How they entered universities in the USSR, what were students afraid of and other nuances of Soviet higher education

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

People who studied at universities in Soviet times recall student life with nostalgia. Of course, there were also difficulties - strict entrance exams, a large amount of knowledge, demanding teachers. But student romance always attracted. Much has changed today. To enter a university, it is enough to write the USE well and get the required number of points. And it's hard enough to imagine that Soviet students were afraid of distribution like fire. Read what the studies were like during the Soviet era and why, despite the difficulties, people remember it with enthusiasm.

Almost equal chances of admission and benefits for Olympiad winners and athletes

Under socialism, the education system had undeniable advantages: there was no need to pay for education, and everyone could enter a university - everything depended on how the person passed the exams. Of course, there was also the so-called "blat", which extended to this area. But if the applicant was really well prepared, then the chances of becoming a student were quite high.

Talented girls and guys from the provinces were expected in higher educational institutions. The winners of school and regional Olympiads and competitions had advantages, as did the athletes. Masters of sports were gladly accepted to study, as in the future they represented the institution at interuniversity competitions. There were available "workers" and small faculties ", after which the youth easily passed the entrance exams.

Abstract - the basis of everything and clearly spelled out literature

The system of higher education was aimed not only at teaching, but also at educating students, moral and political. In those days, truancy among students was more nonsense than a system and was condemned by the collective. In the process of training, students had to diligently take notes of lectures and work with clearly written literature. Today, the Internet has become the main source of knowledge, and literature can be selected independently. Moreover, in the days of the USSR, almost every term had its own, clear definition, and there was no need to depart from it.

Attitude towards studies: silence during lectures and "shame on truants"

In Soviet times, a respectful attitude towards teachers was cultivated. Those, in turn, could make a remark to the student that related not only to the educational process, but also to their appearance or behavior. It was quiet in the classrooms during classes; being late was considered an ugly act. Today, students often do not attend lectures, in addition, the current education system provides for a significant amount of independent work. On the one hand, this is good, on the other hand, the lack of strict discipline often negatively affects the educational process.

Student life: dormitory rules, construction teams and the ubiquitous Komsomol

In the hostels, everything was also strict: after 11 pm, the students had to be in their room. Checks were carried out, and if there was someone outside the hostel, his documents could be seized. It was only possible to get them back with the help of an explanatory note. Smoking and alcohol were condemned, although young people still violated this prohibition. The students, of course, played novels. But the sexual relationship was not advertised. Student marriages were very common.

Young people have always been busy: study, sports, KVN, various studios, etc. In the summer, many worked in student construction teams. With the help of students, houses, schools, kindergartens, railways were built. Yes, they paid a little money for this, but more than the finances of the students, they were attracted by the building romance and fun communication with friends.

There were various student organizations, the "Student Meridian" magazine worked. The Komsomol organization was very active - at least 90% of the students were members of it. The Komsomol, on the one hand, was a political phenomenon, and on the other hand, it united the youth, declaring highly moral principles. In the sixties, the Peoples' Friendship University appeared, accepting young people from many countries of the world.

The leisure time was varied and very interesting. Literary evenings were held, discos were organized. Many were fond of sports, participated in tournaments, Olympiads. Whatever the political system, the student body was distinguished by unity, which is clearly lacking today.

The Horrors of Distribution: A Trial for Dodgers and Ways to Avoid Paying Back the "Debt" to the Homeland

After graduation, the student was sent by the state to work and had to work for at least three years. This distribution was introduced in 1933 by the Council of People's Commissars. Only then the term was not three, but five years, and for the deviators there was a formidable measure - the court.

The day of distribution came, a commission headed by the dean of the faculty was gathering. Nervous students came in one at a time and listened to the "verdict." Often, young specialists were sent to the most remote corners of the country, where they had to apply the acquired knowledge and skills. In the 60s of the 20th century, enterprises that made an application for a young specialist from a different city were obliged to provide him with housing. Therefore, many students wanted to distribute the province in order to get living space.

Not all students wanted to be distributed. There were various ways to avoid this. For example, since it was prohibited by law to "break up" married couples, young people sought to get married before graduation and to obtain the right to self-distribution. Often, students obtained fake requests from companies of a suitable profile. An extreme measure was a certificate that someone from the family was seriously ill and needed care.

Soviet schoolchildren also had their own prescriptions. Their punished for jeans or short skirts.