The new academic year will begin very soon, and for thousands of out‑of‑town students, the Belarusian National Technical University will become not just a place to study, but also a second home. Ahead lies meeting new people, the fast pace of student life, and, of course, living in a dormitory. To make the move‑in process as organized as possible and free of unnecessary stress, we have prepared a detailed guide for first‑year students that will help them quickly adapt to living in the dormitory.
Let us remind you that move‑in to the BNTU dormitories starts on August 26. The exact dates and times may vary depending on the faculty and the specific dormitory. More information about the deadlines and the necessary documents can be found at the link.
How to speed up adaptation
Getting into a new environment, many first-year students experience stress. It takes some time to get used to a new place of residence. This process can be accelerated by following simple but effective tips.
Start small, organize your first tea party. On the very first evenings after checking in, do not sit with your roommates or block in the corners. Invite them to a tea party together. Exchange contact information and discuss what everyone is interested in. One such informal meeting breaks down more barriers than a week of silent coexistence. Also, don’t hesitate to communicate with the dormitory staff, hall monitors, and upperclassmen — they often help with adaptation and everyday issues. And communicating with fellow freshmen speeds up the adjustment process and helps build a support network.
Get involved in everyday routines. Discuss the cleaning schedule and the distribution of responsibilities with your roommates right away, without delay. Agree on how you will use the refrigerator and stove. The sooner you resolve everyday issues, the fewer reasons for tension there will be in the future.
Organize the space in the room properly. There is usually enough space in wardrobes and bedside tables, but to prevent things from piling up in corners, it’s worth thinking about storage systems in advance. Plastic containers for small items, shoe baskets, and a small organizer for textbooks will help keep things tidy without extra effort.
One of the main secrets to comfortable living is proper expense planning. The first month of studying is always the most expensive. In addition to food and transportation, you will need to buy stationery and learning materials. Get into the habit of recording your expenses for at least the first week and planning your budget for a week or a month — this will help you understand where your money is going and adjust your budget in time. Also find out where the nearest cafeterias and inexpensive stores are located. Often, there are places near dormitories where students are given discounts or special offers are available.
Open the doors to common affairs. Suggest to your neighbors that you go to the cafeteria, the gym, or take an evening walk around the student campus together. Doing things together is the most natural way to make friends.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in student chats, on the university’s social media, or right on campus. This way, you’ll learn how the university works faster and find answers to all your questions. BNTU values openness and initiative.
BNTU is not just about studying.
The Belarusian National Technical University offers every student a vast array of opportunities. Here, you can make a name for yourself not only in academics but also in the cultural, sports, scientific, and public spheres.
BNTU has active youth organizations that any student can join: the Student Council, the Public Organization “BRSM” with the rights of the Republic of Belarus, the primary trade union organization of BNTU students, the Department of Culture, the Council of Young Scientists, the sports club, and the Public Organization “BSZh” of BNTU.
Over the years of their studies, students participate in dozens of events, unlock their creative potential at the “Spring of BNTU” festival and the student film competition “VideoRadiys BNTU”, strengthen their patriotic spirit at the “Memory of Generations” forum and republican events, realize their scientific ambitions in the “100 Ideas for Belarus” project, and defend their sporting honor at republican and international competitions.
By following these simple recommendations, you will significantly reduce the adjustment period and in just a couple of weeks you will feel confident and calm in the dormitory and at the university as a whole. It is important to remember that adaptation is a natural process, and everyone goes through it at their own pace. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative, ask questions of upperclassmen and the warden, and participate in activities. It is precisely this attitude and openness that help you integrate into the group more quickly, make new friends, and turn the dormitory from a temporary shelter into a place you want to come back to.