Living in Russia

Have you decided to take up a course in a Russian University? Are you ready to fly with dreams in your eyes and aspirations in your heart? Looking for a quick guide that will help you make your stay comfortable in Russia? Then this is the right place! Read on to find out more.

Learn Russian

During your stay in Russia, if you speak only English, you can have difficulties in the campus. When dealing with German authorities, it is better to have some knowledge of Russian. You can also enroll for an online language program. Without Russian knowledge, you can face difficulties in dealing with shopkeepers or hairdressers for example.

Moreover, the language of teaching in Russian universities is mainly Russian. Some courses can be taught in English (General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Computer Science) or French (General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy).

The tuition for the courses taught in English or French is 25-50% higher than for those taught in Russian. Choosing a course that is taught in English or French, applicants have to pass a language test.

Studying under this programme, students learn the Russian language starting from their first year for adequate communication and for making use of the huge collections of literature on their subject in library stocks that contain millions of books.

Good Places In Russia

Finding a good place of accommodation for students in a foreign land is a very important factor. Once you have been guaranteed admission in a university of your choice, you should immediately start looking for an accommodation. Contact the student registration office (Studierendensekretariat) of your university and ask for references and advice. They would be the best people to guide you.

Money Matters

It is always advisable to carry extra cash when you land in Russia. No matter how much planning you do, you might end up spending more than what you thought. Traveler’s cheques are a good option, but carry some cash as well which you might need immediately after your arrival.

It is good to open a bank account upon arrival. There are several banks which help students open accounts with minimum paper work. You also need to check if your bank in the home country has an arrangement with the local bank in Russia so that money could be transferred to your account.

Interact With the Locals

It is very important that you make new friends especially local students. This will help you learn about Russian culture and people. This will make your stay in the university comfortable.

Health Insurance in Russia

The life and health insurance is obligatory for any foreign citizen arriving in the Russian Federation to study. The sum of life and health insurance amounts to 100 – 110 EURO and depends on the chosen programme of insurance. The telephone numbers of the insurance company office and the Accident Medical Service are indicated in the policy of insurance that the students must always carry with them. All universities have medical posts for first aid and medical advice.

Make Friends in Russia

Do not stay as a recluse. Make friends and attend social gatherings and university events and festivals. Make friends with people from other countries who have joined with you and are in the same boat as you are.

Beat the Culture Shock

Culture shock is almost obvious among most students especially among Indians. You need to beat the culture shock as fast as you can so that your stay can be comfortable. There are some good ways by which you can beat the culture shock:

• Talk to people who understand your language and try to learn more about your Germany and the city you live
• Read up literature, search the internet and equip yourself with the culture of the country
• Talk to your family and friends back home, if you are feeling homesick

Things to Carry in Russia

• Passport
• Student visa
• Migration card
• the original Certificate of High Secondary School Education
• two legalized copies of the Certificate of High Secondary School Education
• Health certificate
• AIDS/HIV Certificate