'All Aboard!': HSE University–St Petersburg to Kick Off New Academic Year at Gulf of Finland
On the first Saturday in September, Sevkabel Port will host HSE SPB Day. We invite all first-years, students, professors, university friends, citizens, and guests of the city to celebrate the start of the academic year at the Gulf of Finland. Attendees can look forward to more than 30 student clubs, a lecture zone, meetings with partners, an initiation ceremony, and lots of surprises—read on to find out more.
The annual HSE SPB Day brings together students, professors, alumni, and staff of HSE University–St Petersburg. This year, the festival in Sevkabel Port will be even larger. The programme includes activities, lectures, and workshops from partners of the campus: Rostelecom, VK Education, Setl Group, T2, VTB, Severnaya Verf, Bank Saint Petersburg, and others.
Pavel Kuzmin
Deputy Director for the Study Process and Digital Transformation
HSE SPB Day is not just a student festival. At the event, first-years discover the diversity of the opportunities available at the university. Sport, entrepreneurship, music, science, and volunteering are just some of the student organisations you can join and one day take charge of. I recommend visiting all the locations and talking to students and professors face to face to become a part of the close-knit HSE University–St Petersburg family faster. See you soon!
In 2026, the festival will feature more than 30 extracurricular organisations. Sing karaoke on the waterfront, take part in a virtual regatta, master the art of theatrical make-up, test the strength of maritime knots, create your own postcard or poster, draw a lighthouse and city, play chess, or shoot a basketball through a hoop from two meters in the Field zone starting from 4 pm.
At 4:30 pm, the lecture programme will begin in the Volt zone. HSE University–St Petersburg professors will immerse you in the atmosphere of Vasilievsky Island's folklore (among other things) and HSE partners will share the secret of how to create an efficient chatbot. You can view the full lecture timetable in the official group. Follow for updates!
The International Office will have a dedicated spot in the Volt zone, where staff will share how to join the academic mobility programme and spend a semester at one of HSE's partner universities.
At 5 pm, the official festival programme will begin on the stage. Campus leaders, Board of Trustees members, deans, and curators will congratulate everyone on the start of the new academic year. The programme will culminate with an initiation ceremony for first-year HSE bachelor's and master's students and a musical lineup featuring a cover band and a DJ.
HSE SPB Day is sure to leave a lasting impression and delight everyone who joins in the fun. Entry is free of charge, but participants must register in advance.
