South Ural State University is one of the leading Russian multidisciplinary universities with the fundamental scientific basis and high standards of specialist training. The university is multinational and nowadays is a home for more than 2,500 international students from 58 countries.
When coming to Chelyabinsk to study, students begin a new life in a new environment. And they try to find friends as it is the best way to accommodate in a new place if you have people around you to help.
The 9th of June is the day when everyone can say “thank you” to his best friends as it is the National Bestfriend Day. Best friends are the best! They are the friends you can call up at any time of the day, laugh with for no reason at all, and confide in. They are there for you in all your good and bad times, they support you, validate all your good decisions and stop you from making wrong ones. In other words, without best friends, life would be very bleak indeed. Best friends may be hard to find, but life just wouldn’t be the same without them.
If you may be afraid of not having friends around you, South Ural State University employs a variety of methods to help you settle in and find friends.
Here are the methods and some tips for international students:
1. Join official groups and societies of the university on Facebook, VK or Instagram. There anyone can find the calendar of events, learn news, or find people with the same interest that you have.
2. Make contacts through the Center for Sociocultural Adaptation and Association of International Students and Alumni of SUSU.
The Center’s main task is to create comfortable conditions for students both at the University, and in dormitories. The CSA volunteers attend courses on intercultural communication, and render education and social-and-domestic support to international students. Together they go on various excursions, organize walks in parks, take part in different events and contests.
Another program of our Center is the Conversation Club where volunteers discuss topical issues in Russian with students from various countries. Any those willing may come to the Conversation Club. All you need to do is sign for it beforehand at VK.
The Association of International Students and Alumni has a regional presence through more than 30 branches across the country.
The main tasks of AISA are to help international students in their adaptation to the new environment, to help them solve the problems and issues related to studying, accommodation and leisure, legal and social protection.
The Association acquaints international students with the features of Russian culture and also organizes national holidays like Day of Arab Culture, Day of African Culture, Navruz, Tea Ceremony, International New Year, Culinary festivals; and different sport competitions.
The tutors of AISA are international students of SUSU who are happy to help newcomers. They have been living in Russia for several years and studying at the university. They know everything about admission procedures, education, campus, student life in SUSU. Sign the Association group in VK or Instagram to learn everything you can do together.
3. Volunteering
There are plenty of opportunities to take part in volunteering at university, just ask at the AISA. It's a great way to do something worthwhile and meet loads of new people at the same time.
4. Start doing sports. Sports clubs are one of the best ways to make strong friendships. You don't have to be amazing at it, there are loads of teams for all sports and they mostly lead to building really strong friendships.
SUSU has a unique sports facility - the Education and Sports Complex - equipped with halls for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, kickboxing, aerobics, etc.
A 50-meter Olympic-standard swimming pool with 10 lanes is an excellent way to have fun, to get rest after a hard day of study or physical training!
5. Join university societies
Meeting people who have the same interests as you in a society is one of the best ways to make friends. Societies are sociable by nature and the focus of a common interest means you're unlikely to be stuck with an awkward silence.
With 5 intelligence clubs, 5 communication clubs, 6 art clubs and 7 sport clubs student life at SUSU offers a welcoming place for everyone. To complement their academics and research, students choose their own extracurricular adventures - from a spectacular array of ways to participate in music, dance, theatre to different kinds of sports. (To help students navigate challenges, SUSU offers to look at the list of student organizations here.)
Whatever you're studying, you'll meet people with different interests and hobbies who'll become close friends. You could meet them in your halls, on your course or in the local community. They'll make up your new social and support network. Good Luck! And don’t forget to celebrate this wonderful holiday.
Let us remind that foreign citizens who have some questions connected to visa procedures can learn all the details regarding the documents by calling 8 (351) 267 93 30 or asking a question on Facebook.
If you want to get a prestigious degree at SUSU in English you may read about English-taught programs by clicking the link.
In the official group of South Ural State University on Facebook you may read the last news of the university or ask your questions.
Or just contact us:
International Student Support at the SUSU International Office
Email: applicant[at]susu[dot]ru
Tel.: 8 (351) 272 30 86