Studying in Russia: Student Experience 2026
Accommodation, food, transportation, social life — everything about being a student in Russia is here.
💬 Get InformationWhat Is It Like to Be a Student in Russia?
Student life in Russia, with a monthly living cost of 200-350 USD (7,600-13,300 TRY), is 50-70% more affordable than the large cities of Turkey. Accommodation options include dormitories (50-200 USD/month), student apartments (100-300 USD/month), and staying with a family. Food expenses average 100-200 USD/month, and transportation is at the level of 15-30 USD/month with the student tariff. University in Russia (founder: Mustafa Şahin) provides living support to Turkish students in 7 different cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Tomsk, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk). The Turkish student community is active — in every city there are Turkish associations, mosques, and Turkish restaurants. Health insurance is mandatory and costs 100-200 USD per year. The dormitories of all YÖK (Turkish Council of Higher Education)-recognized universities are safe, modern, and have internet access.
Accommodation
University Dormitories
University dormitories 50-200 USD/month. Shared rooms, common bathroom, library, gym.
- ✅ Safe and locked 24/7
- ✅ Free WiFi
- ✅ Student card advantages
Rental Apartment
Shared apartments 150-400 USD/month. Rooms for 1-3 people, fully equipped kitchen.
- ✅ Private living space
- ✅ More freedom
- ✅ Affordable price options
Food Culture
University Cafeterias
2-5 USD per meal at cafeterias. Diverse menu, quality food.
- ✅ Diverse menus
- ✅ Doner kebab, rice pilaf, pasta
- ✅ Healthy options
Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping 100-200 USD per month. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat.
- ✅ Daily fresh products
- ✅ More affordable prices
- ✅ Cooking at home
Turkish Cuisine
Turkish and halal restaurants are available in large cities. 50+ Turkish restaurants in Moscow. You can also cook it yourself!
Transportation
Metro
Metro and bus 20-50 USD per month. 15+ metro lines, 300+ stations in Moscow.
- ✅ Fast and safe
- ✅ Open 24 hours
- ✅ Student card advantage
Bus & Tram
Bus and tram for city transportation. A cheaper alternative.
- ✅ More affordable price
- ✅ City trips
- ✅ Night transportation
Student Discounts
Student tariff is available on all transportation systems. Special fees for the metro card. Free WiFi at universities, student tickets on buses.
Social Life
Theater & Museums
200+ museums, 50+ theaters in Moscow. Student card advantage at most of them.
- ✅ Free museums
- ✅ Discounted theater
- ✅ Concerts
Sports & Clubs
University gyms, swimming pool, football, basketball, tennis.
- ✅ Free sports
- ✅ Team clubs
- ✅ Competitions
Cultural Events
Conferences, exhibitions, and festivals organized at universities. Turkish culture club activities for Turkish students.
Safety & Health
Safety
Student cities are very safe. Dormitories are secured 24/7, streets are safe at night.
- ✅ 24/7 security
- ✅ Cameras
- ✅ Police presence
Health
University hospitals are free. Private hospitals are affordable. Turkish doctors are available.
- ✅ Free healthcare service
- ✅ Turkish doctors
- ✅ Prescription support
Winter Tips
Winters are cold (down to -20°C). However, buildings and dormitories are well heated. Thick clothing, boots, and a hat are recommended. Metro and buses are warm indoors.
City-Based Living
Moscow
The capital, living cost 500-800 USD/month
St. Petersburg
Cultural capital, living cost 400-600 USD/month
Kazan
Affordable, living cost 300-400 USD/month
Yekaterinburg
The Urals, living cost 300-500 USD/month
Tomsk
Affordable, living cost 300-400 USD/month
Monthly Expense Summary
Moscow: 500-800 USD/month
St. Petersburg: 400-600 USD/month
Other Cities: 300-500 USD/month
Dormitory: 50-200 USD/month
Food: 100-200 USD/month
Transportation: 20-50 USD/month
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