The first weeks at university are a real quest: you need to memorize the schedule, find the right classrooms, and, most importantly, figure out where to relax, have an inexpensive lunch, and print out a paper in this new area. Don't panic! We've compiled all the important and proven locations around the campus of the Belarusian National Technical University for you.
Printing and Office Supplies
There's very little time left before class, and the necessary files are still on a flash drive—a situation familiar to every student. If you're coming from the "Akademiya Nauk" metro station, you can stop by the "Format" copy center (10 B. Khmelnitsky Street). Photocopies and document printing are quick here, and the shop opens at 7:30 AM. Directly across the street is the "Karandash" printing center (7 B. Khmelnytsky Street). Students often come here for more complex services, such as binding term papers or printing large A1 and A2 drawings.
If you're already close to campus, the "Kantstovary" store, located in the basement of Dormitory No. 3 (63 Nezavisimosti Avenue), is a great option. It opens at 9:00 AM. Here you can print files and buy stationery: notebooks, pens, folders, and drawing paper.
There's also a stationery store and copy center on the Yakuba Kolasa Street side (27 Yakuba Kolasa Street, Bldg. 1), and another printing center is located right in Dormitory No. 6 (26 Yakuba Kolasa Street).
Coffee and Snacks
BNTU campus offers cafeterias and buffets where you can enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch. But if you're looking for a change of scenery and a stroll, there are several tried-and-true options.
For example, if you're looking for a quick coffee or a snack, the stylish Varka (10 Yakuba Kolasa St.) and the cozy The Coffee Room (21 Yakuba Kolasa St.) are perfect for those who enjoy delicious desserts. Cofix (10 B. Khmelnytsky St.) and Hotfix Coffee (2 B. Khmelnytsky St.) also offer takeaway coffee at fixed prices.
For a hearty snack, the "Kava & French Dogs" cafe (21 Yakuba Kolasa St.) is a great choice. It opened only this year but has already become popular among students. A large French dog costs around 4 rubles, and a cup of coffee is about 5 rubles. Fans of classic fast food also have plenty to choose from: KFC is located right next to the metro exit (75 Nezavisimosti Ave.), a little further down the avenue is Mak.by (Building No. 56), and Burger King is located at 28 Yakuba Kolasa Street. BSUIR Cafeteria No. 3 is also located in the same building. For shawarma, popular with students, try Papa Doner (56A Nezavisimosti Ave.) or Grill Kebab (10 B. Khmelnitsky St.), which is even closer to the academic buildings. If you're looking for a full, filling lunch, try the Lido bistro (49/1 Nezavisimosti Avenue) with its self-service home-cooked meals, or head to Vasilki (58 Nezavisimosti Avenue) for traditional potato dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Grocery and Household Shopping
The closest grocery store to the metro is Lider (69 Nezavisimosti Avenue). It's open from 8:00 AM, making it a convenient stop for water or a light snack. For short lunch breaks, the Sosedi chain is a great option: the most convenient store is located at 25 Yakuba Kolasa Street, Bldg. 1. If there's a long line, there are two more branches on the same street (at 9 and 31) in both directions. A large section with ready-to-eat meals and fresh baked goods can be found at the Euroopt supermarket (52 Nezavisimosti Avenue).
TSUM (54 Nezavisimosti Avenue) is a one-stop shop for student living. First-year students should stop by here for everything they need: from notebooks to clothing, medications, and small appliances for the dorm.
There's no time to get sick, but if you do...
The autumn cold and the first exam period are a time when you need to pay special attention to your health. Out-of-town students should know: your primary medical facility for the entire duration of your studies will be the 33rd City Student Polyclinic (45/4 Surganova Street). This is where you can get medical checkups, get physical education certificates, and consult a doctor if you're ill. It's open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. If you're feeling unwell during class, the BNTU medical center is open on campus (67 Nezavisimosti Ave., Bldg. 2), open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can stock up on vitamins and medications at the "Dobrya Leki" pharmacy (70 Nezavisimosti Ave.) or the "Belpharmatsiya" chain. One branch is located across the street from the main building (64 Nezavisimosti Ave.), and the other is next to the dormitories at 33 Yakuba Kolasa Street. Pharmacy kiosks can also be found inside the Central Department Store (TSUM).
When you need a break
Studying requires a lot of time, but your body also needs a proper recharge. In warm weather, in addition to BNTU's green spaces, you can relax in the park on Yakub Kolas Street (near Building 21) – there are plenty of benches there, perfect for sitting between classes and grabbing a bite to eat.
Near the exit from the Academy of Sciences metro station, there's the Oktyabr Cinema (73 Nezavisimosti Avenue), which often offers student discounts on tickets. The Pool Zone billiards club is also located in the same building, and for those looking for an active evening and a way to release their emotions after exams, the Hero Park trampoline center (26 Surganova Street) is nearby.
Borisovsky Trakt Guide
The infrastructure near the Borisovsky Trakt metro station deserves special attention. This is especially important for those studying in Buildings 16, 20, and the renovated Building 15, as well as those living in the local dormitories.
The main attraction here is the Korona Shopping Center (154 Nezavisimosti Ave.). Inside, you'll find a hypermarket, ATMs, currency exchanges, a pharmacy, mobile phone providers, and a SAM-Masters repair shop, where you can quickly get duplicate room keys. For an inexpensive lunch, the Pit Stop fast-food restaurant is located inside the shopping center.
Next door, the Korona Dom furniture and interior design store (154D Nezavisimosti Ave.) is an excellent option for furnishing your room with shelves, hangers, or lamps. You won't have to go far for notebooks and drawing paper either: a specialized copy shop and center, Stationery, Copy Center (146 Nezavisimosti Ave.), is located right in the area.
A big plus of this location is its proximity to the Vostok metro station, which is within walking distance for useful shopping. Nearby are:
The rest will come with time – in just a couple of weeks, the new neighborhood will feel familiar, and you'll find your favorite spots without any guides. However, for now, that's all you need to know. Have a successful start and good studies at BNTU!
