Ukrainians are trying to continue with their work while the war is going on. What is it like to study journalism in difficult conditions? Ukrainian students in journalism tell us about their everyday experiences where the dresses need to be replaced by warm sports suits and sneakers to make it comfortable and quick to go down to the basement whenever needed.
24 February 2022, etched in our hearts forever. Russia’s full-scale invasion brought fear, pain, and stress to many. Some Ukrainians were forced to stay, while others fled their homes. Nevertheless, amidst these trying circumstances, they persevered, adapting to a new reality. Needless to say, the war has had a significant impact on students’ education and future plans. In this article we, seven students in journalism from Kharkiv and Czernivtsi, tell about our everyday that has dramatically changed.
Perseverance Through Adversity
“Maria, such a terrible fate has befallen your years…” was the first thing I heard from my mother on February 24, 2022, when I was still a schoolgirl. However, in the summer, I, Maria Kalchenko, graduated from Kharkiv Secondary School No. 102 with honors. Choosing the specialty of Journalism, I entered V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.
In October, the educational process commenced. I was added to the group chat of my class on the social network Telegram. It was there that I communicated with my classmates and teachers. I remember thinking everything would be fine during the first week…
In September, a counteroffensive took place, leading to the liberation of almost the entire Kharkiv region from Russian occupation, bringing a period of relative calm after the shelling of Kharkiv. However, on October 10, Russia initiated a “season” of massive attacks on critical infrastructure, making the fall-winter period of the first year perhaps the most challenging. We had to prepare for lectures, practical classes, exams, and tests under atypical conditions: amidst shelling, and without electricity or Internet access.
We attended classes when we had electricity and felt safe, although it must be noted that everyone interpreted the concept of safety differently. Some sought refuge in the subway, bomb shelter, or basement, while others opted to remain in hallways and bathrooms, adhering to the “two-wall rule”.
(…) on October 10, Russia initiated a “season” of massive attacks on critical infrastructure, making the fall-winter period of the first year perhaps the most challenging. We had to prepare for lectures, practical classes, exams, and tests under atypical conditions: amidst shelling, and without electricity or Internet access.
Nowadays, the situation has changed somewhat: We attend online classes, submit assignments on time, and stay in touch with teachers and the university administration.
Drawing from my own experience, I want to emphasise that war necessitates adjustments to life, including student life. In such challenging times, it’s evident that difficulties arise, but the key is to persevere in personal development despite adversity.
I can attest to the above from my first successfully completed session, which took place in the winter of 2022.
From December 5 to 7, I had my first exams in the following disciplines: “History of World Literature”, “Introduction to the Specialty”, and “Fundamentals of Computer Science”. I got 81 points in the first one, which is “good”, and 100 points in the last two, which is “excellent”.
Exams began on December 12–21. My results:
“Modern Ukrainian Language”: 93 – “excellent”
“Fundamentals of Journalism”: 100 – “excellent”
“History of Ukraine”: 95 – “excellent”
“Photojournalism”: 95 – “excellent”
In the face of Russia’s full-scale aggression, aspiring journalists have been forced to confront a hostile reality. However, this adversity has not deterred us from pursuing knowledge. I firmly believe that Ukraine’s resilience will ultimately lead us to victory in this war.
Trusting Safety Equipment During Air Strikes
Missile attacks have become a terrifying reality for many Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country. These illegal actions by the enemy have resulted in innocent casualties, widespread destruction, and a threat to the security of the entire country.
Missile attacks have become a terrifying reality for many Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
Considering the threat of rocket attacks in certain regions of Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country, a security protocol has been established for students at the university and in the dormitories: Bomb shelters are situated within the universities. If an air-raid alarm sounds during a class, all students and teachers promptly proceed to the shelters and await further instructions.
If a student detects an air alarm in the dormitory (day or night), he will be immediately taken to the basement for his safety.
The main thing is to follow the protocol and keep calm.
Coping with Emotional Stress Studying in a War-Torn Region
I’m Kate and I’m only 18. The terrible war began when I was 16, on February 24. I will remember this date forever. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. Despite the fear, I tried to continue studying because I still held onto my dream of becoming a journalist. All this time, I had hoped to attend Kharkiv, a city I longed to study in.
However, this beautiful city is destroyed and continues to be destroyed by the terroristic state. Now we have online lessons because of constant shelling and air alarms. Rockets hit the city centre, residential buildings, and innocent people. It is very hard for everyone in our country. Recently, our university suffered. 550 windows in the main building were broken. It’s heart-wrenching to witness the destruction of our beloved university.
