Ringing in the New Term

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On September 1, campuses across Russia ring in the new academic year with the traditional ‘first bell’—flowers for teachers and welcomes for first‑years—while international students at HSE University share how studies begin in their home countries, from Ghana’s Akwaba week to China’s student club fair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s blue-and-white uniforms, and India’s Teachers’ Day.

Knowledge Day is an important day in Russia and some other post-Soviet countries, celebrated every year on September 1. The tradition was formally introduced in the Soviet Union in 1984, but over time it has become more than just the start of lessons: it is a festive occasion for pupils, students, their parents, and teachers.

Throughout the country, schools hold special ceremonies to celebrate the day. The national flag is raised, the anthem is performed, and head teachers and local officials give speeches to welcome the start of studies.

One of the most touching moments is the ‘first bell’: a first-year pupil, carried on the shoulder of a final-year student, rings a small bell to symbolise the opening of the school year.

Pupils usually dress up for the occasion and often prepare songs, dances, or short performances. An important tradition on Knowledge Day is giving flowers to teachers. Russians have a deep love for flowers, and it is no wonder that flower shops can be found on almost every corner in Russian cities.

Shallu Tomar, from India, second-year student of the Population and Development Master’s Programme

In India, the academic calendar differs for schools and universities. Schools usually begin in March or April, while universities begin in July or August.

For me, one of the most cherished childhood memories is of my boarding school in Haryana, where the first day after the break was always filled with joy, prayers, and laughter with friends. In schools, the first day is marked with a strong sense of discipline and togetherness.

There is always a morning assembly, where all students gather, stand in rows, and begin the day with God’s prayer

Teachers often give motivational speeches, and sometimes cultural performances are also organised to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Children come in fresh uniforms, meet their classmates after the break, and feel both excitement and nervousness about new teachers and subjects.

Another important school tradition in India is Teachers’ Day, celebrated on September 5 in honour of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. On this day, senior students are given the chance to act as teachers for one day. I had the memorable opportunity to play the role of a teacher at my school.

I dressed up in my mother’s sari as part of a fancy dress tradition, and for the first time, I experienced the feeling of being a teacher

It was unforgettable, as in Indian culture, the role of a teacher is considered as important and respected as that of a guru.

Raissa Mujing, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, second-year student of the Master’s Programme in Linguistic Theory and Language Description

In my country, the academic year usually begins in September. For schools, the first day is considered a very special event. Children often dress nicely, and parents buy new uniforms—usually blue-and-white—for their children.

At the beginning of the academic year, students generally don’t bring much for their teachers; it is rather towards the end of the year that they give something as a way of thanking the teacher for how the whole academic year has been

On the first day, students line up, and the principal reads out the rules to be followed at school. Even though these rules are often published in the school newsletter, repeating them to the students at the beginning of each year is somewhat obligatory.

At universities, the start of the year is less formal but still exciting. It usually begins in October or November as students meet new classmates and professors.

University students go shopping to look good for the new academic year: it has become a kind of tradition to buy new clothes for the first few days of the beginning of the academic year. As we often jokingly say, we never start a new academic year wearing old clothes

The university often organises an opening ceremony for the academic year, and it is the minister or their representative who usually announces the opening.

Fan Minlan, from China, graduate of the Population and Development Master’s Programme

In my country, the academic year usually starts the same time as in Russia, in September. There’s nothing special about the beginning of academic year actually. But when students enrol in college, parents usually accompany their children to help them settle down. And in the beginning of their first year in college, there is a ceremony to welcome first-years, with various performances.

After that, there is a fair where most of the student clubs set up stands to show themselves and attract new students to join.

It is very common that clubs try all they can to attract new students; they sing and dance, give out gifts, even make delicious food, provide drinks

This is a very lively and interesting event. I still remember when I started college, I was attracted to so many clubs that in the end of the day I joined more than five student clubs—in the end, I only had time to take part in the events of one club.

Celestina Adu, from Ghana, second-year student of the Master’s programme in Economics and Economic Policy 

I graduated from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). There, school life starts with Akwaba week (the week of welcoming). Students wear hall t-shirts, especially University Hall (Kantaga) and Unity Hall (Conti). Every Friday from around 5 pm there is a ‘moral session’ with intense chanting by the two halls. During the first year, there are inter-hall competitions such as football, debate, and hall week celebration (which is attended by top artists), and there are a lot of festivities with plenty of delicacies and drinks.

There is also a thanksgiving service for first-year students, as they worship God

Before school goes on break every semester, there is a programme called School of Prayer during which top gospel ministers come to guide the spiritual growth of the students.