January 25 - Student's Day (Tatiana's Day): how to celebrate the holiday in Moscow and other cities

On January 25, Russia celebrates the Day of Russian Students, better known as Student's Day or Tatiana's Day. In 2025, the celebration falls on Saturday. "Izvestia" tells when the holiday appeared and what events will be held in different cities on this day.

History of the Day of the Student (Tatiana's Day), celebrated on January 25

The history of Student Day in Russia dates back to 1755, when Empress Elizabeth Petrovna signed a decree on the establishment of the Imperial Moscow University, now the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).

The date of signing the document coincided with the day of commemoration of St. Martyr Tatiana of Rome, who lived at the turn of the II-III centuries in Rome and suffered during the persecution of Christians. The Orthodox Church honors the saint on January 25. In Russia, this day was known as Tatiana's Day.

It is noteworthy that Tatiana was also the name of the mother of the first curator of the university, Adjutant General Ivan Shuvalov, who in the middle of the XVIII century held the position of State Counselor. There is an opinion that he intentionally submitted the document for the Empress's signature on his mother's birthday in order to make her a present.

Initially, January 25 was celebrated only on the birthday of the university, later, under Emperor Nicholas I, this date became the holiday of the entire Russian student body.

Since at the end of January students were taking a session, many prayed to St. Tatiana for successful passing of exams. Since then, she has been considered the patroness of students. On the territory of MSU even has a house church named in honor of the saint, where students and teachers of the university come to pray.

Student's Day continued to be celebrated in the USSR. However, the religious background of the celebration was abolished. The holiday was revived in its former form in 1992, when Viktor Sadovnichy headed Moscow State University. Later, in 2005, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to celebrate the Day of Russian Students on January 25.

How Student Day is celebrated in Russia

Traditionally, concerts with the participation of pop stars and other entertainment events are organized in cities on Student Day. Museums and exhibition halls offer free admission for students.

Universities organize student balls, competitions and quizzes for students, as well as open days for future applicants. Graduates can learn about admission conditions and get acquainted with teachers.

Another tradition of the celebration is treating students to mead on Tatiana's Day. It is believed that this tradition originated in the XIX century. During folk celebrations, whole barrels of mead were rolled out onto the streets, which was one of the most affordable and easy to prepare drinks. It was best suited to celebrate the holiday and the end of the winter session.

Tatiana's Day also coincided with the awarding of university prizes named after Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov and Adjutant General Ivan Shuvalov. Both of them worked on the project of the country's first university, contributing to the development of higher education in Russia.

Events for Student Day 2025

This year, for students of universities prepared a lot of different events for Student Day. Thus, in Moscow, the celebrations will be held from January 22 to 26 in various locations of the capital, including VDNKh, parks, sports complexes and cultural centers. Entrance to all events is free after registration on the Moscow Youth portal.

One of the key events will be the final of the contest "Miss and Mr. Student of Moscow", which will be held in the format of a gala concert on January 22. And on the eve of the celebration, on January 24, the winners of the Youth Short Film Festival "Funduk" will be awarded.

On the same day the first stage of the "League of Universities", including creative and sports tests, and the Moscow International Festival of Student Entrepreneurship "Studfest" will start. On the holiday itself, holders of student tickets and the name Tatiana will be able to skate free of charge in the capital's parks and take part in a masquerade ball in Bauman Garden.

In St. Petersburg there will be a contest of video clips about student life, a karaoke battle and webinars on employment. The festival "Student Sports Night" and a match of stars of the student hockey league of the Northern Capital are also timed to coincide with the holiday.

Unusual events await students in Kazan. The main events on Student Day will be held in the park "Black Lake". Here you will be able to play hockey and curling, as well as get a deposit for a first date. The culmination of the holiday will be the performance of Kazan DJs.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the Day of Russian student squads, which will be celebrated in February.