An Unforgettable Year: What International Students of HSE University-St Petersburg Experience Outside of Studies
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.
Orientation Events
It all begins even before an international student sets foot on campus for the first time—in summer, the Centre for International Education organises webinars for applicants who have received their letters of acceptance. At these online meetings, International Office staff share essential information about preparing for the arrival in Russia: migration procedures, academic processes, accommodation, as well as what to expect from living in St Petersburg—long winters, equally long white nights, and Russians who may seem cold on the outside but are warm at heart.
The first and main adaptation event that students have a chance to attend in person is the traditional Orientation Day. Its programme includes lectures about the university's structure, services, and rules. Special attention is paid to extracurricular life: staff from the Youth Project Support Centre talk about student clubs, while the International Student Union and the Association of International Students invite newcomers to join their communities. This year, seniors spoke to freshmen, sharing their experiences of living and studying in Russia, offering useful advice, and answering questions from the audience.
Angel Awele Okeibunor, 2nd-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Arts and Culture Management’
I shared my experience of studying at HSE University and gave some tips to the freshmen. Those are things that would have been helpful to me when I was a first-year student myself. I learned a lot from my colleagues too. It was nice to hear that the students appreciated my openness. After the meeting, I participated in a quest around the building, where I got to know everyone better. Since then I have had more opportunities to advise international students. It is a wonderful feeling to experience the growth that I have acquired here and it is very rewarding to share this experience with others.
Samuel Ayuk Enowmanyi, 2nd-year student of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region’
The participants were engaged and attentive; the atmosphere was friendly and supportive. Orientation Day provides an excellent opportunity to interact with people from different cultures. Personally, I believe this event served as an important starting point for international students, helping them understand not only the academic system of HSE University but also the nuances of migration processes and broader aspects of Russian culture, which will help them adapt faster.
After getting acquainted with the university, it's time to get to know the city better. Just a week after the orientation meeting, international freshmen went on a sightseeing tour around St Petersburg's historic centre, organised by the International Office. Russian- and English-speaking guides told stories about the history of the city's main landmarks and answered any questions from the new residents of St Petersburg.
Getting to Know the Language and Culture
The key to successful adaptation lies in understanding the local language—no one would object to that. A significant number of our international students consider Russian to be their native language, but there are those who are just beginning to master its basics. For such students, the Department of Foreign Languages offers a Russian language course, and those who feel a lack of informal communication attend meetings of the Language Lab Club. LLC meetings introduce international students to various aspects of Russian history and culture—from folklore and cinema to geography and New Year celebration traditions.
Syed Muhammad Salman Haider Shamsi, 1st-year student of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region’
Regular LLC meetings have allowed me to improve my level of Russian while enjoying it. We study grammar, play games, and communicate, learning the language almost unnoticeably. Here, great emphasis is placed on the Russian culture. For example, last time, I learned how Russians celebrate the New Year. It's the generosity and support of the club that makes it special. Everyone is ready to help, regardless of your language proficiency. I'm always looking forward to new meetings.
We also could not miss out on celebrating such a big holiday like Maslenitsa. Together with the International Office, international students visited an authentic Russian village, where they took part in festive games and, of course, ate pancakes with various toppings.
Fxentso Bishi Joshua, 2024 alumni of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region’
We played traditional Russian games, made new friends, and learned about Maslenitsa rituals. Then, we gathered around the table, listened to a woman in a bright folk costume sing, and tasted various dishes, including classic sweet pancakes. The most memorable moment for me was burning the Maslenitsa effigy that symbolised the end of winter and the onset of spring.
Defne Sarlak, 2nd-year student of Bachelor's programme ‘Design’
The location of the event reminded me of villages from old Slavic fairy tales. I learnt a lot about Maslenitsa and I am glad I participated in such an event. This trip awakened in me a desire to immerse myself deeply in the Russian culture, and I was once again convinced of how rich it truly is.
Food always evokes many emotions and discussions, therefore, it is an important aspect when exploring a new country. Throughout the year, our students had the opportunity to participate in two cooking workshops. Under the guidance of a chef, they learned how to cook Russian pirozhki (pies), pancakes, soups, and salads. No one was left hungry.
