by Erzhena Tsybikova
Gilgal is the best place in our university. Strong friendship and true love between people are always born here. A magical place whose walls hold immeasurably many memories.
In the main building of Mongolia International University we have the most beautiful and cozy place which is called Gilgal. It takes two floors. On the first floor there is a cafe where usually people can meet and talk with a cup of coffee and some good smelling fresh baked desserts and pizza. On the second floor there is a place for students to spend their time with friends or study in a comfortable environment in a peaceful atmosphere.
Probably some people are wondering why Gilgal is called Gilgal. On the Internet it is said that this is the name of several places in the Hebrew Bible. Each place has its own meaning for the name. For instance, It was a place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, where they circumcised themselves as a sign of their covenant with God, and where they celebrated Passover. Each of these events held deep spiritual and symbolic meaning for the Israelites, tying them to their history and faith. Many students of MIU do not know the meaning of the name, some believe that it is a play on words with the Mongolian word “gal” which means fire. Despite the meaning of the name for every student Gilgal is the most native place. This is the bridge through which students find new friends, a group of people with whom they will walk hand in hand throughout their four years at MIU. Unfortunately over the past three years, Gilgal has been losing its atmosphere, which initially made everyone feel comfortable and at home. Old furniture, broken tables and chairs, scary walls – all this repelled students from spending time here. In the beginning of December 2023 the university workers decided to make cosmetic repairs. Then following two months they were working on the new design. The cozy cafe on the first floor continues to be a popular spot for students to grab a coffee and chat with friends. The new seating arrangements have made it a more comfortable and inviting space for students to relax and unwind between classes. The renovations in the study area on the second floor included creating a separate area for individual study, installing comfortable seating for relaxation, and adding large tables for group meetings. The new and improved Gilgal quickly became a hub of activity on campus. Students were drawn back to the space and it became a vibrant and lively place once again. The renovations at Gilgal have not only improved the physical space but have also had a positive impact on the overall campus culture. Students now have a place where they can come together, collaborate on projects, and share ideas. Also they made Gilgal more functional for students to use. After the start of the spring semester, people are constantly here in Gilgal. Gilgal is always full of joy and happiness, this can be said judging by the ringing laughter of the students. Further more events are often held in Gilgal. For example, the recent environmental event held at Gilgal was a huge success, with students actively engaging with the topic and discussing ways to make a positive impact on the environment. The event not only raised awareness about important issues but also brought the student community together in a spirit of collaboration and activism. Since it is a very public place, thanks to the renovation, people stay here longer. The first-year student shared, “The new chairs here are very comfortable, I sit in the same place every day and I like doing my homework here.” Also they no longer feel the need to leave campus to find entertainment or socialize, as Gilgal now offers everything they need. The third-year student also mentioned how the renovations have created a more vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, making him proud to show off his university to friends and family. He expressed gratitude to the administration for investing in the campus and prioritizing the student experience. With these positive changes, he is excited to continue making lasting memories in Gilgal throughout the rest of his time at the university. These sentiments are echoed by many students who have found a renewed love for Gilgal after the renovations.
So in the end our most popular place in the MIU became much better. Gilgal is once again buzzing with life and energy, thanks to the recent changes that have transformed it into a welcoming and dynamic space for students. It has regained its status as the heart of the university, where friendships are born, memories are made, and lasting connections are formed. As students continue to gather in the Gilgal, it remains a symbol of community and togetherness at Mongolia International University.