By Krisztina Géczi
We can all remember our first day at college, the day that marks a new chapter in our lives. There is a profound anticipation in facing the unknown, before stepping into the building that promises to open a gate of opportunities. Orientation week prepares you for what is yet to come and helps you situate yourself, whether in a new city or even country.
At McDaniel College Budapest, alongside the administration, the Student Advisory Council takes on a meaningful role in welcoming Freshmen Students, as well as Study Abroad Students from the United States. Our Peer Mentors initially meet with the students from Westminster and Gettysburg at the airport, greeting them with a warm handshake before accompanying them to their apartments. Right after, the real fun begins! The week is jam-packed with activities, ranging from meetings to city tours. Since we are in the heart of Europe, we could not miss the opportunity to show our new friends the historic and vibrant places of Budapest.
The Central Market Hall, the city’s biggest indoor market, at Fővám tér (square), offered them a glimpse into Hungarian customs and the lively atmosphere of local trade. Riding Tram 2 offers a magical journey, tracing the Danube riverbank with some of the city’s most breathtaking views. Within a few minutes, we arrived at Kossuth tér. We experienced the uniqueness of the Hungarian Parliament, which I believe is one of the most beautiful Parliaments in the world, with its neo-Gothic style.
After some quick refreshments, the Ronald Reagan statue at Szabadság tér (Liberty Square) was on the agenda. American students love to take photos alongside it. Last but not least, we took group pictures in front of Szent István Bazilika (Saint Stephen’s Basilica), Hungary’s third-largest church, decorated with magnificent mosaics and a collection of statues.
Of course, the biggest hassle of the week is usually the trip to the immigration office; however, this year we were lucky enough to have a smooth experience there as well. The week ended with a great activity organized by Professor Réka Ránky, Coordinator of International Students, at the Veterinary University. Through fun and interactive games, students could immerse themselves in Hungarian items, traditions, and famous figures. The official end of Orientation comes with the Opening Convocation, this year held during a boat trip along the River Danube that flows through our breathtaking capital. Speeches were delivered by the McDaniel College President, Julia Jasken, and László Frenyó, Dean of McDaniel College Budapest. Freshmen students rang the McDaniel bell to mark the commencement of their studies. Between good food, great people, and conversations that spark both friendship and new connections, the party felt vibrantly alive. By the next sunrise, McDaniel students were ready for their classes, and the real college experience began.
The SAC’s semester ahead
However, McDaniel and the SAC offer way more avenues to get to know the community and create memories, alongside broadening our horizons. Anna Segesvári, the SAC President, and I, the Vice-President, are passionate about helping and supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable humans and animals. Our vision is to hold a charity event every month. In September, we are going to support a local dog shelter, giving the rescued fur babies food, necessities, and toys. Feel free to join our pop-up events throughout the month and support a great cause by donating a meal or a few thousand forints. We’ve got plenty more in store for you, from Halloween Week and a guided tour of the Zwack Unicum Museum to our new tradition, the Thanksgiving Gala. These gatherings are not only fun but also bring the community together. In our small college, we strive to create a family-like environment.
Find the SAC in Room T2 during our office hours (information on Instagram: mcdanielbudapest) or contact us at sac@mcdaniel.hu.
Photos by Krisztina Géczi
