The ball opened with Semmelweis University’s Freshman Camp video, recalling students’ first shared summer experiences. After the screening, Rector Dr. Béla Merkely welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that he was proud to see a community gathered that evening whose members enjoyed spending time together even beyond required lectures and practical sessions. He also noted that the Semmelweis Freshmen’s Ball, with its long-standing traditions, provided the perfect occasion for this. The rector underlined that they had become part of a community that was growing year after year and was more diverse than ever, with approximately 40 percent of the more than 16,000 students coming from 136 countries.
This evening is for you. Have a wonderful time, be open to one another, and immerse yourselves in positive experiences. These moments will give you strength even during the challenges of university life, whether during exam periods or as you learn to manage your time – an essential skill for every medical and health sciences student. – Dr. Béla Merkely
The rector’s address was followed by opening speeches from Imre Richárd Nagy, President of the Students’ Union (HÖK); Johanson Mahanathan, President of the Deutschsprachige Studentenvertretung Semmelweis (DSVS); Unzella Rizwan, President of the International Semmelweis Students Association (ISSA); and Zsófia Sebeszta, President of the Instructor Unprompted Group (IÖCS). They stressed that, just as with the seasons, every phase of student life had its own charm, challenges, and freedom. Freshmen are the ones who enrich this community with new energy and a fresh perspective, and they carry this spirit forward, just as the generations before them have done. As time passes, even amid continuous change, there is one constant: the sense of togetherness within the community.
After the welcome speeches, the attendees raised a toast together, which was followed by the presentation of the Pro Juventute Universitatis Semmelweis awards. One of the university’s most prestigious student honors, the award is given to former students and student representatives who actively participated in community life during their university years and helped shape the daily lives of their fellow students. This year’s recipients are Rea Réka Fekete, Dr. Petra Gál, Dr. Renáta Dalma Miklós, Dr. Fanni Klaudia Pálfi, Dr. Fanni Sárkány, and Dr. Petra Tímár. In addition, each year the university recognizes a faculty member or staff member who, through their work, has significantly advanced the interests of Semmelweis students and provided exceptional support for student life. This year, Döniz Szakál has received this recognition.
Following the awards ceremony, a video of the Freshman Camp produced by HÖK was screened, recalling the days when the freshmen first met each other and the instructors.
The second part of the opening ceremony was dedicated to dancing. Following a performance by faculty members, the faculty and student groups took the stage. In addition to the András Pető Faculty (PAK), the program also featured performances by the Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK) and the Faculty of Health and Public Administration (EKK). After the traditional Hungarian Palotás dance and the waltz, a joint dance by faculty members and students brought the series of performances to a close.
Following the screening of the official film on the 2026 Freshman Camp (Gólyafilm), the rest of the evening was devoted to electing the ball king and queen, a contest held for the first time this year. The title of ball queen was won by Enikő Szabó, a first-year student in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GYTK), who said she was delighted that her peers had voted for her and that this would give her the opportunity to get to know more people at the university. Besides her studies, she is most interested in student life, and in the future, she would like to get involved in organizing community activities as well. The ball king, Tamás Sipos, is studying voice, speech and swallowing therapy at ETK. He said he was grateful that so many of his acquaintances had voted for him, including international students. For him, maintaining a good balance in university life – between studying, the efforts required to meet academic expectations, and relaxation – is important.
The program also featured team-building games organized by IÖCS, which allowed students to get to know the instructors better who will remain their points of contact throughout the academic year, and whom they can turn to with questions, even before midterms and exams.
At midnight, the charity raffle was held, with the organizers donating all proceeds to the blood transport team Blood Bikes Hungary (Vérlovagok), thereby indirectly helping to ensure that urgently needed blood products reach the treatment site on time.
Gallery
Throughout the evening, Hungarian musical performers Hundred Sins and Bohemian Betyars entertained the audience, while DJs performed in the main hall. From the music and dancing to the food, drinks, and activities, the cooperation among student organizations also contributed to the evening’s atmosphere, ensuring that this year’s Semmelweis Freshmen’s Ball was an unforgettable experience for the attendees.
This article was written as part of our Students’ Perspective column.
Anna Donáth, Hanna Patkó, Róbert Tasnádi
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
