Each year, hundreds of students from all over the world decide to pursue knowledge at HSE University- St Petersburg. This journey is filled with excitement, hopes, and discoveries: from choosing a programme, submitting documents, attending interviews, and passing entrance exams to receiving that coveted acceptance letter and finally arriving in Russia.

And once they take those first steps in a new country, an entire world of opportunities opens up, far beyond classrooms and lecture halls. Extracurricular life becomes an integral part of students’ experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the culture of the host country, make new friends, and uncover their talents. This article takes a closer look at all of these extracurricular activities.

Marina Merkucheva came to HSE University-St Petersburg as an exchange student. Her educational path is different from the majority of international students. Several years ago, Marina enrolled in the National Autonomous University of Mexico and moved from a small village next to Kirov to Mexico City. But in 2023, she decided to come back to Russia to study under the student exchange programme and became a student of the School of Art and Design at HSE University-St Petersburg. In the interview, she talks about the choice of university, explains how education in Russia and Mexico is different and shares her impressions of studying at HSE University campus in St Petersburg.

HSE University-St Petersburg and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have opened a mirror laboratory in the sphere of social entrepreneurship. The opening ceremony of the Russian part of this laboratory took place in the framework of the International Partners' Days which gathered delegations from 23 foreign universities.

On May 23 in the Presidential Library in St Petersburg, leaders and experts from 23 universities of 15 countries participated in the first day of the International Partners' Days. Apart from the lively discussion about global tendencies in the development of higher education, HSE University has signed partner agreements with the universities of India, Uzbekistan and Oman.

HSE University-St Petersburg represented Russia at the annual higher education summit EURIE 2024 in Istanbul.

On March 15, international students from more than ten countries visited an authentic Russian village to celebrate Maslenitsa. This week-long ancient holiday is impossible not to love: delicious pancakes with dozens of sweet and sour toppings, lots of games and activities, and the epic burning of the Maslenitsa doll will not leave anyone indifferent. Let’s recall that day!