Pumpkin Party: a pumpkin-themed integration event for international students at Bialystok University of Technology

More than 150 Erasmus+ students took part in the Pumpkin Party – a sports-themed integration event organised by Bialystok University of Technology.

There was joy, pumpkin decorations, and loud team chants. During the Pumpkin Party held at the Academic Sports Centre of Bialystok University of Technology on 20 October, the pumpkin became not only a prop but also a symbol of community. Over 150 Erasmus+ students competed for prizes in four unusual competitions: pass the pumpkin, pumpkin relay race, octopus race, and balloon challenge.

– We have also introduced intellectual elements – students will solve mathematical problems where the unknown is hidden under a pumpkin symbol – says Marta Orpik from the Department of International Projects Erasmus+ and NAWA at Bialystok University of Technology. – This is an integration meeting designed to help students feel part of our academic community. We want them to feel at home here – adds Marta.

Sport, fun, and discovering regional flavours

The participants faced slalom runs with pumpkins, the “octopus relay”, and a competition in which they had to pop their opponents’ balloons. Their effort was rewarded with prizes prepared by the organisers and a shared lunch featuring dishes of Polish cuisine – with a pumpkin twist.
– I haven’t tried many dishes yet, but I really like potato pancakes and pierogi – says Antonio Lopez, a Mechatronics student from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Bialystok University of Technology, who came from Spain.

Integration with passion

The Pumpkin Party was not only about sports competition, but also a symbolic invitation into the shared world of Bialystok University of Technology – a place where learning meets openness and diversity becomes a strength.

– Everyone is kind. I’m learning some Polish, and I’m happy I can meet Polish people and learn about their culture. I’ve visited Warsaw, Kraków, and now Białystok – I’ve met friendly people everywhere – says Nkosiyapha Ncube, a student from Zimbabwe who studies Computer Science at the Faculty of Computer Science, Bialystok University of Technology. – The pumpkins are heavy, but the atmosphere makes up for everything – adds Nkosiyapha with a smile.

Irem Sena Sen – a student from Turkey, also studying Computer Science at the Faculty of Computer Science – was delighted not only by the event’s atmosphere but also by studying at Bialystok University of Technology.

– It’s a completely different experience from Turkey – we can feel a real university atmosphere – says Irem. – Our school is much smaller, located in one building, while here the campus is full of life, the atmosphere is exceptional.

A community beyond borders

– The Pumpkin Party has already become a tradition at our university – emphasises Marta Orpik. – Evaluation surveys show that these competitions really help students from different countries integrate.
– A great idea for integration and sports fun. I met many people from different countries. I won the first match – it was great! – adds Antonio Lopez, a Mechatronics student from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Bialystok University of Technology.

International students not only integrate but also learn about Polish culture, traditions, and ways to spend their free time.

– I didn’t expect there to be so many attractions for international students at Bialystok University of Technology! – admits Zekra Ilkim Doner, a Computer Science student from the Faculty of Computer Science, who came to Poland from Turkey. – It’s wonderful that Erasmus students are so visible and involved here – adds Zekra.

Currently, Bialystok University of Technology educates more than 350 international students. The university offers them advanced technical knowledge, an international learning environment, and the opportunity to earn a double diploma – through 20 agreements signed with universities across Europe and Asia.

Bialystok University of Technology also co-creates ACROSS – European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing, a consortium of 10 partner universities from Europe, where Bialystok University of Technology is the only Polish member. The initiative has received nearly EUR 14.4 million in funding under the Erasmus+ programme and aims to strengthen scientific cooperation, mobility, and innovative teaching methods.

The “Pumpkin Party 2025” was held as part of the “Action-Integration 2.0” project coordinated and funded under the NAWA Welcome to Poland Programme.

The event was organised by the International Relations Offices of Bialystok University of Technology.

Katarzyna Kozioł