FRESHMAN WEEK HAS COME TO AN END AT KARIU

The first days at university are not only the beginning of classes, but also a time to get acquainted with a new environment, lecturers, and fellow students. At Karaganda Industrial University, Freshman Week was organized for recent school graduates. Its program brought together sports competitions, educational meetings, legal lectures, and cultural events.

The week began on September 2 with the traditional Health Festival. Freshmen tested their strength, agility, and endurance in running, jumping, push-ups, and skipping rope. Before the competitions, participants did morning exercises together. The festival helped students spend their time actively, get to know each other, and experience team spirit.

On the same day, the sports photo quest “Operation: Law and Order” was held. It was organized as part of the joint action plan of the Republican Public Association “Zhanaru” and the “Law and Order” project.

The participants were welcomed by KarIU Ombudsman Guldana Dairbekova and Head of the Anti-Corruption Compliance Service Samal Ibragimova. While completing the photo quest tasks, students demonstrated resourcefulness, creativity, and teamwork skills. The game combined sports with meaningful communication and reminded freshmen of the importance of responsibility, mutual respect, and compliance with established rules. The game was led by Valentina Pavlik, Head of the “Law and Order” project.

The September 3 program focused on adaptation to university life, education, and legal literacy.

Meetings between freshmen and psychologists, faculty deans, the ombudsman, and the Head of the Anti-Corruption Compliance Service were held in KarIU dormitories. Students were informed about accommodation rules, academic integrity, the protection of their rights and interests, as well as the prevention of corruption.

Special attention was paid to psychological comfort and open communication. Freshmen were able to ask questions that concerned them and learn whom to contact for help in difficult situations. Such meetings help students adapt more quickly, feel supported, and begin a new stage of their lives with greater confidence.

The students had an opportunity to learn about the university’s educational resources at the exhibition “A Reading Nation: New Books of Educational and Subject-Specific Literature.” They were presented with new educational publications, scientific and specialized literature in various fields of study. Library staff explained how to use the library collection, select materials for classes, and organize independent study.

One of the central events of the day was the meeting “Law. Order. University.” Senior Lieutenants Vadim Imanaliev and Ädilkhan Sydykov, UIP GYP VOP, addressed the freshmen. They spoke about crime prevention among young people, liability for offenses, and the importance of knowing one’s rights and responsibilities.

Galina Lomaikina, Senior Officer of the Department for Combating Drug-Related Crime of the Temirtau Police Department, drew students’ attention to the dangers of drug addiction and gambling addiction. She also conducted a thematic game, whose winners received prizes. The awareness-raising work with students was continued by KarIU Ombudsman Guldana Dairbekova and Head of the Anti-Corruption Compliance Service Samal Ibragimova.

This topic was complemented by a separate information meeting dedicated to the spread of drugs and the consequences of involvement in illegal activities. Students were informed about the risks hidden behind promises of easy money and why it is impossible to simply “leave peacefully” once involved in a criminal network. Freshmen were urged to be careful with suspicious offers, comply with the law, and take responsibility for their future.

The week’s program also included an introduction to the cultural life of Temirtau. Students visited the Historical and Cultural Center of the First President, where an exhibition by local artist B. K. Amanzholov, “Remembering the Mukhin School,” was opened.

The meeting was attended by Yury Pil’tikhin, Chairman of the Temirtau “T-ART” Club, and poet Ivan Elefteriadi, Head of the “Magnit” literary association. The discussion about art, creativity, and the Leningrad art school took place in the format of a lively dialogue. For the freshmen, visiting the exhibition was an opportunity to learn about the work of a talented fellow countryman and connect with the cultural heritage of their native region.

Another meeting at the Historical and Cultural Center was dedicated to Family Day. The honored guests of the “Altyn Shañyraq” event were Temirtau veterans and pioneers of the city’s construction — spouses Saule Baidrakhmanqyzy Toleubayeva and Yermek Ybyraiuly Toleubayev, who have been together for 60 years.

They shared their memories of the construction of the city and spoke about their life journey and family values. The meeting became a living lesson in wisdom for the students and reminded them that strong relationships are built on trust, care, patience, mutual respect, and support.

The intensive program concluded on September 4 with the meeting “Language — the Soul of the People,” organized on the eve of the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan by the KarIU Department of “IKiOD” together with the Ethnocultural Association of JSC “Qarmet.”

Polina Stepkina, Leading Specialist of the Ethnocultural Center, spoke about the role of languages in the life of a multinational country. Despina Kasapidi, Head of the “Pontos” Greek Ethnocultural Center, introduced students to the history of Greeks in Kazakhstan and the activities of the association. Angelika Veretkovskaya, Head of the City Ethnocultural Association of Germans, spoke about the culture and traditions of the Germans of Temirtau.

Following the presentations, lecturers from the “IKiOD” Department held an intellectual quiz game, “Our Own Game.” Freshmen answered questions about the languages, history, and culture of the peoples of Kazakhstan. The most active and knowledgeable participants were presented with awards.

Freshman Week helped new students not only learn more about the university, but also get to know one another, discover their abilities, and receive answers to important questions. Sports, creativity, culture, legal education, and open dialogue formed the foundation of the first days of their student life.

KarIU strives to create an environment where every freshman feels supported, knows their opportunities, and confidently takes their first steps toward their future profession.