Fearless of challenges, focused on development and proud of the students. That is why the Swedish National Union of Students (SFS) has named Borås Student City of the Year 2020/2021.
The award was to have been announced at a press conference later that day (Thursday, April 2). This was canceled when the Public Health Agency further tightened its recommendations to reduce social gatherings due to the coronavirus on Wednesday.
Instead, the celebration of the award is planned in connection with the introduction before the autumn semester. Then, Borås Student City of the Year will be inaugurated by the various parties that receive the award: Borås City, the Student Union of Borås, the University of Borås and Borås Business, together with SFS.
Matilda Strömberg, chairwoman of SFS, explains why Borås receives the award:
– What stood out when the jury made a site visit to Borås was the collaboration in Studentstad Borås and how it has improved life for the students. The students' voice is heard, partly in the work to develop the education, but also in the work to develop Borås as a city. The business community must also be mentioned as an important party that improves the everyday life and future of those who study here, she says.
What does the award mean for Borås as a student city?
John Lindskog, student union president:
– It feels very good of course! I would like to emphasize, however, that this is a relay race that I and this year's board were lucky enough to be part of when we received the award, but the good cooperation, which is a strong contributor to Borås receiving the award, has been going on for several years and will continue in the future, so there are many within the student union who are involved in this.
– Hopefully, more people will apply to Borås and the University of Borås when they understand the opportunities available here.
Mats Tinnsten, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Borås:
– The award is a result of the excellent cooperation between all parties involved. A work that, with great commitment, has been going on for a long time. The award inspires continued work to profile and develop Student City Borås for current and future students. We have done a lot, but there is more to do – let this award be the starting point for future work in the same good spirit of collaboration.
Ulf Olsson (S), Chairman of the Municipal Board of Borås City:
– This award is a very nice response to the fact that our collaboration for the best interests of the students is work that produces results. The collaboration between the city, the student union, the university and the business community has been going on for several years and there is no doubt that all parties want the same thing – we are doing this together for the students.
Annette Carlson (M), First Vice Chair of the Municipal Board of Borås City
– Students are incredibly important to Borås, to innovation and the development of the municipality. Now that we receive this award, I hope that even more students will find their way to our university and discover all the advantages of studying in a city like Borås, which has a campus in the middle of town, a progressive university and a strong entrepreneurial spirit among our companies.
Justification
The city that receives the Student City of the Year award must be characterized by good collaboration between students, city and university, and it is with pride that SFS appoints Borås as Student City of the Year 2020/2021.
The award goes to a city that is not afraid of new challenges. A city that always has development in focus. A city that is proud of its students. A city that is prepared to do everything to ensure that students enjoy themselves – before, during, and after their education.
The City of Borås, the University of Borås, the Student Union of Borås and the Borås Business Association conduct structured and continuous work through their steering group, Student City Borås, and its three working groups.
The working groups work with different focuses to create conditions for Borås to become a better student city to live, reside and work in. Through the student union, the students have been an important starting point in what should be discussed and prioritized, which makes it clear that Borås values its students.
About the award
Student City of the Year is an award from the Swedish National Union of Students (SFS) that has been awarded annually since 1999 to a city that actively works to promote the situation and life of students. SFS is an association of student unions at Swedish universities and colleges that has existed since 1921 and brings together a total of just over a quarter of a million students.