Hieu Nguyen Dinh, Vietnam

Before coming to Moscow, I heard that HSE was the most modern university in Russia. I've known about it for a long time through social media. I know that going to another country for study would be a big decision for me, and after thinking and planning, I am now confident about my choice.

The admission process was tough. But with the help of the International Student Support Centre, I was able to understand and complete my application. It was my first time applying for a scholarship: I didn't know about the process or how to improve my portfolio. But from asking my Vietnamese friend about it, I was able to overcome it and got here. It was so worth it!

My first two months of studying here were such a journey. Happiness, sadness... It's all there.

It was stunning the first time I saw the university in real life. So huge, beautiful, and everyone was so kind, especially in the classroom.

My teachers are very kind. I am happy every time I go to school. Although living in a new country is kind of arduous. Having no family or friends by your side. But there are also so many benefits. I grew up!

I made a lot of new friends. Russian, Turkish, people from all over the world. At HSE, we have a ton of events where I meet new people. I feel like I am a part of it.

I am living in Dorm 7, near Tekstilshchiki Metro (a peaceful area). There is another Vietnamese student here, and he helped me a lot to get used to life in Moscow. My room has more than enough for me. I just bought my new computer for learning too! After class, I usually come home and cook by myself because I love to cook and to eat delicious food. I buy groceries in Perekrestok. 

I like crowded and busy areas. I’ve loved Moscow since the day I came. I’ve been to museums, Red Square, parks... And I fell in love with these places.

My future plan is to become an art director and open my own company. Before that, after finishing the Prep Year, I will be studying Media and Design at HSE University.

I think to be able to study at HSE, we need a strict self-timetable. We always need a good mood for studying, so personal time is also very important.

In my spare time, I usually go out and find new places, meet new people. Sometimes I just play basketball at Aviapark.

My friends and family in Vietnam often call me and ask about life in Moscow. I miss them so much. What I miss the most is the food in my home country. I think people will see how kind Vietnamese are. We give away a lot. In our country, ‘giving is receiving.’ I don't really have any traditional stuff to do, so I am just enjoying my life, doing new stuff.