I study at the Vologda State University. It is one of the largest institutions of higher education in this part of Russia. Studying at our University gives a student the solid background they need. After their education they are prepared for work. The VSU was founded in January 1965 as a branch of the North-Western Extramural Polytechnic Institute. Ten years later it was rearranged into an independent institution and in 1999 it became a University. Nowadays it is а large school where more than 15,000 students are currently enrolled. Most of them are full-time students, and the rest are students of distant education and part-time students, like me. There are also graduate stu¬dents, who conduct independent research work. Since its first intake thousands of engineers, economists and civil engineers have graduated from the University.
The University's departments have over 400 academic staff with a wide range of professional and academic experience. It also has extensive capabilities and a flourishing research program. National and international scientific conferences are regularly held at the University.
The Vologda University is located in ten buildings within the city limits of Vologda. It has all the advantages of modern science laboratories and up-to-date equipment, a computer center, and other facilities. There are large lecture halls that can fit three or four classes together at one time for a group lecture.
There's also a large library with three reading halls for the students and faculty members. The library provides them with textbooks, instruction manuals and literature on different subjects. Apart from scientific and specialist's collection it contains a collection of fiction.
The university also includes sports facilities: a sports center with a weight training room, a gym, a multipurpose sports hall and outdoor stadium with tracks and playing fields. The University also possesses a health center in the city and a recreation camp in the countryside. With all these facilities, one can find many different ways to have exercises and rest.
For lunch, during a midday break, students may go to any of several cafes at the university and nearby. My favourite one is located in a nearby building and people say that the food there is tasty and very affordable.
There are also several dormitories where students from out of town live. But some students don’t live in a dormitory – they rent an apartment.
There are seven institutes that belong to this University:
- Institute of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies;
- Institute of Industrial Management, Energy and Transportation;
- Civil Engineering Institute;
- Institute of Economics and Law;
- Institute of Psychology;
- Institute of Linguistics and Culture;
- Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities;

Give the English equivalents of the following words and expressions: высшее образование; заочный политехнический институт на северо-западе; быть преобразованным в самостоятельное учреждение; быть зачисленным; студенты дневного отделения; студенты заочного отделения; оканчивать университет; исследовательская работа; набор в учебное заведение; инженеры-строители; состав преподавателей; широкие возможности; проводить международные научные конференции; размещаться в 10 зданиях; иметь все преимущества; современные научные лаборатории; размещать три-четыре группы на лекцию; обеспечивать учебниками; кроме научной и специальной литературы; тренажерный зал; оздоровительный лагерь за городом; доступный по цене; несколько общежитий; снимать квартиру; принадлежать университету.

Translate and answer the following questions:
1. Когда был основан ВоГУ? 2. ВоГУ самый большой в регионе? 3. В университете существуют широкие возможности для исследований? 4. В скольких зданиях расположен университет?
5. Сколько групп (студентов) могут вместить лекционные аудитории? 6. Какие книги вы можете взять в библиотеке нашего университета? 7. Какие спортивные сооружения есть в университете?
8. Что вы можете сказать о возможностях отдыха в университете? 9. Сколько институтов есть в университете? Приведите примеры. 10. В каком институте вы учитесь? 11. Почему вы выбрали эту специальность?