Daily life and culture in Russia for students

Climate and clothes

Russia is huge, and the climate differs from city to city. But in most university cities, winter is long and cold, with snow, ice and short days. Summers can be warm and pleasant.

• Buy winter clothes in Russia. Local shops sell coats, hats and boots made for local winters. Buy them in autumn, before the first frost.
• Choose boots with a good grip. Pavements can be icy for weeks.
• Dress in layers. Buildings and transport are well heated, so you will take your coat off often.
• Cover your hands, ears and face on very cold days.
• Go outside in daylight when you can, and keep a regular routine. Short winter days can make people feel tired or low.

Food and faith

Food

You will not go hungry. Here is where students usually eat and shop:

• University canteens. Most universities have a canteen with simple hot meals at student prices.
• Supermarkets. Found in every city, often open late.
• Markets. Good for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and spices. In big cities you can often find shops with products from other countries.
• Cooking with friends. Dormitories usually have shared kitchens. Cooking together is cheaper and a good way to make friends.

Halal food is available in big cities, in shops, cafés and some canteens. Look for the word «халяль» (halal). Cities with large Muslim communities, such as Kazan, have many options. Vegetarian food is easier to find in big cities. In a canteen, you can ask for dishes «без мяса» (without meat).

Try Russian dishes too: borscht (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (pancakes) and kasha (porridge).

Faith and places of worship

Russia has several faiths with a long history. Orthodox Christianity is the largest, and Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are also part of the country’s history. Big cities have Orthodox churches, mosques, synagogues, and Catholic and Protestant churches.

Ask other students or your international office where services are held in a language you understand. When you visit an Orthodox church, men usually remove their hats and women often cover their hair.

Making friends and practising Russian

Many Russians seem reserved with strangers but are warm once they know you. The first step is often yours.

• Language exchanges. You teach your language, and a Russian student helps you with Russian.
• Student clubs. Sport, music, dance, volunteering, debate: ask your university what exists.
• University events. Festivals, trips and cultural evenings are a good start.
• Buddy programs. Some universities match newcomers with local students. Ask your international office.
• Our speaking club. Our weekly online speaking club brings together native speakers and volunteers. It is free for RusBridge students.

Use your Russian every day, in shops, at the canteen and on transport. Mistakes are normal. Our Russian courses go from A0 to B1, with special courses for medical and engineering students.

Health and staying in touch

Health

• Insurance. Universities require a voluntary medical insurance policy for your whole stay, and your visa is only extended if the policy is valid. As a student on a temporary stay, you are not covered by the state’s compulsory insurance. Keep your policy with you.
• Clinics. Your policy usually lists the clinics you can use and a phone number to call. Call that number before you go.
• Emergencies. Emergency care is free. Call 112 from any phone.
• Pharmacies. They are easy to find in cities. Some medicines need a prescription.
• The yearly medical examination for your migration status is a separate duty. See our Legal pathways guide.

If you feel low or homesick, talk to someone: a friend, your international office or us. You do not have to manage alone.

Staying in touch with home

• Russian SIM card. Since 1 January 2025, foreigners can only get a SIM card in person at an operator’s office, with a verified Gosuslugi account, a SNILS number and biometric data. Ask your international office to help, and check the current rules on Gosuslugi before you go.
• Apps and calls. Some foreign apps or calling features can be restricted in Russia, and this changes. Ask other students what works now, and set up two or three ways to reach your family before you leave home.
• Money. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. Bring cash in US dollars or euros, and open a Russian bank account with a Mir card after you arrive. Ask other students how they receive money from home.

When things are difficult

Most people you meet will be helpful and friendly. But some international students do meet rude or hostile behaviour, such as comments in the street or on public transport, or unfriendly service. It is not your fault, and you do not have to face it alone.

• Stay calm and walk away. Do not answer provocation. Move to a busy, well-lit place.
• Travel with friends late at night, and use a taxi app rather than a car from the street.
• Keep your documents with you. Carry your passport and proof of registration, and keep photos of them on your phone. The police may ask to see them.
• Save important numbers: 112, your international office, a friend and your country’s embassy in Russia.
• Talk about it. After an incident, tell your international office and write down what happened, when and where. Talk to your friends, and to us.

Your next step

Read our guides to Culture and events and Housing next. If you have a question about life in a specific city, write to us through the Start Your Journey form or on our contact page. We reply in your language.