure a smooth and successful study process.
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