Living in Russia

On average, a student needs $ 200-400 a month to live in Russia, and $ 3000-4000 for an academic year (September-June).

 On average, a student needs $ 300-400 a month to live in Russia, and $ 3000-4000 for an academic year (September-June). For the first time, it is better to have about 300-400 dollars with you for additional expenses - medical insurance, arrangement of an apartment or dormitory (purchase of dishes, bedding, detergents), purchase of some textbooks. The depreciation of the ruble against world currencies plays into the hands of foreigners, because when converted into dollars, their expenses are reduced: it is more profitable to pay for both their studies and their stay in the country. When choosing a city of study, keep in mind that the highest price level is in Moscow and St. Petersburg, in other regions the costs will be lower.

Basic expenses
Tuition:
Tuition fees at Russian universities vary from 122,500 to 880,000 rubles (1,750-12,570 dollars) per year, depending on the region, university, specialty.

Housing:
Prices for renting housing for students in Russia vary in the range from 500 to 35,000 rubles ($ 7-500) per month, depending on the region, type and location of housing (dormitory, rented room, apartment).

Medical insurance: A
policy of voluntary medical insurance (VHI) costs an average of 4,000 to 12,000 rubles ($ 57-170) per year for students of Moscow universities. The insurance should cover the entire period of study, but usually universities are asked to pay for the policy for a year or a semester. Some universities offer special insurance programs for international students that are below market value.

Food Expenses

According to official figures, the minimum set of products (including bread, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, milk, sugar) in Russia costs 4209 rubles ($ 60) per month. The cost may differ depending on the region and where you buy your groceries (small store, supermarket, market). The average bill for lunch in Moscow cafes and restaurants is 800-2000 rubles (11-28 dollars), a business lunch will cost 270-420 rubles (4-6 dollars). In fast food establishments, prices are slightly lower.

Transport
One trip in the Moscow metro costs 57 rubles (about 1 dollar), a ticket for 60 trips - 1970 rubles (28 dollars).
Taking into account the student discount, the metro ride in Moscow will cost 405 rubles ($ 6) per month (in other cities the fare is cheaper).

Mobile communications, Internet
SIM-cards for mobile phones and tablets are sold in communication shops (you should not buy them from street vendors). To purchase, you need to have a national passport (with registration at the place of residence) and a migration card. The salon staff will help you choose the best tariff (cost of calls, sms messages, the volume of mobile Internet, etc.). The cost of a standard package of services ranges from 300-400 rubles (4-6 dollars). When you buy a SIM card, this amount is credited to your phone account, and then you top up the balance every month in accordance with your tariff plan.