Faith Nsokolo, Zambia

At first, I was captivated by the architecture of HSE University; it left me in absolute awe. The neatness of Pokrovsky Bulvar added to its charm.

I chose HSE because it is well-ranked and recognised as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. I believe that if there is a ‘best version of myself,’ HSE will provide the environment and resources to help me realise my full potential. After finishing the Prep Year, I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at HSE University.

My Russian isn't the best, but it could be much worse. I studied Russian for a few months in Zambia, and when I arrived here, it was quite challenging. Things changed drastically over just a few weeks, and it became very exciting.

Now, I have no choice but to speak, make self-translations, and memorise new vocabulary.

Moscow is a busy city with people always on the go and the energy is quite contagious. Transportation is efficient and reliable, and I love how each metro station has a unique design. It is quite easy to navigate, once you get the hang of it.

What can I say about the HSE team and their incredible kindness towards me? Online, they promptly answer all my questions, and on-site, their warmth is just as evident. Even the students are incredibly helpful! The atmosphere at HSE is genuinely friendly, making it a welcoming place to be.

I find the Prep Year programme both practical and fun. I won’t lie—I do struggle and sometimes fall behind, but the teachers are simply amazing.

We sit in a classroom with people from all over the world, different cultures and different native languages, united by our goal to learn Russian.

The orientation session cleared up the majority of my questions and provided me with valuable information that I might have missed. For example, I learned about the requirements for extending documents, how to effectively use my student email, and about the grading system at HSE University. Overall, it has made me feel much more prepared for my studies ahead and helped to navigate the university experience smoothly.