ICEF Bachelor’s Freshman Day 2026: A Warm Welcome to New Students
Starting university marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter—a moment that is as thrilling as it is overwhelming. To help ease the transition, ICEF organises Freshman Day every year, giving new students an introduction to the academic curriculum, university regulations, and, most importantly, how to make the most of their student years - both inside and outside the classroom.
The official part of the programme featured a meet-and-greet with the faculty and administration. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Sergey Yakovlev, ICEF Director; Oleg Zamkov, ICEF Deputy Director and Academic Supervisor of the ICEF Bachelor’s programme; and Sergey Konyshev, ICEF Deputy Director for Applicant Relations.
Sports and physical development are an integral part of student life at HSE University. First-year students had the chance to learn about the wide range of athletic opportunities available to them from Sergey Fedorovtsev, HSE’s Sports Director and an Olympic champion in rowing. He emphasised that sport at the university is a thriving ecosystem, offering every student a pathway to unlock their personal potential.
The event then moved into a more informal setting. Students were introduced to their peer mentors - experienced upper-year students who are always on hand to offer guidance, share study tips, and answer any questions that newcomers might have. After dividing into their academic groups, the freshmen got to know one another, had lively discussions with their mentors, and took a guided tour of the HSE campus. By the end of the day, they felt well-prepared and excited to officially start their journey on September 1.
ICEF extends its warmest wishes to all first-year students for a successful academic year ahead and an unforgettable, vibrant student life!