It is painful… But we must be strong. We have to fight for our country and navigate through our emotions. I found a way to distract myself in these difficult conditions. First of all, I speak a lot with my parents, relatives, and friends. I try to spend more time with them. The war made me understand that you should value every minute spent with your family. Because “tomorrow” may never come…
The war made me understand that you should value every minute spent with your family. Because “tomorrow” may never come…
Kharkiv National University is full of wonderful people. The teachers, administration, and student council of the university do everything to make us feel better and ease our burden. The university frequently organises charity events, providing opportunities for students to unwind and raise funds for the army. All activities are conducted in the bomb shelter for our safety, as no one can predict where the enemy will strike…
Studying journalism in a war-torn region is a difficult, yet profoundly significant. Journalists hold a pivotal role in informing the public about the realities of war and its consequences. During this difficult time, I realised how important the profession of a journalist is. It’s imperative that we persist in telling the stories of those affected by war. The world mustn’t forget them!
Studying journalism in a war-torn region is a difficult, yet profoundly significant.
We must shed light on the harsh realities of conflict.
I hope that our story will be heard. Ukraine needs help, without it, we will not defeat the terrorist state.
Learning at a Distance During War
My name is Valeriia Skliarova, I am 19 years old, and I am a second-year student at the Department of Journalism of Kharkiv National University, named after V. N. Karazin. The war changed my life and set my priorities differently. When the war started, I was 17. The village of Lypchanivka in the Izyum district is my native region, where I was born. Here I went to school, had friends, was happy with my family, and just enjoyed a carefree life. Then, the only problem was to pass the ZNO (external independent assessment) and successfully prepare for graduation, which I had dreamed of for 11 years.
February 24, 2022 is the most terrible date that will become a wound in the heart. I woke up that morning and heard my mother saying, “You won’t go to school today, the war has started”. At first there were unclear feelings, as if it was all some kind of nonsense, but not everything was as simple as it seemed. Training stopped and security became a major concern. Seven days after the start of the war, my village was under occupation. My family and I hid in the basement, communication with friends and relatives was cut off, there was no Internet, and the Russian occupiers mercilessly imposed their rules and installed military equipment. Then only explosions, rotorcraft, and the sounds of tanks could be heard.
February 24, 2022 is the most terrible date that will become a wound in the heart. I woke up that morning and heard my mother saying, “You won’t go to school today, the war has started”.
They targeted the city of Izyum from Lypchanivka, aiming to breach its defences. Izyum, my hometown located nearby, holds many memories and loved ones for me. However, the occupiers relentlessly bombarded it with aerial bombs and artillery, isolating us as if from the rest of the world. Day after day, life became a struggle for survival.
After a month of occupation, my family made the difficult decision to relocate to a safer place due to the deteriorating situation at home. This decision weighed heavily on my spirit, leaving me grappling with the endless question: “What will happen next?” Despite the challenges of the occupation, we successfully made our way to the territory of Ukraine and later decided to seek refuge abroad in the Czech Republic
Here, I gradually tried to recover and already started to prepare for the exam on my own, but now for the NMT (National Multi-Subject Test), because the ZNO was canceled due to the war in Ukraine. I prepared and tried to focus on the goal of fulfilling my dream of studying journalism, but despite all this, there was a war in my head. I passed the exam in mathematics, Ukrainian language, and history of Ukraine. I always wanted to study at Kharkiv Karazin National University – to become a journalist, so I applied here, and already in the fall I became a student at this university.
I’m still in the Czech Republic. While my village of Lypchanivka and the city of Izyum were liberated on September 10, 2022, the living conditions there remain far from ideal. I thank our defenders who liberated my native land, but it is very painful to see that people are dying in your country, and the city is 80% destroyed.
My training is now taking place online. I no longer hear the sounds of gunfire, experience sudden power outages, or hear the chilling sirens. Yet, despite this relative calm, there’s a constant longing to return home. These two years of war have reshaped my life entirely; forced to flee abroad, I now yearn for the freedom we once took for granted. It’s only now that I truly understand the importance of appreciating every moment in our lives.
My university memories are limited to online classes for now. However, I long to attend classes in person without the fear of rockets overhead. Despite the challenges, I’m grateful to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. Studying journalism helps distract me from everyday struggles and depression. Interacting with classmates offers much-needed support.
My university memories are limited to online classes for now.
Although I have yet to set foot on my university campus in person, the important thing is to persevere. The war rages on, but we must hold onto hope and believe in the victory of our resilient people. Education remains a cornerstone of our lives, and we must continue to learn and strive for a brighter future.
