This photo was taken during the mid 1970's. I am in the middle. In Russia, university education was free, but there were about 15 applicants for every available opening so the competition was very stiff. Now many universities can not afford to offer free instruction and they charge tuition. Students may interrupt their education for compulsory military service but it is more common to postpone military service until education is complete.
Some universities have military departments for students who want to become military officers.
Notice the use of fur as clothing. Fur is commonly used even today in Russia because of the long cold Russian winters. One of the University buildings is in the background.