The start has been given: the vibrant Freshman Week has concluded at USUE

From September 1st to 3rd, the Ural State University of Economics held its traditional Freshman Week. For thousands of students just beginning their student journey, these days were a vibrant start, an opportunity to get to know the university, each other, and find friends with similar interests. The program was packed, ranging from celebratory events to informative lectures and creative festivals.

September 1st: A Celebration of Knowledge, Unity, and Discovery

The day began with a ceremonial assembly, "Happy Knowledge Day!", on the square in front of the main building. USUE Rector Yakov Silin addressed the students with a welcoming speech. He wished them not only academic success but also a proactive approach to life and the realization of all their plans.

Particular attention was paid to the best of the best: Yakov Petrovich personally presented student ID cards and awarded prizes to high scorers who had demonstrated outstanding results on the Unified State Exam and internal entrance examinations. University performance groups set the festive mood: the USUE vocal studio performed, and the United Student Council energized everyone with a dance.

Next, the first-year students worked with their mentors: they got to know each other within their academic groups, played team-building games, and watched a film about the Great Patriotic War. The students also went on a tour of the university to discover all its key locations.

The first day ended on a grand scale: first, the first-year students went on a city quest organized by the Trade Union and the OSO to get to know Yekaterinburg, and then they attended the "93rd Day of Summer" festival. A vocal studio and activists from the Institutes and College performed on stage, and the host awarded prizes for participating in interactive activities.

September 2: Student ID Cards and Safety Lessons

The second day was devoted to serious and crucial topics. A mass distribution of student ID cards, the primary document for every student, took place at the Institutes and College.

The key event was a series of preventative lectures for first-year students.

• Representatives of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Sverdlovsk Region and Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing) discussed safety rules;
• Representatives of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Sverdlovsk Region discussed road safety;
• Representatives of the Forpost Center and the Sverdlovsk Regional HIV Prevention Center discussed healthy lifestyles;
• Representatives of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Sverdlovsk Region discussed countering fraud and extremism;
• Employees of the Anti-Corruption Department of the Sverdlovsk Region discussed the threats of corruption and fraud in the modern world.

The day ended with another meeting with the mentors, where the students could discuss the information they had received and ask any questions they might have.

September 3: Choosing a Path and the "Whirlwind of Opportunities"

The final day of Freshman Week was entirely devoted to extracurricular activities. In the morning, general assemblies were held at the Institutes and College, where the Deputy Directors for Educational Work introduced activists and the trade union bureau.

This was followed by a comprehensive presentation of all areas of the university's activities. The following addressed the first-year students:

• The United Student Council (USC) and the Association of Student Unions (ASU);
• Student Trade Union;
• Head of the Department for Sports and Mass Activities M.A. Kocheryan presented the sports sections and the SSC;
• Student Scientific Society;
• Russian Movement of Children and Youth (RMCY);
• Department of Social Work (headed by N.V. Vasiliev);
• Association of Foreign Students.

A special topic was the development of civic engagement. Nikita Bulygin, Chairman of the Youth Electoral Commission of the Sverdlovsk Region, spoke about how elections are conducted and why it is important to participate.

The highlight of the day was the "Creative Associations Revolving Door." A veritable showcase of opportunities unfolded in the main building: dozens of clubs and associations held presentations on each floor.

From September 1st to 3rd, the Ural State University of Economics held its traditional Freshman Week. For thousands of students just beginning their student journey, these days were a vibrant start, an opportunity to get to know the university, each other, and find friends with similar interests. The program was packed, ranging from celebratory events to informative lectures and creative festivals.