The Imperial St. Volodymyr University was founded, established on the basis of the Kremenets Lyceum, which was relocated to Kyiv from Volhynia
The university was officially inaugurated on July 15. The first academic year, 1834-1835, began with a single Faculty of Philosophy, which was divided into two departments: History and Philology, and Physics and Mathematics. A total of 62 students were enrolled in the first year, and classes commenced on August 28.
On July 31, construction of the university’s main building began, based on a design by architect V. Beretti, a professor at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. The structure, built in the classical style, remains the university’s main building to this day. Additionally, Professor E. Trautfetter founded the botanical garden, which continues to operate today.
The student population reached 5,000, with a significant increase in the number of Ukrainians and Russians among them. The university employed 160 professors and associate professors and operated 45 educational and research institutions, including libraries, observatories, clinics, laboratories, and an anatomical theater.
The university became a center of the national movement. Faculty and students actively participated in the struggle for Ukraine’s independence. The most notable episode was the students’ involvement in defending Kyiv from the Bolsheviks during the Battle of Kruty.
On January 29, during the Battle of Kruty, a group of 130 students and cadets, led by Captain Andriy Omelchenko, heroically defended the Kruty station from advancing Bolshevik forces, holding back the enemy on the approaches to Kyiv.
After the Bolsheviks captured Kyiv, St. Volodymyr University was closed. The university system in Ukraine underwent significant changes, and Kyiv University was officially dissolved.
The university resumed its operations under the name Kyiv State University. Its activities were partially restored, and the institution gradually regained its status as a leading educational center.
In honor of the 125th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s birth, Kyiv State University was named after him. This became an important symbol of national identity and a tribute to Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
After the outbreak of World War II, the university was evacuated deep into the Soviet Union. Some faculty members and students joined the frontlines.