Coming to Study in Russia in 2025: Foreign Student Checklist from Landing to Settlement

Congratulations! You have already become a student at a Russian university. Documents are in hand, tickets are bought - but this is only the beginning of your journey. Ahead are many organizational issues, and for some it's pleasant hassle, while for others it's stress. The main thing to understand is: if you don't solve these tasks correctly and on time, getting quality education in Russia will be much more difficult.

This checklist will help you do everything right the first time. And the Global Education team is ready to support you at any stage - from the first days to graduation.

The first 48 hours after arrival are the most important. It's right now that the foundation for comfortable studying is laid. Mistakes at this stage will "chase" you all semester.

If you're flying to a dormitory - find out in advance the check-in time and what to bring with you. Many dormitories don't provide bed linen and dishes. If you're planning to rent - never transfer money before signing a contract and inspecting the apartment.

In the first 72 hours you'll need a basic set for living: bedding, towel, plate/mug, extension cord, outlet adapter and minimal household chemicals. Don't try to buy everything at once - first assess what you really need.

Migration registration is not a formality, but an obligation. You have only 3-7 days after entry to register at your place of stay. In a dormitory, the administration usually does this, but be sure to check. When renting an apartment - it's your responsibility.

Immediately set a reminder for visa extension 45 days before the expiration date. It's better to request the list of documents for extension from the university's international department right in the first days.

Get health insurance that actually works in your city. Check if the policy is accepted at clinics near the university - this will save time and nerves. Many universities require medical examination and fluorography in the first weeks, so allocate a whole day for this.

Put together a small first aid kit: fever reducer, cold medicine, something for the stomach, band-aids and a thermometer. Russia has different drug names, and it will be difficult to explain what you need at the pharmacy without knowing the language.

Financial strategy: Don't rely only on cash or only on cards. Optimal - combination: cash for the first week + international card + plan to open a Russian account. A bank card in Russia can be issued with a passport and migration card, but the process will take several days.

Mobile communication and internet: Choose a tariff with unlimited internet - you'll need it for navigation, translator, housing search and communication with the university. If possible, get an eSIM at home or at the airport.

Russia is not just "beautiful winter from movies". Climate seriously affects daily life and budget.

Moscow and St. Petersburg: Autumn is rainy and windy, winter −5...−15°C with high humidity. You need a windproof jacket and waterproof shoes are mandatory.

Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk: Continental climate, possible frosts −15...−25°C. Thermal underwear, warm hat, gloves and scarf are mandatory.

Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don: Milder climate, but off-season is very humid. A raincoat or softshell jacket will be useful.

What's better to buy at home: quality thermal underwear and gloves. What's more profitable to buy in Russia: winter shoes and warm jackets - there's more choice here and adaptation to the local climate.

As soon as you arrive, in the first days at the university you'll face a circle of mandatory procedures: getting a student ID, making a pass, signing a contract and paying for the semester, meeting with a curator and getting a study plan.

Immediately activate corporate email, access to the distance learning system and connect to Wi-Fi. Register at the library - you'll need this in the first weeks of study.

Find out the schedule of adaptation meetings for foreign students - they give a lot of practical information about life in the city and the educational process.

✓ Housing arranged, contract/registration completed

✓ Migration registration completed on time

✓ Health insurance activated, medical examination passed

✓ Bank card/account issued

✓ Mobile communication connected

✓ University procedures completed

✓ Adaptation meetings attended

✓ Curator and support service contacts saved

Need support at any stage? Global Education accompanies foreign students in Russia from admission to graduation: we help with visas, select housing, arrange insurance, guide through migration procedures and support in adaptation. Contact us - we'll turn stress into a successful start of your studies in Russia.