Advice for Studying Abroad in Russia

Our tips will help you organize your living in Russia in the studies period.

When going to study abroad, foreign students do not integrate at once into special cultural and social life features and, therefore, difficulties may arise at the early stages both in communication and in law compliance. What can you do to make life easier?

Russian Language

In Russia you can study both in Russian and in English. In the first case, you can improve your language knowledge at the Preparatory Department, which exists almost in every Russian university. If you are going to study in an English-language programme, it is still better to learn at least a few Russian phrases. By the way, some universities offer special short programmes of "everyday Russian" for better students’ adaptation.

In addition, there are language courses for future students, enabling them to get prepared not only for study in Russian but for communication with others as well. Communication with residents will equally be of use, since your neighbors, acquaintances or fellow students may help you at least with consolidation of your language practice if not with studying language, to give helpful advice and to expand your vocabulary.

Everyday Life

International students in Russia may live in students’ residence or in rented housing depending on their financial resources. The fee for living in a student’s residence is RUB 150-5000 ($ 2,5-80) per month. The conditions for foreigners are decent, one room is for 2-3 students, postgraduate students often live alone. The apartment renting fee, for example, in Moscow, is RUB 30,000 ($500) per month at least. One can rent an apartment, but the student’s residence is a good option: reasonably priced, everything necessary provided – there are kitchens, laundry, Internet, often there is a gym that can be used for free or for a nominal fee. It’s quite important that the university buildings are nearby.

Many foreign students prefer to rent housing on their own or to build a team with their fellow countrymen when studying in Russia, since it allows them to integrate easier into a new society retaining at the same time some of their customary exercise in everyday matters. Many universities give separate rooms to the students from different countries to make their life easier. This rule does not apply to all universities, some of them specifically mix students from different countries in one room.

Finance

Non-cash payments are common in Russia, and in any supermarket, you may pay for your purchase with a bank card. However, cash is required often too, for example, to pay for a travel or to buy something in a small shop. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash; or you should examine the surrounding area carefully so that to find ATMs close to your home or place of studies. Most banks allow menu selection in English. More information about expenses in Russia you can find here.