This is what made it “wholly perfect”: First-Years and Alumni Dance together at SZE’s Freshers’ Ball

Created: 2025.11.21. 12:00

This year again, the Freshers’ and Alumni Ball was the most significant student event of Széchenyi István University in the autumn, with more than a thousand students and alumni celebrating together until dawn in the Győr City University Hall. Following the oath-taking ceremony of the first-year students and the receiving of their badges, Zoltán Bereczki and Parno Graszt energised the audience, who later danced until dawn to the vibrant sets of DJ Rnő and the Dormitory Studio.

After Freshers’ Week, the largest and most popular student event of the autumn semester is the Freshers’ and Alumni Ball, organised once again this year by Széchenyi István University in cooperation with the University Student Union (EHÖK) and Uniklub Ltd., the University’s events company.

On behalf of the students, Viktória Varga, Vice-President of the University Student Union, welcomed attendees, reminding everyone that the evening was not only about the freshers, but also about the alumni, symbolising that the institution always welcomes the wider Széchenyi community back. Afterwards, Eszter Egyházi-Máté, Head of the Halls of Residence and University Housing Centre and recipient of this year’s “For the University Community” Award, greeted the crowd, emphasising that the institution offers countless opportunities that are worth embracing. “Study, develop, travel, connect, make friends. And most importantly: enjoy the journey,” she told the freshers.

Representing the University, Dr Roland Kelemen – Head of the Department of Modern Technology and Cybersecurity Law and recipient of the 2024 Lecturer of the Year Award – also shared his festive thoughts with the audience. “You made an excellent choice, as you have been admitted to the most dynamically developing institution in the country. At Széchenyi István University, you receive everything you need to succeed in life. The knowledge you gain here will be that solid foundation on which you can build your future. Let today be the beginning of a journey filled with experiences,” he said.

The first-year students toasted with a glass of champagne following the Freshers’ Oath. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

“This year the Ball adopted a Romeo and Juliet theme, inspired by one of our performers’ well-known hits. To complete this, we created an installation that allowed guests to re-enact the iconic balcony scene and capture the moment in photos as well,” explained Alexia Unti, one of the event’s chief organisers, referring to one of the evening’s special programme elements. “More than 1,300 tickets were sold to students, alumni and staff alike. This truly demonstrates the strength of the Széchenyi community,” she added.

The freshers’ opening dance once again captivated the audience (Photo: András Adorján)

“A lot of my fellow first-year students came. You only get one chance in life to be here as a fresher, and I think this is what attracted everyone,” said Csenge Bucsuházy, a first-year Computer Science Engineering student from Rajka, who took the advice to heart and joined the University Student Union. “I loved my school-leavers’ ball as well, and this is the only experience I can compare it to. There are very few events where I can have fun with my friends in such high-quality surroundings,” she added.

Róbert Milik, already a seasoned attendee of the Freshers’ Ball, would never consider missing the event. Although as a final-year Electrical Engineering student, his weekdays are now increasingly shaped by work, he takes part in student programmes whenever he can. “I never distanced myself from the University; I’m still active in student life. I was especially happy about the Parno Graszt performance – I really love their music and they didn’t disappoint this time either; they put on an amazing show,” he remarked.

Zoltán Bereczki and Parno Graszt proved to be a perfect match as performers (Photo: András Adorján)

It is no coincidence that the word “alumni” appears in the event’s name, as every year many former students return to their alma mater. It is no exaggeration to say that – alongside Freshers’ Week and University Days – the Freshers’ Ball serves as a fixed annual gathering point for the alumni community.

“I’m in a special situation because I know the organisers, so I naturally feel connected to the event and never miss it,” said Ákos Szilvás, who graduated as a Vehicle Engineer from Széchenyi István University and now works at Schaeffler Savaria Ltd. in Szombathely. “Because of my job, I rarely have time to return to the place where I spent my university years, so every such occasion is special to me. Many of my friends still study or work at the university – I miss them, and it was great to meet them again,” he said.

The Győr City University Hall was filled to capacity for the Ball (Photo: András Adorján)

The evening’s two main performers were eagerly awaited: both Zoltán Bereczki and Parno Graszt had been hugely popular with students in previous years, and this time interest in their performances was tremendous once again. They were followed by DJ Rnő and the Kollégiumi Stúdió, who kept the dancefloor alive until dawn. Whether it was the community, nostalgia or the atmosphere that drew guests to the Győr City University Hall, one thing is certain: it was an unforgettable evening.

Photo gallery from the event (Photos: András Adorján, Máté Dudás, Gergely Nagy)