'I Expect to Meet a Lot of New People During This Academic Year': First Meeting with International Students
On August 29, in the building on Kantemirovskaya street, there was the meeting with international students of Bachelor's and Master's programmes. The event welcomed 60 English- and Russian-speaking students. During the meeting, they got to know each other, explored all the corners of the building, and learnt about the peculiarities of studying at HSE University. We will tell you about how the pre-holiday event went.
The event started with organisational issues. The International Office told the students about the educational process, adaptation, migration and visa support. In addition, they suggested all the meeting participants introducing themselves and telling about their life and interests. Some students were worried, but the others were very courageous. However, most of all, they were waiting for the moment when they would be able to communicate with each other and get acquainted with the student organisations.
Eldor Nabiev, Bachelor’s Programme 'International Bachelor's in Business and Economics', from Uzbekistan
The hardest part of the meeting was when we were offered to introduce ourselves and tell about our life. It seems to me that only three people volunteered, but it was a bold move! We are looking forward to the quest: we will have some rest all together and learn what it is. As for me, I was intrigued by the prizes—I would like to win something.
Later, the students went to the lounge area where the organisers set the table for them. There the first-years were getting acquainted with each other, sharing the impressions of Saint-Petersburg and the university, eating some pies and drinking tea. Some international students met their future course mates.
Kristina Arifdjanova, the Bachelor’s Programme 'Design', from Uzbekistan
It is my first time in Saint-Petersburg, and I like it a lot. The architecture in the city is very beautiful, the people are kind and polite. Everyone says 'please' and 'thank you'—I have wonderful impressions. Today there was the meeting for the international students of HSE University-St Petersburg. I did not expect that the university building would be so big! It is very beautiful, cosy and modern, there are various amazing lounge areas.
I have already met one of my course mates. We were on a bus together, then she came up to me, and I found out that we were on the same educational programme.
After the break, the participants got acquainted with the student organisations of HSE University-St Petersburg which help the foreigners: Association of International Students HSE SPb and Erasmus Student Network. First of all, they have told the newcomers about the tutors—these are second-year students who help the foreigners on all matters. If the foreigners do not understand something about the educational process—the tutors will explain it. If the students need to be picked up at the airport—the tutors will do it. The tutors' primary goal is to help international students with adaptation.
Besides, the first-years learnt about all the student organisations and events on the campus which lie ahead. In particular, they found out about the annual Cultures Day at HSE University-St Petersburg where the international students can introduce the culture and cuisine of their country to all HSE students.
The representatives of the student organisations also make plans on how to support international students and introduce them to each other. They are looking forward to a great amount of face-to-face communication and dreaming about new events.
Ilyas Sadykov, 4th-year student of the Bachelor’s programme 'Logistics and Supply Chain Management', Head of the Association of International Students HSE SPb
It is the first year in a while when we see the international students in person: the COVID restrictions are not so severe. I am very happy about it! Finally, we can hold events on campus and meet the students in person.
This year we would like to increase the number of meetings with the foreigners and the Association of International Students. Earlier there was only one meeting a year, but now we are planning to meet once per module. Moreover, we want to organise a quest around the city to which we are going to invite all the international students of Bachelor's and Master's programmes. I think it will help us to unite the trainees.
When they were done with all the organisational issues, the quest around the building on Kantemirovskaya street began. The students had to accomplish various tasks to remember the building better. For example, they had to find a cosy cafe and take a picture at the highest point of the building. All the participants of the quest received memorable prizes, and the organisers wished them a happy academic year.
There was an atmosphere of holiday during the whole meeting. Before the beginning of the studies, the first-years could feel united and take part in the vivid extracurricular life. They made friends, found something new at HSE University, dreamt and made plans. There's only one thing left for the editorial team of HSE University-St Petersburg—to wish them luck in all the bold endeavours.
Farid Samatov, the Bachelor’s programme 'Applied Mathematics and Information Science', from Kazakhstan
I expect to meet a lot of new people during this academic year. To my mind, HSE University-St Petersburg is a place where a lot of interesting and intelligent people are. I want to communicate with them and, of course, merge into the educational process so everything would go well further.
Moreover, I plan to take part in extracurricular activities: I follow the Association of International Students on social media. I saw that there was HSE Music. Though I do not play the musical instruments or sing myself, I like good music and want to find like-minded people. In addition, I took an interest in the cinema club: I am keen on cinematography, sometimes I write reviews on films and post them on 'Kinopoisk'. I think it would be interesting to discuss films together.
Alina Gabitova, the Bachelor’s programme 'Design', from Kazakhstan
Now I am really worried because I have come from another country. The city is huge, and I do not know what to do. Besides, I want to fit in the community. But the staff of HSE University-St Petersburg seem to be very understanding and cooperative people. I think I will get along with them and make myself at home, so everything will be fine.
In terms of career, I have far-reaching plans for myself. Among other things, I entered HSE University to prove myself that I can be confident and will become a true professional in the future. As for the programme, I expect that I will be considered competitive in the labour market and I will not have any problems with employment. Of course, I plan to enjoy the work itself because the field of Design is very interesting—it is clear from the beginning.