The dormitory is designed to accommodate 424 students and is equipped with all necessary amenities for comfortable living.
On the eve of the academic year, the grand opening of the new dormitory at Narxoz University, Emen Student Housing, took place in Almaty. The new-format Emen dormitory is part of a large-scale social initiative to expand and renovate the university's infrastructure. It has redefined the concept of student housing, its amenities, and safety, creating a creative and inspiring living space for students who strive to realize their talents, ambitions, and potential.
Emen, translated from Kazakh, means "oak" – a symbol of resilience and nobility. An oak tree grows on the grounds of the new dormitory. In this way, Narxoz continues its established tradition: during the campus reconstruction, a 60-year-old chestnut tree was preserved, and its image is reflected in the crests of various university schools. Other dormitories at Narxoz have also received similar symbolic names inspired by iconic trees on their grounds – Alma and Terek.
The Emen Student Housing was built in record time – in less than a year – using the shareholder's own funds, without any subsidies or partners. It comprises buildings of three, five, and seven stories, with a total area of 8,700 square meters. The dormitory provides accommodation for 424 students in triple rooms equipped with panoramic windows, furniture, appliances, climate control systems, automatic fire extinguishing systems, and separate toilet and shower facilities. Room access is available via either a code lock or fingerprint scanner. There are also rooms adapted for students with special needs.
Each floor features kitchens, dining areas, and coworking spaces, while the first floor houses a shop, laundry, barbershop, café, pharmacy, and treatment room. There is also a medical center offering free services for minors, and those over 18 receive a 15% discount on medical services.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire dormitory area. As part of the landscaping and greening efforts, over 100 shrubs and trees have been planted, and workout zones have been created. A green terrace of 400 square meters has been set up on the roof of the dormitory for students to relax, offering panoramic views of the city and the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau.
Among the honored guests at the dormitory opening ceremony were leaders from government agencies, members of the Employers' Council, the university administration, faculty, and students.
“The solution to the dormitory shortage problem is an absolute priority for our ministry. Last year, we started with a deficit of 27,000 beds, and this year we have reduced that number to 8,000. Today, I specifically came to inaugurate several dormitories, including the high-comfort dormitory at Narxoz University. It’s even called a student residence rather than just a dormitory. This concept is very popular now in the UK, the USA, and Turkey – with thoughtful design, home-like conditions, quality materials, and each student having their own space, along with kitchens on every floor,” noted Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Beibut Shakhanov, the deputy akim of Almaty. Earlier, during a meeting with the public, Almaty akim Yerbolat Dosaev noted that such facilities improve the social climate of the city.
“The student residence is not just a new facility on the map of Almaty. In such an environment, every student will feel at home while being able to easily integrate into their new surroundings, receive a quality education, and contribute to the development of the city. I want to emphasize that the construction was funded by private resources, which is generally a good practice for a self-sufficient metropolis,” he highlighted.
The allocation of places in the new dormitory will be carried out in accordance with the rules approved by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Both local and international students at Narxoz University, studying under educational grants as well as on a commercial basis, can apply for accommodations. With the new dormitory, Narxoz now has four student residences located near the main campus, all meeting the requirements for safe and comfortable living.
“I believe that the environment shapes a person. In comfortable and convenient conditions, it is not only more enjoyable but also more effective to learn and work. That’s why Narxoz pays serious attention to creating modern educational infrastructure. Two years ago, we opened a new campus for Narxoz University. Today, we are inaugurating a new student residence. In a year, we plan to complete the construction of a business school building. All of this is interconnected elements of our strategy to develop Narxoz as one of the leading universities in the region, recognized internationally,” said the university's shareholder Bulat Utemuratov.
It is worth noting that the average score of the UNT (Unified National Test) for Narxoz applicants has increased compared to last year, reaching 111 points for state grants (up from 103 in 2023) and 92 points for the paid department (up from 89 in 2023). The highest scores were achieved in the programs of “Management and Administration” (122), “Political Science,” “Law,” and “Finance and Economics” (120).