Janice Lozano
Russia has long been a popular destination for international students, with over 315,000 studying in the country in 2019-2020. However, in recent years, the country has faced scrutiny for its political activities and violations of international law, including its invasion of Ukraine. These actions have resulted in sanctions that have negatively impacted international students, causing a decline in enrolment and difficulties with money transfers. Despite this, Russia remains a leading education hub, with four universities featured in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. While political and social tensions exist, students generally face similar concerns to those in other countries, such as petty crimes and cultural differences. Russia's safety, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals, has been questioned, but the country offers protective community centres and resources. Overall, Russia continues to attract international students with its affordable fees, diverse study options, and reasonably priced living.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety for international students | Russia is generally safe for international students, but it has political and social tensions, and is not LGBTQ+ friendly. |
| Safety for female students | Russia is generally safe for female students, who are treated with respect and can wear what they want. |
| Safety for students from India | Students from India are unlikely to face political issues due to the strong relationship between India and Russia. They should, however, be aware of petty crimes like pickpocketing. |
| Hostels | Russian universities provide good hostel facilities with amenities for international students. |
| Cost of living | Russia has a low cost of living and affordable fees for international students. |
| Sanctions | Sanctions have made it difficult for international students to receive money transfers from their families. |
| Study abroad placements | Students on study abroad placements are evacuating the country. |
| Full courses | International students enrolled in full courses at Russian universities face a difficult decision about whether to leave. |
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What You'll Learn
LGBTQ+ students may face hate crimes
Russia is a country fraught with political and social tension, and it is not a very friendly nation for LGBTQ+ members, especially if they have a partner. In the 2021 Global Peace Index, Russia ranked 154th, one of the lowest in the world.
LGBTQ+ students and travellers may face hate crimes in Russia, where such incidents are prevalent. It is among the least gay-friendly countries globally, according to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. However, there are community centres that aim to protect the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. For example, Coming Out NGO offers legal assistance and psychological support.
Russia treats all visitors like family and is known for being a very hospitable nation. Russians are said to be respectful towards women and treat them well. Catcalling is rare, and solo women travellers do not often attract attention. They are free to wear whatever they please, although there are certain places where they must cover up, such as places of worship.
In general, Russia is safe for female travellers, even when they are alone. However, women should stay alert at all times, avoid acting like tourists, and refrain from displaying their valuables in public, as petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in public transportation and crowded places.
International students in Russia face difficulties due to sanctions imposed on the country for its political activities and violations of international law. These sanctions have negatively impacted international students' ability to receive money transfers from their families, and flights out of the country have become more challenging and expensive.
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International sanctions impact students
International sanctions on Russia have negatively impacted students in several ways. Firstly, there is a growing concern about the safety of international students in Russia due to the country's political and social tensions, with some choosing to evacuate. Universities in Russia have seen a decline in international student enrollment, affecting their finances and the quality of education offered to remaining students.
The sanctions have also disrupted financial systems, making it difficult for international students to receive money from their families or pay tuition and living expenses. For example, the US blocked dollar transactions from Sberbank, a popular bank among international students. Additionally, card payments from foreign banks may not work as intended due to their affiliation with Russian banks, and cash withdrawals are recommended where possible.
The sanctions have also affected travel to and from Russia, with flights becoming rarer and more expensive, causing problems for students attempting to leave the country. Some universities, such as University College London and Middlebury College, have advised their students to return to their home countries as soon as possible.
The combination of these factors has put international students in Russia in a difficult position, forcing them to decide between staying and facing potential financial and safety challenges or leaving and risking the loss of progress in their studies.
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Russia is safe for female travellers
Russia is generally considered safe for female travellers, even those who are alone. Women travelling solo do not often attract attention and are free to wear whatever they like, although there are certain places where you must cover up, such as places of worship. Russians have been described as respectful of women, although catcalling does sometimes occur.
Russia is a country with political and social tensions, and it is not the most LGBTQ+-friendly nation. Hate crimes against this community are prevalent, and it is among the lowest-ranking countries in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. However, there are community centres aiming to protect the LGBTQ+ community, such as Coming Out NGO, which offers legal and psychological support.
As an international student in Russia, you are unlikely to be caught up in political relations. However, you should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in public transport and busy areas. To avoid this, stay alert, try to blend in, and keep your valuables hidden.
Russia is known for its hospitality towards visitors, and racial or religious discrimination is rare. Russian universities provide excellent hostel facilities and amenities for international students, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to European standards.
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Petty crimes like pickpocketing are common
While Russia has a lot to offer international students, it's important to be aware of potential safety concerns. The country is known for its political and social tensions, and ranked 154th in the 2021 Global Peace Index. Additionally, Russia is not known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, with hate crimes prevalent.
One of the main safety concerns for international students in Russia is the risk of petty crimes, particularly pickpocketing in public transportation and crowded places. This is a common issue in big cities around the world, and students should take precautions such as staying alert, keeping valuables hidden, and being aware of their surroundings. It's also important to be cautious when it comes to money exchanges, as some students have been scammed when trying to convert currency.
To avoid becoming a victim of petty crime, it's important to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist. This means being mindful of your behaviour and appearance. Try to act confident and aware of your surroundings, and avoid flashing valuables or large sums of money. Keep your belongings secure and be especially vigilant in crowded areas, as pickpockets often take advantage of close contact and distraction.
In addition to pickpocketing, international students should also be aware of other common scams and frauds. This includes being cautious when using ATMs or making online transactions, as there have been reports of card skimming and cybercrime. It's also important to be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or trying to distract you, as this could be a tactic to take advantage of you.
While petty crimes are a concern, it's important to remember that Russia has a reputation for being a hospitable and respectful country. Russians are known for treating visitors like family and showing respect towards other religions and cultures. However, it's always a good idea to stay informed about local laws, customs, and any potential areas of tension to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during your studies.
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Russian universities provide safe hostels
Russia is a country held by political and social tension and is considered one of the least LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. However, as an international student, you are unlikely to be caught up in political relations, and Russia is generally considered safe for female travellers.
Russian medical university hostels cater to international students, providing a supportive environment to help ease the transition. For example, the Northern State Medical University offers separate buildings for girls' and boys' rooms, with 2-3 students sharing a room and a common bathroom. The hostel premises maintain a reading hall, cafeteria, gym, playground, and auditorium. Services like cleaning, bedsheets, and blankets are covered by the hostel fees.
Some universities also help students find private lodgings, and another option for foreign students is to live with a host family, which provides an opportunity to be immersed in the Russian language and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Russia is generally considered safe for international students, with many sources claiming that students are unlikely to be affected by political issues or tensions. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has impacted international students in Russia, with sanctions causing problems with money transfers and flights out of the country.
One of the main safety concerns for international students in Russia is petty crime, such as pickpocketing in public transportation and busy areas. It is recommended that students stay alert, avoid displaying valuables, and be aware of their surroundings. Russia is also considered one of the least LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, with a high prevalence of hate crimes.
The political situation in Russia, including its invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions, has made life difficult for international students. In addition to problems with money transfers and flights, some students have had to make difficult decisions about whether to leave the country and risk jeopardizing their degrees.
