New students will get to know HSG during StartWeek 2026

St. Gallen is getting ready for the new academic year: In September, new students will begin their first semester at HSG. During StartWeek, from September 7 to 11, 2026—one week before classes officially begin—they’ll be a central part of campus and city life.

Divided into groups, the first-year students will not only get to know HSG during this week but also meet their new classmates, explore the city of St. Gallen, and receive important information about everyday student life. The goal of this special week is to provide orientation and make the transition to studying at HSG easier. “We support our new students more closely than any other university in Switzerland,” says Miriam Mrisi, Head of the Service Center for StartWeek & Assessment Year. StartWeek was introduced in 2001 in conjunction with the launch of the Bologna Process at HSG.

Experienced HSG Students as Mentors

Each year, tutors (students in higher semesters) are selected and trained in a two-semester course to prepare them for their leadership roles during StartWeek. “The tutors have to apply. Many remember how important their own StartWeek was and want to contribute to the HSG community,” says Mrisi.

In addition to being responsible for the academic and administrative orientation, they help new students get to know the city of St. Gallen and encourage interaction among them. For example, a barbecue evening organized by the Student Union (SHSG), which represents the interests of all HSG students, is a regular feature of the week.

Students Work on a Case Study on Polarization

During StartWeek, new students engage with a case study on the topic of “polarization.” Working in groups, they develop creative solutions, which they present at the end of the week in the form of 90-second “pitches” and short videos.

In their work, the new students are supported by input from various experts, several of whom have a background at HSG: Among them are political scientist Christoph Frei, U.S. expert Claudia Brühwiler, philosopher Michael G. Festl, and Middle East expert Andreas Böhm. They are joined by external experts such as Swiss Red Cross Director Nora Kronig, author and TV host Katja Gentinetta, and communications coach Michael Berndonner. All of them share their expertise with the students.

“The case study immerses students in the HSG approach right from the start: interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and focused on socially relevant topics,” says Mrisi. At the end of the week, six selected groups will present their proposed solutions in the Olma Halls to all StartWoche participants and a jury.

The jury consists of Andreas Kirchschläger, Founding Partner & CEO of the elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization and member of the HSG University Council; HSG Professor and Full Professor of Philosophy Christine Abbt; and political scientist Christoph Frei.

StartWeek is supported by a media team consisting of 20 upper-level students and experienced media experts. They produce content for a dedicated Instagram channel and report daily on the highlights of this special week. In cooperation with TVO, television segments are also produced every evening for TVO News.

New students from 45 countries at the HSG Kick-off Days

As part of the English-language Kick-off Days, HSG also welcomes new students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The orientation program gives newcomers from 45 countries insight into organizational processes and all departments relevant to their studies. In addition, the new HSG students get to know their fellow students even before the start of the academic year through workshops and guided tours. As part of the academic program, the new students will explore the topic “Competences, Perspectives & Faith in Complex Times” on September 11, 2026.