The Vologda State Technical University

I study at a technical University. It is one of the largest institutions of higher education in this part of Russia. Studying at our University gives students the solid background they need. After their education they have a well rounded education and are prepared for work.

The VSTU was founded in January 1965 as a branch of the North-Western Extramural Polytechnic Institute. Ten years later it was rearranged into an independent institution and in 1999 it became a University. Nowadays it is а large school where more than 8,000 students are currently enrolled. Most of them are full-time students, like mе, and the rest are students of distant education and part time students. There are also graduate stu­dents, who conduct independent research work. Since the first class thousands of engineers, economists and civil engineers have graduated from the University.

The University's departments have over 400 academic staff with a wide range of professional and academic experience. It also has extensive capabilities and a flourishing research program. National and international scientific conferences are continually held at the University.

The Vologda University is located in six buildings within the city limits of Vologda. It has all the advantages of modern science laboratories and up-to-date equipment, a computer center, and other facilities. There are many large lecture halls that can fit three or four classes together at one time for a group lecture. These classes together can include more than a hundred students. The acoustics in such large rooms is very good, but when students chat during the lecture the room is very noisy.

There's also a large library with three reading halls for the students and faculty members. The library provides them with textbooks, instruction manuals and literature on different subjects. Apart from scientific and specialist's collection it contains a collection of fiction.

The university also includes sports facilities: a sports center with a weight training room, a gym, a multipurpose sports hall and outdoor stadium with tracks and playing fields. The University also possesses a health center in the city and a recreation camp in the countryside. With all these facilities, one can find many different ways to exercise and rest.

For lunch, during a midday break, students may go to any of several cafes at the university and nearby. My favourite one is located in a nearby building and people say that the food there is tasty and very affordable.

There are also several dormitories where students from out of town live. But some students don’t live in a dormitory – they rent an apartment.

There are 7 faculties here: Power Engineering Faculty, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Faculty, Faculty of Management and Economics, Faculty of Industrial Management and Innovative Technologies, Humanities Faculty, Faculty of Distant Education. These faculties of the University provide training for industry and commerce in a variety of different fields.

 

40. Give the English equivalents of the following words and expressions:

курс обучения, присвоить статус, числиться в списках студентов, оканчивать (университет), в распоряжении, спортивные сооружения, обучать, наряду с, прием (в учебное заведение), крупнейшее высшее образовательное учреждение, основательная подготовка, все области знаний, филиал, быть зачисленным, студент дневного отделения, студент заочного отделения, исследовательская работа, состав преподавателей, профессиональный и академический опыт, обширные возможности, иметь все преимущества, тренажерный зал, по средствам, несколько общежитий, снимать квартиру

 

Agree or disagree with the following statements. Give reasons for your opinion.

1) Larger schools are better than smaller ones.

2) It is impossible to enter the university if you haven’t attended preparatory courses.

3) The best professors are the oldest ones.

4) Professors always know more than teaching instructors.

5) It is better to live in a dormitory than to rent an apartment.

Read and translate the text.

My Studies

I study at a technical University. I have chosen to pursue a degree in electric power engineering. I am a first year student. In 5 years when I graduate from the University I shall be able to work as an engineer at a plant, a factory, or an office.

The academic year begins, as a rule, on the 1st of September and ends in June. It lasts ten months: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May and June. The academic year has two terms: the autumn term and the spring term. The autumn term begins in September and ends in December. It lasts about four months. The spring term begins in February and ends in May.

During a term we attend lectures, have seminars, classes and consultations on different subjects such as higher mathematics, technol­ogy and strength of materials, drawing, designing and many other subjects. Among these classes we also study foreign language and participate in physical training. A student should not miss any lec­tures or seminars so as not to lag behind his group mates.

Each term ends with final exams. The examinations take place in January and in June. I think one must work very hard to pass all the exams successfully. Some students if they are given permission will take them in advance. When the examinations are over, we have our summer and winter breaks. Some students who failed a test may have extra classes. They must retake exams before the deadline passes so as not to be expelled.

We have two breaks a year – winter break and summer break. The summer break is longer, it lasts two months. In the winter it is much shorter. They last only two weeks. It’s time for us to rest from studying. There are many ways in which we can spend our spare time. Some of us go to the country, others stay in town. During the break we go to the cinemas and theatres. We play sports. We spend a lot of time outside. Those students who do not live at home are able to go and see their parents. They leave for their native towns and villages.