A Student's Guide to Living in Bishkek and Yerevan

Two CIS study cities at a glance

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, and both host universities that welcome international students. They are in different countries with their own procedures, so it is worth looking at each city separately when you plan.

Because admission, accommodation and arrival steps differ by country and university, always confirm the details through your specific institution and that country's official sources rather than assuming the two cities work the same way.

Getting around Bishkek

Bishkek mainly relies on buses, trolleybuses and shared minibuses for public transport, rather than a metro. Many student areas and campuses are reachable by these routes, and the city is relatively compact.

Fares and any student concessions change over time, so confirm current arrangements with your university and the official Kyrgyzstan services. Your university's international office can advise on accommodation and which areas are convenient for your campus.

• Ask your university which areas are convenient for your campus
• Check current bus and minibus routes serving your campus
• Confirm dormitory or rental options through the university

Getting around Yerevan

Yerevan has a metro line alongside buses and minibuses, and students typically use a combination for daily travel. The city centre is walkable, and the metro helps for longer trips.

As elsewhere, fares and any student concessions change, so confirm the current details with your university and official Armenian city services. The university's international office is the place to ask about accommodation near your campus.

• Check the metro and bus routes near your campus
• Ask the university about dormitory or recommended rental areas
• Confirm any student travel concession with official services

Climate in both cities

Both Bishkek and Yerevan have a continental climate with warm-to-hot summers and cold winters, with conditions varying between the two cities and across the year. A wardrobe that covers both warm and cold seasons is practical.

Checking typical weather for your arrival month and planning seasonal clothing helps new students settle in smoothly. Daily study and life continue year-round, with heated indoor spaces in winter.

Everyday costs and settling in

Living costs in both cities cover rent or dormitory fees, food, transport, mobile data and study materials, and depend on whether you live in a dormitory or rent privately. Costs differ between the two cities and between universities.

This guide does not quote prices, because tuition and living costs change regularly and vary by university and country. Build your budget from your own university's published figures and verify everyday costs locally. Your international office usually supports arrival formalities, check-in and orientation on arrival — these are administrative steps handled through your university, so confirm the current requirements with it and the official sources for the country, as rules can change. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.

• Use your university's published costs to plan your budget
• Complete arrival and registration steps through your university on time
• Keep copies of your passport and key documents