Takshma Bhatt, India
2022 Master’s Graduate, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
My tip for first-year students is to be confident and vocal about their aspirations. Always discuss with your supervisor or program coordinator what you truly expect from the study program. You should also enquire about job opportunities, academic mobility options, and possible internships. This will help you to design a clear roadmap for your career. Do this as soon as you start your studies at ITMO, i.e., from day one. The staff at ITMO are always willing to guide students so that they can achieve their goals and make the best out of their time here.
Moustapha Nour (second from right) with his classmates at ITMO.LiVE 2022. Credit: Susan Jyaks on VK
Moustapha Nour, Djibouti
2022 Master’s graduate, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
At ITMO, there will be opportunities galore, both technical and non-technical. You should always be ready to grab them. Never hesitate. I know many students are skeptical about studying in Russia, but I have seen international students fall in love with this place and its people. My advice to all first-years would be to come and see for yourselves. I believe you will not regret it. Always remember to take every opportunity that comes your way.
Hang Ly is a Bachelor’s student in computer science. Photo courtesy of the subject
Hang Ly, Vietnam
Second-year Bachelor’s student, Information Technology and Computer Systems
When I was a new student, I'd always smile and get to know everyone. I think people will be quite impressed with you when you do that. The best thing that you can do in the first few days is network. The more people you get to know, the easier it becomes for you to settle in. I know everyone has their own reasons to be stressed out. In such situations, if there's one thing that will make people feel more comfortable, it's a big genuine smile!
Sharaf Souf is a Bachelor’s student in software engineering. Photo courtesy of the subject
Sharaf Ahdaf Souf, Bangladesh
Second-year Bachelor’s student, Computer Systems and Technologies
My advice will be to join and participate in as many events as possible and engage in conversations with different people. On VK, there are many communities and pages that post about all the events happening in St. Petersburg. It's good to keep an eye on them. (You might also like to take a look at our Experience St. Petersburg features for more events and places to see in the city – Ed.) You might come across a movie screening in a park, a free exhibition, or a public talk. In this way, a person can easily adapt to the new environment and get used to the peter-life. I, myself, have found some amazing friends this way.
We hope you will have an amazing first few days at ITMO. Find out more about ITMOtion Night (a party for first-years) here and other events for first-years here. If you have any further questions, feel free to write an email to the International Students Learning and Support Center at int.students@itmo.ru.
Good luck on your ITMO journey!
