For first-year students and other members of the friendly university team, the  Knowledge Day  traditionally began with a solemn lineup at the USU stadium. USU rector Boris Kostishko, USU president  Yuri Polyanskov  and many other honored  guests congratulated newly-minted  and  said their parting words.

Boris Kostishko congratulated the first-year students on the beginning of a new stage in life and admitted that he envies them in a good way, because the student years are the best in life. "The university provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development, but you have to achieve everything yourself. Remember the ancient Chinese wisdom: "The teacher opens the doors, and you enter yourself."" Yuri Polyanskov reminded the audience about the glorious history of the university, which was established as the first branch of Moscow State University in the country, and congratulated everyone on the 35th anniversary of USU.

The festive atmosphere throughout the event was supported by creative teams. The solemn part ended with the removal of the USU flag. USU deans were waiting for the first–year students in the classrooms to present crusts confirming their new status - Ulyanovsk State University student.

Сampus  celebration continued in the evening with the "Evening UlGrad" concert program, which USU annually organizes for all  city students.