St. Peterburg University of Management Technologies and Economics organised a series of adaptation activities for international first-year students to help them feel more confident and comfortable in their new city and university environment.
Students were introduced to Russia, St Petersburg, and the University, attended a presentation on the opportunities available at UMTE, and were reminded of the regulations governing the stay of foreign nationals in the Russian Federation. They also had an opportunity to ask questions.
The students were welcomed by Oleg Smeshko, Rector of the University, and Svetlana Avdashkevich, First Vice-Rector, who delivered a presentation on the culture and traditions of Russia and St Petersburg, as well as the educational opportunities offered by UMTE. Elena Nemtseva, Head of the Student Personnel Department, explained the regulations for foreign nationals staying in Russia and answered questions from first-year students.
The central part of the programme was a quest organised by students of the Institute of Creative Industries and Hospitality. The route included five key locations at the University, including the main lobby, the assembly hall, the library, and other important spaces. Teams completed tasks at each location and received one letter after every challenge. At the end of the quest, the letters formed the word “Museum.” In this way, the organisers presented the University as a “museum of stories, opportunities, and new connections.”
During the quest, first-year students learned how student life at the University is organised: where the main administrative services are located, how the access system works, and what events and opportunities are available to them. At the library, students were introduced to the resources available and took part in a short quiz about Russian poets. In the assembly hall, senior students spoke about concerts and creative projects. A representative of the branch of the Russian Museum located at the University also recommended museums in St Petersburg that can contribute to students’ professional and personal development.
The quest concluded with a group photo and the presentation of UMTE-branded stickers. These stickers now decorate the notebooks and laptops of the new students, serving not only as souvenirs but also as a symbol of belonging to the University community.
According to the organisers, the purpose of the event was not simply to introduce students to important locations around the University, but also to help them feel part of the university community. Judging by how actively the students communicated and helped one another find their way around the campus, this goal was successfully achieved.
