Study abroad·Russia & CIS· 6 min read

Food and Daily Life for Students in Russia and CIS

A practical, neutral look at everyday student life in Russia and key CIS countries — campus canteens, groceries, cooking, getting around, and settling into a routine — with all costs and specifics deferred to official sources.

Last updated 14 June 2026

Key facts

Countries covered: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia
Campus food: Student canteens/cafeterias common (availability varies)
Self-catering: Supermarkets, markets and hostel/flat kitchens widely available
Local transport: Buses, trams, metro (in some cities); student concessions vary
Verify on: Official university student services for current details

Eating on and around campus

Most universities in Russia and the key CIS countries we cover — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia — have student canteens or cafeterias on or near campus that serve affordable hot meals during the day. Many campuses and surrounding neighbourhoods also have cafes, bakeries and small eateries within easy reach.

What is available, opening hours and prices differ by university and city, so use the official university website and your institution's student services for the most accurate picture once you have an offer.

Campus canteens / cafeterias — affordable daytime meals at many universities
Nearby cafes, bakeries and eateries — common around campus areas
Availability and prices vary by university and city

Groceries and cooking for yourself

Students who prefer to cook can shop at local supermarkets, neighbourhood grocery stores and fresh markets, which are widely available in university towns and cities. Many student hostels and rented flats have shared or private kitchens, making home cooking a normal and budget-friendly option.

Whether your accommodation includes kitchen access depends on the specific hostel or flat, so confirm the facilities with your university's housing office or your landlord before you arrive. Food prices change over time and vary by location — verify current costs locally rather than relying on a fixed figure.

Getting around day to day

Larger cities typically have public transport such as buses, trams, trolleybuses and, in some cities, a metro, while smaller university towns may rely mainly on buses and shared taxis. Many cities offer student travel cards or concessions, and walking or cycling is often practical for nearby campuses.

Fares, student-concession rules and the transport options available differ from city to city, so check the local transport operator and your university's student information for the current details where you will study.

A typical student routine

A normal week usually revolves around scheduled lectures, seminars, lab or practical sessions and self-study, alongside time in the library and group work. Outside class, students often join clubs, sports facilities, language exchanges and university events to meet people and settle in.

The exact academic timetable, facilities and activities are set by each university and faculty, so your own routine will depend on your programme. Your university's student services and orientation are the best guide to what is on offer.

Lectures, seminars, labs and self-study during the week
Library, study spaces and group work
Clubs, sports, language exchange and campus events

Settling in and practical basics

In the first weeks, students usually sort out accommodation, a local SIM or mobile plan, opening a routine at the canteen and supermarket, and learning the route to campus. Universities commonly run an orientation or buddy programme and have an international students office to help with the basics.

Some practical conditions can change from time to time, so for anything time-sensitive, verify current conditions on official sources and follow guidance from your university's international office. This is general information, not advice — your institution's instructions take precedence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I find food that suits my preferences as a student?

University towns and cities generally have a range of canteens, cafes, supermarkets and fresh markets, and many students cook for themselves where their accommodation has a kitchen. Availability varies by city and university — check locally and with your university's student services.

Is it cheaper to cook or eat in the canteen?

Both campus canteens and home cooking are usually budget-friendly options, but which is cheaper depends on the city, the university and your habits. Prices change over time, so verify current costs locally rather than relying on a fixed estimate.

How do students usually get around?

Larger cities often have buses, trams, trolleybuses and sometimes a metro, while smaller towns rely mainly on buses; many cities offer student travel concessions. Fares and options differ by city, so check the local transport operator and your university information.

Where can I get help settling in?

Most universities have an international students office and run orientation or buddy programmes to help with accommodation, registration and day-to-day basics. Follow your university's official guidance for the most reliable, up-to-date help.

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 portal (Rossotrudnichestvo); Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan) — official site.

Last verified: 14 June 2026.