Russia, a global hub for medical education, has attracted thousands of international students each year, particularly from countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even Europe. The country's medical universities are known for their affordability, high-quality education, and globally recognized degrees, particularly in the field of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). For students moving to Russia to pursue their MBBS degree, finding appropriate accommodation is one of the most pressing concerns.
Russian medical universities typically offer on-campus hostel facilities to international students. These hostels are often a part of the university infrastructure, offering safe, convenient, and affordable housing. However, when it comes to the accommodation options available, there are noticeable differences between the facilities provided for boys and girls. This article explores the differences, challenges, and dynamics of the hostel facilities provided for male and female students in Russia’s MBBS programs.
The first thing that international students need to know is that Russian medical universities have their own hostels, which are mostly affordable compared to other countries. Hostel accommodation is an essential part of the student experience in Russia, especially for those coming from abroad. University hostels are usually located close to the campus, which is convenient for students who need to attend classes and access university amenities.
The hostels are typically structured as large dormitories with shared rooms, bathrooms, and common areas. The rooms generally accommodate two to three students, though some may house four or more, depending on the hostel. These rooms are basic but functional, with essential furniture like beds, desks, wardrobes, and sometimes study lamps and bookshelves.
While some universities also offer private rooms, these are relatively rare and are usually offered as an option for students willing to pay extra. The common areas, which may include kitchens, laundry rooms, and recreational spaces, are shared by all students residing in the hostel.
While the general setup of hostel accommodations in Russia may be similar across the board, significant differences often exist between facilities for boys and girls. These differences are not merely based on room arrangements but extend to security, privacy, and cultural norms that are observed in the hostels.
Boys and girls are typically housed in separate blocks or buildings within the same hostel complex. Some hostels may even have entirely different buildings for male and female students. This separation is rooted in cultural norms and practical considerations to maintain privacy and ensure comfort for both genders.
Boys' Hostels: Boys are often assigned to larger rooms that house four to six students, though it can sometimes be more. The rooms tend to be more spacious compared to those in the girls' sections, as there is typically less concern about maintaining privacy in the male dorms. The students in these rooms may share a bathroom and common spaces with others in the same building.
Girls' Hostels: The rooms for girls are usually smaller and designed to offer more privacy. Girls' hostels often accommodate two or three students per room, and these rooms are usually arranged to ensure better comfort and seclusion. In some hostels, girls are provided with individual lockers to store personal belongings securely, a feature that may not be available in boys' hostels. Bathrooms in girls' hostels are typically more private, with fewer students sharing a bathroom compared to the boys' facilities.
Security is one of the most significant concerns for students living in a foreign country, and Russian hostels take this matter seriously. Both boys and girls are provided with secure living arrangements, but there are notable differences in the level of security and supervision between the two.
Boys' Hostels: Security arrangements in boys’ hostels are typically relaxed. These hostels often have a security guard stationed at the entrance, and the building is usually locked at night. However, in general, boys' hostels do not have as strict rules regarding visitors or curfews. Some hostels may even allow male students to bring guests to their rooms, though this varies from university to university.
Girls' Hostels: Girls’ hostels are usually more closely monitored. There are stricter rules regarding visitors, and guests are often not allowed to enter the girls' rooms unless accompanied by the student’s guardian or a university official. Girls' hostels generally have higher security measures, including locked entry points, security personnel monitoring the entrances, and surveillance cameras in common areas. There are also more significant restrictions on after-hours access and movement, ensuring that the students’ safety is prioritized.
Furthermore, in many Russian universities, girls’ hostels often have more female staff members, such as matrons or wardens, who are available to assist and ensure that the students are comfortable and safe at all times.
The types of facilities available within the hostel can also vary based on gender. Although both boys' and girls' hostels provide essential amenities like kitchens, study rooms, and laundry services, there are some distinctions that reflect cultural differences.
Boys' Hostels: Boys’ hostels tend to have more casual and less restrictive common spaces. They often feature shared kitchens, where students are free to cook and share meals. The common areas are typically larger, and may include TV rooms, gaming zones, or other recreational spaces. These areas are often a hub for social interactions, where boys can spend time together during their free hours.
Girls' Hostels: In contrast, the common areas in girls’ hostels tend to be smaller and more private. While there may be shared kitchens, these spaces are usually organized to ensure a sense of privacy and security. The laundry and bathroom facilities may also be cleaner and more meticulously maintained. Some universities provide additional amenities for girls, like beauty rooms, spaces for cultural or social activities, and often more relaxed communal areas that promote privacy and social interaction in a safer environment.
The cultural environment in hostels plays a significant role in shaping the living experience of students. Russian society, while increasingly modern and open, still observes some traditional values when it comes to interactions between boys and girls. This reflects in how hostels for boys and girls are organized and how students are expected to behave.
Boys’ Hostels: Male students in Russia are generally more independent in their living arrangements. There is less emphasis on gender-based restrictions and more focus on general student life, socializing, and academic pursuits. Boys’ hostels are often hubs for student interaction, and it is not uncommon for students to gather in common areas or engage in group activities. While there may be some restrictions on noise and behavior, boys generally have more freedom in their daily lives.
Girls’ Hostels: The atmosphere in girls' hostels is often more closely regulated. There is typically a greater emphasis on maintaining discipline, with curfews and more rules surrounding behavior. Girls' hostels foster a more closed environment where students tend to socialize within the hostel or in designated, monitored areas. In some universities, girls are encouraged to participate in cultural and social programs that are more organized, which can help foster a strong sense of community.
One notable cultural factor is that female students in Russia are often more concerned about maintaining their privacy and may be less willing to participate in large social gatherings compared to their male counterparts. This is reflected in the design of girls' hostels, which are built to respect these cultural norms, offering quieter spaces for study and relaxation.
In both boys’ and girls’ hostels, cleanliness and hygiene are essential, but girls' hostels tend to place a higher emphasis on maintaining pristine conditions. This is because female students are more concerned with privacy, cleanliness, and orderliness, and they often expect higher standards when it comes to shared spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Boys’ Hostels: The bathrooms and kitchen facilities in boys’ hostels may not always be as well-maintained as those in girls' hostels. While cleaning services are provided, boys tend to be more relaxed when it comes to cleanliness, often sharing spaces without much regard for the mess left behind. The university cleaning staff typically maintains the spaces, but the cleanliness may not always meet the expectations of students from countries with a strong focus on hygiene.
Girls’ Hostels: Girls’ hostels generally place a higher value on cleanliness and orderliness. Female students tend to keep their living spaces organized, and the facilities are cleaned more frequently. Bathrooms and other shared spaces are often maintained to a higher standard of cleanliness, which is a point of pride for many female students.
While there are many similarities between the hostel accommodations for boys and girls in Russia, the differences are significant enough to affect the experience of international MBBS students. These differences are largely influenced by cultural norms, privacy considerations, and the need to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students of both genders.
Boys' hostels tend to offer larger, more relaxed spaces with fewer restrictions, while girls' hostels prioritize privacy, safety, and cleanliness. However, both types of hostels are equipped with the necessary amenities to make students' living experience as comfortable as possible while they focus on their education.
In the end, both boys and girls enjoy the benefit of affordable, secure, and comfortable accommodation that allows them to immerse themselves in their studies while living in a new and foreign environment. Whether in a boys' or girls' hostel, the primary goal is to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere that supports academic and social growth for all students.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English