4. My university

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

KazNU is the oldest classical university of the Republic, which was established by the Decree of the Kazakh Regional Committee (KRC) dated November 13, 1933. During almost 80 years of its activity the university has made a significant contribution to the formation and development of the economy, political and legal life, culture, science and education of multinational Kazakhstan and has consequently become the mainstay of the entire system of higher education of the country. Also it is one of the main centers of scientific research activities in Kazakhstan.

KazNU was the first university to be awarded the Prize of the President of Kazakhstan “For quality achievements”. According to “Times”, KazNU was ranked among the top 600 universities in the world in 2009. More than 20000 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students from all regions of our country, as well as from abroad, study at the university. KazNU was one of the first universities in our country which successfully passed the national institutional accreditation by the Accreditation Centre of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 10 educational programs of KazNU passed the international accreditation of ASIIN agency of Germany, while 10 other educational programs are in the process of passing the international accreditation of ACQUIN agency.

Academic staff of KazNU has more than 2500 faculty members, including 400 Doctors of Science, professors, and more than 800 Candidates of Science and associate professors.

Kazakh National University offers more than 180 majors in humanitarian, natural and technical science fields for bachelors, masters and PhDs.

There are 14 colleges at the university, many of which have strong science schools: Economics and Business, Law, Mechanics and Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Philology, Journalism, History, Geography, Philosophy and Political Science, Oriental Studies, International Relations as well as Preparatory Department for International Students. There is also a Military Department upon completion of which students receive military qualification and rank.

Nowadays KazNU is experiencing a crucial moment. On the base of a traditional university, the formation of a modern innovational research university is taking place.

The mission of the university is to prepare competitive specialists with a modern and prestigious higher education who are focused on the solution of problems of intensive development of the most important areas of Kazakhstan’s economy as well as science and social life.

5. Student’s life

Many students enter college expecting good times, knowledge, friendships, and a new sense of direction. They soon find out that college comes with challenges and struggles because of the great demands and expectations that are put on the importance of education. College students experience a great deal of stress, especially when they are trying to balance a full time job, raise children, and have a social life. The demands of doing many different things with very little time can become overwhelming.

The daily tasks of working and meeting the demands of job obligation can leave a college student exhausted. There are a limited number of students who work full time jobs and attend college full time. Others, still work late and get up in the wee hours of the morning trying to fit all of the required tasks of school and work into one day. Students often find themselves more exhausted when they are trying to schedule tasks, because there just does not seem to be enough time in one day. Putting in long hours and worrying about class schedules adds stress to a student life.

The college student who has children is faced with guilt about not being able to spend time with the children. The children has great demands on time. They need help with their homework, or need dinner and to be tucked in bed at a certain time. The thought of not being able to keep up with the demands of the children is very stressful and can be depressing to both the child and parent. In other words everyone suffers because you are unable to fulfill all the obligations that you have taken on.

College students finds very little time to enjoy extracurricular activities. Even if they attend any major school functions, games, or dating , they will regret not getting the term paper done that was due the following day or week. Many students begin to feel pressure that often leads to depression and social isolation. The fear of being a failure and not measuring up to someone’s expectations adds more pressure to the sleep-deprived, stressed out student.

College students are often left with no personal time, and must learn to manage job and family. College has many rewards if you do not get burned out and give up too soon. The pressure and time managing can all be worked out with patience and lots of understanding from family and friends.