OAME ULS with the collaboration of FEULS, DGAE, SIBULS and DIVEULS were part of the organization of the second version of this meeting space for young people in the commune.

This second version of Friki ULS was attended by more than 700 attendees, organized by the Office of Student Support and Monitoring (OAME), in conjunction with the Federation of Students (FEULS), the General Directorate of Student Affairs (DGAE), the Directorate of Link with the Environment and Extension (Diveuls) -through its Cultural Scene project-, and the Library System (SIBULS), an initiative that considered game tournaments and the participation of K-Pop groups, singers, Cosplay, workshop leaders, Showcase exponents, exhibitors, communities, stands of student ventures and also the community in general.

The Student Support Office, through the Comprehensive Support Axis and the Process Management Axis of Communications and Linkage with the Environment, has developed articulated work with various internal and external units of the institution to generate instances that favor student participation and strengthening transversal skills, seeking to strengthen the sense of belonging to the school. The above, within the framework of the activities contemplated in the VIVEULS line of work of the Office.

The objective of the initiative was to contribute to the comprehensive development of the student community through participation in activities promoted by support and accompaniment programs, to promote motivation, meeting and socializing with like-minded peers as one of the fundamental axes of a successful academic career. . It also sought to generate spaces with recreational activities that allow students to enjoy their university in a pleasant, relaxed and entertaining environment within the university facilities and at the same time opening the university to the community in general.

In this regard, Alexandra Castillo, Learn ULS coordinator, argued: “the reception by the student community of this activity has been quite a pleasant surprise, both at an institutional and external level, which was reflected in the high call, there was a flow all day long for a large number of people. The organization contributed to collaborative work with other areas of our institution, taking not only from the academic side, but also in a comprehensive manner. Thanking the collaboration of FEULS, DGAE, Diveuls, SIBULS, FIULS, FABLAB, Services Directorate and, of course, INJUV Coquimbo and Constructora DMT, who also contributed with their grain of sand to make this day happen."

For his part, Daniel Aguayo, in charge of Communications and VcM PACE OAME ULS, expressed: “as OAME ULS, we are very happy for the great call we have had in this second version of Friki ULS, we believe that being able to open the University of La Serena to the community these great milestones are achieved. Let us thank all the institutional areas that contributed to the patios of the Ignacio Domeyko Campus being full of life, that our students have university life and take ownership of the spaces, because whoever said that fun is not important, because we believe that it is "Fundamental for comprehensive support, where personal well-being is highlighted, in favor of mental health and also allowing different artistic exponents to perform at our institution makes our students have representativeness and feel part of ULS."

In this same context, the authorities present on this day also delivered their assessments. Such is the case of Alan Olivares, Director DGAE ULS, who referred to the event: “we always work as a team with OAME, in different activities, I think it is great to see the number of students who are participating in this Friki ULS. What better way is that they can relax and be able to rest through other activities, for their well-being as people.”

In addition, Alejandra Reyes, DIDEC ULS Director, stated: “I think it is an excellent initiative, since it is not only for our students, who can come to interact and play, but it inserts us into the community, I have seen kids from schools, neighbors close to the faculty and shows that we are an entertaining university.”

Likewise, Mg. Carlos Varas, Diveuls Director, indicated: “I think it is relevant that these types of activities are carried out that open the door to Geek culture through different initiatives, allowing different groups to show their art. On the other hand, it is essential to generate these entertainment spaces and what better than to be open to the community.” 

And finally, Mg. Claudia Toledo, OAME Coordinator, added that “FrikiULS is not just an event, it is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where the passion for knowledge is combined with fun and camaraderie. This space, carefully designed in the line of work of Field Activities and Links with the Environment of VIVEULS, reflects the commitment of our university to the well-being of the student community.”

In this same context, Damaris Ramos, FEULS General Secretary, stated: “I think it is super important that the internal units of the university continue working on generating this type of activities for the student community. “This calls many people to an important group that does not have as many spaces at the university.”

This second version had a large grid of activities, such as the sales fair that was throughout FrikiULS with 28 stands; 5 workshops: K-pop Karaoke/ Anime, Dungeons and Dragons, Origami, Birdwatching and Ghibli Embroidery, carried out by OAME professionals and ULS students; Cosplay contest with more than 10 participants and 4 specialist juries; K-Pop block with more than 5 groups; Showcase presentation, for the first time presenting the culture of dissidents on a university campus; singer (Anisinger); two Catan and Chess game tournaments; a games area enabled all day, coordinated by a group from the Santo Tomás de Aquinas School and SIBULS, and 10 groups that presented exhibitions, demonstrations from the world of collecting, geek, anime, medieval and dance performances, which reached more than 700 attendees on this day.

What was said about the Second ULS Geek Version

Cristian Gallardo, Journalism student: “I love it, I feel that these types of activities, since they are not so common, are great experiences for those who, like me, do not have much time to enjoy them, like warhammer, cosplay, comics, manga. “I am very happy that the university gives us this opportunity to have all this close.”

Elías Castillo, member of the Skodnorpaen Medieval Recreation Group: “it has been a very pleasant experience, the public has had a great acceptance of what we do, asking what it consists of and what it does, so happy and looking forward to participating in the next version".

Spicy, belonging to the Blackmoon house: “a few years ago we decided to bring this legacy to decentralize our art, it has been wonderful to be able to bring our culture, art and dance to spaces where there are many young people who are in the process of discovering who they are, It is a door to be able to say there is a dissident place where I can be me.”

Written by: Daniel Aguayo, PACE OAME ULS