• Population: 144.5 million. Around 77% of the population live in European Russia, while the remaining 23% live in Asian Russia.
• Capital: Moscow
• Demographics: the most prominent religion in Russia is Russian Orthodox Christianity
• Type of government: Democratic Federal Republic. Freedom House categorizes Russia's government as an authoritarian regime.
• Common foods: borscht, blini (Russian crepes), pelmeni (dumplings), vodka
• Currency: Russian ruble (₽)

On the national level, the official language in Russia is Russian. However, each region can have their own official language alongside Russian.

There are 35 regional official languages, and over 100 minority languages are spoken within Russia.

It is not very common for Russians to speak English. According to a Levada-Center poll, 11% of Russians can speak English to some extent. Therefore, students studying in Russia should learn the Cyrillic alphabet and some basic phrases in order to get around.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Russia for any purpose.

A student visa is required for students studying in Russia, and this visa is valid for a period of 3 months to one year.

Students will receive an invitation letter from their university, after which they can apply for a Russian visa through the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• The best option is purchasing a local SIM card for longer stays.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• High speed internet is widely available.
• Free WiFi is even offered on buses, trams, trolleybuses, the metro, and many suburban trains.

Electricity

• Russia uses type C and F outlets, so you will need a universal plug adapter. You can purchase one prior to arrival or after you arrive on-site. Below are pictures of the outlets in Russia.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Russia, though museums and train stations may only take cash.
• ATMs are widely available in cities.

Climate

• Russia features a continental climate, meaning the country experiences hot, dry summers and very cold winters with lots of snow.

Packing

• Students should certainly pack their winter coats if they plan to be in Russia during winter months.
• If studying in Russia during the summer, shorts and t-shirts are weather-appropriate.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Between cities, trains are usually the best mode of transportation. Nevertheless, many other options are available, including buses, planes, and even river cruises.
• Within cities, rideshare options like Taxovichkoff, Uber and Yandex Taxi are available.
• Public transportation is also very efficient, and the Moscow metro is known for it beautifully decorated stations.

Airports

• The busiest airports in Russia include: Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, Vnukovo International Airport, St Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport
• Major Russian airlines include Aeroflot, Rossiya, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines , UTAir and budget carrier Pobeda

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.