October 19, 2026
Moving from India to Russia for MBBS is a new beginning, but the first 30 days can feel overwhelming. From completing paperwork and settling into your accommodation to navigating your university and getting familiar with a new city, there’s a lot to manage at once. Every university has its own process and requirements, so knowing what to expect can make your transition smoother. Here’s what you should keep as you begin your MBBS journey in Russia.
What to Expect During Your First 30 Days in Russia
Entering the MBBS program in Russia means not only joining a new college but also adapting to a new environment in every way.
| Period | Main Focus |
| Days 1–3 | Arrival and formalities |
| Days 4–7 | Hostel and essentials |
| Days 8–10 | Getting to know the city |
| Days 11–15 | Orientation and academics |
| Days 16–20 | Study routine |
| Days 21–25 | Food, language and friends |
| Days 26–30 | Becoming independent |
Days 1–3: Getting Settled After Arriving in Russia
The first few days are all about getting comfortable in your new surroundings, completing the initial formalities, settling into your accommodation, and getting familiar with your university and city.
Complete Your University Formalities: Be sure to register yourself in advance because the first 30 days in Russia fly by really fast. As per Russian legislation, foreign nationals have to register their residential address within seven workdays of coming to the country, and we will help you with that at the university.
Settle Into Your Hostel: Check your room, roommates & hostel rules first.
Keep Important Contacts Ready: Keep the numbers restricted to the university office, the international student office, the hostel administration, and your coordinator. In case of an emergency, call 112. In matters concerning passports and visas, check the Embassy of India in Moscow website.
Day 4-7: Adjusting to Hostel Life
Hostel life in Russia for Indian students takes a few days to feel normal.
Timetable of Hostel: Learn about entering the hostel, cleaning day, and time for laundry.
Organizing the Room: Make space for studying and keep your files in one place.
Identify Places to Visit: Find the location of the supermarket, chemist shop, college, and bus stand in the first week.
Days 8–10: Getting Familiar With Your City
Daily life in Russia for Indian students gets easier once your routes make sense.
Learn how to travel from your university to your hostel: Walk this path twice – first during the daytime and secondly near the time when your department starts. If feasible, walk this path even during a chilly morning so that you get an idea about how things are in various climatic conditions.
Get to know about the public transport system: Now that you have learned the basic path to take, it is important for you to get to know about the buses, trams, or metros in your city. Not all universities have metros, so check for other routes and transportation facilities.
Find the nearby clinics and pharmacies: With this information about your surroundings, find out the clinics and pharmacies located nearby.
Days 11–15: Understanding Your Medical University
Having adapted to the environment, these days are now for you to become acquainted with your medical university, study schedule, campus amenities, and the future life of an MBBS student in Russia.
Make yourself familiar with the university orientation schedule, attendance policy, exams, library, etc. Ask your faculty about how they measure attendance.
Your MBBS course: Try to understand the importance of lectures, pracs, personal study & revision. As per the National Medical Commission, now all international medical students will have to finish his/her programme from one institute only, so do refer to the guidelines provided by them for international students.
Try to meet your faculty, peers & seniors: Start building up some relationship with faculty right away. Seniors know who is stringent & what notes r being shared between students.
Days 16–20: Building Your MBBS Study Routine
A steady study routine for MBBS in Russia matters more now.
Setting up a daily schedule helps with classes and practicals mixed in along with revision and self-study at the same time every day: Next-day prep fits somewhere after that, but I am not totally sure where it lands best on busy days.
Some days feel busier than others anyway: Organizing notes and manuals in separate folders works for both paper and digital copies, even if it takes a bit to keep up with.
Adjusting to the routine means going to classes and getting ready for practicals early on: Asking questions right away seems useful, though it might be oversimplifying how that goes in every situation.
Days 21–25: Adjusting to Food, Language, and Social Life
Now that you have started feeling at ease in Russia, it’s time for you to find your way of eating, learn Russian basics, make friends, and feel more comfortable socially.
Managing Food in Russia: Many students rely on canteens at first. Indian food in Russia for MBBS students depends on the city.
Basic Russian Language for Everyday Use: Russian language learning for Indians begins with greetings, shopping, and directions.
Build Your Student Community: Spend time with Indian MBBS students in Russia, classmates and seniors. Student life in Russia gets easier with people to lean on. How Indian student communities help is worth a read.
Days 26–30: Becoming More Independent
Know Your Regular Routes: Be confident travelling between your hostel, university, grocery store, and other places you visit regularly. Follow Your Class Schedule: Know your classrooms, timings, and any upcoming assignments, tests, or attendance requirements.
First 30 Days in Russia Checklist for Indian MBBS Students
Your first month in Russia is all about getting settled, understanding your university, and becoming comfortable with everyday student life. Use this checklist to make sure you don’t miss the important steps.
- Documents: passport, visa documentation, insurance
- University: registration completed, orientation attended, contacts made at university
- Hostel: hostel rules known, room arranged, kitchen found
- City: route to university learned, pharmacy located
- Personal: basic Russian, study plan, contact with family.
10 Mistakes Indian MBBS Students Should Avoid During Their First Month
Your first month in Russia can be an intimidating experience as you adapt to the new environment in a foreign land. Here are some tips that can prove helpful in avoiding these pitfalls and making the most of your MBBS program in Russia:
- Ignoring University Regulations: Adhere to all university regulations, notices, and deadlines.
- Losing Crucial Documents: Maintain all your passport, visa, and other necessary documents safe.
- Not Knowing Basic Russian: Know some basic Russian language for easy communication.
- Ignoring Hostel Regulations: Know everything about hostel regulations and abide by them from day one.
- Not Knowing the Way Around the University: Know how you can go around the university.
- Ignoring Orientation: Join orientation to get acquainted with your university and its processes.
- Ignoring the Communication of Seniors: Maintain good communication with seniors for practical guidance.
- Ignoring Study Schedule: Have a study schedule that includes all class times and revisions.
- Not Being Prepared for the Local Weather: Be prepared with the right things for the climate conditions.
- Solving Problems On Your Own: Consult university staff, hostel authorities, and seniors whenever necessary.
Final Words
Your first 30 months in Russia establish a routine to help you succeed in your classes. Sort out paperwork early, learn your routes & ask for help. Our six-year MBBS journey guide is a good next read, and our team is happy to help whenever you’re ready.
FAQs
What should Indian MBBS students do in the days after arriving in Russia?
Finish university paperwork, settle into the hostel, organise documents, and explore the university and city.
What documents should Indian MBBS students keep safe while in Russia?
Indian MBBS students should safely keep passports, visa documents, insurance papers, and other important university documents.
How can Indian MBBS students adjust to hostel life in Russia?
Indian MBBS students should learn hostel rules, organise their room, and locate facilities such as the laundry, kitchen, and nearby shops.
How can Indian MBBS students manage travel in Russia?
Indian MBBS students should learn the routes between the hostel, university, grocery stores, and other regular destinations. Learn about public transport.
Should Indian MBBS students learn Russian before studying in Russia?
Yes, Indian MBBS students should learn phrases for greetings, shopping, directions, and everyday communication. MBBS students’ daily lives will become easier.