For many Indian medical students, the dream of pursuing an MBBS from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, or Kazakhstan is finally a reality. However, this reality check can be a shock to the system with the first winter experience. When you are accustomed to tropical weather where “winter” means wearing a light sweater, -20 degrees can be a real shock to the system and the soul.
The winter experience abroad is not just about the snow-covered campuses; it is about resilience, health, and adaptability. Here is an in-depth look at how MBBS students experience the long, cold months and how you can make the “harsh” winter a memorable part of your medical journey. Many aspiring doctors are currently researching how MBBS abroad students experience winters abroad for Indian students 2026 to prepare for the extreme climate change experienced in Russia and Georgia.
The Art of "Armor": Dressing for Survival
In countries where the temperature drops significantly, clothing is no longer a fashion choice—it is life support. Students quickly learn the “Layering Principle” to manage the drastic difference between the freezing outdoors and the centrally heated, often toasty, indoors.
- The Base Layer: High-quality thermal wear (moisture-wicking) is essential. It keeps body heat trapped without making you sweaty.
- The Insulation: Sweaters, hoodies, or fleece jackets go over the thermals.
- The Outer Shell: A heavy-duty, waterproof parka or down jacket with a fur-lined hood is a non-negotiable investment.
- The Extremities: Most body heat is lost through the head and feet. Thick woolen beanies, waterproof insulated boots with a good grip (to avoid slipping on “black ice”), and thermal socks become daily staples.
Pro Tip: Don’t purchase all your winter clothing in India. Although you should pack some basic thermals, you should purchase your heavy-duty jackets and boots when you reach your destination. This is because local brands are specifically designed for that region’s extreme cold.
Dealing with the "Winter Blues": Mental Health & SAD
One of the most underrated challenges is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun could set as early as 3:30 PM. This means that a student who is accustomed to 12 hours of sunlight a day could find the lack of sunlight resulting in lethargy, homesickness, and a lack of motivation.
Medical students are already dealing with a lot of stress. When you throw “the gray days” into the mix, along with a lot of anatomy to cover, it can be a lot to handle. To overcome this, successful students:
- Maximize Daylight: They sit near windows during lectures and take short walks whenever the sun comes out.
- Stay Social: It’s easy to just stay in your dorm room, but that’s the last thing you want to do. Getting “potluck” dinners with classmates or study groups is a great way to keep your spirits up.
- Vitamin D: When you don’t get enough sunlight, you don’t get enough Vitamin D. Most physicians will tell you to take supplements during the winter months.
- The Medical Student’s Diet: Warming from Within
Your body consumes more calories just to keep warm. Students tend to notice that their appetite is growing with the onset of winter. It is easy to live on instant noodles, but a good “winter diet” is essential to keep the immunity level necessary to survive the flu season.
Academic Life in the Cold
The clinical rotations do not close with the onset of snow. The walk to the hospital or university in the early morning at -15 degrees Celsius demands a different level of discipline.
- The “Penguin Walk”: You will learn to walk with your feet flat on the ground and slightly bent forward to prevent slipping on the hidden ice.
- Device Care: The phone and laptop batteries will drain in minutes in extreme cold. Students learn to carry their devices in inner pockets, close to their body warmth, to prevent them from dying on the way to a presentation.
- Hospital Etiquette: Most universities and hospitals have a “cloakroom” (Wardrobe) system. You cannot enter a classroom or hospital ward wearing your heavy winter coat. You’ll learn the drill of removing layers quickly to look professional in your white coat.
Skin and Health Care: The Dryness Battle
The combination of freezing wind outside and dry radiator heat inside is a recipe for cracked skin and chapped lips. A “Winter Survival Kit” for any medical student includes:
- High-Occlusive Moisturizers: Standard lotions won’t cut it; you need thick creams or petroleum-based products.
- Lip Balm: A constant companion in every lab coat pocket.
- Humidifiers: Placing a bowl of water near the heater or using a small plug-in humidifier in your dorm room prevents your throat and skin from drying out overnight.
In Conclusion
As an MBBS student, having a foreign winter is a growing-up experience. It will make you tough and hardy, and this will benefit you in your later life as a medical professional. You will not only live through the winter but also flourish if you dress well, eat well, and look after your mental health.
EOCL India
Among the leading consultancies that help Indian students study MBBS abroad is Education Orbit Counseling & Link. They are aware of the list of NMC-approved universities in Kazakhstan and Russia and offer comprehensive assistance to ensure a smooth international medical education journey. Make a call today.
