Winters are extremely cold and damp; temperatures can fall as low as -30 deg C. Interiors are usually well heated, so it is preferable to dress in layers. Winter clothing is cheaper and is easily available in Russia, you should plan to buy most of your winter clothes there.
Summers are warm and humid, and temperatures can rise to the mid-30 deg C. So, pack some light clothing for warm weather especially those that you can throw on a sweater over if the weather gets colder.
It is not all hard work when studying in Russia. Learning is not just confined to the classroom. There is a wide range of cultural activities to check out. Universities can arrange trips which provide an insight into the culture, history and geography of Russia. There are also museums and galleries to explore.
Students enjoy a wide selection of extracurricular activities that may include drama productions, horse riding, pilot lessons and sports. There are also concerts, parties, and camping trips that are organised by the student unions.
With most universities located in communities, many social and recreational activities and facilities are available to students; these include opera houses, ballets, and plays.
There are also numerous yearly traditional and cultural events to look forward to.
Students can dine at low-priced cafeterias which are located in the University or institution. Alternatively, there are cafes, restaurants and fast-foods chains (McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc) in the cities where you can dine.
Student housing usually provides shared kitchen facilities for those who prefer to cook their meals. There are many supermarkets and stores where you can purchase your food if you choose to cook. Shared cooking among the international students is also a popular activity.
This is my first extended stay in another country. What can I expect?
Life in Russia is very different from home. Things that are taken for granted as routine at home may be very time consuming and frustrating in Russia. Also, life in student housing can be very challenging. Besides taking care of yourself, you will have to adapt and live with students from all over the world whose cultures are very different from yours. It is very important that you learn to adapt and handle each situation with maturity and poise.
The university you choose to go to will provide comfortable basic student accommodation with common kitchen facilities. The cost is included in the yearly tuition fee that is paid to the University. Student housing will provide you an exciting opportunity to learn more about Russian culture and students cultures from other countries.
For those who prefer to live out of university, private apartments are available, but students will have to rent them on their own.
The applicable hostel fees will be refunded. However this refund is limited on a yearly basis and no transfer will be made until expiry of the yearly contract.
Are credit cards readily accepted? Should I carry some cash?
Although credit cards are readily accepted in Moscow, it is best to limit their use. In the smaller cities, however, very few businesses accept them. It is best to bring cash in denominations of USD $20-50.
With frequent changes in exchange, it is best not to cash more than your need. Also, please ensure that you have clean, crisp dollar bills not older than 2002, because each one is checked. Torn, disfigured or crumpled notes may not be accepted for exchange in Russia.
What is the best way for my parents to send me money for my living expenses?
Students can withdraw money through ATM machines in Russia if they have a savings account in Malaysia which has a Global ATM card that is on the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or PLUS network. Money deposited in the saving account in Malaysia will be available for withdrawal in Russia the next working day. Depending on the ATM machine, US dollars or Russian roubles can be withdrawn.
There will be a transaction fee associated with each withdrawal; you are advised to check this with your bank.
What about daily living expenses? How much would I need each month?
Living in Russia is quite affordable although the cost of living differ from city to city; the most expensive being in Moscow. For living expenses, students are recommended to set aside about US$ 200-300 per month for personal needs in Moscow. Other cities may require less expenditure; for example in Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod US$ 200-250 will be sufficient.
As Russian institutions have a statutory obligation to provide students with hostel rooms the accommodation costs are included in the tuition fees. Rooms are shared with one or two other students.
Any changes in terms of hostel improvements or transfer to bigger rooms can sometimes be marginally imposed by the University and students will need to comply accordingly.
Will fees increase after I am enrolled at the University?
Tuition fees may be reviewed and increased from year to year. But for students who are already enrolled, the increase in tuition fees will not affect them.
The university or institution will stipulate the yearly tuition fees at the time of the student’s enrolment. These fees are then fixed for the duration of the whole course.
Hostel fees are subjected to increment as stipulated by the University.
When would I need to pay my tuition fees? How and where should I pay it?
Students who are enrolled for the preparatory course, pre-University course, and the first academic year must pay their tuition fees to us before leaving for the University in Russia.
For subsequent years, tuition fees must be paid prior to beginning of the next academic year at the University or to RRSB. Students may choose to pay, in cash, directly to the University in Russia. But, to avoid carrying large sums of money to Russia, students are advised to pay their fees through us (via bank-draft), and we will then transmit the fees to the University.
Returning students are strongly advised to pay RRSB immediately upon their return.
