‘Come with an Open Mind’: Exchange Student from China on Studying in St Petersburg
Lin Meiran, an exchange student, spent the autumn semester at HSE University–St Petersburg. She took courses on game theory, artificial intelligence, and generative models and explored the cultural side of the city and made new friends. Read on to find out why HSE University–St Petersburg is a great destination for exchange students.
— What made you choose Russia, and specifically HSE University–St Petersburg, for your exchange programme?
— I've always been fascinated by Russian culture and architecture; that was the initial pull. But on a more personal level, I grew up in the southern part of China, so I had never really experienced a snowy winter. I only saw snow for the first time a couple of days after arriving here! That was a huge part of it.
Another reason was St Petersburg in particular. It has such a rich history, and like some cities in China, it's renowned for its academic environment and international outlook. It felt like a place where I could grow.
— How did you learn about St Petersburg and what attracted you to it?
— In China, we have an app called Rednote. There, I came across a series of landscape photos of St Petersburg. The images of the canals, the architecture, and the lights made it look like a fairy-tale city. That image just stuck with me. I started looking for more information, reading about its history, and that's when my admiration truly began to take shape.
I’ve been here for 85 days now. I have a widget on my phone counting the days. I still can't quite believe I'm here!
— What was your very first impression of the city when you arrived 85 days ago? Was it what you expected?
— My first impression was that it's much more stunning than I ever imagined. The pictures don't capture the scale of it. The grand buildings seem to hold so much history, and the Neva River running through the city gives it this incredible sense of space and energy. I was really impressed seeing it all in real life. But what truly surprised me was the atmosphere inside the university, the friendliness and willingness to collaborate. People in general have been so welcoming. From Valeria Konyaeva and Daria Sanochkina, staff of the International Student Mobility Office, to my buddy Dominika—these people made my transition so smooth. It made the city feel less like a tourist destination and more like a home.
I've met so many kind people. I have so much respect for the professor who taught game theory. He really tries to ensure everyone, even students who aren't completely fluent in English, can fully participate. It's that kind of inclusive spirit that has made all the difference.
— Have you tried any Russian food?
— I tried Russian dumplings. I know they're often served with sour cream here, which was new for me. In China, we usually eat dumplings with vinegar. It was a totally new experience, but I ended up really liking the combination! And I also found a Chinese dish here called ‘Yi Lu,’ which means ‘one beer.’ It's actually a classic dish from Northern China—sweet and sour. It was fantastic, you should try it. Finding a taste of home was a nice surprise.
— St Petersburg is world-famous for its art and music. You're a pianist. Have you had a chance to explore that cultural side of the city?
— The cultural atmosphere is everywhere in the city. I love just walking around and seeing street performers or stumbling upon beautiful locations that feel like they're from another century. The artistic vibe here is both relaxing and inspiring. It's refreshing to see how creativity is so woven into the daily life of the city.
— What are your feelings about working with Russian students so far? Any specific impressions?
— I've met one of the girls in my class, and we usually hang out. It's been so helpful, it makes my life here better, just having that connection. It turns a classroom into a community.
— You're interested in e-commerce and logistics. Has studying at HSE given you any new ideas or perspectives for your future career?
— Definitely. There's a lot to observe here. The local markets are quite busy, and I love just walking around and watching how people shop. I really like going to malls, for example. I can observe various customer behaviour patterns just by being there and seeing what catches people's attention. It's like a live case study.
— What is your number one piece of advice for other international students planning their exchange programme at HSE?
— Come with an open mind and don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's your professor, your buddy, your roommate, or just a classmate, the people here are genuinely willing to support you. I actually already know a junior from my university back home who will be coming here next year, and that's the first thing I'll tell him. Just be open, and don't be afraid to reach out. You might even get shot... with kindness!
Interviewed by Tikhon Krushinin, 3rd-year student of the Bachelor's programme 'Public Administration'
