MBBS in Russia: 50 Questions Every Indian Student Should Ask

Moving to Russia? Read This Before You Pack Your Bags.

Getting admission is only the first step.

Your real journey starts when you land in Russia.

Questions like:

What should I pack?
Is vegetarian food available?
Will my Indian SIM work?
How much money should I carry?
What happens at immigration?
Will I survive the winter?
Can I cook?
How do I open a bank account?

This guide answers the practical questions students ask after confirming their admission.

Before You Leave India

Before booking your flight, make sure you have completed every important task.

Documents Checklist

✔ Passport

✔ Student Visa

✔ Admission Letter

✔ Invitation Letter

✔ Flight Ticket

✔ Medical Reports

✔ Passport Photos

✔ Class 10 & 12 Documents

✔ NEET Scorecard

✔ Travel Insurance

Keep both printed and digital copies of every important document.

Money

Never travel with only one payment method.

Carry:

Cash for initial expenses
International Debit/Credit Card
Forex Card (if applicable)

Avoid carrying very large amounts of cash.

Electronics

Don't forget:

Laptop
Mobile Phone
Universal Travel Adapter
Extension Board
Power Bank
Earphones
External Hard Drive

Buying these in Russia may cost more.

Medicines

Carry medicines for the first few months.

Include:

Fever medicine
Cold medicine
Pain relief
Allergy medicine
Prescription medicines
Basic first-aid kit

Keep prescriptions with you if required.

Clothes

Students from India often underestimate Russian winters.

Pack:

Thermals
Winter Jacket
Gloves
Woollen Socks
Sweaters
Waterproof Shoes

You can also purchase heavier winter clothing after arriving in Russia.

Landing in Russia

Your first few hours can feel overwhelming.

Usually you'll:

Clear immigration
Collect luggage
Meet university representative (if arranged)
Travel to hostel
Complete hostel check-in

Keep your passport and admission documents easily accessible.

Hostel Life

Most Indian students stay in university hostels during their first year.

Hostels generally provide:

Bed
Study Table
Heating
Internet
Kitchen
Laundry
Security

Living in a hostel also makes it easier to meet other international students.

Food

One of the biggest concerns for Indian students.

The good news:

Indian students generally adapt quickly.

You'll usually find:

Rice
Bread
Eggs
Vegetables
Fruits
Milk
Pasta
Chicken

Many students cook their own meals to save money.

Indian grocery stores are available in several cities.

Drinking Water

Drink clean, filtered water.

Many students use bottled water or water filters.

Weather

Russia experiences four seasons.

The biggest adjustment is winter.

Tips:

Wear multiple layers.
Buy good-quality boots.
Keep gloves with you.
Stay indoors during severe weather.
Don't underestimate the cold.

Within a few weeks, most students adapt.

Transportation

Public transportation is affordable and widely used.

Students commonly travel by:

Bus
Metro
Tram
Taxi

Student transport cards may reduce travel costs in some cities.

Mobile SIM

After arriving, purchase a local SIM card.

This helps with:

Calls
Internet
Banking
Maps
Food delivery
Taxi apps

University seniors often help new students choose the best plan.

Internet

Most hostels provide Wi-Fi.

Students also use mobile data for backup.

Reliable internet is important for:

Online classes
Video calls
Studying
Communication with family

Banking

Many students open a local bank account after arrival.

Benefits include:

Receiving money easily
Paying locally
Shopping
Mobile banking

Ask your university's international office for guidance on the account-opening process.

Safety

Russia is generally considered safe for international students when they follow common precautions.

Good habits include:

Carry identification.
Avoid isolated areas late at night.
Follow university guidelines.
Respect local laws and customs.

Indian Community

One of the easiest ways to settle in is by connecting with fellow Indian students.

Many universities have:

Indian student groups
Cultural celebrations
Festivals
Seniors who guide new students

These communities can make the transition much easier.

Managing Your Monthly Budget

Track your spending from the first month.

Typical expenses include:

Food
Transportation
Mobile recharge
Personal shopping
Entertainment

Creating a monthly budget helps avoid unnecessary expenses.

Homesickness

Almost every international student experiences homesickness.

Ways to cope:

Stay connected with family.
Join student clubs.
Participate in university events.
Build friendships.
Explore the city.

Remember that adapting takes time.

Classroom Culture

Teaching methods may differ from India.

Students are expected to:

Attend lectures regularly.
Participate in practical sessions.
Complete assignments on time.
Respect university rules.

Consistency is key to academic success.

Cultural Etiquette

Respecting local customs helps you integrate smoothly.

Simple practices include:

Being punctual.
Speaking politely.
Following hostel rules.
Respecting public spaces.
Learning a few basic Russian phrases.

Small efforts go a long way.

Emergency Contacts

Before your first week ends, save:

University International Office
Hostel Warden
Indian Embassy
Local Emergency Services
CampusEdge Support Team
Parents' Contact Numbers

Having these readily available provides peace of mind.

Common Mistakes New Students Make

Avoid these common errors:

Packing too much luggage.
Ignoring winter clothing.
Spending excessively in the first month.
Not keeping copies of important documents.
Missing university deadlines.
Depending entirely on others for daily tasks.

Learning basic life skills before departure makes the transition much smoother.

CampusEdge Tips

Before travelling:

✅ Scan every document.

✅ Carry passport-size photographs.

✅ Download offline maps.

✅ Install translation apps.

✅ Save emergency contacts.

✅ Inform your bank about international travel.

✅ Learn basic Russian greetings.

These small preparations can save significant time and stress after arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook in the hostel?

Most university hostels provide shared kitchen facilities where students can prepare their own meals.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. Students can cook their own food, and many cities have stores that stock Indian groceries and vegetarian ingredients.

Should I buy winter clothes in India?

Carry essential winter clothing, but many students prefer purchasing heavy jackets and boots in Russia to suit the local climate.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Most university hostels provide internet access, though speeds and availability may vary.

Can my parents visit me?

Yes, subject to visa requirements and university regulations.

How much cash should I carry initially?

Carry enough for your immediate expenses while using secure banking or card options for the rest of your finances.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Russia for MBBS is about much more than getting admitted to a university.

Being prepared for daily life—weather, food, finances, accommodation, and culture—can make your transition smoother and help you focus on what matters most: becoming a doctor.

Thousands of Indian students have successfully adapted to life in Russia. With the right preparation and realistic expectations, you can too.

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