Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain international exposure, and acquire world-class education. Russia, with its rich history, diverse culture, and affordable education, has become an attractive destination for medical students pursuing a degree in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). However, like studying in any foreign country, students need to consider several factors, including the cost of living, internet access, communication, and other essential daily needs.
When a student arrives in Russia, one of the first things they will need is a local SIM card to communicate with family, friends, and fellow students. Having a local SIM card is essential as it helps students avoid the high international roaming charges that come with using a foreign SIM card. Russian telecom companies offer a variety of prepaid and postpaid SIM card options, but most international students opt for prepaid cards due to their affordability and flexibility.
In Russia, the major mobile network providers include MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and Tele2. Each of these providers offers a wide range of prepaid SIM card plans that cater to different needs, whether it's for calls, texts, or internet data. As a student, the most important factors to consider when choosing a SIM card are:
Data allowance – Since students rely heavily on the internet for communication, research, and entertainment, choosing a plan with a reasonable data allowance is crucial.
Call rates – If the student plans to make calls locally or internationally, the call rates should be considered.
Validity – Some SIM cards may have a validity period, so it’s important to ensure the SIM card will remain active for the student’s entire stay.
Cost – SIM cards in Russia are very affordable, and students can usually choose from a range of options based on their budget.
A basic prepaid SIM card in Russia can be purchased for around 300 to 500 Russian Rubles (approximately 4 to 7 USD). This initial cost includes the SIM card, along with a small balance for calls and text messages.
To make calls, the cost of local calls can range from 2 to 5 rubles per minute (approximately 0.03 to 0.07 USD). International calls are more expensive and may cost anywhere from 5 to 30 rubles per minute (approximately 0.07 to 0.42 USD), depending on the country.
For internet data, Russian mobile providers offer several prepaid data packs. For example, students can find packages that offer 2GB for about 150 rubles (approximately 2 USD), or 10GB for around 500 rubles (approximately 7 USD), which is perfect for daily browsing, messaging apps, and social media. If the student uses a significant amount of data for video calls or streaming, they may opt for higher-tier plans.
Having reliable and fast internet access is crucial for students pursuing MBBS degrees in Russia. Whether it's for research, communication, or attending online classes, internet connectivity is an essential part of a student's academic and personal life.
In Russia, students can access the internet through various means, including mobile data (via SIM cards) and broadband internet (fixed-line or Wi-Fi). Most students prefer using their mobile internet for convenience, especially in the early stages of their stay. However, for those who plan to live in university dorms or rented apartments, fixed-line internet or Wi-Fi may be more practical for long-term use.
Mobile Internet: Mobile internet is available through SIM card data packages. The advantage of mobile internet is that it allows students to stay connected while on the go. As mentioned earlier, students can purchase internet packages with varying data limits.
Home Broadband/Fixed-Line Internet: In larger cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Kazan, students may choose to subscribe to a broadband internet connection at their place of residence. Internet service providers in Russia offer packages that provide fast speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 100 Mbps or higher. The cost of home internet usually ranges between 500 to 1,500 rubles per month (approximately 7 to 20 USD), depending on the speed and the service provider.
Many public places, including cafes, libraries, and shopping centers, offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Most universities in Russia also provide free Wi-Fi on campus, making it easy for students to access the internet between classes or during study sessions. However, students living in private apartments or hostels might need to arrange their own internet services.
For students primarily using the internet for academic purposes, social media, and communication, a 2GB to 5GB data pack may suffice. However, students who need more bandwidth for video streaming, downloading large files, or attending online lectures might need to invest in more substantial data packages. In such cases, a monthly expenditure of 500 to 1,000 rubles (approximately 7 to 14 USD) for mobile internet is reasonable.
In addition to communication and internet access, MBBS students need to consider other daily living expenses, including food, transportation, accommodation, and other essentials. While Russia is considered to be an affordable destination compared to many Western countries, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city and the student's lifestyle.
Food costs in Russia can be quite affordable, particularly for students who are willing to cook at home. On average, the monthly food expenses for an MBBS student can range from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles (approximately 70 to 140 USD). This amount will cover grocery shopping, which includes basic food items like vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essentials.
Groceries: A typical grocery list for an average student in Russia might include:
Bread (30 to 50 rubles per loaf)
Milk (50 to 80 rubles per liter)
Eggs (80 to 100 rubles per dozen)
Chicken (200 to 300 rubles per kg)
Vegetables (200 to 400 rubles per kg)
Eating Out: For those days when cooking isn’t an option, students can enjoy eating out at affordable restaurants or cafes. The cost of a meal at a budget restaurant ranges from 300 to 600 rubles (approximately 4 to 8 USD). Fast food chains like McDonald's or local cafes may offer meals at even lower prices.
Accommodation costs depend on whether the student stays in university dormitories, shared apartments, or private rentals. Students living in dorms may pay around 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per month (approximately 40 to 110 USD) for a shared room. Private apartments or rented flats in major cities may cost between 15,000 to 30,000 rubles per month (approximately 200 to 400 USD), depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Students living in larger cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg can rely on public transportation, which is well-developed and relatively inexpensive. A monthly public transportation pass costs between 1,000 to 2,000 rubles (approximately 14 to 28 USD), which covers metro, buses, and trams.
For students living in smaller cities or rural areas, transportation costs might be lower, but depending on the distance from the university, they may need to consider additional travel expenses.
In addition to the main categories discussed above, students should account for other daily living expenses such as:
Personal care: Toiletries, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other personal care items can cost around 500 to 1,000 rubles per month (approximately 7 to 14 USD).
Entertainment and leisure: Movies, outings, and occasional shopping can cost students anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles per month (approximately 30 to 70 USD), depending on their interests.
Health Insurance: International students are typically required to have health insurance. The cost of medical insurance varies but generally ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles per month (approximately 20 to 40 USD).
While studying MBBS in Russia, students will find that the cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries. However, it is essential to budget for a range of expenses, including the cost of a SIM card, internet access, food, transportation, accommodation, and personal needs. Understanding the costs associated with daily life in Russia will help students manage their finances effectively and ensure a smooth and successful academic journey.
By choosing affordable options for internet data, SIM cards, and daily necessities, MBBS students can enjoy their time in Russia without worrying about financial strain. With careful planning and budgeting, students can fully focus on their studies while enjoying the unique cultural experience that Russia offers.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English