In 2003 Novosibirsk, the largest city of Russian Asia, celebrated its 110 years jubilee.

More then 100 years ago Alexander III Russian emperor pointed out in to his heir that it is necessary "to connect by inner railway network of the Siberian regions which are richest with gifts of Nature". Thus, the building of Great Siberian Railway has begun. Primarily it was considered that Trans-Siberian Railroad would cross the Ob river near the big age-old Kolyvan village. But owing to tho insistence of Mr. N.G.Garin-Mikhaylovsky, the chief of prospecting party and a Russian writer, they took a final decision to build the bridge at the Krivoschiokovo village. The trade capital opened up actively the region of the Great Siberian Way that quickly made the small settlement to grow into a big city; Novonikolaevsk was given the official status of a city in 1903.

Now Novosibirsk is the fourth biggest city in Russia, and the third largest scientific and educational center. Cultural life in Novosibirsk is also varied. There are a lot of theatres, cinemas, museums, picture galleries, restaurants, pubs and night clubs. And, of course, the most beautiful girls live in Novosibirsk!

Considered the business center of Siberia, Novosibirsk is home to the largest Siberian banks, as well as the Siberian Stock and Commodity Exchanges. Aside from business, Novosibirsk has a rich cultural life. Six theatres, a philharmonic orchestra and a musical conservatoire are located in the city. The Novosibirsk Opera House, an architectural marvel in itself, houses two permanent ballet and opera companies known throughout the world.

The intellectual community is equally rich and is fostered by more than 16 institutions of higher education. In 1957, Kruschev selected Novosibirsk as the site for the Siberian Division of the USSR Academy of Sciences. This led to the construction of Akademgorodok (the Academic City).

Novosibirsk is the third of the biggest territory cities in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. General territory is more than 47.7 thousand hectares.Akademgorodok is uniqe in that it is located in the center of a majestic birch and pine forest and on the shore of the Ob Sea, a man-made reservoir on the great Siberian river Ob.

Located within Akademgorodok is Novsibirsk State University (NSU), 35 research institutes, an agricultural academy, medical academy, apartment houses and cottages, and a variety of community amenities including stores, hotels, hospitals, restaurants and cafes, cinemas, clubs and libraries.

The House of Scientists (Dom Uchonykh), a social center of Akademgorodok, hosts a library containing 100,000 volumes - Russian classics, modern literature and also many American, British, French, German, Polish books and magazines. The House of Scientists also includes a picture gallery, lecture halls and a fine concert hall. The performances given by musical celebrities and theatrical stars in this hall are second to none.

Novosibirsk State University is one of the top three Russian universities. The special qualities of the University are: exceptional student/professor ratio, close links to the many research institutes of Akademgorodok and an active and constructive social life facilitated by many clubs, organizations and activities. Recreation and athletic facilities include gyms, sportsgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, ice rinks and skiing centers. Living far from international crossroads such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, Siberians are happy to meet people of different cultures and share their experiences with each other.