Life of an Indian Student Studying MBBS in Russia
What is it really like to study MBBS in Russia as an Indian student? Here’s an honest look at daily life, academics, food, climate, and more.
The First Week
Arrival
Most students arrive in September when the academic year begins. The university typically arranges airport pickup and hostel accommodation. The first week is orientation — getting to know the campus, city, and fellow students.
Culture Shock
The first few days can be overwhelming:
- Different language (Russian)
- Different food
- Cold weather (even in September)
- Being away from family
But don’t worry — most students adjust within 2-3 weeks.
Daily Life
Typical Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up, get ready |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast (hostel mess or self-cook) |
| 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Classes (lectures + practicals) |
| 2:00 PM | Lunch (Indian mess or university canteen) |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Self-study / Library |
| 5:00 PM | Sports / Gym / Walk |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Study / Socialize |
| 10:30 PM | Sleep |
Weekends
- Explore the city
- Indian community gatherings
- Sports activities
- Self-study
- Video calls with family
Indian Food in Russia
Indian Mess
Most popular universities with large Indian communities have Indian mess facilities:
- North Indian food (dal, roti, rice, sabzi)
- South Indian food (dosa, idli, sambar) at some universities
- Cost: ₹3,000–5,000/month
Self-Cooking
Many students learn to cook:
- Hostel kitchens available
- Indian grocery stores in major cities
- YouTube recipes help!
- Monthly cost: ₹2,000–4,000
Russian Food
- Borscht (beetroot soup)
- Pelmeni (dumplings)
- Blini (pancakes)
- Bread and dairy products
Most Indian students eat Russian food occasionally but prefer Indian cooking.
Climate
Seasons
| Season | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | +20°C to +30°C | June-August |
| Autumn | +5°C to +15°C | September-November |
| Winter | -10°C to -25°C | December-February |
| Spring | +5°C to +15°C | March-May |
Winter Tips
- Invest in a good winter jacket (buy in Russia — cheaper)
- Layer clothing
- Thermal innerwear essential
- Stay indoors during extreme cold
- University buildings are well-heated
Studies
Academic System
- 6-year program (5 years academics + 1 year internship)
- Mix of lectures, practicals, and clinical rotations
- Exams at the end of each semester
- Medium: English (with Russian language classes)
Difficulty Level
- Comparable to Indian medical colleges
- Focus on practical training
- Good clinical exposure in later years
- Regular assessments
Tips for Studies
- Attend all classes (attendance matters)
- Make notes from day one
- Form study groups with classmates
- Use standard textbooks
- Don’t skip clinical rotations
Indian Community
How Many Indians?
Top Russian universities have 200-1000+ Indian students each. This creates a vibrant Indian community:
- Indian student associations
- Cultural events (Diwali, Holi, Republic Day)
- Cricket/Football tournaments
- Bollywood movie nights
Making Friends
- You’ll find friends from all over India
- Also international students from other countries
- Russian students are generally friendly
- Language barrier reduces over time
Expenses (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Food | ₹5,000–10,000 |
| Transport | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Phone/Internet | ₹500–1,000 |
| Personal | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Total | ₹12,000–22,000 |
Challenges
- Language: Russian is needed for patient interaction in clinical years
- Weather: Winters can be harsh for Indians
- Home Sickness: Missing family and festivals
- Food: Adjusting to different cuisine
- Bureaucracy: Visa renewals, registrations
Tips for New Students
- Learn basic Russian before arriving
- Pack warm clothes (or buy there)
- Carry Indian spices and ready-to-eat food
- Connect with seniors on social media
- Join Indian student association
- Keep important documents safe
- Don’t skip classes
- Explore the city on weekends
- Stay in touch with family
- Enjoy the experience — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Ready to Start Your MBBS Journey in Russia?
Contact us for free counselling about studying MBBS in Russia. Call +91-9719436137.
Ready to Start Your MBBS Journey Abroad?
Get free counselling from our expert advisors. No hidden charges.