A Renovation Story – Dormitory #6
The Department of Information Policy continues its A Renovation Story project, where students share their impressions of the positive changes in their abodes. The next feature focuses on Dormitory No. 6, located at 2/2 Adelya Kutuya.
It should be noted that, following the completion of major renovations, the dormitory was visited by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov. Earlier, it was also inspected by the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Airat Gatiyatov and Rector of Kazan Federal University Lenar Safin.
The dormitory has a total capacity of 605 residents.
Adel Yaparova, a fourth-year student at the Institute of Ecology, Biotechnology and Nature Management, emphasized that the work carried out went far beyond cosmetic improvements and constituted a full-scale modernization of the infrastructure.
“Shower cabins were installed directly in each residential block. The visual appearance also changed significantly: the walls are now more aesthetically pleasing, new doors and modern furniture were installed, and the entire electrical system was upgraded,” she noted.
In addition, the university administration ensured that students have comfortable spaces for studying.
“I spent the entire period of writing my term papers and thesis in the study room on the first floor. It is open 24 hours a day. The room is equipped with tables and chairs, as well as storage units where students can leave their books,” she explained.
The building is further enhanced by motivational posters placed on the walls.
“Together with the student council, we decided to put up inspiring quotes. Personally, this helped boost my mood and provided the right mindset before tests and exams,” Yaparova added.
For creative and extracurricular activities, the dormitory features an assembly hall.
“We have a screen, a projector, bean bags, and chairs. Movie nights, discos, and guitar evenings are held there. As a former leader of a dance group, I often used the space for additional rehearsals,” she shared.
Each floor also includes recreational areas equipped with a tennis table, foosball, and air hockey.
Over four years of living in the dormitory, Adel and her roommate developed shared routines and traditions.
“During exam sessions, we would shout ‘Freebie, come to us!’ [a longstanding student tradition during the exam season in Russia – editor’s note] out of the window. Surprisingly, we never had any academic debts throughout our studies. We also have a tradition of watching movies together in the evenings when we are both free,” she said.
Cleanliness and order are maintained according to a strict duty schedule.
“On weekends, we carry out general cleaning as a group, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and shower areas. There are also community clean-up events covering the area around the dormitory,” she explained.
One of the key indicators of comfortable living conditions is the state of kitchen and restrooms.
“Our block houses 20 residents across 8 rooms. The kitchen is equipped with two stoves and two sinks, as well as cabinets for storing dishes and shared household items. I particularly like the large communal table, which is convenient for gathering and chatting while cooking. I cook two to three times a day; pasta is my favorite dish,” Yaparova noted.
Special attention is given to sanitation. For 20 residents, there are four sinks with a large mirror and two shower cabins.
“We never have queues. We can use the facilities at any time of day. The water supply is also excellent, with both hot and cold water available,” she assured.
As she approaches the completion of her bachelor’s degree, Yaparova admits that she has not yet fully processed the idea of leaving.
“I still cannot quite understand my feelings—it is hard to believe that my studies are already over. From my first year, I knew that I would eventually leave. Let others come here and enjoy student life just as we once did,” she concluded.