Your job is important — but your life outside of work matters just as much.

Where you eat, how you move around the city, how you live with others, and what you do on weekends — all of this shapes your experience in Russia.

This chapter will help you feel not just like a worker, but like a person who belongs here.

🚌 Getting Around: Public Transport is Simple (and Cheap)

You don’t need a car in Russia — buses, metros, and trams are everywhere.

In big cities, the metro is fast and clean. You’ll see signs and hear announcements in Russian — and sometimes in English.

To ride the metro or bus:

● Use a transport card (Troika in Moscow, Podorozhnik in St. Petersburg)

● Or tap your bank card if it works

● Each ride costs around 30–70 ₽

🧭 Use apps like Yandex Maps, 2GIS, or Yandex Metro — they’re free and very helpful.

💬 You don’t need to speak Russian to use public transport — just follow signs and be respectful. People usually help if you ask calmly.

🛒 Eating and Shopping: Learn the Local Rhythm

You’ll quickly find your routine: a shop near your dorm, a favorite kind of bread, a place that sells fruit that you like.

Most cities have:

● Supermarkets for basics: Pyaterochka, Magnit, Lenta, Perekrestok

● Open markets for fruits, vegetables, meat, spices

● Mini-shops on every corner — often open until midnight

🛍️ Russians usually buy groceries every 2–3 days — not once a week.

Prices vary by region, but in general:

● Bread: ~50 ₽

● Milk: ~90 ₽

● Chicken: ~250–300 ₽/kg

● Rice: ~110 ₽/kg

● Apples: ~120 ₽/kg

🧠 Always bring a bag or backpack — plastic bags often cost extra (~5 ₽).

👚 Where to Buy What You Need

When you arrive, you may want better shoes, warm gloves, or hygiene products.
Here’s where to find them:

● Clothes and shoes: Gloria Jeans, Kari, O’stin, Decathlon, markets

● Hygiene & cosmetics: Magnit Kosmetiks, FixPrice, pharmacies

● Electronics (chargers, headphones): DNS, M.Video, Wildberries (online)

● Medicines: Apteka.ru (or ask locals for a nearby pharmacy)

📦 Many stores offer delivery — ask your roommate or coordinator to help order online.

🧤 Winter clothes are cheaper in September–October. Don't wait until it gets –20°C.

🧼 Living with Others: Respect Builds Comfort

You may share a room or kitchen with strangers — this is normal.
In Russia, people expect cleanliness, quiet, and privacy in shared spaces.

Simple rules that always work:

● Shower at least every 1–2 days

● Wash your clothes weekly (never put your boots in the washing machine!)

● Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight

● Don’t use loud music or speakerphone after 22:00

● Never take food from the fridge that’s not yours

● If something breaks — tell someone, don’t hide it

🚪 A clean room opens more than just windows — it opens trust.

Social Media:

At the moment, social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin & YouTube are formally blocked, but they can be accessed with a VPN.

The Russian equivalent of Facebook or Istagram is called Vkontakte, or VK which literally translated as ‘in touch’. It’s mainly in Russian but works fine in English too and is great if you have Russian friends (or wish to meet some).

WhatsApp is extremely popular in Russia, as is Telegram, particularly as an alternative to the blocked international social media sites.

🤝 Everyday Manners (That Really Matter)

You don’t have to speak perfect Russian to make a good impression.

Here’s what locals appreciate:

● A calm “Zdravstvuyte” (Hello) when you enter a room

● Saying “Spasibo” (Thank you) — always

● Moving quietly in shared spaces

● Not touching others unless necessary

● Not talking too loudly in public transport or stairwells

Men will always shake hands with each other, regardless of whether they are just colleagues in the office, friends meeting up or in a business situation. Women shake hands less often, only perhaps at more formal occasions, both with each other and with men, but many will just give a nod. If in doubt, take the lead from your local colleagues. Hugs and kisses on the cheek are for once you get to know your colleagues and friends a bit better.

People in Russia might not smile first — but if you’re polite, they soften.

🧭 If You Get Lost or Don’t Know What to Do

It can happen. You’re in a new area, don’t know the street, and no one speaks your language.

Here’s what helps:

● 📍 Always save your dorm and work address in your phone, in both English and Russian

● 📷 Take photos of buildings and street signs

● 📱 Learn how to say:
→ “Where is the metro?” — Gde metro?
→ “Can you help me?” — Pomogite, pozhaluysta
→ “I work with …” — Ya rabotayu s …

● 🚓 If something feels unsafe — go into a shop or pharmacy, not strangers on the street

🎈 Free Time and Weekends

You’re here to work — but you’re also a human being. Don’t forget to rest.

Russians love:

● Parks and walking

● Shopping malls — they’re clean, warm, and have food courts

● Temples, churches, mosques — open to visitors

● Markets — for snacks, tea, souvenirs

● Small cafés — cheap and cozy

You can also:

● Visit a barbershop

● Join a football game in the courtyard

● Explore a museum on a free-entry day

🎉 On Russian holidays (like New Year or May Day), cities feel festive — take a walk and enjoy.