A wide array of leisure and sports programmes, concerts and parties awaited students and guests at the Széchenyi University Days (SZEN). The main stage at the Bridge Student and Faculty Club featured performances by Krúbi, Desh, T. Danny, and Sisi, while during the day, the expanded and upgraded chill park proved to be the biggest draw for visitors.

Despite the unpredictable April weather throwing a slight curveball, the campus of Széchenyi University buzzed with energy during the festival, thanks to the efforts of the Student Union (EHÖK), which ensured that attendees had plenty to do during the daytime events. New additions to this year's sports activities included kickboxing and roundnet, while the traditional Püspökerdő run received a fresh makeover.

"Our University places great emphasis on physical activity and health, which aligns well with student interests. That’s why we organise a dedicated sports day on the opening day of SZEN each year, followed by a host of engaging activities for festival-goers,” shared Milán Malomsoki, EHÖK’s sports representative. “This year, we partnered with the organisers of the University’s “Joy Run” and hosted our customary Püspökerdő event under a joint banner, which significantly increased interest. I’d particularly highlight the student football tournament finals, which were held on the artificial turf pitch in front of a full house, creating an atmosphere truly worthy of a final – a great affirmation of our initiative,” he added.

 

 

 

From basketball to American football and kickboxing – there was something for everyone (Gallery: András Adorján, Máté Dudás, Bettina Korinek, Gergely Nagy)

“The majority of our daytime activities took place in the chill park, which we expanded this year and equipped with a shaded pavilion. We also extended opening hours to the delight of our students, who were happy to spend time there with their friends,” said Virág Cs. Tóth, Head of the EHÖK Helix Event Management Office, who also reported on other new features.

“We aimed to appeal to a broad audience when designing the programme, focusing on entertainment and relaxation. Inspired by the popular board game Honfoglaló, we introduced ‘Campus Conquest,’ a quiz-based game where participants could take over parts of the campus. To promote social interaction, we added live Tinder to the mix following our blind date and speed dating events – couples who found each other could even participate in a festival wedding,” she explained.

 

 

 

International Students once again showcased culinary specialities from their home countries in the Atrium (Photos: András Adorján, Máté Dudás, Bettina Korinek, Gergely Nagy)

 

 

 

The Chill Park served as the Centre for Daytime Activities at SZEN (Photos: András Adorján, Máté Dudás, Bettina Korinek, Gergely Nagy)

The evening programme kicked off on Tuesday with the traditional beer pong tournament, and from Wednesday onwards, the Bridge Student and Faculty Club also opened its doors. Upstairs, Döndi Duó & Roli and the Fáraó band created a great atmosphere, while downstairs, popular Hungarian DJs took to the stage. On Thursday evening, the main stage opened in the club courtyard, showcasing hip-hop and rap artists throughout the evening, including Krúbi, Sisi, Desh, T. Danny and Dzsúdló. As several frontmen pointed out to the audience, this was their first festival performance of the year, making SZEN the official opener of the 2025 outdoor concert season.

"Everyone Loved the Silent Disco. The music coming through headphones, with multiple channels – it’s a totally different experience from a traditional disco. We were thrilled to enjoy it for two nights this year,” said Barnabás Kovács, a first-year Engineering Informatics student, who added that the popular folk-pop music segment featuring Nótár Mary was also a crowd favourite.

“This was my first time at SZEN, but I’ll definitely return next year. I love the vibe and the way the whole University parties together – it’s unique in that regard,” said Iván Horváth, a second-year Vehicle Engineering student. “One afternoon I danced for five hours on the grass in the chill park because I enjoyed the beats so much. The student media crew did a brilliant job. The silent disco, in particular, was incredible – it unleashed a lot of energy. I appreciated how each channel catered to different musical tastes.”

“They invited some big names this year, but I think many of us were especially looking forward to Bereczki Zoltán’s concert. My mum is a huge fan, so I even got her a ticket. It was an unforgettable show,” revealed Kinga Magenheim, who began her studies at Széchenyi István University in September. She added that she also tried to take part in the daytime programmes, with her favourite being the checkpoint competition. “A festival is only complete if your days are just as exciting as your nights – and the organisers made sure of that,” she said.

 

 

 

The Bridge Student and Faculty Club was packed throughout SZEN (Photos: András Adorján, Máté Dudás, Bettina Korinek, Gergely Nagy)

“The event could not have taken place without our supporters and helpers,” emphasised Dávid Vályi Nagy, president of EHÖK. “I thank Széchenyi István University for their partnership, the Helix Event Management Office and the Sports Office for organising the daytime and sports activities, the Bridge Student and Faculty Club for hosting the evening programme, the Halls of Residence Studio for the chill park’s sound system, E.ON for their high-quality shows and giveaways, and Audi Hungaria and all our other sponsors for helping elevate the standard of the festival,” he concluded.

Although SZEN Has Come to an End, the Summer Holds Many More Events in Store. The Bridge Garden will open again this year, with a wide range of leading Hungarian artists performing there until October.