New association Sputnik offers Russian-speaking students a community

Last January, Artemii Bolotov and a group of friends founded Sputnik, a new student association in Rotterdam. It’s intended to be an apolitical, warm and welcoming environment for Russian-speaking students. The association has since expanded to embrace students from diverse backgrounds.

Bolotov, now president of Sputnik, noticed that many Russian-speaking students in Rotterdam found it challenging to connect, which led him to create a community where they could meet and form friendships. “We wanted to create a place where everyone could feel welcome”, Bolotov explains. “Diversity is very important to us. We don’t have official members. Anyone can join our activities, regardless of their background.”

Some events have drawn students from up to twelve different countries. While most participants come from former Soviet Union countries, students often bring their non-Russian-speaking friends along. “I remember bringing a German friend to our gala. He put so much effort into his outfit that he ended up winning the title of ‘King of the Night!’”

Apolitical

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its second year, has certainly affected Russian and Ukrainian students living in Rotterdam. Despite many Sputnik members coming from these countries, the association has consciously chosen to steer clear of political discussions. “We aim to remain as apolitical as possible”, Bolotov states. “It’s a sensitive topic, and conversations can quickly escalate into conflicts. To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment, we simply try to avoid those discussions.”

Bolotov mentions that he hasn’t felt any change in how Russian students are treated since the war began. “I feel accepted here in Rotterdam and, thankfully, I haven’t experienced any discrimination or harassment”, he says. However, the association is mindful of the challenging situations many students face, especially those affected by the war or who have had to flee.

Yet, Sputnik focuses on building connections through cultural and social activities. “We’re a cultural association, not a political one. We collaborate with university initiatives that promote students’ mental health, like the Living Room, where we can refer students who might need support.”

Rapid growth

Since its inception, Sputnik has experienced rapid growth, organising numerous events that attracted dozens of students. Sputnik often adds a touch of Russian culture to its events. For example, their first event was the Maslenitsa Celebration, a cultural event featuring traditional pancakes, drinks, and nostalgic music.

One of the highlights from the past year was the gala. “We invested a lot of time and energy into organising it, and our expectations were very high. It was our first large-scale event, and we were worried about how it would turn out. In the end, it was absolutely worth it. Everyone looked amazing, which made the night feel magical and provided a perfect ending to the academic year.”

Expansion plans

Even though Sputnik is still relatively new, the ambitions for its future are high. The association aims to expand its reach beyond Rotterdam to other cities in the Netherlands, where many Russian-speaking students also reside. “As far as I know, we’re the first association in the Netherlands for Russian-speaking students. The success of Sputnik in Rotterdam clearly shows there’s a demand for a platform like this”, Bolotov thinks.

Meanwhile, Sputnik remains focused on hosting events in Rotterdam. Just recently, on 28 September, they held a popular 2000s-themed party, and preparations are already underway for new events in the coming months. In the meantime, Sputnik remains committed to being a welcoming environment — one where, as their slogan proudly states, ‘it feels like home no matter where you’re from’.