This event is one of the most beloved traditions in the more than 250-year history of our institution, said Dr. Attila Szabó, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs, in his welcome speech.
You have certainly been introduced to a lot of things at university already. You have had the opportunity to see our historic buildings, meet our distinguished professors and lecturers, and you must also have felt that you are part of a community in which centuries of knowledge and tradition bind us together. Tonight, you can gain an even deeper insight into these traditions and will hopefully leave with lasting memories. – Dr. Attila Szabó
As he said, this academic year, 3900 newly admitted students from the six faculties of the university have started their studies, 1200 of them being international students from 119 countries around the world. He pointed out that students in this academic year were special: They were among the first to have passed the oral entrance examination and could now continue their studies under Curriculum 2.0, which focused on even more practice-oriented education. “There are few professions that come with so much responsibility and at the same time so much appreciation. However, tonight is a night for celebration and community experiences,” he noted, encouraging those present to take an active part in community life and use the opportunities offered by the university.
Afterwards, HÖK President Réka Csenge Gecsey welcomed the audience. “This ball is not just a simple gathering; it is indeed a milestone for you. It is the first step on a long but very exciting journey. You have embarked on a journey towards a vocation that is based on dedication, compassion, and on making people’s lives better. You have chosen healthcare, one of the noblest professions, involving the most responsibility. I am sure that you have already gained a lot of experience in the two months you have spent here,” she said, stressing that the newly admitted students had now become part of the Semmelweis Family in spirit as well. Before thanking her fellow students for the organization, she added:
These university years offer a lifetime of experiences and friendships. The knowledge and experience you gain here will stay with you throughout your career, and the friendships you make here will stay with many of you for the rest of your lives. While you are preparing for this career that involves so much responsibility, it is important that – in addition to studying – you also take time to relax and get to know each other. The memories you will make over the next few years will contribute at least as much to your personal development as the knowledge you will gain from lectures and practicals.
The Instructor Volunteer Group was also part of the organizing team; IÖCS President Orsolya Demeter wished attendees a good time at the event. After the speeches, the Pro Iuventute Universitatis 2024 award was presented, the traditional Hungarian Palotás dance was performed, and participants were treated to Kata Apró’s performance of J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 in C major. After the Freshman Camp, the instructors as well as the international and Hungarian students reunited to entertain the audience with their dance performances.
The Freshman Camp was a memorable experience for all. The film made about it was screened at the end of the ceremony in the Banquet Hall. It recalled the special moments, the journey, the program of events, and the tasks freshmen had to do, which for a short period of time allowed attendees to step back mentally to the place where it all took place, the town of Tata.
We asked first-year students Szilárd Batizán of the András Pető Faculty (PAK) and Anna Parti of the Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK) about their experiences at the Freshmen’s Ball.
How did you settle in after the Freshman Camp?
Szilárd Batizán: The Freshman Camp brought the group together, so when we entered the university, we already had an established circle of acquaintances. During these two months, first-year students have all got closer to each other.
How is university life so far?
Szilárd Batizán: There were surprises, but of course only in a positive way. The theory alternates with the practice on a weekly basis, which gives us a recharge because in this way we not only keep learning, we can also try out in practice what we have learned in theory.
How have the two months at university been so far? Have you got what you expected?
Anna Parti: I came from Slovakia, I had planned everything, what life in Budapest and studying here would be like. I think I got something much better than I had expected. So far, I really like my faculty, my fellow students, the citizens of the university. I have made a lot of friends.
Why did you choose Semmelweis University?
Anna Parti: Mainly because of the language. In my country you can’t study at medical school in Hungarian, so I came here to finally be able to do so.
The evening continued with performances by various Hungarian bands. There was also a wealth of other opportunities for the students to choose from. For example, there was a 360-degree selfie machine, which allowed them to capture the best moments of the Freshmen’s Ball. Valuable prizes were won in the raffle, such as entrance tickets to different spas and thermal baths of Budapest.
We asked Kata Koszta, Gréti Tomasószki, and Elina Varga – first-year students of the Faculty of Health Sciences – what the program was like through the eyes of freshmen.
How have you prepared for tonight?
Kata Koszta: We prepared together with the others, who I already know well from the performances. We arrived here in time for the concerts, and this was preceded by the usual preparations.
This is the first major event of your university lives. How are you feeling?
Gréti Tomasószki: Personally, very well! It’s been a positive disappointment, especially the fact that it isn’t held in a club, and it is strictly about us freshmen.
Elina Varga: So far it’s been very good, I’ve met a lot of people I know from my faculty. It’s still early, I’m hoping for a good atmosphere for the rest of the evening as well!
As the evening drew to a close, there were tired but very happy faces. It may be no exaggeration to say that this was one of the best days of the year for them. All the lovely guests had the opportunity to wear their evening dress to celebrate the new members of the Semmelweis Family together.
Kristóf Hegedűs – Students’ Union; Ádám Szabó
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Bálint Barta – Semmelweis University
Gallery
This article was written as part of our Students’ Perspective column.
