The Material and Living Situation of Russian Students at the Beginning of the 20th Century

This article examines the material and living conditions of Russian students in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drawing on a wide range of historical sources, including documentary materials, statistical data from student censuses, journalistic works, and memoirs. The study reveals that most students faced serious financial difficulties, including high tuition fees and a lack of funds for accommodation and food. The majority of students were forced to rent housing in precarious conditions, often sharing a room with several other students. It analyzes students primary sources of income, including parental support, private tutoring, and other forms of part-time work. It shows that almost half of students were forced to combine study with work, which negatively impacted their academic performance. Issues with nutrition and medical care and their impact on student health are explored. The study concludes that the overwhelming majority of students faced dire financial straits, poor sanitary and hygienic housing conditions, and persistent malnutrition, which, in turn, led to poor health and a decrease in academic activity. Particular attention is paid to comparing the living conditions of students in the capital and the provinces, identifying common features and regional differences. The study demonstrates that difficult living conditions and material insecurity largely determined the socio-political views of students and their active participation in the revolutionary events of the early 20th century.