Since one in every ten students in India wants to become a successful doctor, a healthy surge of students is leaving India in pursuit of quality education opportunities in the field of MBBS abroad.
Your New Home: Living Space & Roommates
In a Russian medical hostel, your room is so much more than a sleeping area—it’s your study retreat. Typically, most MBBS students share a twin/triple-sharing room that is fully furnished with all necessities such as beds, closets, and study desks. Roommates are usually allocated according to faculty/country of residence, allowing you to network with other medical students. This is a crucial shared experience that would help you get through this challenging 6-year program for sure! Even if your room is pretty small (about 14-18 sq m), it is spacious and well-ventilated with a high ceiling and broad windows. Additionally, it is well-heated through centralized AC, and you’ll be just fine even in a -20°C environment.
Among the prominent countries to pursue MBBS abroad, Russia stands in a top position, having over 10,000 Indian students joining the Russian medical colleges annually. MBBS in Russia for Indian students is a pathway to an excellent medical career, as the medical colleges in Russia guarantee a comfortable, healthy, and growing atmosphere for their foreign students. Hostel life in Russia for MBBS students 2026 is colorful, multicultural, and full of opportunities. Russian medical colleges take special care of their foreign students during their studies in Russia.
Mastering Russian Winter
The biggest culture shock for most of the MBBS students is the legendary Russian winter. Temperatures can come down to -20°C or lower, but don’t worry: Russian infrastructure is built for this. Every hostel has central heating that maintains a cozy 22°C indoors throughout the year. The secret to surviving outdoors is layering. Invest in a good quality “down” jacket, thermal inners, and waterproof boots with thick soles. Walking on icy paths soon becomes an art you learn in weeks! Though the days are shorter, the snow-clothed campuses take on magnificent beauty, providing a fairyland backdrop to your studies.
Indian Mess vs. Self-Cooking
Being an MBBS student in Russia, “cuisine” is not just about sustenance – it’s the panacea that heals homesickness. As you embark on your journey into the 6-year program, one thing is certain: the dilemma that lies ahead: Should one choose to eat at the Indian mess provided by the Russian university or attempt to cook at the hostel kitchen on one’s own? Both have their own benefits that could shape the entire collegiate experience.
- The Indian Mess: A Taste of Home (Zero Effort)
In recent years, leading universities such as Altai State Medical University, Chechen State University, and Ivanovo State Medical University have brought about a complete change in life for their students with Indian mess facilities. This is usually looked after by Indian contractors and Indian chefs who are well-aware that “a student’s heart beats only for dal-chawal and rotis.”
- The Menu: North and South Indian staples, such as paneer butter masala, sambhar-vada, and even biryani on weekends, will feature in a rotating menu every week.
- Cost: The cost of a standard mess plan would be ₹8,500 – ₹13,000 per month in 2026. This mostly includes three meals a day.
- The Perk: Time is your most precious resource. Medicine is demanding; having a hot meal waiting for you after a 6-hour clinical rotation is a big stress-reliever.
- Self-Cooking: The Budget Adventure
If you’re a foodie or on a tighter budget, the hostels’ common kitchens will become your playground. The kitchen is usually on each floor and has electric stoves and prep tables.
- Grocery Shopping: Amazingly affordable, especially for local supermarket chains like Magnit, Pyaterochka, and Auchan. You will be able to find staples like potatoes, onions, milk, and chicken very easily. If you want really good, authentic spices, basmati rice, or dals, then most of the cities would have a specialized store for Indians or online delivery through apps like Yandex Market.
- The Cost: You can bring the cost down to ₹ 4,500 – ₹ 7,000 per month by cooking for yourself and sharing bulk groceries with your roommates.
- The Social Aspect: Cooking together is the quintessential hostel ritual where friends are made over burnt parathas and experimental “Russian-Indian fusion” pastas.
- Pro-Tip: The Hybrid Approach
Many bright students opt for the Indian Mess for the initial year until they can adjust to the language and climate. After they get a good “cooking squad” and discover where to source the best local vegetables, they switch to self-cooking to cut down costs and enjoy what they want to eat.
Safety & Rules: Peace of Mind
Security is of paramount concern in Russian hostels. Many hostels have 24/7 CCTV coverage, biometric or card entry systems, and assigned security personnel known as ‘Vakhtyor’. A curfew of 11:00 at night is enforced to promote a secure setting. A no-smoking, no alcohol, and no noise policy is also maintained to keep a disciplined study ambience. This is the “home away from home” for foreign students in Russia. For Indian students, the “Hostel life in Russia for MBBS students guide” is very reasonably priced.
Education Orbit Counseling & Link
Since our founding, we have developed into a stand-alone business offering students MBBS counseling. Because of our affiliation with Russia’s leading universities, we have gained recognition. Delhi is home to our headquarters. More than 2,000 students have benefited from assistance in gaining admission to top universities. Give us a call right now.
