about Russia

Usually an international student has an opportunity to have a home in Russia, either to be a student home, a rented apartment or a family home. It is very important that you find the best opportunity for you within your budget. Consider both the pros and cons before committing yourself to something. Your choice of where you live affects your academic success in one way or another.

University Student House

This is more likely opportunity. International students who live outside the city receive places in the students’ home. Homes are usually on campus or near the university. Most often, two students share four students in a room. In a small room in the students’ house, you will find a place to remember. The student hostels are usually equipped with shared kitchens, sports clubs, creative rooms and a buffet with food, drinks and laundry rooms. There are also locker rooms and bicycle parking spaces available. On site there is a permanent guard service.

Accommodation expenses shall be determined by the University. It can range from 150 to 5000 rubles a month, according to the university and the city, making it less expensive than renting an apartment. Payment can be made monthly or in the semester. Sometimes you can pay for the full school year. In this case some universities may offer you a discount..

Students who live in a student home must follow certain laws. It is axioms not to destroy furniture, keep the room tidy, do not make noise (loud music, TV, etc.), and notify the supervisor of residence if a colleague is absent for a long time. You must abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol in your residence in Russia. You will be notified of these laws as soon as you arrive.

You are entitled to a place in the Student House if you:

Full-time student enrolled in major educational programs (throughout the degree period)
Part-time student enrolled in major educational programs (for a temporary or end-of-year examinations).
Ask the university representative if you are eligible for a place in the student house when you apply to fill in the application form or search the university’s website.

Make sure to clarify all necessary information from the start:

Student House
I have rooms and services available
Cost and payment methods
If everything is suitable for you you can complete submitting your accommodation form. Remember that you can get a place in the student house only through the university representative and under the terms of the accommodation agreement. Companies and agents who claim to be able to find a place for you in the students’ home are a snob.

Rent an apartment

If your university does not have a student home or you do not consider it an option available to you for any reason you can also look for a rented apartment or room. Usually this is higher in price but you will be able to find a location and level of comfort suitable for you. If you plan to rent an apartment with your classmates or live with a host family you will be able to choose your neighbors.

Moscow and St. Petersburg know they have the highest apartments in the price. The smaller the country, the greater the price of the rent. For example, in Moscow in 2015, according to location and services available, a one-room apartment will cost you about 30-35 thousand rubles per month, and the room will cost you about 15-20 thousand rubles a month. In Novosibirsk the same choice will be the lowest in price by 50%.

Some universities help their students find housing and this includes finding host families. So first ask the university representatives whether they are providing similar services. This ensures quick and secure search for your accommodation choices. While looking for a suitable apartment you can stay in a student house

Weather in Russia

The most important thing about Russian weather is this: it really depends on the region. Most of Russia lies in a moderate climate zone and is quite a comfortable place to live in.

According to the Russian Weather Service¹, the climate in Russia is becoming warmer, so the famous Russian frosts are now a rarity.

Unlike many Western countries, central heating is on in all houses and public buildings during the winter season. Heaters also work in public transport during the winter months. When you are in your dormitory room, in a classroom, on the bus, in a cafe, museum or any other public place, you won’t be likely to get cold. However, we suggest taking your winter and autumn clothing seriously. Resisting the Russian frost is not about fearing the cold, rather about dressing warmly. In autumn you can do with a light coat or a raincoat, but in winter you will need a warm coat and boots, a cap and definitely gloves.

According to the statistics², the biggest international student populations are in the Central (43.6%), North-Western (17%), Siberian (14.4%), Volga (10.5%) and Southern (8.4%) Federal Districts.

