Student Unions
Make Friends Easily at Reykjavik University
Reykjavik University fosters a vibrant and welcoming social environment where students quickly form strong connections and a close-knit community. From the first days of their studies, students can engage with peers through events organized by student associations and within their academic programmes.
Exciting Events
Soon after Orientation Day, student associations kick off the semester with a memorable camping trip. This event provides new students a fantastic opportunity to connect with classmates and build friendships in a relaxed, fun setting during their first days at RU.
Departmental student associations play a key role in organizing a variety of events throughout the year. A standout tradition is the vísindaferðir (company visits), which typically take place on Fridays. These visits offer students valuable insights into the job market and potential career paths while creating a lively and informal space to strengthen group bonds and socialize with fellow students.
Reykjavik University’s vibrant social life ensures that making friends and building connections is not just easy—it’s an integral part of the student experience.
Student associations at Reykjavik University organize various activities, including ski trips, domestic travel adventures, debates, end-of-exam celebrations, newcomer parties, competitions with student associations from other universities, and much more.
One of the year's highlights is the grand annual gala, open to all RU students. Additionally, each student association hosts its own gala, creating even more opportunities for celebration and connection.
Student Associations at RU
The Reykjavik University Student Association (SFHR) is the official body representing all RU students. Membership is automatic for all students, with no membership fees required. SFHR was established to unify the student body and advocate for their interests within and beyond the university.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to SFHR via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Office: Visit us in Mars, room M205.
- Facebook: Connect with us on our Facebook page (Stúdentafélag Háskólans í Reykjavík).
Get Involved
Students can actively participate in SFHR by joining various committees. This is a fantastic way to meet peers from different departments, gain valuable experience, and contribute to organizing events. Engaging in committee work offers both personal and professional growth while enhancing the vibrant student life at Reykjavik University.
Get Involved
Students can actively participate in SFHR by joining various committees. This is a fantastic way to meet peers from different departments, gain valuable experience, and contribute to organizing events. Engaging in committee work offers both personal and professional growth while enhancing the vibrant student life at Reykjavik University.
National Union of Icelandic Students (LÍS)
National Union of Icelandic Students (LÍS)
Reykjavik University is a member of the National Union of Icelandic Students (LÍS), with several RU students actively serving on the union's executive board.
LÍS was established on November 13, 2013, as an umbrella organization representing university students in Iceland and Icelandic students studying abroad. The union is comprised of eight member associations representing students at:
- University of Akureyri
- Bifröst University
- University of Iceland
- Hólar University
- Reykjavik University
- Agricultural University of Iceland
- Iceland University of the Arts
- Icelandic students studying overseas
In total, LÍS represents over 20,000 Icelandic students, advocating for their national and international interests.
Nefndir
Students can actively participate in committee work within the Reykjavik University Student Association (SFHR). This involvement allows them to connect with peers from other departments and gain valuable experience, particularly in organizing events. The committees include:
- Annual Gala Committee (Árshátíðarnefnd SFHR): Plans and organizes the highlight event of the year.
- Birta – Social Responsibility and Sustainability Association: Focuses on promoting social responsibility and sustainability initiatives within RU.
- Association for Equality (Jafnréttisfélag SFHR): Advocates for equality and inclusion in the university community.
- Charity Committee (Góðgerðarnefnd SFHR): Organizes activities that support charitable causes.
- Debate Society (Málfundafélag): Hosts debates and discussions on current topics.
- HR Student Magazine (Háskólablað HR): Publishes articles, insights, and stories from the student body.
- Pub Quiz Committee (Pubquiznefnd): Organizes fun and engaging quiz nights.
- Events Committee (Viðburðanefnd): Manages various social and networking events for students.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee (Nýsköpunar- og frumkvöðlanefnd): Encourages innovation and entrepreneurial activities among students.
- The Sport- and Mind Sports Club hosts different and exciting competitions and events throughout the year, like poker night, pub quiz, chess tournament, dart tournament, and golf tournament. The club's goal is to host more diverse events in the school.
Joining a committee is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to student life, build networks, and develop organizational and teamwork skills. Reach out to SFHR to learn how to get involved!
The Academic Program
The Academic Program
Most study programs at Reykjavik University have a limited number of students, fostering close interaction and collaboration. Group projects are a significant part of the learning experience, encouraging teamwork and communication both within courses and across departments.
From the very first year, students from all departments are randomly assigned into groups to collaborate on developing a business idea within three weeks as part of the course Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Engineering and technology students face a challenging group project early in their studies, where they must work together intensively to solve a complex problem over three days during their first semester.
This hands-on, collaborative approach helps students build valuable connections and develop practical academic and professional growth skills.