Studying in Russia is an exciting and valuable experience — but if you arrive unprepared, the first few days can be quite stressful! Russia is a vast, cold country with a lifestyle and culture that differs significantly from most Asian and African countries. That’s why having a complete checklist of essential items before your flight can save you from stress and unexpected expenses.
Below is a comprehensive checklist of what international students should pack before coming to Russia so you can begin your educational journey with confidence.
🧳 1. Important Documents and Essential Papers
The most critical part of any study trip is your documents. Without them, even entering Russia could become a problem.
Keep the following items in a waterproof folder or a dedicated document bag:
- Original passport (with at least 6 months of validity left)
- Student visa and official invitation letter
- Original admission letter from the university or RCSC
- Health insurance confirmation (required by most universities during registration)
- Vaccination certificate and medical check-up report
- Officially translated and notarized educational certificates (O-Level, A-Level, or diploma)
- Passport-size photographs (5–10 pieces)
- Proof of financial means or tuition payment receipt
- Flight ticket (and return ticket if required)
💡 Golden tip: Make a few photocopies and digital backups (PDFs on your phone or email) of all your documents.
👕 2. Clothing Suitable for Russian Weather
Russia is a cold country; winter temperatures in many regions can drop below –20°C. Choosing proper clothing is crucial.
For winter:
- Thick waterproof coat or jacket (your most essential item)
- Woolen or thermal pants
- Snow boots or warm winter shoes
- Thick gloves, scarf, and wool hat
- Wool socks and thermal underwear
For milder seasons (spring/autumn):
- Jacket, hoodie, or sweater
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light raincoat
For everyday use:
- Light sportswear
- Sleepwear for the dormitory
- Indoor slippers or bathroom sandals
💡 Tip: Winter clothes in Russia are high quality and reasonably priced — if your luggage is heavy, you can buy warm clothes after arrival.
🧴 3. Personal Hygiene and Medicines
Russian brands of personal care products may differ from what you’re used to and might not suit your skin or hair type.
Pack the following:
- Shampoo, soap, and toothpaste of your preferred brand
- Deodorant and perfume
- Nail clipper, comb, razor, and mirror
- Bath towel and hand towel
- Spare toothbrush, moisturizer (the air in Russia is dry)
- Common medicines: painkillers, cold pills, allergy and stomach medicines
- Doctor’s prescription for any long-term medication
💡 Medical note: Do not bring sedatives or antibiotics without a prescription; some require special import permission.
📱 4. Electronics and Digital Tools
A student without electronics is nearly powerless! 😅
Be sure to pack:
- Laptop or tablet (for online classes and research)
- Mobile phone + original charger
- Power bank (airport-approved)
- Headphones or earphones
- Flash drive or external hard drive
- Plug adapter (Russia uses socket types C and F)
- Small study lamp for dorm use
💡 Technical tip: Russia’s power supply is 230V / 50Hz — ensure your devices support this standard.
🍜 5. Basic Food and Small Kitchen Supplies
During your first days, you may not be used to Russian food. Bring some light and familiar snacks:
- Biscuits or dry snacks
- Ginger
- Small packs of spices, salt, pepper
- Lightweight plastic plate, cup, spoon, and fork
- Small pot or electric kettle (if airline regulations allow)
💡 Student experience: Most universities have communal kitchens, so there’s no need for heavy cooking equipment.
🧺 6. Dormitory and Accommodation Items
Russian dorms provide basic amenities, but not everything. Pack a few compact essentials:
- Bed sheet, small pillow or pillowcase
- Travel blanket (until you buy a warm one)
- Clothes hangers and clips
- Small lock for your wardrobe
- Reusable water bottle
- Folder for university documents
💵 7. Financial Matters
Settle your finances before departure — it may take a few weeks to obtain a Russian bank card.
💰 Carry about 80,000 rubles in cash for initial expenses.
☪️ 8. Religious and Cultural Items (Optional but Important for Muslim Students)
- Pocket-sized Quran or preferred translation
- Prayer mat and Qibla compass
- Tasbih (prayer beads) or small dua notebook
- Modest clothing or hijab (for women)
- Halal packaged food or contact info of the Islamic center in your city
💡 Note: Muslim students in major cities like Moscow, Kazan, Kaluga, and Astrakhan can find mosques or prayer rooms easily.
📚 9. Study and Office Supplies
- Notebooks, pens, highlighters
- Document folder for papers
- English–Russian dictionary or offline translation app
- Name labels for personal items
- Digital passport-style photo for forms
💡 Useful apps for students in Russia:
- Yandex Translate – translation
- Yandex Maps / 2GIS – offline navigation
- Yandex Metro – Moscow & St. Petersburg metro map
🌍 10. Final Tips Before Flying
✅ Write down emergency contact numbers (embassy, university, etc.).
✅ Save your dormitory address and visa number on your phone.
✅ If your luggage is overweight, remove nonessential items like heavy books or extra shoes.
✅ Create cloud storage (Google Drive / Telegram Saved Messages) for your documents.
✈️ Need Assistance After Arrival in Russia?
We can help you with the following services:
- Airport transfer
- SIM card purchase
- Opening a bank account
- Hotel reservation
- City tour
- Dormitory booking
- Metro card purchase
- Visa extension through university offices
📱 Contact us on WhatsApp for assistance.