University of Warsaw Facts for Kids

Central gateway of the University of Warsaw.

Central gateway of the University of Warsaw.

The University of Warsaw (called Uniwersytet Warszawski in Polish) is the biggest university in Poland. A university is a place where students go to learn and study after high school. The person in charge of the university is called the chancellor or rector, and currently, that's Marcin Pałys.

History
- Early Years (1816-1831)
Images for kids
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History

Early Years (1816-1831)

The Royal University of Warsaw first opened its doors in 1816. At that time, parts of Poland were separated. The city of Warsaw wanted its own big learning center, like the older and very important one in Cracow.

Before the university, two schools already existed in the Grand Duchy of Warsaw (an old Polish state): a School of Law and a School of Medicine. In 1816, Alexander I, the ruler at the time, allowed Polish authorities to create a full university.

It started with five main study areas, called faculties:

Soon, the university grew quickly. It had 800 students and 50 professors teaching them. However, things changed after a big event. Many students and professors took part in the November Uprising of 1830. This was a rebellion against the Russian rulers. Because of this, the university was closed down by the Russians.