Erasmus Experience in Moscow, Russian Federation by Elizabeth

Why did you choose to go to Moscow, Russian Fereration?

I chose to spend a year studying in Moscow because as a classical musician, Moscow is one of the main classical music centers in the world.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The scholarship I received was for one academic year, and it really was what made it possible for me to study at Moscow Conservatory. The scholarship covered all of the tuition and dormitory fees, so I only had to pay for living costs as well as airfare.

What is the student lifestyle like in Moscow?

For my program, as I wasn't enrolled in the five-year course, but instead got to choose my own classes, it was relatively relaxed. Other students were generally friendly, although sadly I found it difficult to interact with them because of the differences in language and culture.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Moscow to other students?

I would recommend coming to Moscow if you have a specific course of study that you think would benefit you in the future. I think having a clear goal of what you would like to get out of studying in Moscow would be beneficial to you as you think about living and studying in Moscow.

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What is the food like?

The food in Moscow varies... if you like to cook, then the food will be ok. Otherwise, fast food is readily available, but it isn't that good for you to eat that on a daily basis. Russian food I personally do like, and it's easy to find ready-made food in supermarkets for a reasonable price.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Moscow?

I lived in student dormitories for my studies, and it was really inexpensive, like around $30 USD for one month.

How much does it cost to live in Moscow?

I think monthly living fees would average around $350-500 USD/month, a little more and a little less depending on your living habits.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

After living a couple months in Moscow and being immersed in the language, I was able to understand basic sentences and exchanges. At almost every university there is a preparatory course that foreign students are required to take, in which there are language courses where you can learn Russian.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Moscow from your city?

Flying...

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Moscow?

If you go to the big malls scattered around Moscow city center, there are always big food courts with basically every kind of food available. If you're traveling in a big group of friends, that's a good option for you! Otherwise, there's a delicious Korean restaurant called Hite, and the prices aren't that bad! Their main dishes come with sides as well, and the food there was probably the best meal I had in Russia. Also there's a Japanese ramen restaurant called Ku, and they serve pretty authentic Japanese ramen. I found those ramen bowls perfect for a cold, snowy day in Moscow :)

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Don't miss the classical music concerts that happen every night at Moscow Conservatory. Some of the concerts are free admission, but others might cost around 100~1000 rubles depending on the concert hall/performers. Rachmaninoff Hall is so beautiful, and the Great Hall (Bolshoi Zal) was and still is legendary in the classical music world. Just go, you won't regret it; )

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Moscow in the future?

Moscow doesn't seem to be an approachable city from first impressions, but stick around for a while, along the way, I have learned that being flexible and learning to roll with whatever comes leads to new experiences, and soon studying in Moscow will become one of the most life-changing, near-magical life experiences that you'll have.

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