Preparing a winter departure for Russia
Leaving in February means arriving in the depth of the Russian winter, without the gentle transition of a September start. That is not a problem in itself — buildings are heated effectively and students adapt within weeks — but it calls for different preparation.
To settle before leaving
- Check the visa validity and the period covered by the invitation letter
- Take out the mandatory medical insurance, around €180 a year
- Bring enough to cover two weeks before the Russian bank account opens
- Carry translated prescriptions for any long-term treatment
- Confirm with your tutor the exact time and place of the airport pickup
The cold, concretely
This is the number one worry, and it fades quickly. Residences, transport and universities are heated to a level that often surprises newcomers: the cold is lived outdoors, not inside.
Do not buy your winter kit in Tunisia. A genuinely suitable coat, boots and thermal base layers are found on site, better designed and often cheaper.
Simply bring enough for the journey and the very first days, then equip yourself locally with your tutor, who knows where to buy without mistakes.
The first days on site
- Moving into the residence and migration registration, handled by the institution
- Opening the bank account and getting a local SIM card
- Medical check organised by the university
- Final administrative enrolment and student card issue
Frequently asked questions
Is it really that cold?
The Russian winter is sharp, but all indoor spaces are strongly heated. Most Tunisian students adapt within weeks, provided they are properly equipped — which is sorted on site.
Better to arrive in February or wait for September?
February saves a full year on entering the specialty. The cold is not sufficient reason to give up that gain, especially as the arrival is supervised by a tutor.
How much money for the first days?
Enough to cover two weeks of daily expenses, while the Russian bank account becomes operational. Winter kit purchases come on top of that.