A fast-growing club becomes a meeting place for IT students

In a short time, the Programming Club has become a central part of student life for many IT students at the University of Borås. What started as an initiative to offer support in programming-related courses has developed into a well-established, recurring activity where students meet, collaborate and build a sense of community.

When the Programming Club was founded just over three years ago, the idea was to provide accessible, personalised support for programming challenges. The principle is simple: students helping students. Anyone can drop in without prior registration. What began as extra support has now become a regular meeting place where students create an environment that complements their studies – both socially and academically.

By students, for students

The Programming Club is run by students, with support from Tech Borås. Currently, Abdulla Mehdi, Anton Bäckdahl and Johanna Gull, who study System Architecture, along with Ali Ibrahim Basha from the Information Systems programme, are leading the initiative. Every Wednesday afternoon, the club is open – regardless of exam periods or course schedules. This consistency has been key in encouraging students to return throughout their studies.

“The fact that we’re always here every Wednesday makes it easy and predictable. You don’t even need to check the schedule,” says Anton.

Students from different year groups come with questions ranging from coursework and modelling to technical issues or how to approach a new programming language. But the visits are about much more than just assignments.

“It’s become a community as well. People drop by after an exam just to say hello,” says Johanna, nodding towards a student who has done exactly that.

A community built on openness

They all emphasise how the atmosphere from the very beginning played a crucial role in their own continued engagement. It is an environment where no one competes and where every question is taken seriously. The personal and inclusive atmosphere is something they all return to.

“I felt very welcome from day one. Everyone is here because they want to help, not because they have to – and that really shows,” says Ali.

This open and supportive atmosphere has become a defining part of the club’s identity. Today, it is not only the core team that provides support – students often help each other spontaneously.

Learning that goes both ways

For those running the club, being part of it has also become an important part of their own development. Explaining, demonstrating and guiding others strengthens their own knowledge.

“When you teach something, you really internalise it. We’ve become better programmers by being here and helping every week,” says Abdulla.

In addition to technical skills, Johanna highlights how the experience also develops their communication and pedagogical abilities – skills that are highly valuable in working life.

“It definitely gives us a head start.”

Insights that make a difference

By meeting many students early in their studies, the club also gains insight into common challenges. This has sparked ideas about expanding the initiative with short talks and workshops to better support students.

“For example, we’ve seen how important it is to have a healthy approach to AI. There’s a big difference between students who focus on truly understanding programming and those trying to take shortcuts. We’ve gained insights that could help others avoid those pitfalls. It can have a different impact when we, as students, talk about this from our own experience,” says Johanna.

While there are plans to expand, the group emphasises the importance of staying true to the core idea: students helping students, and building networks across year groups and programmes.

Learn more about other Tech Borås initiatives supporting students: awards promoting tech in the Borås region