Aleksandrov entered Moscow University in 1913 and immediately he was helped by Stepanov . Stepanov, who was working at Moscow University, was seven years older than Aleksandrov but his home was also in Smolensk and he often visited the Aleksandrov home there. Stepanov was an important influence on Aleksandrov at this time and suggested that Aleksandrov join Egorov 's seminar even in the first year of his studies in Moscow.
Aleksandrov ipinasok Moscow University sa 1913 at agad-agad na siya ay tumulong sa pamamagitan ng Stepanov. Stepanov, na noon ay nagtatrabaho sa Moscow University, ay pitong taon na mas matanda kaysa sa Aleksandrov ngunit ang kanyang tahanan ay din sa Smolensk at siya madalas bumisita sa Aleksandrov home doon. Stepanov ay isang mahalagang impluwensiya sa Aleksandrov sa oras na ito at iminungkahi na Aleksandrov sumali Egorov 's pantas-aral kahit na sa unang taon ng kaniyang pag-aaral sa Moscow.