The Moscow State University (MSU)

The MSU is the oldest university in Russia. It was founded in 1755. The founder of the MGU is the Great Russian scientist-encyclopaedist, the first Russian member of the Academy – Mikhail Lomonosov (1711-1765). In 1940 during celebrating the 185th anniversary the university was named after this great man.

In January 25, 1755 the Empress Elizabeth Petrovna sealed a decree about setting up the Moscow University. The solemn opening ceremony of the first studying day took place on the day of celebrating the coronation anniversary of Elizabeth Petrovna, May 7, 1755. Since then, this day is celebrated officially among students. There is also the annual scientific conference “Lomonosov Readings” and the days of students’ scientific works.

According to Lomonosov’s plan there were set up 3 colleges: philosophic, juridical and medical. Students had been starting their education at the philosophic college where they were getting the fundamental training for natural sciences and humanities.  They could proceed with their education specializing in the juridical, medical or the same philosophic department. As distinct from the European Universities, in the MSU there wasn’t any theological department, because there is a special educational system for training orthodox acolytes. Professors had been reading lectures not only on the generally accepted language – Latin, but also in Russian.

The Moscow State University stood out for its democratic staff of students and professors. It helped spreading new ideas among people. People from different social classes could enter the university, but not serf peasants. Lomonosov’s ideas were based on the examples of the European Universities.

In the second half of the 18th century there were only 3 noblemen out of 26 professors. The majority of students also were from absolutely different classes. The most perspective students had been sent to the European Universities for studying.

During the World War II lots of students and trainers were gone to defend the country. All of them were volunteers. They had been fighting courageously when defending the Moscow frontier. In the period of war there were 3 thousands university graduates. The local scientists helped very much in the defensive struggles. Three thousand students, post-graduates, professors, teachers and collaborates didn’t come back from war. In commemoration of these people there is a monument “Eternal Flame of Glory” in front of the 1st studying building.

In January 2005 the University celebrated its 250th anniversary.