How War Changed My View of the World
On the first day of the full-scale war, when the threat loomed over every corner of Ukraine, my decision felt like a challenge: I wanted to become a journalist. My name is Ira Riabenko, and I was born and raised in the Chernihiv region, in Bakhmach – a city that endured occupation by the Russian military for a month. The day the war began marked a profound turning point in my life. This war not only reshaped the world map but also ushered in a new chapter in Ukraine’s history, where every day presents a test and every hour offers a choice between defending our rights and upholding honor and dignity.
On the first day of the full-scale war, when the threat loomed over every corner of Ukraine, my decision felt like a challenge: I wanted to become a journalist.
As a witness to these events, I felt a strong urge to contribute to changing the world around me and helping our country. Thus, after graduating from Bakhmatsky Lyceum 1, I made the decision to enroll at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, far from my hometown, 760 km away. It was my first taste of independence, coupled with the weight of responsibility and the challenges of the path I had chosen.
The first academic month proved to be incredibly challenging. New faces, constant worries, and heartbreaking news of familiar soldiers from my hometown losing their lives took a toll on my mental well-being. While Chernivtsi offered a semblance of calm, tensions still ran high, especially with the university being mined, adding to the anxiety.
One such incident occurred on the day of the “Fundamentals of Journalism” exam. Despite our best efforts to prepare, our plans were unexpectedly disrupted by a mining threat. In an unforgettable turn of events, my group had to take the exam online, adapting to a situation that will likely remain etched in our memories. Even in such trying moments, I found the strength and courage to persevere.
These trials did not deter me; instead, they taught me the importance of resilience during adversity, how to make responsible decisions, and how to seek opportunities even in the most challenging circumstances. My aspiration to become a journalist only grew stronger, as I realized the power of words to effect change, evoke reactions, and inspire action. I am determined to dedicate my voice to my people and my country, to which I remain steadfastly loyal.
My aspiration to become a journalist only grew stronger, as I realized the power of words to effect change, evoke reactions, and inspire action.
I hope that this war will end as soon as possible in favour of Ukraine.
The Importance of Supporting Student Hearts
My name is Odynets Anastasia, I am 18 years old, and I am a second-year student at the Department of Journalism at Kharkiv National University, named after V. N. Karazin. The war started when I was 16. Carefree school days, being late for class, a lot of homework, and going for walks after classes – that’s what my teenage life was filled with. In an instant, everything changed.
Instead of the dream graduation, everyone ended up in different corners of Ukraine – some even had to leave the country and go abroad. Warm sports suits and sneakers replaced dresses and heels, so that it is comfortable and quick to go down to the basement. Before the war, mornings were greeted with thoughts of what new experiences awaited at school: Would there be a test? Would I receive a good grade? However, since February 24, these questions have been replaced by ones filled with fear and uncertainty: Will my loved ones and I be safe? Will there be relentless shelling? Will we even see tomorrow? It’s a terrifying reality, one that instills profound fear and dread.
Over time it became more difficult. I grew up and lived in the Kharkiv region, in the village of Zolochiv, which is close to the border with Russia. Dad built our basement where we could hide from the rockets. Even in such conditions, I did not forget about the future admission to the university. It was difficult to prepare, because the Russians often hit critical infrastructure facilities, so there was no light, communication, or Internet. But I found a way out of this situation, as the neighbors had portable chargers and a generator. This allowed me to come and recharge my gadgets and upload all the necessary materials. Then I came home and quickly sat down to repeat and write down all the necessary information for myself.
This is what the consequences of the arrival of Russian missiles in my village look like.
The aftermath of Russian missiles crash-landing in my village!
As I was preparing for a national multi-subject test, it was sometimes more difficult for me mentally than physically. I did not feel tired from the long preparation and constant solving of tasks. I felt tired of the whole situation, I felt tired of constantly hearing explosions, of being more and more afraid. Nevertheless, I persevered. I made a concerted effort to push through the fear, to distract both myself and my loved ones, and ultimately, to prepare for and take the test. I am proud of myself, because at a time when it was very scary and morally difficult, I pulled myself together and gave it my all in order to enter the university and get into my dream specialty.
Our first year as students was full of difficulties. Interruptions due to power outages and alarms significantly disrupted the educational process. Whenever alarms sounded, we swiftly sought refuge in the basement for safety. However, amidst these difficulties, my groupmates and I remained in constant communication. We supported each other through messages and calls, offering encouragement and reassurance. Our dear curator – Natalya Volodymyrivna Nechaeva, who took care of us, tried to cheer us up, and keep us calm – was not left out either. We appreciate it very much and thank you for your support. I think we are very lucky to have a tutor, because in such difficult situations, where students can be exposed to a stressful environment, it is important to have someone who can provide advice, support and help. A tutor can help students with problems related to learning, adaptation to new conditions and even provide help in understanding and managing emotions.
