'Sociology Is Everywhere': HSE University-St Petersburg Graduate on Practise, Research and International Experience
Irina Li, graduate of the Bachelor's programme 'Sociology and Social Informatics', chose HSE University-St Petersburg for its high level of training. She was attracted by the educational environment, a large number of practical tasks and a chance to work on research projects. Read on to find out about Irina's successful research activities, participation in the School of Young Sociologists and a trip to Shanghai.
— Why did you choose sociology and HSE University-St Petersburg?
— In many ways, my enrollment happened thanks to a lucky coincidence. At school, I liked social science, and at first, I wanted to apply for economics. But the question of 'Are you sure?' left me in a quandary. After that, I felt less confident. Looking for information for applicants, I visited the HSE University-St Petersburg website and accidentally came across the programme in sociology. Our professors often give open lectures, record podcasts, and give commentaries to the media. They impressed me so much that I knew straight away—that was it.
I wanted to get a qualitative education, and my first association was HSE University. When I chose the concentration, I lost interest in any other universities. Besides, I chose HSE because of the curriculum: among the advantages were the English language, an opportunity to master up-to-date courses, the flexibility of studies and a lot of practice.
— What aspects of sociology fascinate you the most?
— The most interesting part is not just to study sociology as a discipline but to start seeing it around you: in the ways people talk, in their hobbies and interests, in fundamental beliefs and in the ways their behaviour changes in different contexts. Sociology helps to notice things which used to seem ordinary or obvious.
— What impressions of university life do you have?
— At first, it wasn't easy: I used to study formally and followed the principle 'pass the nearest test and forget it, and if I come across this material again, it is the problem of the material'. At HSE University, it was the first time when I studied out of interest: studies became a process and not the result. Difficult, not always pleasant, but important.
Time at HSE University-St Petersburg is an important and unforgettable experience. Over eleven school years, I didn't have such an affection towards a study place as it was here for these four years. University is not just knowledge but also networking, extracurricular activities, constant search for oneself and a very warm feeling.
— Could you share your achievements and the most interesting project during the studies?
— It's important to mention that I got a fee-paying place with a partial scholarship, but after the first year, I lost it. Back then, I wasn't involved in the process enough and didn't fully understand how to study at a university properly. In the second year, I set a goal to get the partial scholarship back: in one year, I changed from 40th place in the ranking to 8th and later got transferred to a state-funded place. For me, this moment meant a lot: even after a rough start, I managed to readjust, learn to study and radically change my position.
I took part in the research activities as well. I participated in two conferences: 'May Forum' in 2025 with my term paper and 'Social Glade' in 2026 with a project which developed into a research paper. Now, I have some more research ideas and work, which I am planning to develop further and apply for research conferences. Apart from that, I was a member of the Student Council and the Student Research Association of the Department of Sociology.
The most important extracurricular organisation for me was the School of Young Sociologists. This is a vocational counselling project for school students where they get to know sociology and other sciences. I engaged in communication with the project partners and professors and also worked as a coordinator. I searched for students to attend courses and supervised their work. We had eight cohorts, and more than ten school students enrolled in HSE University-St Petersburg after their participation in the project. All these things seem impossible.
— Did you manage to combine work and studies?
— I work part-time as a research assistant at the Affective Psychophysiology Laboratory at HSE University-St Petersburg. Sociological education gives a wide range of skills which can be implemented in adjacent fields. I was eager to try my hand at something new, so I applied for a job at a brand new laboratory with pleasure. I started working part-time at the end of the third year, and I didn't have any problems with combining it with studies.
— HSE University-St Petersburg is a leader in international cooperation. What opportunities did the studies open for you in this field?
— I didn't manage to go on a long-term academic mobility, but I spent three weeks in Shanghai at the International Winter School at Fudan University. The School was held during the exam period, but professors were understanding, so I managed to go without any problems and combine the trip with my studies.
During the School, I chose the courses related to my academic interests. In the courses 'Social Networks' and 'Chinese Society', we looked into what social ties are like in Chinese society. In the course 'China’s Belt and Road and Its Impact in the Developing World', we discussed the political and economic effects of the initiative 'One Belt One Road'. We explored the goals, economic, political and cultural aspects, as well as interpretations of Chinese politics in the world.
Apart from classes, we had an intense cultural programme: city tours, a visit to Zhouzhuang and meetings with representatives of large companies. I made international contacts and friends, with whom we keep in touch. The experience turned out to be very useful, and I would happily repeat it.
— What were the most valuable things that the studies at HSE University-St Petersburg gave you? What would you recommend to the prospective students?
— Perhaps, the most important is not what HSE University gave me but how it has changed me. When I was applying, I had some interests, but I didn't understand where I should go. Over the years spent at HSE, I didn't get any ready-made answers but learnt how to find them. And above all, I found people with whom we could share this path.
Advice to prospective students: everything passes. There always will be difficulties along the way, and we can only grow along with them. When, if not now, can we make mistakes and search for ourselves?
