Arqus Student Lab: Shaping the future of Higher Education

On 2–3 July 2025, Vilnius University welcomed students from across the Arqus Alliance to the very first Transversal Arqus Student Lab – a two-day event designed to empower students to actively shape academic life.

This dynamic initiative was a unique opportunity for Arqus students to co-create meaningful change in higher education. 18 students from every partner university participated in this Lab at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University (Lithuania).

This intensive, hands-on Lab was organised by the Arqus Student Agora and funded through the Arqus Innovation Fund.

The Student Lab brought together three diverse student teams to collaboratively tackle key challenges affecting academic life: job market connection, mental health and well-being, sustainability, student empowerment, inclusion and digital transformation. Each group designed a solution and presented their project idea to the wider Arqus student community.

Working in international teams, participants applied creative and practical methods to develop ideas and propose innovative solutions. Throughout the Lab, they strengthened essential transversal skills – including communication, critical thinking, and teamwork – while gaining professional growth tools, such as CV and LinkedIn planning, personal branding and reflective thinking.

The Arqus Student Lab blended creativity, digital tools and agile methodologies to drive real change in academic communities. The Lab followed a structured format combining guided sessions, teamwork, and open discussion and feedback opportunities. At the end of the programme, each group presented their project concept and received input from peers and facilitators. Students also had time to connect informally and experience the atmosphere of Vilnius University.