Weather in Russia by Federal District
Federal District	Administrative Capital		Constituent entities of the Russian Federation				January Climatological Norm
Central Federal District	Moscow		-9,4°C				+18,2°C
Moscow, Moscow Region, Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Kaluga, Kostroma, Kursk, Lipetsk, Orel, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tambov, Tver, Tula, Yaroslavl.
North-Eastern Federal District	St. Petersburg		-12,4°C				+14,3°C
St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod, Pskov, Karelia, Komi, Nenets Autonomous District.
Southern Federal District	Rostov-on-Don		-4,2°C				+22,3°C
Rostov, Volgograd, and Astrakhan regions, Adygea, Kalmykia, and Krasnodar Krai.
North Caucasian Federal District	Pyatigorsk		-4,1°C				+21,6°C
Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkariya, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia-Alania, Stavropol Krai, Chechen Republic.
Volga Federal District	Nizhny Novgorod		-13,4°C				+19,2°C
Nizhny Novgorod, Kirov, Samara, Saratov, Orenburg, Penza, Ulyanovsk, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Mariy El, Mordovia, Perm, Udmurtia, Chuvashia.
Ural Federal District	Yekaterinburg		-19°C				+17,3°С
Sverdlovsk Region, Chelyabinsk, Kurgan, and Tyumen regions, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District.
Siberian Federal District	Novosibirsk		-22,6 °C				+15,5°C
Novosibirsk, Omsk, Tomsk, Irkutsk, and Kemerovo regions, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Tyva, Khakassia, Republic of Altai, Altai Krai, Buryatia, Chita, Zabaykalsky Krai.
Far-Eastern Federal District	Khabarovsk		-23 °C				+14°С
Khabarovsk Krai, Primorsky Krai, Amur, Magadan, and Sakhalin regions, Jewish Autonomous Region, Chukotka Autonomous Region, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, Kamtchatka Krai.
Crimea Federal District	Simferopol		+1°C				+35°С
Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol
Weather in Russia by City
City/Average monthly temperature		January		March	July	September
Moscow		-6,5°C		-1°C	+19,2°C	+11,3°C
St. Petersburg		-5,5°C		-1,3°C	+18,8°C	+11,6°C
Nizhny Novgorod		-8,9°C		-2,6°C	+19,4°C	+11,1°C
Kazan		-10,4°C		-3,9°C	+20,2°C	+11,7°C
Rostov-on-Don		-3°C		+2,4°C	+23,4°C	+16,7°C
Perm		-12,8°C		-4,2°C	+18,6°C	+9,6°C
Yekaterinburg		-12,6°C		-3,8°C	+19°C	+9,8°C
Pyatigorsk		-3,8°C		+1°C	+21,1°C	+15,1°C
Novosibirsk		-16,5°C		-7,6°C	+19,4°C	+10,2°C
Tomsk		-17,1°C		-7°C	+18,7°C	+9°C
Khabarovsk		-19,8°C		-6,4°C	+21,3°C	+13,7°C
Vladivostok		-11,7°C		-0,9°C	+18°C	+16,5°C
Simferopol		+1,8°C		+4,9°C	+22,3°C	+17,9°C

Transport in Russia

Russia is a vast country with enormous distances, but even if it is your first visit to Russia, it is not difficult to get to a destination on your own. The main thing is to plan your route, like during a journey to any unfamiliar places.

Usually staff will send detailed instructions on how to get to the university. It is easy to find your way around in Russian cities with mobile maps that work without Internet access (OsmAnd, Mobile Yandex maps, 2 GIS and others). Don’t forget to download them before your journey.

From the Airport to the City

You can get from the airport to the city using various forms of transport. Most often these are regular buses, fixed-route or private taxis, and suburban trains. Express trains operate in some major cities from airport terminals.

The advantages of buses and fixed-route taxis are that they are inexpensive and frequent (every 10-15 min). They can be found at bus stops at the airport. Buy tickets in special kiosks or on the bus.
You can get from Moscow airports to the city for 30-40 roubles and by fixed-route taxi for 70-120 roubles. Prices are even lower in other Russian cities. For example, the Plus Metro rate (1 journey by train + 1 journey by metro), Airport-to-Airport (2 journeys by aeroexpress + 1 journey by public road transport) and other Aeroexpress tariffs are available from Moscow airports.
High-speed trains take passengers to the city centre. They are fast, comfortable, frequent (every 30 min.), they have more luggage space, and different tariffs are available online.

For example, the Plus Metro rate (1 journey by train + 1 journey by metro), Airport-to-Airport (2 journeys by aeroexpress + 1 journey by public road transport) and other Aeroexpress tariffs are available from Moscow airports.

It’s relatively easy to find ticket offices for express trains by following special signs at the airport. You can also buy tickets at the airport, but it is cheaper to purchase online.

1 journey on the Moscow express costs about 500 roubles. Tickets are cheaper in other cities. For instance, a high-speed train from Koltsovo Airport will take you to Yekaterinburg for 20-50 roubles.

High-speed trains also operate from the airports of Vladivostok and Sochi.

A journey from the airport to the city by standard train will take longer and be less comfortable than by high-speed transport but it will be several times cheaper. Tickets are sold at ticket offices.
The most expensive option is to get a taxi from the airport to the city: in Moscow and St. Petersburg the journey will cost at least 1,000 to 1,500 roubles, but in Yekaterinburg, only 650 roubles. At railway stations and airports it is better to order a taxi at the information desk or online in advance. To avoid trouble, avoid using unlicensed taxis.
Many Russian universities offer students a transfer service for an additional fee. Learn about the cost and how to book from your university representatives.

