‘I Am Very Happy to Graduate from the Best University in the Country’

I got to know about HSE University while I was researching Russian universities to apply to after I did my Bachelor’s of Business Administration in my hometown. It wasn't long before I got to understand that HSE is one of the most reputable and prestigious universities in Russia, while having a very diverse international student body. MiB programme is a highly reputed practice-oriented programme. The fact that I would have the opportunity to be in one of the biggest business capitals of the world was quite overwhelming and made me decide that this is what I want to pursue. 

The application process was not very complicated. There were certain things that did act as a barrier, but it was purely because India and Russia have different documentation systems when it comes to handling the degrees and diplomas one gets.

My first adaptation to Moscow was a very interesting and scary experience. Coming to a whole different country with a different culture makes one doubt themselves. I would say I even had a slight culture shock when I came here, but after a while I adapted pretty easily, and it all went away. My programme is in English language, so I was under the pressure that if I want to stay in Russia, I must learn the language.

There was a language barrier in the beginning, but I taught myself the basic things, and I had excellent help from some very good friends which I am grateful for

My Russian is enough to survive and live in Russia, but not as good as I want it to be. I want to speak very well and be very fluent at it, but since my course was in English and I was always busy with work, I couldn't find much time for it. I taught myself how to read and write Russian, so now I can communicate in broken Russian, in a way that other people will understand what I am trying to convey, but I still have a long way to go.

I loved all the time I spent at HSE University. It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life

There were a lot of ups and downs in this journey, but I am glad it went this way, I would not be who I am if there were not any challenges. The most challenging thing for me in studying was adjusting to the Russian system of education. After a while I got used to it and it became more interesting rather than difficult. Then another challenge that came up was balancing studies with work. I was working a 9-hour job every day and combining that with studies almost every evening and finishing assignments and meeting deadlines became particularly difficult when I was in my 2nd year.

Some of my favorite professors were Vladimir Zuev, Irina Kratko, Fedor Vassilyev (my research advisor), Dimitri Khokhlov, Vladimir Lissniak, and Alla Dynko. In my opinion, all of these professors are very knowledgeable in their respective fields, and they also have a particular way of making students understand the concept, so I very much admire and look up to them.

My favorite subjects were - Doing business in the European Union, International Entrepreneurship, International Business Negotiations, and Digital & traditional channels in International Advertising.

I learnt about HSE University - Moscow from the internet and decided to study at HSE because they accepted my scholarship application. What’s more, HSE University has a good position on university rankings in Russia and Europe. 

The application process was quite easy and direct as all the necessary information is on the HSE website. The adaptation took a while but it was simplified by the university providence of buddies and English speaking staff members.

I’m doing my bachelor’s in Economics. My favorite subjects are accounts, mathematics, and sustainability. I also like doing research. My plans for the near future are to graduate and apply for a master’s programme. The only challenge in my studies is the language barrier. Russian is a hard language. I can communicate and express myself but not perfectly.

The most valuable experience from HSE Moscow is the interaction with other students, teaching and non-teaching staff 

I live in HSE dorm No. 4. Life is interesting there as there are other students from different parts of the world. The facilities provided are sufficient and the living conditions are okay. I often cook for myself—‘пельмени‘ [meat dumplings] most of the time as it’s quick, delicious and easy to be creative with. On most weekends, I cook Kenyan foods or try new recipes, especially to do with wraps.

My favorite places in Moscow are the parks, especially the ones near Moscow river. I also enjoy traveling in the metro because there are many beautiful stations. Moscow City is my all-time favorite place to visit on any day. I also go to the gym at least thrice a week and occasionally with friends and play other sports like badminton.