St Petersburg University students talk about the opportunities they gain after academic transfer to the University

This is what our students have experienced when transferring to St Petersburg University from another institution. Among them are Vasilina Kolesnikova, a third-year student in Geology at St Petersburg University, and Daria Ianchik, a fourth-year student in Biology at St Petersburg University. They transferred to the University from other universities a year ago. Today, they are sure that their decision to continue their education at the University was the right choice, and the teaching and learning process exceeded all their expectations.

Factors that influenced the choice of St Petersburg University

Vasilina Kolesnikova always dreamed of becoming a geologist. After completing her first year of study in a relevant academic programme at another university, she realised that she wanted to pursue this programme, but at St Petersburg University. She was attracted by the opportunity to gain more practical knowledge and to have a chance to undergo clinical training at the University. "Theory is important, but practice is no less important for me. And St Petersburg University provides just such an emphasis," she said.

The story of Daria Ianchik’s transfer to St Petersburg University began with her acquaintance with students and graduates of various fields of study at the University during their joint work in the laboratory at the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. She saw how highly competent these people were. Their level of education was what she had always been pursuing to achieve. "I have always dreamed of getting a decent education in biology, and St Petersburg University has one of the leading biological schools in our country. This is what inspired me to choose in favour of St Petersburg University," she said.

Transfer to St Petersburg University: from cherishing to fulfilling the dream

Doing through a formal process to transfer to the University was not difficult, said Vasilina Kolesnikova. "What was difficult was to have to wait for the final result. I remember how excited I was when I was waiting for the results and the order of enrolment," the student said with a smile. Everything was not in vain. Vasilina Kolesnikova successfully transferred to St Petersburg University.

After being enrolled, Vasilina Kolesnikova had to eliminate the academic difference in accordance with the requirements of the new academic programme. "The University supported me in this. The University also offered a geodetic internship in my second year of study. We went to Khakassia for a whole month. The University paid for the tickets and accommodation. The lecturers took us on excursions along the educational routes, we lived in tents and worked in teams in the kitchen, and around us was incredible nature and mountains. It was an amazing experience!" the student recalled with delight.

The Student Guide Website has published detailed information for students wishing to transfer to St Petersburg University from another institution.

Daria Ianchik was so enthusiastic and determined to transfer to St Petersburg University that she applied even during the pandemic, when any form of entrance examinations, except for the average grade point average, were cancelled. "I didn’t have the opportunity to write a motivation letter, pass an exam or otherwise prove my competitiveness. Although my average grade point was 4.95!" Daria said.

Despite the fact that coronavirus restrictions interfered the transfer process, she did not give up and in August 2022 she achieved her goal: she was admitted to St Petersburg University. "All I had to do was to inform the academic department which year I wanted to transfer to. At first, I didn’t believe it! Maybe I was lucky and that year I had no competitors with an average score of 5.0. Finally, everything was just the way I had planned," Daria Ianchik said.

First days at the University

Vasilina Kolesnikova, recalling her first days at the University, said that she understood that if you are in new conditions, it is natural to experience some inconveniences.

"It was rather difficult at first, because it was a new programme and new people. However, I quickly found a common language with my groupmates and professors, and joint practice only strengthened our friendships," she said. "I immediately got an accommodation in a hall of residence in Peterhof. It is a quiet place with clean air and parks. I furnished the room. The atmosphere of the student campus inspires you to delve into study."

If you are wishing to transfer to St Petersburg University, remember a few simple working tips. Find out the conditions of the transfer in advance, prepare well for the assessment tests and do not despair if you fail to transfer. Remember, luck may smile next time. Taking the road to St Petersburg University means not only a step forward in your way to receiving a good education, but also the beginning of an exciting life at the oldest university in Russia.

When transferring to the University, Daria Ianchik had the opportunity to enrol in the third year, but decided to complete the second year of the programme in order to take some fundamental courses. "I had six months to eliminate the academic difference, that was five subjects. This time was enough for me to pass all exams and tests that made the academic difference," said Daria Ianchik.

The student spoke with pleasure about the University’s teachers. "St Petersburg University has friendly, wonderful teachers who do everything to make the material interesting, so that we love their subject," she added.

What makes the teaching and learning process different and what opens up new perspectives

St Petersburg University offers students the right to choose elective and optional courses from the first year of study. According to Vasilina Kolesnikova, this is an essential feature of the teaching and learning process at St Petersburg University. "Elective disciplines are additional courses that we can choose. This creates opportunities for in-depth study of topics of interest and strengthens practical skills, which was extremely important for me when choosing a university," she said. Vasilina Kolesnikova is planning to continue her scientific work and in future apply to a master’s programme. "I want to immerse myself in science and specialise more in geophysics and write scientific articles," she explained.

St Petersburg University offers a master’s programme in Bioinformatics.

Daria Ianchik said that St Petersburg University places an emphasis on the development of both professional and personal qualities of students. "Education should be prestigious. You gain social experience, develop your soft skills, learn scientific communication only at the university that has a rich research potential. St Petersburg University is just such a place," she said. Her scientific interest is related to structural biology, so she is planning to get a master’s degree in future.

Advice for students wishing to transfer to St Petersburg University

Vasilina Kolesnikova is sure that transferring from one university to another university is not only a chance for professional and personal growth, but also an opportunity to make new friends and, in future, colleagues. "If you have the support of your loved ones and the desire, give it a shot! Don’t be afraid to change your life," the girl advised.

In turn, Daria Ianchik recommended preparing for the transfer to the University in advance and not being afraid of difficulties. "A possible loss of a year during the transfer is not a reason to stop. On the contrary, you will have a better understanding of what you want to do in future," the student is convinced.

The girl encourages students not to be afraid of change. "Those who want to try but are afraid should remember that only the brave conquers the seas. You can make different choices. There are many options. One of them is to transfer to St Petersburg University," advised Daria Ianchik.