Russia for Students – The Ultimate Student Travel Guide to Russia
Looking for a place to spend a month, summer, or semester abroad? Consider Russia. Russia is not all about oligarchs, aristocrats, and expensive clubs. There is a huge student population in Russia, especially in the main cities, making it a very welcoming place for students and young travelers. What’s more, most of these students speak much better English than anyone else in the country – and they are eager to practice it with native speakers.
There is an endless amount of things to see and do in Russia for students, and here is everything you need to know before your trip:
First of all, find out whether you really want to go to Russia and why. Check out these 10 myths about Russia, and of course the top 10 Russian stereotypes which are actually true. Most importantly, read these 10 best reasons to go to Russia, and see if you can find something that interests you there. Just be aware of the problems and annoyances that you may encounter when you go.
Don't forget to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. Find out which kind of visa you need (I suggest always getting the Tourist visa) and get all your documents together as soon as possible after you've decided you want to go to Russia.
You may want to learn some basic Russian words and phrases to help you get around when you're there; even the most English-friendly places still have plenty of locals who don't understand a word of it. If you're ambitious, you might even learn a bit about the Russian alphabet to prepare yourself for street signs and menus.
Finally, check this packing essentials list for Russia travel to make sure you take with you everything that you need. Although you will be able to buy many necessary things on the spot, there are a few items which you should take with you from home.
Some Russian cities are full of students, allowing you to meet many new people and find lots of things to do; others, especially ones without universities, are filled with middle-aged and older people and you may not find much in common with the people there. Check out this list of the best cities for students to visit – complete with must-see sights and tips for going out – before you book your tickets. Remember that you can always travel between Russian cities by train (which is much more affordable than buying airplane tickets).
If you can’t afford expensive central hotels and top-notch restaurants, you can still stay in Russia without breaking the bank. First of all, be sure to consider alternative accommodation during your stay. When you get there, check out my guide to budget travel in Russia where I give my top tips for saving money during your travels. Make sure you know how to avoid tourist traps when traveling in Russia – you may not have heard some of these before. Finally, check out these amazing free things you can do in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
You can go out in Russia without spending hundreds of dollars on club cover charges, despite what you may have heard. Here are some great bars and clubs which don’t overcharge their patrons. Make sure to keep an eye out for posters and flyers advertising Russian band shows; these usually happen in small bars, which means a low entrance fee, affordable drinks, and a cozy and intimate atmosphere in which to see the band! Also, if you do end up choosing a hotel alternative, ask your hosts, the hostel workers, or anyone you meet along the way to take you out with them or give you some suggestions. Locals will always point you to places which will be affordable and enjoyable.
There is an endless amount of things to see and do in Russia for students, and here is everything you need to know before your trip:
Why Go to Russia?
First of all, find out whether you really want to go to Russia and why. Check out these 10 myths about Russia, and of course the top 10 Russian stereotypes which are actually true. Most importantly, read these 10 best reasons to go to Russia, and see if you can find something that interests you there. Just be aware of the problems and annoyances that you may encounter when you go.
Before You Go
Don't forget to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. Find out which kind of visa you need (I suggest always getting the Tourist visa) and get all your documents together as soon as possible after you've decided you want to go to Russia.
You may want to learn some basic Russian words and phrases to help you get around when you're there; even the most English-friendly places still have plenty of locals who don't understand a word of it. If you're ambitious, you might even learn a bit about the Russian alphabet to prepare yourself for street signs and menus.
Finally, check this packing essentials list for Russia travel to make sure you take with you everything that you need. Although you will be able to buy many necessary things on the spot, there are a few items which you should take with you from home.
Best Cities to Visit for Students:
Some Russian cities are full of students, allowing you to meet many new people and find lots of things to do; others, especially ones without universities, are filled with middle-aged and older people and you may not find much in common with the people there. Check out this list of the best cities for students to visit – complete with must-see sights and tips for going out – before you book your tickets. Remember that you can always travel between Russian cities by train (which is much more affordable than buying airplane tickets).
Budget Travel in Russia:
If you can’t afford expensive central hotels and top-notch restaurants, you can still stay in Russia without breaking the bank. First of all, be sure to consider alternative accommodation during your stay. When you get there, check out my guide to budget travel in Russia where I give my top tips for saving money during your travels. Make sure you know how to avoid tourist traps when traveling in Russia – you may not have heard some of these before. Finally, check out these amazing free things you can do in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Nightlife:
You can go out in Russia without spending hundreds of dollars on club cover charges, despite what you may have heard. Here are some great bars and clubs which don’t overcharge their patrons. Make sure to keep an eye out for posters and flyers advertising Russian band shows; these usually happen in small bars, which means a low entrance fee, affordable drinks, and a cozy and intimate atmosphere in which to see the band! Also, if you do end up choosing a hotel alternative, ask your hosts, the hostel workers, or anyone you meet along the way to take you out with them or give you some suggestions. Locals will always point you to places which will be affordable and enjoyable.
