Useful Russian words in the topic of education
Most foreigners who learn Russian do so at a language school or university. So, knowing the common Russian terms used in this environment is essential for beginners. Here are some useful Russian words in the topic of education that will help you navigate life in these corridors with ease.
How things work
Students (студенты) applying to study at university are candidates (called абитуриент, plural абитуриенты), and the successful ones are admitted (поступить) to their study programmes. This can be at Bachelor’s level (бакалавр) or a Master’s level (магистратура). They may also take a language course (языковой/ые курс/ы).
The university you study at may have several campuses (корпус/ы). Campuses tend to be divided between different faculties (факультет/ы). Once you have navigated your way to your campus, you may need to show a student pass (проруск) to be allowed in by a security guard (охранник/и). Then you need to find your classroom (аудитория). You must of course know your class schedule (расписание) and which subjects (предмет/ы) you have.
Being a student
Don’t forget to make friends with your classmates (однокурсник/и), who can help you, and most importantly, listen to your teachers (преподаватель/и) or professors (профессора). At the end of class, you may get homework (домашнее задание) to do and need to use your course books (учебник/и).
During the terms (семестр/ы) there may also be smaller tests (контрольная/ые) which allow teachers to check on your progress and identify weaknesses to focus on. At the end of a long term, you will have exams (экзамен/ы). There is a special exam period (сессия/и) where you do not have classes but only study and prepare and then write/pass these exams. The most clever and hardworking students get the best grades (оценки). The best university graduates get a diploma with distinctions, a so-called red diploma (красный диплом/ы).
Outside of class
After class, students may go to eat together. There is a cheaper option which are cafeterias (столовая), where the food are readymade and you can pick and choose, which makes it easy for foreigners. There should also be restaurants and cafes nearby.
Students often live in a dormitory (общежитие), and share a room with a neighbour or two (сосед/а). At times, students will arrange parties (тусовка/и).
That is already 26 useful words there which you will hear a lot and use a lot. Happy learning. 😉
