Experience in Moscow, Russian Federation by Evgeniya

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

I love Moscow, it's very beautiful, neat and green in the summer and very snowy in the winter, here you always have a perfect white Christmas. But beware of cold or bad weather, especially windy days. Be ready to put on warm clothes and shoes if you visit Moscow any time other than summer.

What is the student lifestyle like in Moscow?

It depends on the student. Usually they study during the week and hang out with friends in the city center, parks, pubs on the weekend, sometimes they go to parties\nightclubs.

How much does it cost to live in Moscow?

It's as expensive as any other big city in Europe.

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

If you need a solid flat be ready to deal with housing agencies who will charge you a nice commission up to a monthly rent of the place they'll find.

As for hostels - you can find them on the web, quite cheap. About 500 roubles a day. But do the booking as early as you can.

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

The Food is alright. I like Russian cuisine, but the food in the restaurants and cafés is another thing.

My favorites are okroshka soup, plov, Russian pancakes and pies with meat and cabbage. And you have to try halva for dessert.

What places would you recommend visiting in Moscow?

The Bolshoy theatre! Others depend on the season. In the winter the skating rink in Red Square the Gorky Park is worth going. In the summer - Kolomensky Park, Park Pobedy and simply the center of Moscow after sunset.

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

Surely you won't be hungry - cafés are everywhere. But not many of them can offer you real Russian food, it's impossible to find something to match my mom's cooking or even my own. But there are some places that I would recommend:

• Chaihona is a chain of Eastern-Russian style chill-out hookah restaurants; I love them!
• Grably (Грабли) is a chain of fazenda-style restaurants, they offer various everyday Russian food.
• As for non Russian - I like Ginnotaki (a Japanese style restaurants chain) and Wok-House on Pokrovka street (Chinese).

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

I am not an expert on that, but overall Russians love nightclubs and parties so there will be enough good places to party.

What advice would you give future students headed to Moscow?

Bring with you or be ready to buy warm clothes, a hat, gloves and shoes.

In Moscow it is much more expensive to eat out than to cook for yourself, so I would recommend for you to buy your food in a supermarket.

If you feel sick you can just go to a drugstore and explain your symptoms - they'll help you.