English-Speaking Clubs at HSE University-St Petersburg
The university experience isn’t just about studying and getting a degree. University years are full of opportunities and wonderful impressions, all of which you can experience at HSE University-St Petersburg firsthand. Sometimes it can be hard for international students to find information about certain events or groups due to the language barrier or a lack of experience with Russian social media apps and websites. To help you navigate all the extracurricular activities available on our campus, we decided to highlight some interesting clubs which are happy to welcome international students.
Hudozhka.hse
‘Hudozhka.hse’ is a creative space aimed at providing a peaceful and enjoyable environment to create art and explore your creativity. Whether it is painting with watercolours or making paper crafts and origami, at Hudozhka you will be able to explore and express the artistic side of your personality. Hudozhka provides its participants with all the necessary art supplies and materials and organises thematic workshops, fun challenges and contests. Even if you are not sure about your artistic skills, do not be scared: the process of creating something is the most important part, and Hudozhka will prove it to you. You can contact and follow the club via their VK page.
HSE Board Games Club
Would you like to spend your evening meeting new people, playing some board games, and drinking tea? Whether you're a fan of the classics like Monopoly and Mafia or trendier games such as Codenames or Secret Hitler, you know where to go. At the HSE Board Games Club, you can fully indulge in board games with other students and treat yourself to some drinks and snacks. If you are an experienced player, you can explore a wide range of game tournaments while expanding your horizons even further. But even if you are a novice at board games, you can join too: the masters will explain the rules of any game, so you won't be completely lost. Follow the club via their VK page and find out about the next meeting!
Talking Crows
‘Talking Crows’ is an English-speaking club where participants discuss various topics each week. Discussion topics vary from week to week. During one meeting, the participants may exchange opinions on their favourite anime characters, while the next week they might figure out how to deal with stress and care for their mental health. The club has become a safe space to interact with other students, exchange ideas, practice English and—most importantly—make new friends. You can learn more about the club via their VK page.
‘The Talking Crows is an English Speaking Club at HSE University-St Petersburg. It was created specifically to help students (and not just them) overcome the language barrier. Club meetings are held in a friendly atmosphere, so everyone has a chance to chat and practice their English,’ says Valeria Mamay, the president of the club.
The Centre for Innovative Entrepreneurship (CIE)
Have you ever wanted to launch a start-up or had an amazing business idea? Even if you have just a vague business concept, experts from CIE will teach you how to mould your ideas into reality. With the staff’s help and the experts’ guidance, you can start your own business or find a project that may change your life. CIE also organises educational, networking, and motivational events for students. Building your network will be much easier with CIE, as meetings offer an opportunity to meet interesting entrepreneurs, from recent graduates to well-known founders and CEOs of large companies.
HSE SPB Tourist Club
Russia is a big country with rich nature and breathtaking views. Don’t miss your opportunity to safely explore Russia beyond St Petersburg with the Tourist Club. The club regularly holds lectures and workshops on the basics of backpacking, camping and safety. You can participate in short weekend trips, which last one or two days, or—if you are ready—in longer ones which can last up to two weeks. For further information, see their VK page.
HSE University has more than 30 student-led clubs and activities. You can find more information about clubs, extracurricular activities and events which are available for international students in English on this web page.
Article prepared by Yesuigen Tsogzhavkhlan.