I was a student at the Polytechnics University in 1982. It was before the summer holidays, some students were gathered at the secretaries? office, which was the central point of all activities. All problems were solved here, from arranging exams to exempting oneself from that agricultural practice that spoiled more than half of the summer holidays. Everybody tried to speak with the secretary in order to get an exemption. At a certain point comes in a gorgeous girl, a blonde dressed in one of the eternal red skirts. We were all baffled, she passed proudly on, heading for the secretary?s office and giving her the papers proving that she had carried out that damned practice. Everything seemed all right and the girl was about to leave when the secretary, bursting into laughter stopped her: ? Well, guys, do you know what this girl worked as a steel bender? You wouldn?t have guessed, would you? ? Well, that was the only job I could find!? said the young steel bender, disguised now as a beautiful student. Well, she went to the seaside being exempt from practice, while we- spent halt of the summer on a construction site near Ploiesti.

Student life implied students hostels for those from the province, the canteens and the students ration cards that were sold every month in order to get money.

The political discussions were part of the students? life. One had to be careful though with whom one talked and how. If one expressed an attitude or opinion against the regime, there were cases when the students were considered unable to continue their studies, being taken to mental hospitals.

A peasant sits on the porch. He is smoking, holding a conversational guide English- Romanian in his hand. A guy is passing by and he asks, who takes care of the harvest? The peasant answers coolly, in English, ? I don?t know, maybe the students? (111)

It was so cold! We had a heater with 19 units, which was constantly cold. We had to keep two electrical boiling rings plugged in. If a control came, one took the risk of being expelled. At 22 the hostel closed. Boys were not allowed in anymore. We used to stay later and played cards and came down the pipes so they shouldn?t be caught.

Television or cassette player was not allowed in the room. There was only a colored TV set in the club, but there wasn?t much to watch. (I. C. M., 167)