Upon the successful completion of Orientation Week 2009, the Division of Student Services undertook an international student survey to find out what our international students thought about the orientation programme. The orientation programme is compulsory for all international students at the University of Stavanger and spans the course of a week. The survey was conducted between the 24th of August and the 12th of September, which meant that the students had the necessary time to settle down and consider their impressions of the university and its services.
The results of the survey were almost overwhelmingly positive and have given a great morale boost to the staff at the Division of Student Services. The questionnaire focussed mostly on the information received prior to the students arrival and also on the quality of information, services and activities during Orientation Week and in total, students answered 50 detailed questions about Orientation Week 2009.
An overwhelming 93,7% of students were happy with the information packages they had received prior to their arrival in Stavanger. The International Student Guide on the UiS website was cited as particularly useful and comprehensive for the students.
91.4% of the international students also expressed their satisfaction with the pick-up service offered by the Division of Student Services.
The University of Stavanger has not hidden the fact that securing and guaranteeing accommodation for all international students has been quite the task, given the shortage of student accommodation in the city. But this year, like previous years, international students have been guaranteed accommodation upon arrival. 86.9% of the respondents were happy with the accommodation provided by the university.
A whopping 96% of the students were also happy with the support from the International Relations staff during Orientation Week. 89.7% of the students felt that they had been furnished with enough information regarding the practical aspects of their stay in Stavanger during their first week here. When asked about their overall impression of Orientation Week, a solid 94% of the respondents were happy with programme.
Even though this years international students were not treated a lovely Norwegian summer when they arrived, and in spite of the rained-out barbecue and poor weather during the trip to Månafossen, 94% of the respondents were happy with the social events that were planned during Orientation Week.
Needless to say, the Division for Student Services is very happy with the outcome of the survey and points out that they also appreciate all the constructive criticism that has come their way after Orientation Week 2009, as this will help them to be even better prepared for Orientation Week next year.
