Experience in Kiev, Ukraine by Alexandra

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

The city is very big and fast-growing, which is good, because it is easy to find a room/flat with an affordable price. It may be hard to get to the city centre because of traffic jam on some hours of a day. The weather in Kyiv changes very fast and unpredictable - it may take time for you to get used to it. Kyiv is an old city with a long and interesting history, so architecture is very different and changes from one street to another. People in Kyiv usually use ukrainian or/and russian languages.
I would hardly reccomend to live on the right bank of the river Dnipro, near VDNH park and Holosievo forest. It is very calm area of the city and has lots of interesting places.

How much does it cost to live in Kiev?

Depends on the place you choose. Some areas are cheaper then another ones, but ukrainian people usually earn mounthly between 7000 to 9000 UAH.

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

No, it isn't. But I would reccomend to look for an accomodation not right in the city centre. It is very noisy there and will cost you a lot.

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

Food is quite simple, usually traditional restaurants offer Borsch, Varenyky and Uzvar. It is very tasty, though.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kiev?

VDNH park, Khreschatyk steet, Podil historical area, Vozdvyzhenka area.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kiev?

Try to find an accomodation near to your unversity. It may take more than hour to get from one area to another.