City Transport In Russian cities and towns you can get around by metro, bus, tram, trolleybus, and private fixed-route taxi.

There are underground systems in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Volgograd.

The larger the city, the higher the fare. In Moscow one journey will cost you 50 roubles^*, in St. Petersburg 31 roubles^*, in Yekaterinburg just 22 roubles.^* A journey by public road transport (bus, trolleybus, tram) will cost you 40 roubles^* in Moscow, 28 roubles^* in St. Petersburg, 18 roubles^* in Kazan, and 15 roubles^* in Tomsk.

Students on full-time courses at Russian universities can purchase tickets on public transport at discounted prices. Passengers pay cash in fixed-route taxis and no discounts are offered.

Discounts for students: monthly travel with a student social card costs 7 times less than a regular ticket. As soon as you get a student card, arrange a student travel or social card (depending on the city). Learn more in the “Benefits for Students in Russia” section.

Before you receive your travel card, you can still save on regular travel cards using various tariffs. It is not worth buying tickets for 1 or 2 journeys. A travel card for several journeys (5 or more) will work out cheaper: the more journeys you purchase, the cheaper they become. In Moscow, you can also buy a travel card at the “90-minute” rate, which allows you to make as many journeys as you like within an hour and a half, using both the underground and/or public road transport. Similar tariffs apply in other Russian cities as well.

Tickets on public road transport can be bought from the driver, but they will be much more expensive than from ticket offices or special

kiosks.

Traveling around Russia

Intercity travel is possible by coach, train, boat and plane. Discounts are also available for local trains (within one federal district): a 50% discount is available between September 1 and June 15. To apply this discount when purchasing a ticket or travel card, present your student card (student social card, depending on the region).

Safety Tips

Russia is not more dangerous than any other developed country. Nevertheless, don’t forget about basic safety even in the quietest of places.

Public Places and Transport

Most visits to Russia are trouble-free, but petty crime does happen in any big city. Be alert to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft. Pickpockets are most likely to be active in public transport during rush hour and in crowded places. Simply follow these few simple tips and the chances of getting robbed will be next to none:

Stay alert while in public transport or in the crowd, do not get too absorbed in your gadgets.
Do not leave your personal items unattended
Do not go around the city with your bag or backpack wide open. When in a public place, hold your bag in front of you.
Do not display valuable items, such as – smartphones, tablets, expensive watches or jewellery in public.
Try not to have large sums in cash on you.
Do not keep your bank card PINs in one place.

Cyber and Online Security

Take the same safety measures you would when shopping or communicating online as you do at home. Do not tell anybody your bank card PIN or any other confidential info.

Fraudsters and Scammers

No one is immune to fraud or scam. Hence:

Do not ask people you do not know to look after your belongings and do not agree to dubious offers or services.
Do not hang around with suspicious-looking individuals or people you do not know.
Stick to official and reliable banks or companies when dealing with bank or phone cards as well as exchanging currency or making money transfers.
Do not purchase SIM cards from stalls in the street: the potential scam risk is too high. It is better to go to the nearest phone shop or general store.
If you need to withdraw cash, particularly a large sum, it is better to do it in a bank outlet or at an ATM, located in a secure, dedicated place. Do not change money with people in the street; the risk of getting phoney money is quite high.

Leisure Time

Clubs and parties are fantastic, but do not forget about basic safety.

If you are going to a concert it is better to bring some friends along.
At an entertainment venue, try to stick together and keep an eye on each other’s belongings. When the party is in full swing it is quite easy to be left without your bag, money or documents.
It is safer to get home by public transport or by taxi. If you decide to walk, stick to well-lit streets.
Try not to draw unwanted attention to yourself. If you spot some rowdy people up ahead, cross the street and proceed on the opposite side. Do not pay attention to their calls.

Taxi

It is not a good idea to flag down a taxi, as: there is a good chance of getting a taxi driver who does not have a licence. Such people may include actual criminals – you risk not just losing your money, but also not getting where you wanted to get. Hire a taxi from an established company. It is safe and the fare is fixed. In a big city you can quickly find a taxi using a mobile app, such as Uber or GetTaxi.

Road Safety

Cross the road only at designated pedestrian crossings. Prior to crossing the road first look left then right and then, if there are no cars approaching, cross the road.

