January 25 — Student's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Russian Student Day, better known as Student's Day, or Tatiana's Day is celebrated annually on January 25. The holiday honors not only college and university students, but also pays tribute to the centuries-old traditions of education in Russia. In 2026, the holiday date falls on a Sunday. Many events are planned for this day, both in the universities themselves and at city venues. Izvestia reports on how the holiday will be held this year.

The history of Student's Day on January 25 — why it is called Tatiana's Day

The history of the holiday is inextricably linked with the founding of the first Russian university. On January 25, 1755, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna signed a decree "On the establishment of Moscow University" (now Lomonosov Moscow State University). The founder of the educational institution, Count Ivan Shuvalov, timed the signing of the document to coincide with the name day of his mother, Tatiana.

The date coincided with the memorial day of the holy Martyr Tatiana of Rome, in whose honor a temple was later erected on the university grounds, where students come to pray for help in their studies and exams. This is how the second, popular name of the holiday appeared — Tatiana's Day. And Saint Tatiana began to be considered the patroness not only of Moscow University, but also of the entire Russian student body.

Initially, in pre-revolutionary Russia, January 25 was the university's birthday. After the decree of Nicholas I was issued in 1835, this date entered the calendar as a holiday for all students. Since 2005, the holiday has been officially celebrated as the Day of Russian Students.

Traditions of celebrating Student's Day in Russia

The traditions associated with Tatiana's Day have developed over the centuries. They combine both official ceremonies and folk customs. Historically, the day began with the official part — a solemn prayer service in the church, the awarding of the best students and the rector's reception. After the end of the official program, the streets of the cities were filled with jubilant students celebrating the end of the winter session.

A month before the holiday, mead was brewed in the cities according to an ancient monastery recipe, and on January 25, the rector personally poured it into mugs for students. There was a special order for the police on this day not to interfere with the celebration and not to detain drunken students.

One of the most famous and fun traditions that have come down to our days is the ritual barking of "freebies." At midnight on the eve of exams, students open the window or go out onto the balcony with a credit book in their hands and shout loudly: "Freebie, come!". It is believed that this rite helps in studying. Another custom is not to touch the notes on January 25, then, according to legend, the school year will be successful.

How to celebrate Student's Day in 2026

Today, the Student's Day celebration is taking place on an equally large scale. Traditionally, university rectors, statesmen and famous graduates address the students with parting speeches. There is also an extensive cultural and entertainment program dedicated to the holiday. This year will be no exception.

In the capital, the main events will unfold at the venues of the Winter in Moscow festival. The city's skating rinks at VDNKh, Vorobyovy Gory, Luzhniki and the Northern River Railway Station will become the centers of attraction, where guests will find a lot of activity. The Moscow Metro will join the celebrations. Student groups will perform at Kurskaya, Taganskaya and Michurinsky Prospekt stations on the Ring Line. Also, themed flights along the Moskva River will be launched especially for the Student's Day.

In total, more than 100 different events are planned in the capital in 2026, including the international Student Entrepreneurship Festival and the final of the annual Miss and Mr. Moscow Student competition. The full event poster is available on the Youth of Moscow portal.

In St. Petersburg, on the eve of the Day of Russian Students, an ice hockey match will be held at the Ice Palace. A photo zone in university robes and a trial "hockey competition" will be organized for fans, according to the results of which participants will receive a special prize. And in the Sevkabel Port Cultural Center on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the Tatiana's Day festival starts with the participation of famous artists.

Similar events — concerts, quests, lectures, intellectual and sports tournaments and meetings with graduates — will be held in many universities and parks throughout Russia.

January 25 - Tatiana's Day and Student's Day: how the holidays are connected, customs and omens

We tell about traditions and folk omens on this holiday

How to congratulate students on January 25th

Congratulations on Student's Day are based on wishes for easy studies, successful completion of the sessions, a bright student life and a successful career in the future. They often want to "burn in lectures, not in tests" and find time not only for studying, but also for their favorite hobbies and meetings with friends. In addition to students, congratulations on January 25 are addressed to all Tatiana.

Congratulations on Student's Day

"Dear students! Congratulations on the Day of Russian Students! Let the years of study be interesting and inspiring, and the credit book pleases only with positive marks. We wish you to remember this period not only with sleepless nights before exams, but also with bright discoveries. Strive for knowledge, dream boldly and never lose your optimism!"

"On Tatiana's Day, please accept my warmest congratulations! May your student journey be filled with exciting projects, wise mentors, brilliant ideas, and loyal friends. We wish you to easily explore new horizons and successfully overcome all sessions. Happy Student's Day!"

"Happy holidays, students! May there be a place in your life for serious science, for fun adventures, and for romantic meetings. Believe in yourself, support each other, and remember that today's efforts are investments in your well—being tomorrow. Have a great study and have a fun holiday!"

"Congratulations on Student's Day to all those who continue to overcome the granite of sciences! I wish libraries to become places of discovery for you, and classrooms to become platforms for intellectual discussions and bright speeches. Appreciate this unique time when you can try, learn, make mistakes and find yourself. Be active and let all your dreams come true!"

"Dear students and all Tatiana's! Please accept my sincere congratulations on Tatiana's Day. This holiday unites tradition and modernity, symbolizing the continuity of the pursuit of knowledge. We wish you inspiration, wisdom and patience in your studies. May your energy and talents be put to good use, and your university years will be truly golden!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the International Postgraduate Student Day, which was celebrated on January 21.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.