In recent years, higher education across the world has undergone a fundamental transformation thanks to the spread of the campus model. This approach involves creating a holistic ecosystem where the university becomes not just a place for lectures but a full-fledged space for student life, development, and socialization. The campus brings together academic buildings, libraries, dormitories, cafeterias, sports complexes, relaxation zones, and platforms for social projects—everything necessary for a comprehensive student life in one location.
Today, most elite universities in the world—Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, and Stanford—operate on this model. In modern campuses, students not only attend classes but also conduct research, participate in debates and seminars, engage in social projects, and immerse themselves in a rich cultural life.
Azerbaijan is also actively implementing elements of the campus model in its higher education system. Several leading universities in the country are already working on creating student-centered infrastructure and building a comprehensive social environment. Azerbaijan Technical University has become one of the pioneers of this movement.
As reported by Baku.ws, the university’s press service highlighted the creation of comfortable conditions for students’ holistic activities in the campus. The modern library and information center, sports palace, and cafeteria operate throughout the day, ensuring continuous access to resources and services. Notably, the book kiosks in the university’s courtyard encourage interest in reading during free time. Each year, new projects are implemented in this direction.
Baku State University (BSU) is also actively developing the campus model.
According to the university’s leadership, in addition to modernizing the learning environment, a comprehensive set of initiatives for student socialization has been implemented in recent years. One of the flagship projects is the “Student Space”—an open public area for debates, discussions, and students’ social projects. Notably, when creating this space, eco-friendly solutions were used—energy for the space is entirely provided by solar panels.
The “Eco Space” project at BSU has also gained significant recognition. This innovative platform (around 1,000 sq. meters) provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in “green” energy, the production of environmentally friendly products, and the application of ecological knowledge. It is important to note that the “Eco Space” is open not only to BSU students but also to students from other educational institutions, from schools to universities.
Despite significant progress, Azerbaijani universities are still in the early stages of creating fully-fledged, world-class campuses. Integrated student campuses, combining all aspects of student life—from learning and living to healthcare and cultural leisure—such as those at Harvard, Stanford, or Scandinavian universities, have not yet become widespread in Azerbaijan.
