Experience in Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation by Karina

What is it like to live in Ekaterinburg? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ekaterinburg is quite big city in comparison with European ones, but unfortunately still lack of developed infrastructure. Also, there are few people speak English or other foreign languages, although in Ural Federal University we have all conditions and service for international students. What's more climat conditions and weather especially during autumn-winter: extremely low temperature (from 0 to -25/-30C), a lot of snow - for some international students it's really uncomfortable.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Ekaterinburg?

Despite all unconviniences and disadvantages student's life in Ekaterinburg is really exciting and full of events. We have students community organizing different activities all over the year, such as parties, fiests, trips, discussion clubs etc. We have a lot of entertainments, theaters, operas, museums, sightseeings, restaurants and cafes with different kind of cuisine and night clubs. Usually students have a range of discounts.

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How much does it cost to live in Ekaterinburg?

General expenses include accommodation, food, public transport and entertainments. Accommodation cost depends on your needs: renting a private 1 room apartment is about 300 €/month and more (depend on the location, almost all buildings are in the city centre), renting a room is about 150-200 €/month, living in students dormitories is the most common option option for exchange students. Students pass for public transport for month is about 30-40€, expenses for food are different: there is students canteen where you can have a lunch for 2-3 €, or average business lunch in a cafe for 4-5 €. Expenses for entertainments are different: some night clubs are free of charge, but in most cases be ready to pay 3-5 € for tickets to cinema, theatre, museum or night club.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ekaterinburg? Is there any advice you can give?

I advice to communicate with international students office to ask them about dormitories or private accommodation as mainly there are too many agency with higher prices, especially for foreigners. At university we have our own data base with accommodation in order to prevent extra spends on agency commission

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

We have a big range of different cuisine, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian with different kind of meat (for people of different religion). Unfortunately we have not a lot of opportunities for vegan as during winter period vegetable and fruits are imported and that's why higher priced, but we have several cafes specially for vegetarians and generally in every cafe you'll find few vegetarian dishes

What places would you recommend visiting in Ekaterinburg?

If you are fond of skiing or snowboarding starting from November and till march-April you'll be able to visit skiing camps. Some of them are at the border of the city or not far from it. Also we have some historical places mainly connected with iron producing and mining.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Ekaterinburg?

First of all, be equipped with a warm clothing, even if you come in spring the weather can change drastically for a few days. Have a Russian phrase book with you, as not many people speak English in here, and documents wherever you go as we have a police in public places and they can demand you to show your ID and other papers. What's more, you have to prove that you are +18 in case you are going to a night club, buy ciggarets or alcohol (passport or driving license). In case of any problem or question you can ask for help in international students office or easily find friends in international relations department at Ural federal university (Turgeneva, 4) as all of them speak English and often cooperate with exchange students (you can find then on Facebook)