Admissions·Russia & CIS· 7 min read

Adjusting to a Cold Climate as a Student in Russia and the CIS

Practical tips for international students on coping with long, cold winters and short daylight in Russia and the CIS — layering, warmth and routines.

Last updated 24 June 2026

Key facts

Climate type: Mostly continental — long, cold winters in much of Russia and the northern CIS; milder in southern cities (verify your city)
Key warm-up strategy: Layering: thermal base, warm mid-layer, insulated windproof coat, plus hat, gloves, scarf and grippy boots
Where to buy winter gear: Buy your main coat and boots locally after arrival; ask the international office for shops
If winter mood dips: Routine, daylight, exercise and social contact help; contact campus counselling if it persists

What the winter is actually like

Most of Russia and the northern CIS (including parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia) have a continental climate: long winters, sub-zero temperatures for several months, snow, and short daylight hours. Cities further south, such as those in Uzbekistan, tend to be milder. Conditions depend heavily on your city, so check the climate of your specific destination before you travel.

If you are coming from a warm country, the biggest adjustment is usually not a single cold day but the length of the season — winter can stretch from late autumn into spring. Knowing this in advance helps you plan clothing, indoor activities and a daily routine rather than being caught out. Exact temperatures and the length of the cold season vary widely by city, so verify current conditions for your destination on a reliable weather source before you pack.

Dressing in layers — the core skill

Staying warm is about layering, not one heavy coat. A typical system is a thermal base layer (long-sleeve top and leggings), a warm mid-layer (fleece or wool sweater), and a windproof, insulated outer coat. Buildings are usually well heated, so layers let you remove a sweater indoors rather than overheat.

Extremities lose heat fastest, so a warm hat, insulated waterproof gloves, a scarf or neck gaiter, thick wool socks and proper winter boots with grip matter as much as the coat. Boots that handle snow and ice are essential for the daily walk to campus.

Thermal base layer (top and bottoms)
Warm mid-layer: fleece or wool sweater
Windproof, insulated outer coat with a hood
Insulated, waterproof winter boots with non-slip soles
Warm hat, scarf or neck gaiter, gloves
Several pairs of thick wool socks

Buy locally and buy smart

You do not need to carry a full winter wardrobe from home. Local shops sell coats and boots designed for the actual climate, often better suited and more affordable than imported gear. Many students bring a light coat for the journey, then buy a heavier coat and proper boots after arrival once they see what the weather is really like.

Senior international students and the university's international office can point you to good, reasonably priced shops. Ask before the first hard frost so you are ready, not shopping in a rush.

Short daylight and the winter slump

In winter, daylight is short — it can be dark when you head to class and dark again by late afternoon. Less sunlight can leave some students feeling low, tired or unmotivated. This is common and usually eases as you build a routine.

Practical habits help: keep a regular sleep schedule, get outside during daylight when you can, keep your room well lit, stay active indoors, and keep in touch with friends and family. If low mood, persistent sadness or trouble functioning continues, speak to your university's student-support or counselling service — see the companion guide on support services.

Keep a steady sleep and wake schedule
Step outside during daylight hours when possible
Keep your room bright and well lit
Stay physically active (campus gym, indoor sport, walking)
Stay connected with friends, classmates and family
Reach out to student counselling if low mood persists

Staying warm and well day to day

Dress for the outdoors even for short trips — wind chill makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Keep skin covered in very cold, windy weather, and change out of wet socks or gloves promptly. Stay hydrated; heated indoor air is dry, so drink water and consider a lip balm and moisturiser.

Walk carefully on icy pavements, take smaller steps, and use handrails. Give yourself extra time to get to class in snow. Warm meals and hot drinks genuinely help — the budget-food guide in this set has ideas for cooking warming meals cheaply.

Frequently asked questions

How cold does it really get, and which months are coldest?

It varies a lot by city — northern Russian and northern CIS cities are much colder and snowier than southern ones. Winter is typically the longest and coldest stretch, often from late autumn into early spring. Check the specific climate of your destination city and verify current conditions on a reliable weather source before you travel.

Should I buy winter clothes at home or after I arrive?

Bring a light coat for the journey, then buy your main winter coat and boots locally. Local gear is designed for the real climate and is often better value. Ask the international office or senior students where to shop before the first hard frost.

Will my dormitory and classrooms be heated?

University buildings and dormitories are generally heated in winter, so indoors is usually warm. That is exactly why layering matters — you want to peel off a sweater inside and add it back outside.

I feel low and tired in the dark winter months — is that normal?

Feeling low energy or mood in short, dark winters is common. A steady routine, daylight exposure, exercise and social contact usually help. If it persists or affects your studies, contact your university's counselling or student-support service.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Study in Russia — official student portal (life and practical info); Education in Russia — official Rossotrudnichestvo admission portal.

Last verified: 24 June 2026.