Housing in Russia for international students

Your first home: the university dormitory

Most international students live in a university dormitory, at least in their first year. It is usually the simplest and cheapest option. You live close to your classes and to other students, and the international office handles your registration.

Rooms are usually shared with one or more students. Kitchens, showers and laundry rooms are often shared too. Conditions differ a lot between universities, and even between buildings, so ask the university for photos or talk to students who live there now.

You pay a monthly fee. It depends on the university, the city and the type of room, so check the amount on your university’s website or with its international office. If you study on the Russian Government scholarship, a dormitory place is usually included, but you still pay a small monthly fee.

Places can be limited. Ask about a dormitory as soon as you are admitted, and confirm your arrival date with the university.

Registration in the dormitory

Every foreigner in Russia must have migration registration within 7 working days of arrival. In a dormitory, the university’s international office does it for you. Go there on the first working day after you arrive, with your passport, visa and migration card.

When your visa is extended later, your registration is extended too, up to the end of your studies.

Renting a private flat

Some students move to a private flat after their first year, often with friends. You get more space and freedom, but also more responsibility. Here is how it usually works:

1. You find a flat through friends, classmates, listing websites or an agency.
2. You visit it and meet the owner.
3. You sign a written rental contract.
4. You pay the first month and usually a deposit. If an agency helped you, it may also charge a fee. Deposits and agency fees vary a lot, so ask about every payment before you agree.
5. The landlord registers you with the migration authorities within 7 working days.

The last step matters. In a private flat, filing your registration is the landlord’s job. Since October 2023, you and the landlord can also do it online through Gosuslugi if you both have accounts.

Some landlords do not want to register tenants. Do not rent from them. Without registration you break the migration rules, and you risk problems with your visa and your studies. Tell your international office when you move, so it knows your new address.

Avoiding rental scams

Most landlords are honest, but scams exist everywhere, and newcomers are easy targets. Be careful when:

• the rent is much lower than for similar flats nearby;
• the “owner” says they are away and asks you to pay before you visit;
• someone asks for money to “reserve” the flat;
• they refuse to show documents or to sign a contract;
• they push you to decide today.

Never send money for a flat you have not seen in person, and never pay without a signed contract and a receipt.

If something feels wrong, stop. Ask your international office, a Russian-speaking friend or us before you pay.

What to check before you sign

• Ownership. Ask to see a document that shows the person owns the flat or has the right to rent it out. The name should match their passport.
• The contract. It should name you and the landlord, give the address, the rent, the deposit, how and when you pay, and how each side can end the contract.
• Registration. Ask the landlord to confirm in writing that they will register you.
• Bills. Ask what the rent includes: heating, water, electricity, internet.
• The flat itself. Check the windows, heating, hot water, locks and appliances. Take photos of any damage before you move in and send them to the landlord. This helps you get your deposit back.
• Language. If the contract is only in Russian, read it with someone you trust. Do not sign what you do not understand.

What to bring, and winter at home

Ask your dormitory what it provides. Furniture is usually there, but you may need to buy bedding, towels and kitchen items. You can buy most things after you arrive, so do not overfill your suitcase.

Do bring:

• copies of your passport, visa and other important documents;
• a plug adapter if you need one: Russia uses European-style two-pin sockets (types C and F) at 220 volts;
• any medicines you take regularly, with the prescription;
• cash in US dollars or euros. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia, so you need cash for the first weeks, until you open a Russian bank account with a Mir card.

Most buildings have central heating. The city turns it on in autumn and off in spring, and you cannot control the dates. The first cold days of autumn can feel cool indoors, so keep a warm layer ready. In winter, rooms are often very warm and the air is dry. Many people open a small window for a few minutes to let fresh air in.

Your next steps

Once your housing is sorted, read our guide to daily life and culture and the Legal pathways guide to keep your papers in order. For cities and their climate, see Cities.

We do not book rooms or flats, but we are happy to answer questions. Tell us about your plans through the Start Your Journey form, and we will reply by email in your language.