Housing Guide

Student Housing in Russia

Most international students in Russia live in university dormitories. They cost a small part of city rent. Prices below are in Russian roubles (RUB), from universities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Housing Options

Students choose between a university dormitory and renting in the city.

Accommodation Type	Average Cost	Pros	Cons
University dormitory Rooms run by your university.	RUB 1,400 to 5,500 a month at ITMO University At National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS), a place in a double room costs RUB 5,400 a month. Students on a Russian Government quota place (a free study place paid for by the government) pay RUB 2,500 to 3,769 a month.	Much cheaper than renting. The university registers your address.	Often shared rooms. Dormitory rules and medical papers.
Rented room or flat A room or flat in the city.	From RUB 10,000 a month for a room ITMO University students who rent said they spend RUB 28,000, 40,000 or 60,000 a month on housing.	More privacy.	Costs much more. Bills are often extra.

Registration

The university registers you only if you live in its dormitory. If you rent, the owner must register you.

Finding Housing

When you accept your offer

Ask for a dormitory place.
Check the dormitory price and rules.

Before you fly

Get your health policy.
Prepare medical papers for the dormitory.

After you arrive

Move in and hand in your papers.
Get your address registered within 7 working days.

Reliable Platforms

Your university's housing office
The safest way to get a dormitory place.

Required Documents

For off-campus housing in Russia, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:

1
Passport, visa and migration card
For registration of your address.
2
Medical papers (HSE University example)
A medical certificate, or your migration medical check papers. HSE University gives you 30 days after you move in to hand them in.
3
Health insurance
HSE University asks for a policy for your whole stay.

Costs

Rent in Moscow and Saint Petersburg is much higher than dormitory fees.

Regional Cost Comparison

Higher Cost Regions

Moscow, dormitory
Shared apartment: RUB 5,400 a month for a place in a double room at National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS)
Saint Petersburg, rent
Rent: from RUB 30,000 a month for a one-room flat
Rent: from RUB 10,000 a month for a room