Mark Angelo Gajardo, 2024 alumni of the Master’s programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’
I was happy to take a break from my studies and try something new. Thanks to this event organised by HSE University, we were able to learn how various Russian dishes are prepared and cook them ourselves. It was a wonderful chance to relax and create vivid memories together with fellow students.
At HSE University-St Petersburg, one can learn more about the cultures of other countries. Every year, the Association of International Students holds a large-scale traditional celebration—the Day of Cultures—where students represent their home country or region: they prepare quizzes, photographs of famous landmarks and nature, cultural symbols, costumes, and food. The programme features presentations dedicated to various aspects of different nationalities. In 2024, countries such as Uzbekistan, Turkey, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Armenia were represented at the Day of Cultures.
There are also events devoted to individual countries: for instance, ‘Cultural Café’ introduces students to countries available for academic mobility. As a part of this series of events, international and Russian students share their experiences of living and studying abroad. This year, there were meetings on China and Turkey, where speakers discussed exchange studies at partner universities and answered the audience’s questions. Each meeting ended with a giveaway of symbolic prizes.
Diana Rybakova, 1st-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Business Informatics’
This event was extremely beneficial for me. Not only did I learn more about the culture of the country I want to visit, but also about life hacks that will help me adapt faster. The application process for mobility and its intricacies were also discussed. All this made the meeting very informative.
In November, first-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Data Analytics for Business and Economics’, Syed Junaid Abbas, came forward with the initiative to hold an evening dedicated to the Pakistani culture. More than 80 people attended the event, including students and graduates from other universities in St Petersburg. The gathering introduced guests to Pakistani traditions, customs, and culture. Participants prepared a stand-up performance about being an international student in Russia, recited poetry in the traditional ‘mushaira’ format, and performed national songs and dances. Performances were conducted in both English and national languages—Punjabi, Sindhi, and Urdu.
Saad Ahmed Khan, 1st-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Data Analytics for Business and Economics’
The first-ever Pakistani Culture Evening at HSE University-St Petersburg was a fantastic event! It was a great honour for me to present the vibrant diversity of Pakistani culture, and participants from different provinces showcased the traditions and customs of their regions. It was an unforgettable and significant celebration. I’m proud to be part of this ground-breaking event and to share Pakistan's cultural heritage with the HSE community.
Students Helping Students
The work of student organisations involved in the adaptation and support of international students must be especially highlighted. The International Student Union has been training buddies—experienced HSE University students who assist international freshmen during their first weeks in Russia—for many years. They meet them at the airport, show them the way to educational buildings, and help to obtain a SIM card or a travel pass.
Ksenia Zorkina, volunteer coordinator at ISU HSE University-St Petersburg:
In the new academic year, more than 40 buddies helped new international students adjust to life in Russia. Seventy people received support during their first days in the country. Some international freshmen later decided to join the buddy programme and started assisting other international students themselves.
Besides buddies, the Association of International Students curates the tutor programme. Tutors act as mentors for international freshmen. Each one helps students in their educational programmes adapt to the HSE University system, conducts pre-enrolment meetings in their home country, meets them at the airport, and assists with settling in the dormitories. Tutors regularly participate in Orientation Day, accompanying freshmen during the quest along with buddies.
Becoming a Part of the University’s Mission
Students have an opportunity to embrace the global spirit and gain experience in across-the-border activities through the International Office. One way to join is to become an assistant or intern in the department. In 2024, students from Bolivia, Ghana, Cameroon, Germany, and Italy joined the team. Interns implement projects aimed at strengthening the international community, exploring education markets in other countries, creating events, and finding ways to attract new applicants to HSE University-St Petersburg from all over the world. Assistants prepare handy materials for the office's social media, conduct interviews with students, and assist in event organisation.
HSE University-St Petersburg launches many projects every year, but one is especially important for the development of the international environment on the campus—‘HSE—Saint Petersburg International Ambassadors’. Annually, the project supervisors select the best bachelor’s and master’s students who promote the university worldwide. In the event track, the ambassadors visit schools and universities in their native countries to present educational programmes and opportunities to prospective students. While in the media track, students create promotional materials for the university’s social networks and website to share their experiences with a wide audience. Among the 2024 ambassadors were students from all over the world: Uzbekistan, Nigeria, China, India, Mexico, and many others. Some students choose to participate in the project more than once, and one of them is Rakhmetulla Ongarbaev—he represented HSE University as an ambassador four times.