Our first year as students was full of difficulties. Interruptions due to power outages and alarms significantly disrupted the educational process.
In light of the military circumstances, it’s crucial to enhance student support. Here are some suggestions for potential improvements or changes to bolster this support:
- Psychological support: Providing access to psychological support and counseling for students experiencing stress and trauma as a result of military conflict.
- Social support and humanitarian assistance: Involvement of student organisations and local communities in providing social support and assistance to students in need of assistance due to wartime circumstances.
- Curriculum adaptation: Ensuring that curricula take into account the special needs of students that may arise from military conflict and providing opportunities for additional training or support in such situations.
I also want to mention the role of the international scientific environment, which can take a number of actions to support students studying in Ukraine in war conditions:
- Provision of scholarships and grants: International organisations, universities, and foundations could introduce programmes of scholarships and grants for students from Ukraine to help them continue their studies or get an opportunity for international exchange.
- Online courses and webinars: Organisation of free online courses and webinars in various scientific fields for students from Ukraine
- Creation of a support network: Development of a network of student and scientific organisations that support students from Ukraine and facilitate their integration into the international scientific community.
Combining Education and Volunteering on the Peace Front
Against the relentless backdrop of the military conflict in Ukraine, where every day is filled with risk and challenges, students at Chernivtsi National University have taken on the enormous task of integrating practical experience, such as reporting and internships, with volunteering.
Since the onset of the war, students have gone beyond their academic pursuits at the university. They have contributed to the international discourse on the war, striving to promote objectivity and deepen understanding of the situation on the front lines. Through their publications in foreign media, they continue to contribute to the creation of a true image of events and influence global consciousness.
Since the onset of the war, students have gone beyond their academic pursuits at the university.
Volunteering has transcended mere duty for these students: It has become an expression of solidarity with those closely affected by the war. By actively interacting with humanitarian headquarters, students collect food, clothing, and other necessary items, sending them to the regions in need and helping to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
I myself have also been actively involved in volunteer work. Since the beginning of the war, I have been undergoing personalised training and have been serving as a volunteer on the hotline for six months. Beyond sharing my experiences with fellow volunteers, I leverage my skills to provide crucial information support and assistance to Internally Displaced People.
In addition, students actively organise charity events to raise funds for the needs of the military. They organise concerts, charity auctions, and other events, engaging the public in participation and financial support of those who defend the country. Particularly noteworthy is the activity of the Center for Culture and Leisure, which often implements such ideas to raise funds and support the military.
The students of Chernivtsi University are a living example of how combining education and volunteering is the key to forming socially responsible youth. By engaging in volunteer initiatives, they not only develop their skills and abilities, but also become active participants in civil society.
Volunteering at the peace front for students of Chernivtsi University is not just a means of assistance, but also an integral part of the educational process, which gives them the opportunity to really apply their knowledge and gain valuable life experience.
Ukrainian Student Journalist at War
Ivan Fluerash is a student at the Department of Journalism at Chernivtsi National University with a military background. Since February 25, he has been actively involved in volunteering and maintaining public order in Chernivtsi.
Later on, Ivan underwent training as part of the border unit and was deployed to the north of Ukraine. Subsequently, he was stationed in the eastern region of our country, where he served on combat duty for a three-month assignment. During this time, he held the title of head of the intelligence group and communications technician.
While at the front, Ivan witnessed the horrors of war, including the loss of friends whom he continues to admire to this day. He endured the sounds of explosions and spent time in the trenches. Despite the challenges he faced, Ivan has managed to overcome his harrowing experiences and has found a sense of psychological balance. He has returned to his studies at the Department of Journalism.
The decision to study journalism was driven by Ivan’s admiration for media workers. Motivated by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the field and to contribute meaningfully to society, he embarked on this path with a sense of purpose and commitment.
The decision to study journalism was driven by Ivan’s admiration for media workers.
Ivan also emphasises that journalism serves as a means for self-development for him.
– Studying journalism, I believe, will aid me in developing the skills to organise my thoughts, manage my emotions, and determine how to best direct my energy, he says.
When asked why he went to the front, he explains that he felt an urge to help and believed he had a responsibility to contribute where he was needed.
Ivan’s commander’s words, “We must take revenge now”, served as a strong motivation for him to continue the fight, whether on the military front or in the realm of information warfare.
Ivan sees significant prospects in Ukrainian journalism education. He justifies this by drawing comparisons between journalistic activities during independent Ukraine and after the collapse of the USSR. “Changes will continue, so I am very interested in this. Again, I feel that I am needed here now”, Ivan assures.
All photos are taken by the authors themselves.