What will the weather be like this summer? We have no idea 😶

But what we’re sure of is that there’s a load of activities in St. Pete to enjoy on sunny and rainy days alike! From Parisian-style picnics to tram-hopping, explore our editorial team’s best picks in this article 🌻

#aboutstpete

Seven AI tools to make your life easier 🤖

AI is revolutionizing our lives – not by replacing us, but by boosting our efficiency and eliminating tedious tasks. Here’s our pick of tools to enhance your work, studies, and personal life.

✒️ For writers

• Ludwig.guru: analyzes the usage of words and expressions – you’ll never use the wrong word again!
• Trinka: helps keep technical writing consistent in style and formatting.
• PaperPal: ensures the clarity and proper formatting of any academic work.

🔬 For researchers

• Research Rabbit: find and visualize scientific data relevant to your subject.
• Elicit: summarizes research findings and extracts key data.
• Consensus: provides quick rundowns on various topics by analyzing scientific writing.

📹 For would-be influencers

• Sophina: a virtual scriptwriting coach trained on Sophia Smith Galer’s own work.

Some things are better with ITMO 💃

Discover all student life opportunities at student.itmo.ru/en

🇾🇪 Meet Emad Saleh Ateefa, a 21-year-old from Yemen currently studying for a Bachelor’s in design and technology of electronic devices at ITMO.

What made him excited to study in Russia? Emad explains:

I am particularly fascinated by the rich history and groundbreaking contributions of Soviet scientists to space exploration. Their bold endeavors, such as the launch of the first artificial satellite and the first human, Yuri Gagarin into space, have significantly influenced the trajectory of human civilization.

We also talk about his enrollment process, Yemeni culture, and embracing new opportunities in a foreign land.

Click here 👈

#itmofaces

Vegan shops in St. Petersburg 🌰

In a previous post, we shared our top picks of vegan cafes and restaurants. If you prefer preparing meals at home or crave a plant-based dessert, here’s a list of shops to drop by:

• Vegan Bunker

Go here for an impressive selection of various superfoods: from nut butters and vegan cheeses to various teas and a mind-blowing range of plant-based milk.

📍 Povarskoy Ln. 12
🛒 Online store available

• B12

B12 is a treasure for those committed to the zero-waste lifestyle. They offer foods in recyclable packaging as well as package-free options. In addition to groceries, they provide ethical skincare and household products.

📍 Brinko Ln. 2
📍 6th Liniya VO 31/29
🛒 Online store available

• Adi

One of the oldest health-food stores in Russia offers a variety of plant-based goods with an ethnic-cuisine focus. Look out for their spices, oils, and sauces.

📍 Gorokhovaya St. 36
📍 Fontanka Emb. 89
🛒 Online store available

• Kompas Zdorovya

A minimart rather than a hip store, the chain offers a wide choice of products at affordable prices. From seed bars to tofu, there’s everything you can think of and more.

📍 Various locations around the city

• Keep an eye out for plant-based food and ingredients at supermarkets such as Vkusvill, Pyaterochka, and Perekrestok.

#stp

⛵️ Street murals and yachts, innovation and workshops, boutique theaters and flowers – next week is set to be amazing. Here’s your guide:

💐 Peony exhibition
• Jun 20 | 10 AM - 5 PM | 300 RUB

Admire the blooming peonies at St. Petersburg Botanical Garden’s flower festival and exhibition.

🧑‍🎨 Street art at Brusnitsyn Art Quarter​
• Jun 21 | 10 AM onwards | Free

Discover urban beauty at Brusnitsyn Art Quarter, with seven new artworks by open-call winners on themes from nature awakening to individuality.

🚘 Buy Garage
• Jun 22 | 11 AM - 9 PM | 500 RUB

Sevkabel Port’s new exhibition delves into garage culture in the USSR and post-Soviet Russia, showcasing vintage cars, authentic recreations, and more!

🎬 On the big screen: Ezra (2023)
• Jun 23 | 11:50 AM | 250 RUB

Start your morning with Ezra (2023), a dramedy about a comedian and his autistic son on a cross-country adventure.

Wondering what to do on the remaining days? Visit the full guide here 👈

#weekends

In this week’s news digest, we’re looking at cutting-edge research, a new Master’s program, and the future of AI 🔥

🌟 ITMO researchers propose a novel power regulator for optical devices, paving the way for advancements in optoelectronic microdevices.

🎨 In collaboration with Yandex Practicum, ITMO has launched an online Master’s program combining AI and graphic design, with flexible schedules and career counseling.

🧠 At ITMO’s PI School, Yandex’s Roman Elizarov, spoke about the real impact of AI on jobs, society, and the future.

🎓 Yesterday marked the opening of ITMO’s admissions office on Kronverksky Pr. 49, with the goal of welcoming prospective students for the new academic year.

Now let’s peek at this week’s best listicles 🤓

🤖 Seven AI tools to boost your efficiency and streamline your daily tasks, revolutionizing your work, studies, and personal life.

🌰 A guide to vegan shops in St. Petersburg, perfect for those who love eating plant-based meals at home or are looking for delicious vegan treats.

#newsdigest

Living in the Vyazma dorm? Lucky you 🏡

One of the most popular dormitories for international students, Vyazemsky Lane 5/7 boasts not only close proximity to the main campus, but also a wide choice of leisure spots in the vicinity.

From the oldest botanical garden in Russia to a former bread factory turned into a cultural space, explore the neighborhood with our recent story 👈

#aboutstpete

This week we’re featuring Mikael Jima, a PhD student in chemical engineering from Ethiopia whose interest in material chemistry was ignited by the works of Soviet scientist Sergey Lebedev.

When asked about his PhD work, he tells us:

I am working on auxetics […] Unlike conventional materials, when you apply force to an auxetic material or stretch it, its length, as well as width, increases. Usually, such materials are 3D-printed, but I am planning on producing them through electrospinning followed by engraving or lithography. Such materials will have a wide range of applications in medical science, like wound healing, tissue regeneration, and prosthetics.

In our interview, we learn more about his research successes, getting to know St. Petersburg, and tips for future PhD students.

Click here to read more 👈

#itmofaces

ITMO summer schedule 🌴

The summer season is coming – here are all the key schedule changes at the university:

🍽 Starting on June 20, the cafeteria on Kronverksky 49 will be closed until the next academic year. You can find dining areas equipped with microwaves in the column hall (third floor, second building).

📘 Starting on June 29, ITMO Library on Lomonosova 9, ITMO.Share, ITMO.Print, and coworking space administrators will follow this schedule:

• Mon - Thu: 10 am – 7 pm
• Fri: 10 am – 6 pm
• Sat - Sun: days off

Cowoking spaces will operate according to regular hours.

🏢 From July 1 to August 25, the ITMO Staff Support Office will be available during specific hours:

• Mon - Fri: 10 am – 6 pm
• Sat - Sun: days off

❗️ You can visit Staff Support Office on Kronverksky Pr. 49, Lomonsova St. 9, Birzhevaya Liniya 14-16, and Grivtsova Lane 14-16. The office’s branch on the Chaykovskogo St. 11/2 will be closed until August 25.

Please take these changes into account when planning your activities around the campuses ❤️