The image of Moscow University in the minds of students: empirical research experience

Current article was written by a team of authors from the Faculty of Sociology of Lomonosov Moscow State University in preparation for the 270th anniversary of Moscow University. The article is based on processed and analyzed data from the sociological study “MSU through the eyes of students of the Faculty of Sociology”, conducted by employees of the Faculty of Sociology in December 2023. A total of 679 students were surveyed as a part of the study. In addition to quantitative study an important element of the survey were students’ essays in which they described their impressions of entering and studying at Moscow State University. The purpose of the study was to analyze students’ criteria for choosing a university, to better understand their attitudes towards various aspects of the educational process itself and employment prospects, to create a holistic picture of students’ attitudes towards Moscow University, about its mission in the development of Russia and Russian science, as well as about their own life trajectories. The article analyzed students' opinions regarding the factors that determined their choice of Moscow University, what role did their relatives or friends played in this choice and what extracurricular activities are of a greatest importance to students. Separately, the article discussed issues related to the employment of graduates and expectations from their future profession.