Experience in Moscow, Russian Fereration by Iryna

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

Moscow is a megapolis with all walks of life, but it is rather easy and cheap to navigate. It is a clean and safe city with excellent transportation system. The Yandex transport and maps apps are very helpful for newcomers. The cultural events are plentiful, arquitecture is very varied. You can never have enough of Moscow, as the cultural and scientific events are plentful.

What is the student lifestyle like in Moscow?

In Moscow everything is about time and distance. You need to expect to walk a lot. It takes time to get somewhere, even if it looks close on the map. So, commuting is common, as well as a lot of time is spent on travelling. But it is an international and cosmopolitan city.

How much does it cost to live in Moscow?

It depends on the country of your origine. Moscow is concedered being expensive because Russian salaries are not hight. But compared to many western countries Moscow is relatively cheap. You can get a lunch for 5 euros in local restaurant networks. Entertainment is rather expensive, but there are discounts for students in many museums. Anyway, cultural events are cheaper than in Europe in general.

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

Accomodation is a pain even for moskovits. Usually, the universities are trying to provide a student hostel. Even if the conditions are not the best, it is better to live in the students hostel, if there is such. Accodring to the law, foreigners are supposed to be registed in the place where they live. The university provides the papers and registration is free, but still it is problematic to find someone who wants to spend their time on buracratic stuff. You should never pay in advance for accomodation in order to avoid scams. Facebook groups are helpful to find a nice room. It is better to live closer to downtown to avoid commuting. But the proce is much higher.

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

The local food is very good and not expensive. Supermarkets are good places to get ready-made food. Borshch and pelmeny, and "Olivie" salad are a must to try. There are also very good places with Georgian food.

What places would you recommend visiting in Moscow?

Kremlin and other famous places around, Tsaristyno park, Kolomenskoe park, Trevyakov galery, Vorobyevy Gory

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

For local food, I prefer a restaurant of "fast food" "My-My". It is fast served, tasty and not expensive.

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

The Latin club "Casa Agave" is recommended. I am not fan Russian pop music, so can´t recommend any Russian club. But nightlife is related to theater, opera and music concerts is excellent. The theaters sell tickets online and in special theater kiosques.

What advice would you give future students heading to Moscow?

The best way to enjoy Russian culture is to learn Russian. It is a difficult language, but it is worth it. It will make life in Russia much easier.