Gleb Asoskov, study group ST-480007 (Republic of Kazakhstan)

A lot has happened during the 4 years of study at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture. In my opinion, the most valuable thing about the institute is the people who work there. First of all, about the teachers: all of them are good experts in their field, but some of them teach in a rather conservative way. Of course, you can conventionally rote the information from such a course, but from my own experience I can say that in a couple of years such information will be partially forgotten. The opposite of these methods are the methods of teaching of most of the teachers at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, when you are taught everything with explanation why, how and where the information will be used during your professional activities, using modern software, showing the "tricks" of working with it on projects close to the real. As an example of such methods, I would cite such disciplines as landscaping and engineering preparation of territories. Besides, an important factor is the work of the Students' union and supervisors (here everything is great - no complaints). As for accommodation in UrFU dormitory, I personally did not have any serious troubles, so I don’t complain about any little things like delay in check in, etc.

Al-Jandil Anas Aqil Talib, study group STM-200901 (Republic of Iraq)

The course had very important and unique topics, far from boring reiteration, and it was relevant to our immediate needs at this time and very tied to specialization. I studied many specialized subjects related to project management.  The classes were very useful and science-based: there was constructive methodology in the course material.  All our thanks and appreciation to the professors for their efforts to provide materials immediately, despite the outbreak of the coronavirus. As for the title of my master's thesis, it would be Managing Investment Projects for the Rehabilitation of Heritage Areas.

Nguyen Duc Quang, study group ST-480002 (Socialist Republic of Vietnam)

I think I absolutely love our institute. I am in my last year of studies now. Therefore, it has been about 4 years at our Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture. There are and will be a lot of kind and excellent teachers and staff here. Although I am a foreign student and I do not understand Russian very well, all information, skills and experience I received here were very useful and effective for my future life. Studying at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, of course, is very difficult, especially for foreign students, but I think it is necessary for me to have a good salary and a high quality of life. Despite all the difficulties, I hope I will have an excellent result of the studies. Thanks a lot to our Institute, our faculty and staff and also to our friends! Thank you so much!

Zhang Huimin, ST-480004 (People's Republic of China)

Studying the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture makes me feel satisfied, and it has a good learning atmosphere and learning environment. Since I am a foreigner, I faced many difficulties in the learning process, but the teachers and classmates helped me a lot. The teachers were also very patient with me. Although it is still difficult, with the help of teachers and classmates I still persevere. The most important thing is to get a lot of professional knowledge.

Abed Hasan Falah Abed, study group ST-480003 (Republic of Iraq)

Studying at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a unique experience, with wonderful and kind colleagues, with teachers who have unique knowledge and give the necessary support despite the fact that I do not know Russian a hundred percent, and there is no doubt that studying at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, one of the best impressions and decisions I made in my life, today I can proudly say that I am a student at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture. In terms of its structure, it is a high-grade institute where you can find programs in various fields of study. Another advantage of studying at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture is that there is a lot of cultural diversity and you can find people from all over the world. It is good because you can have friends from all over the world.

Mohamed Mahmoud Nabil Abdelhadi, study group STM-201001 Group (Arab Republic of Egypt)

I am studying building information modeling. My studies at UrFU are nearing completion, and I am very happy and proud of the experience. I studied for three years at UrFU. First, I studied Russian, and then I studied for my Master's degree. I went through the whole experience at the university, which can be summarized in three points.

Highs:

1. The faculty members are very responsive (I think this is one of the most important reasons for the success of the university, as the faculty is always eager to solve students' problems and give them advice).

2. The institute uses modern teaching materials (the teaching materials and programs used are constantly being improved to meet modern requirements).

3. The Institute has many practical classes.

4. There are lots of student activities and competitions.

5. Exchange of cultures (because of the fact that the university is one of the most prestigious universities it has many students from different parts of the world enabling an exchange of cultures between students).

6. UrFU switched rapidly to distance learning and crisis management knowledge in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I consider it one of the advantages because it shows the level of development and progress of the university.

Lows:

1. There is some bureaucracy in terms of issuance of some documents.

2. There is no unified integrated electronic system in all faculties of the university.

3. It is difficult to get a place in the student dormitory.

Suggestions:

1. The university should develop an electronic system so that all university departments and their data and docs are linked to each other, making it easier to issue or change any document

2. Special attention should be given to the development of student housing by building more dormitories for students or contracting with sponsors to provide students with dormitory and hotel accommodations at lower prices in exchange for advertising sponsors' products and companies within the university and at all university events.

Maria Klimbey ST-480009 (Republic of Kazakhstan)

When I was at high school, I always dreamed of studying civil engineering. When I enrolled at the university, I made new friends and gained many interesting experiences. Competent lecturers helped me to master the acquired knowledge. There always support and timely solve your problems. I am glad that I chose UrFU.

Alghannami Mohammed Jassim Kareem ST-480004 (Iraq)

Studying at Ural Federal University is a whole life, not just studies. Strict but fair lecturers are professionals in their fields! During 4 years, there were some difficulties, because there was a language barrier, but my groupmates explained me everything in simple language. I would like to thank Ekaterina Karlova, my supervisor for her understanding and support.

Abdullah Hussein ST-660016 (Syrian Arab Republic)

After 6 years of studying at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture at Ural Federal University, specializing in construction of unique buildings and structures, I can say with confidence that the high level of teaching made it one of the best universitites in construction in the Ural and in Russia.

Of course there were difficulties with the Russian language especially in the first years because I am a foreign student, but I overcame them thanks to the excellent faculty (responsive, know what they are teaching, professionals).

I gained a lot of invaluable skills and knowledge during my studies, which will be useful in professional life.

Next year I plan to do my PhD at the Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and I am sure that the next 4 years will be wonderful and full of new and useful knowledge in construction.

Wu Xinyan СТМ 200303 People's Republic of China (China)

Thanks to my studies in the master’s program, I received a lot of new professional knowledge. As a foreign student, I will face many difficulties, the head of the educational program, Irina Nikolaevna Maltseva, helped me a lot to overcome these problems and difficulties. She has always inspired confidence in me, thank you very much. My supervisor, Tatyana Yurievna Bystrova, was also very conscientious and responsible in guiding me towards the successful completion of my master’s thesis. This program is of great social importance and essential for the development of architecture. I recommend Russian and foreign students to enter the master’s program «Designing buildings according to the criteria of sustainable development».