Identity Check

When off university campus, it is recommended to carry your passport, student ID and migration card with you. Do not be surprised if a police officer asks to see your ID. It is one of many counter-terrorism security measures taken not against you, but for your own safety. The threat of terrorism, one of the most serious global concerns, is taken very seriously in Russia. Russia is quite successful in counter-terrorism and takes special care about the security of Russian citizens and foreign nationals. Do not panic during security and ID checks. It is a standard crime prevention practice.

Emergency numbers (free)

Keep the emergency call numbers at hand and call even in the slightest danger.

General Rescue Service 112 (landline and mobile phone).

Fire-Fighting Service 01 (landline), 010 (mobile).

Police 02 (landline), 020 (mobile)

Ambulance 03 (landline), 030 (mobile).

Gas Service 04 (landline), 040 (mobile).

Prices in Russia

A student in Russia needs USD 300 to 400 per month on average or USD 3,000 to 4,000 per academic year (September to June).

It’s better to start with a further USD 300 to 400 for extra expenses like medical insurance, living arrangements in an apartment or dormitory (buying dishes, bed linen, detergents etc.), and to purchase books.

The rouble’s decline against the world currencies merely plays into the hands of foreigners since their expenses are reduced when converted into dollars: it would be cheaper to pay for education and living in the country.

When you select a city for education, please keep in mind that the highest prices are in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, while expenses in other regions will be lower.

Basic Expenses

Education

The tuition fee at Russian universities varies from RUB 65,000 to 350,000 per year depending on the region, university, and discipline.

The students who are admitted to state-funded places on a competitive basis or who are awarded a government scholarship (quotas) study free-of-charge. Those students receive an allowance (the average monthly allowance in 2015 was RUB 1,300).

Lodging

The price of rented student accommodation in Russia varies from 150 to 35,000 roubles per month depending on the region, type and location of the lodging (dormitory, rented room, or apartment).

For more details see the “Accommodation” section.

Medical Insurance

A voluntary medical insurance policy (VMI) for students at Moscow universities costs from 6,000 to 9,000 roubles a year. The insurance shall cover the entire education period, though universities request that policies are paid by the year or the semester.

See more details in the “Healthcare” section.

Meal Expenses

According to official information, the minimum shopping basket (including bread, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, milk, and sugar) in Russia costs from 3,200 to 5,000 roubles a month depending on the region. Russians estimate their monthly meal expenses to fall between 8 and 20 thousand roubles (USD 120 to 300). Much depends on the region where people live and what and where they buy (corner shop, supermarket, market).

An average lunch check in Moscow cafes and restaurants ranges from 700 to 2,000 roubles, while a set lunch costs between 150 and 400 roubles. Fast-food prices are even lower.

Transport

A single journey on the Moscow subway costs 50 roubles, while a 20-journey travel card costs 580 roubles.

Using a student discount one can get a monthly Moscow underground card for 350 roubles (the cost is even lower in other cities).

See more details in the “Transport” section.

Cellular Communication, Internet

SIM-cards for mobile phones and tablets are sold in phone stores (do not buy them from street sellers). You need a national passport (indicating registration at your place of residence) and a migration card to buy a SIM-card. Ask in store for advice on the best rates (cost of calls, sms-text, data, etc.). The cost of a standard package of services ranges from 150 to 200 roubles. When you buy a SIM-card, the cost of the card is credited to the phone number account and then you top up the balance depending on the tariff plan.

Dormitories offer payable or free Internet access. When you rent an apartment, you are usually asked to pay for Internet separately, about 300 to 500 roubles a month, depending on the region, provider and rate.

Clothing

There are plenty of chain stores of popular brands, both international and Russian. The clothing prices are generally higher than in Europe but high-quality and cheap clothing can always be found during the sales. For example, you can find a T-shirt for 300 roubles or jeans for 1,300 roubles.

Cultural Pursuits

Moscow theatre tickets cost from 500 to 2,500 roubles and cinema tickets, 150 to 500 roubles. A museum costs 100 to 1,000 roubles.

Many cultural centres offer discounts for students, and some museums can be visited free with a valid student card.

Sport

The average cost of a monthly pass to fitness centres varies from 1,900 to 4,500 roubles in Moscow and from 1,700 to 3,400 roubles in other regions. When you buy an annual pass, the average monthly cost will be lower.

A monthly swimming pool pass costs 300 to 500 roubles in Moscow and less elsewhere.

Many universities have their own gyms, swimming pools, and sports centres where services are cheaper than in the city or even free for university students.

Entertainment

Entry to clubs in Russia is generally free of charge, and visitors buy drinks and snacks. The average price of a cocktail in Moscow clubs is 340 roubles and 300 roubles in other cities. Young people in Moscow spend 1,000 to 5,000 roubles per weekend.