Russia has become one of the top destinations for international students pursuing MBBS due to its globally recognized universities, affordable tuition fees, safe environment, modern infrastructure, and high FMGE/NExT passing potential. Thousands of students from India, Nepal, Africa, and other regions choose Russia for its quality medical education in English-medium programs. While tuition and hostel costs are generally predictable, one of the recurring concerns among students and parents is food expenses. The choice between joining an Indian mess or relying on local Russian food significantly affects monthly budgets and lifestyle comfort. Understanding the cost implications, nutritional aspects, and convenience is crucial before making this decision.
Students studying MBBS in Russia generally have two main options for their daily meals:
Indian Mess (or Indian Canteens)
Many universities host Indian mess facilities or collaborate with local Indian caterers to provide meals that suit Indian tastes, including vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian options.
Local Russian Food
Students can either cook for themselves using ingredients from local markets or rely on Russian hostel cafeterias and restaurants. Russian food often consists of bread, dairy, potatoes, soups, meat, fish, and seasonal vegetables.
Each choice has unique advantages and challenges. Cost, taste preferences, health considerations, and adaptation to local cuisine are the primary factors influencing a student’s decision.
Indian mess facilities are usually subscription-based, where students pay for a fixed number of meals per month. The pricing depends on the city, university, and quality of food. On average:
Monthly cost: 250 to 400 USD
Meals included: 2 to 3 meals per day
Meal type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Indian dishes
Familiar Taste: Indian mess meals are tailored to suit the palate of Indian students, reducing homesickness.
Balanced Nutrition: Properly planned meals provide a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables.
Convenience: Students don’t need to buy groceries or cook, saving time for studies.
Social Environment: Sharing meals with fellow Indian students fosters a sense of community and reduces cultural isolation.
Higher Cost: Indian mess is more expensive than cooking locally or eating Russian meals.
Limited Variety: Some mess facilities may not offer enough variety, especially for students with dietary restrictions.
Dependency: Students become reliant on the mess schedule and may not develop cooking skills.
Students opting for local Russian food have several choices: self-cooking, hostel cafeterias, or local eateries. Costs vary depending on location, city, and lifestyle.
Students who cook their own meals generally buy groceries from local markets and supermarkets. Average monthly costs include:
Groceries for 1 month: 100 to 200 USD
Staples: Bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, dairy, eggs
Vegetables and Fruits: Seasonal produce is inexpensive; imported items cost more
Meat/Fish: 30 to 60 USD depending on consumption
Cooking Essentials: Oil, spices, and condiments
Cooking locally is significantly cheaper than Indian mess but requires effort, time, and planning. Additionally, certain Indian spices and ingredients may be expensive or hard to find.
Some universities provide Russian-style meals in their hostels at reasonable prices:
Meal cost per day: 2 to 5 USD
Monthly expense: 60 to 150 USD depending on the number of meals taken
Meal composition: Traditional soups, porridge, meat, and bread
Local Russian restaurants or fast-food outlets are another option:
Lunch/Dinner per meal: 3 to 6 USD
Street food or snacks: 1 to 2 USD
| Option | Approx. Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Mess | 250 – 400 | All meals included, Indian cuisine, convenient, higher cost |
| Self-cooked Russian food | 100 – 200 | Cheaper, requires cooking, healthier options possible, adaptation required |
| Russian Hostel/Restaurant | 60 – 150 | Low cost, simple meals, may not suit Indian taste |
Over one year, the difference is significant:
Indian Mess: 300 USD × 12 months = 3600 USD
Self-cooked Russian food: 150 USD × 12 months = 1800 USD
Russian Hostel/Cafeteria: 100 USD × 12 months = 1200 USD
Students and parents saving thousands of dollars often choose to cook locally while occasionally enjoying Indian meals.
Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Novosibirsk have higher living costs; Indian mess and local food are more expensive.
Smaller cities like Kazan, Samara, or Omsk offer lower prices for groceries and cafeteria meals.
Vegetarian students may find Indian mess slightly cheaper than buying imported vegetables and lentils locally.
Non-vegetarian students may find Russian food cheaper due to affordable meat options in local markets.
Students with good cooking skills and access to a kitchen can significantly reduce costs by cooking local meals.
Hostels with shared kitchens allow students to buy groceries in bulk, reducing overall expenses.
Indian mess meals ensure comfort, familiarity, and proper nutrition.
Students relying solely on Russian meals may initially experience dietary adjustments but often adapt over time.
Balanced diet is important; some students combine Russian food with occasional Indian meals for better nutrition and comfort.
No need to cook or clean
Saves time for studies and social activities
Fixed price reduces planning stress
Best choice for first-year students adjusting to a new country
Requires time for cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
Offers significant savings
Encourages independence and adaptation to local culture
Ideal for students comfortable experimenting with new recipes and cuisines
Many MBBS students in Russia adopt a hybrid approach:
Indian Mess on Weekends: Enjoy familiar meals and social interaction
Local Russian Food on Weekdays: Cost-effective, flexible, and healthy
Special Occasions: Occasional Indian restaurants or homemade Indian meals
This strategy balances cost, taste, and convenience, while allowing students to manage their budget effectively.
Buy Seasonal Produce: Fruits and vegetables in season are cheaper and fresher.
Cook in Bulk: Preparing meals for multiple days saves time and electricity.
Use Local Spices: Substitute imported Indian spices with locally available alternatives.
Share Grocery Costs: Roommates can pool money for shared cooking.
Limit Eating Out: Russian restaurants and fast food are cheaper than Indian restaurants, but frequent dining can increase costs.
Plan Meal Schedule: Stick to a weekly meal plan to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Combine Mess and Cooking: Use Indian mess strategically to reduce total monthly expenditure.
Indian mess creates a sense of community with fellow students, reduces homesickness, and provides emotional comfort.
Cooking local food encourages cultural integration, learning about Russian cuisine, and developing independence.
Students who experiment with Russian food often gain a more diverse culinary experience.
Indian mess is designed for nutritional balance for Indian students.
Local Russian food can be equally healthy if students choose vegetables, dairy, lean meat, and whole grains.
Avoid relying on cheap fast food excessively, as it can negatively impact health.
Combining both options ensures balanced diet and better energy levels for academic and clinical work.
Indian mess is best for comfort, convenience, and first-year adjustment.
Local Russian food is ideal for cost-saving, independence, and long-term adaptation.
Combining both options allows students to enjoy familiar meals while controlling expenses.
The choice depends on budget, personal preferences, adaptability, and culinary skills.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English