Body searches, degrading practices: Hungarian freshman camp under fire for harsh treatment and military-style discipline

Students attending the freshman camp of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) have shared troubling accounts of the harsh treatment they experienced. Reports from students described an atmosphere more akin to a military boot camp, with degrading practices, body searches, and even bathroom breaks measured with stopwatches.

According to Eduline, some students were so upset by the conditions that they left the freshman camp before it ended.

BME has since released a statement emphasising that student safety is their top priority. In response to the complaints, the university has set up a working group, which includes representatives from both university leadership and the student body, to investigate the allegations and review current regulations governing such camps.

Degrading conditions, no dinner in time, body searches

Accounts from students paint a grim picture of their experience at the freshman camp. Some described being forced to walk for an hour in the sun to reach the camp and being forbidden from rolling their suitcases—having to carry them instead. Others reported that they had to address upperclassmen formally, were not served dinner until late in the evening on the first day, and had to undergo mandatory body searches conducted by security.

On arrival, students were made to empty their bags, and even their medications were confiscated.

One student shared that on arrival, they had to shake out every single item of clothing from their bags, including underwear and socks. If students were fortunate, they were allowed to do it themselves; otherwise, it was done by an upperclassman. Food and beverages brought by students were thrown away, and painkillers and other medicines were confiscated. Students had to ask permission later in the evening if they needed their medication.

Access to bathrooms blocked by upperclassmen

The report also mentioned that the dorm rooms were co-ed, with around 13 boys to every 1-2 girls. Upperclassmen also slept on the floor of these rooms, supposedly to block access to the bathrooms, as students were restricted by strict rules about bathroom usage.

Another student recounted the strict bathroom regulations: only three breaks a day were allowed, and each lasted just one (1!) minute. After that, supervisors would shout at students to leave and make way for the next group. Showering conditions were similarly strict, with boys given just two minutes and girls five. These precious minutes had to cover showering, brushing teeth, using the toilet, and dressing.

Throughout, supervisors would bang on walls and shower stalls with a red baseball bat, shouting for students to hurry because others were waiting. Students were reportedly not allowed to use the toilets for extended periods and could hear constant banging on stall doors.

Additionally, students were prevented from gathering in groups without supervision. One student mentioned that organisers took photos of sleeping students and projected the images for everyone at the camp to see.

The same freshman camp banned condoms

This freshman camp was also notable for banning condoms under the guidance of the university’s Student Union. Kristóf Radácsi, the president of the Student Union, explained at the time that the rules might be stricter than usual, but they were designed to ensure that all freshmen could enjoy a positive, safe, and meaningful experience.

In light of these reports, both the BME administration and the Student Union have been approached for comment by Telex. BME’s Communications Office issued a statement reiterating the university’s commitment to ensuring both the education and safety of its students under all circumstances. The university highlighted that the camp rules, created several years ago and informed by experiences from other freshman camps, were implemented with the aim of providing a safe environment. However, in light of the recent complaints, the university has launched an investigation and plans to review the regulations currently in place for these camps.

BME sets up working group to evaluate the situation

The university responded to Eduline’s inquiry by e-mail, stating that “the University of Technology has set up a working group with the university administration and student representatives to investigate freshman camps, review the existing rules and, based on experience and challenges, develop rules that provide reassurance, safety and dignity for all.”

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