Rakhmetulla Ongarbaev, 2nd-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Civil and Commercial Law’
This project allows me to inform prospective students from Uzbekistan about the reasons for selecting our university. When visiting educational institutions, I share my own experience, give advice on scholarships and discounts, and highlight the advantages of our university. Many international applicants could be admitted to HSE University, but simply don't know about it. This project gives me the opportunity to help people unlock their potential and achieve success through quality education.
International students and alumni are involved in the university's most significant events. This year, HSE University-St Petersburg hosted a major short-term programme—International Student Week. Over 50 students from 15 top Indian universities arrived in St Petersburg. Students could choose from four educational tracks: Economics and Management, Social Sciences, Design, and Computer Science. In addition to academic courses, the university arranged a diverse cultural programme and numerous extracurricular activities, where Indian students met with HSE University student clubs and shared their culture and hobbies. The programme brought together young people from Russia and India, helping them make new friends and discover the amazing cultural capital of Russia.
Manas Sunil Warbhuvan, 2nd-year student of the programme ‘International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics’
As an international ambassador of HSE University-St Petersburg, I was fortunate to represent the university at an event bringing together students, professors, and experts from Russia and India. It demonstrated the potential for collaboration in education and research, strengthening ties between HSE University and Indian universities. This project provided me with valuable experience in networking and event organisation, as well as making useful connections. Participating in such initiatives highlights HSE University's commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment, and I was pleased to contribute.
It is impossible not to mention International Summer School, which has existed since 2018. Over the 6 years, the project hosted more than 160 people, 80% of whom are students of foreign universities. In 2024, the Summer School welcomed 22 students from 12 countries, including France, Italy, Peru, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, and others. The programme offered courses in six study fields among which were the Russian language, Political Science and Economics. Apart from the study process, the Summer School introduced the participants to the city of St Petersburg and its cultural heritage.
Tommaso Pozzi, participant of the HSE University-St Petersburg Summer School:
The HSE University-St Petersburg Summer School 2024 was an unforgettable experience for me. Through a combination of professional teaching, cultural experiences, and exciting excursions, we, along with other students, immersed ourselves in the atmosphere of the Russian language and one of the world's most beautiful cities—St Petersburg.
I managed to make substantial progress in grammar and conversational skills, as well as delving into cultural and social topics. The combination of professional teachers, a welcoming student community, and hardworking organisers made the Summer School an excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced students.
HSE University does not forget about its international alumni. For instance, Melissa Ovem, a graduate of the Master’s programme ‘Arts and Culture Management’, became part of the International Partners’ Days—a key event for developing international cooperation, during which leaders and experts from 23 universities and 15 countries exchanged innovative ideas and best practices in the field of education. Melissa was a speaker at the session titled ‘Student Mobility and Cross-Cultural Competencies’.
In 2023, HSE University opened a representative office in Indonesia, headed by Bima Yatna Anugerah Ramadhani, a graduate of the Master’s programme ‘Management and Analytics for Business’. The representative office plays a strategic role in presenting HSE University as one of Russia's leading universities offering high-quality education in various fields on the global stage. Activities of the representative office are aimed at strengthening relations between HSE University and the Indonesian community, as well as improving the quality of global education.
Bima Yatna Anugerah Ramadhani, Director of the HSE University-St Petersburg Representative Office in Indonesia
HSE University Representative Office in Indonesia promotes the high-quality education offered by HSE University among local students through seminars, webinars, and consultations. Collaboration with Indonesian universities involves exchanges and research, contributing to the development of international innovations. In 2025, our plans include expanding the promotional strategy, participating in exhibitions, and organising Olympiads to attract talented students. The goal of the representative office is to strengthen the connection between Russian education and the Indonesian community.
This year has truly been full of events. We wish for the next year to be even more fulfilling and fascinating in its own way.
Olga Gaidova, Director of the International Students and Alumni Centre:
HSE University-St Petersburg is lucky to have engaged international students who respond enthusiastically to every activity. Throughout the year, we organised numerous events to help them adapt to life in St Petersburg, introducing them to Russian culture and language, and involving them in major international campus events as volunteers, hosts, and participants. As a result, students gained valuable intercultural communication and organisational experience and were able to become part of the university's international life. International students inspire us with their enthusiasm and motivate us to develop new event projects. We believe that the most exciting things lie ahead.