Exactly twenty years ago today, on December 9, 2004, the József Attila Study and Information Center (TIK) opened its doors to welcome students, researchers, and staff of the University of Szeged. Speaking at the opening ceremony of CommuniTIK, a new community space within TIK, Dr. Tamás Bene, Head of the Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations, reflected on TIK’s significance. “TIK has become a central meeting place not only for the university community but also for the people of Szeged,” he remarked.
Marking the 20th anniversary of TIK, a ceremony was held to honor individuals who have played a pivotal role in the achievements of the acclaimed institution in the context of the university, the city, or the broader community. The event featured guided tours of TIK, a performance by the mIsidore Choir, and various activities intended to commemorate the anniversary while evoking the holiday spirit.
As a community hub, TIK is essential to student life, promoting a sense of belonging, which even helps reduce the risk of dropout. Dr. Bene referenced findings from regular surveys conducted among the university community, revealing that students who are part of a group tend to be considerably less inclined to discontinue their studies before completion. “Community members often study together and provide one another with mental, emotional, as well as financial support,” he explained. TIK is more than just a meeting place – it offers resources that cultivate both personal and professional connections, including a library, a gift shop, a café, and the University of Szeged’s Student Services Office.
The establishment of CommuniTIK represents a milestone in TIK’s history. Designed to promote informal interactions, it features gaming consoles, table football, table tennis, and a book exchange shelf, while, most importantly, also providing opportunities for meaningful conversations. As an accessible and inclusive space, CommuniTIK allows everyone to enjoy its offerings in whatever way feels most comfortable – visitors can choose to engage with others actively or simply relax and immerse themselves in the pleasant atmosphere. “This inclusive environment truly reflects the essence of CommuniTIK,” Dr. Bene concluded.
The new space also aims to foster connections between students and industry. Henriett Belák, an executive at the Alma Mater Award-winning limited liability company CAS Software Kft., explained that CommuniTIK provides opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones among students, professors, and industry professionals. Indeed, the company plans to organize programs at CommuniTIK to advance these objectives. “Everything starts with a good conversation,” Henriett Belák noted, highlighting the company’s philosophy.
In addition to facilitating dialogue, CommuniTIK serves as a welcoming place to unwind after long hours of study or work. Its laid-back atmosphere ensures that both university members and Szeged residents can recharge and reconnect with each other.
Text by Anna Viola Hornyik
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
In the feature photo: Dr. Tamás Bene, Head of the Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations, University of Szeged, and Henriett Belák, executive at CAS Software Kft.
