Explore St. Petersburg with the ITMO.NEWS editorial team! 🔥

After a short break, we’re back with getaways to share. This week, we follow in the footsteps of our translator and writer Vasilii Perov:

🌳 Mikhailovsky Garden
As a person who prefers living closer to nature, I often find St. Petersburg too hectic and literally suffocating – which is why its green areas are of great importance to me. Mikhailovsky Garden is my favorite: not only does it let you take a breath of fresh-er air in the very heart of the city, it is also more serene than the nearby Summer Garden (too popular with tourists) and the bigger parks (as it has no picnickers due to the strict “keep of the grass” policy).

🌉 Troitsky Bridge
While there’s nothing really special about the Troitsky Bridge itself – just another major bridge across Neva – the view from it to the west is just perfect. When I look at the river’s waters passing the Spit of Vasilievsky Island and heading towards the Gulf of Finland, it speaks to me, reminding me of places that I haven’t yet been to and urging me to set off. And this is often enough to keep me going.

🏭 Red Triangle
The true marvel of St. Petersburg’s gray belt, this old derelict factory reminds me of the city as I remember it from my youth: oftentimes grimy and even disturbing, but beautiful nonetheless. One of the few St. Petersburg’s architectural gems that I wish would never be reconstructed.

🏰 Gatchina
While Gatchina is not the most famous of St. Petersburg’s suburbs, I still like it better than others – maybe because it feels like a town in its own right. I love its laid-back vibe, its castle-like palace, and its overgrown parks – especially in late fall, when they look like something out of a gothic fiction novel.

🍞 Bulochniye F. Volcheka bakery
According to an old Russian proverb, “bread is the head of everything” – and this bakery makes great rye bread, which is my favorite. For me, its taste is the taste of home: earthy, somewhat tart – but vibrant and fulfilling. Definitely a must-have if you want to try traditional Russian food.

#edteam

The highlight of the upcoming weekend is the breathtaking Scarlet Sails festival, the traditional celebration of high school graduates, which will take place on the night of June 24-25.

Join a live stream here at 10 pm, June 24 for a jam-packed entertainment program and a spectacular fireworks show or watch it live from the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island!

Find more ideas on how to spend the last weekend of June in our guide.

📸 photogenica.ru
#weekends

🌟 Making the most use of coworking spaces: ITMO international students' perspective 🌟

Being a student at ITMO comes with numerous opportunities. One resource that has proven invaluable to many are the coworking spaces provided by the university. Here’s what some of our international students had to share.

📚 A change of scenery and enhanced productivity:

Carl Hakim, a Master's student, mentions that the coworking spaces provide a refreshing change of scenery from the usual study spots. The cool atmosphere and friendly people create an inspiring environment conducive to productivity.

💡 Well-equipped and engaging environment:

Noviana Haslinda, a Bachelor's student, shares her preference for studying in coworking spaces, particularly during exam seasons. She finds that working in such environments increases her productivity.

🤝 Networking and collaboration opportunities:

Subhrajit Barua, a PhD student, highlights the importance of coworking spaces for various academic activities. These spaces offer a peaceful yet technologically advanced setting for meetings, attending online lectures, and conducting interviews.

So, next time you're seeking a spot to boost your productivity, consider visiting the coworking spaces. Who knows, you might just find the inspiration and support you need to excel in your studies and make lasting connections along the way.

New addition to our guides to Russian cities: the medieval Smolensk 🏰

Centuries of history, legends, 12th-century churches, and an awe-inspiring fortress wall – our journalist Catherine offers an insight into her hometown with all its pros and cons.

📷 Ghirlandajo via Wikimedia Commons

A new chapter is about to unfold for Sutanu Chatterjee, an international student from India, as he eagerly awaits the start of his PhD journey at the Department of Physics.

“I am presently working as a research engineer in the field of wireless power transfer at ITMO. My team is led by Prof. Polina Kapitanova and we developed Russia’s first wireless charging systems for electric vehicles,” says Sutanu.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this ambitious and multi-talented international student who has discovered a second home in Russia.

#itmofaces

Key chain workshop 🔑

ITMO FabLab invites students to craft together! Join tomorrow’s workshop to:

🤗 Make a personalized keychain for yourself or as a gift
🤗 Gain new skills in a creative environment

Hurry up to register, the places are limited!

📆 June 29, 5 PM
📍 Birzhevaya Liniya 14, FabLab

Scientists from ITMO’s International Research and Educational Center for Physics of Nanostructures have created a new type of ion traps, in which microparticles can be tossed between localization zones with a laser beam, just like billiard balls. What makes it revolutionary? Learn more in this article.

For anyone who picked chess in the poll, we’ve got you, too! You might remember a unique invention by ITMO’s School of Physics and Engineering – perovskite chess that glows in the dark. Explore it here.

#science