Experience in Kiev, Ukraine by Adrian

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

Architecture is great. Don't miss opportunity to visit Golden Gates, Sofia cathedral, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (and caves there) all built a thoudand years ago. Truly amazing experience.

Gastronomy in Ukraine (and also Kiev) is a part of culture. Get ready for lots of meat dishes and heavy food.

Kiev is true place for partying but be prepared for strong face control. What you call shoes still can be considered sports shoes and you are out, what consider fashionable t-shirt can be considered not appropriate garment (you'd better have proper shirt)... But if you get in you will be nicely rewarded with excellent atmosphere and nice girls. (Dinamo Lux is the best place to go.)

Bus system is not very tourist friendly, however, underground / metro is really good and has lots signs in English so try to make sure you live next to metro station.

Prices can be considered low if you used to earn in euro. But never comment that prices are cheap in the city. They are not, it is simply local currency and local earnings which fell so much vs EUR. Multiply prices by two and if you believe they are still low then comment as otherwise you'll really piss of local community who struggle with severe devaluation.

Get ready to -25' in winter and +40' in summer. Not necessarily you'll experience both but get ready. :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Kiev?

Partying and beer. Get ready to drink a lot.

How much does it cost to live in Kiev?

Pretty much like Warsaw...

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

You can start from hostels booked through the popular international booking services. Finding accomodation without without agent is hardly possible. I recommend to use www.realt.ua to compare prices for apartments you are offered on specific strees (or even to find accomodation there).

What places would you recommend visiting in Kiev?

Opera house is worth to visit even if you've never been to Opera. Kiev Zoo is not the best in Europe but can be a good experience if you don't go for Zoos very often. Try to take a boat on Dnieper in town. Cheap price, disco on board and beer together with sight seeing can be a good experience.

Is it good to eat out in Kiev? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Don't try to find 'restaurants with local food' on your own. You have big chances to get to places created specifically for international tourists. It doesn't taste there and prices are ridiculous. Surely, if the local recommends some secret favourite place not seen from the street it is fine, but not those 'local cuisine' restaurants aggresively inviting from the street.

Is the nightlife good in Kiev? Where is good to go?

Good! All night clubs in downtown are good. Dinamo Lux is my favourite one. But I hope you appreciate my tip after visitng the other ones. :)

What advice would you give future students heading to Kiev?

Explore for your favorite taxi company, ask mobile numbers from drivers (some of them speak English) and try to compare prices you pay with those your local friends pay. Catching a car on the street can be an expensive bet. :) Call for a car, wait for 10 minutes and save 30%!