International
student pre-arrival guide

Even though the Murmansk region lies within the Arctic Circle, its climate is relatively mild compared to other Arctic regions of Russia like Siberia or the Far East.

Weather Overview: 

• Winter:  Average temperature is around -10°C (can occasionally drop to -30°C). 
• Summer:  Average temperature is about +15°C (can sometimes rise to +30°C).

Polar Day & Night: 

• Polar Night:  From early December to mid-January — the sun does not rise above the horizon. 
• Midnight Sun (Polar Day):  From late May to mid-July — the sun remains visible 24/7.

Nature:

The Murmansk region offers stunning landscapes all year round. Its nature resembles that of Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden, Norway), Iceland, Greenland, and even parts of New Zealand. However, it’s also very fragile — please respect the environment and practice eco-friendly habits.

Time Zone:

Murmansk operates on GMT+3 (Moscow Standard Time).

• Voltage:  220V
• Plug Type:  Europlug (Type C/F) – two ungrounded pins used throughout Europe.
• Water:  Tap water is generally safe but it's recommended to boil or filter it before drinking. Bottled water is widely available and affordable.
• Hot Water:  Available year-round except for a short annual maintenance period (usually 2 weeks in summer).

Smoking is strictly prohibited in:

• Public transport stops
• Restaurants, bars, cafes
• Cultural venues (theaters, museums)
• Educational institutions and dormitories
• Other public spaces

Smoking is allowed outdoors and in private spaces unless it disturbs others.

All buildings are equipped with central heating systems, which generally cannot be individually adjusted.

Mobile Networks:

Operate on GSM-900 / GSM-1800 or GSM-850 / GSM-1900 frequencies. Most modern smartphones (including UMTS-based devices) work fine. Roaming must be activated with your home operator before arrival. Upon arrival, you can purchase a local SIM card after following a certain procedure.

3G – 4G+ are widely available. 5G is not yet available in Murmansk.

Internet:

• Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, hotels, and public places.
• MAU provides Wi-Fi and wired internet access  on campus and in dormitories.
• Some sites may be restricted due to parental controls (does not affect educational access).
• You can use university computer labs or bring your own laptop/tablet/smartphone.

Popular Apps:

✅ Available:

• Social media: VK, TikTok, RuTube, WhatsApp, Telegram and others
• Online maps: 2GIS, Yandex Maps, GoogleMaps and others
• Search engines and e-mails: Yandex, Mail.ru, Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and others
• AI: Qwen, DeepSeek, GigaChat and others

❌ Blocked, restricted by company or slowed: Facebook, Discord, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Viber, ChatGPT, Coursera, EDx (consider using supplementary software if needed)

Russia is a secular, multiethnic, and multireligious country. People of all backgrounds are welcome.

• The university does not provide prayer rooms
• There is no dress code, but most students wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing
• Dress modestly and neutrally when visiting religious, governmental or cultural sites

Currency:

• Official currency: Russian Rouble (RUB) .
• Only roubles are accepted as legal tender.

Payments:

Most places accept cards, NFC mobile payments, QR codes, and digital wallets. Smaller shops and restaurants may only take cash.

Exchanging Money:

• Exchange offices are located at airports, banks, and hotels
• Main currencies exchanged: USD and EUR
• Bring your passport when exchanging money
• Banks may charge fees for transactions and ATM withdrawals

Russian cuisine reflects the country's rich history and diverse culture. Northern Russian dishes often feature:

Common Ingredients

• Meat (chicken, pork, beef, turkey)
• Fish (cod, trout, salmon)
• Vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers)
• Grains (rice, buckwheat, oats, wheat)
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Bread, pasta, soups, pickles, and salads (often with mayonnaise or oil)

Local Specialties

• Reindeer meat
• Halibut, cod, trout, salmon, crab, mussels, scallops
• Forest mushrooms and berries (cranberries, cloudberries, blueberries)

Dietary Considerations:

• Russian food tends to be mildly seasoned and fatty, which might differ from what students from Asia or Africa are used to.
• You’re encouraged to bring your favorite spices or snacks from home.
• There are international food options in cafes, supermarkets, and online marketplaces.
• Online delivery of international foods (e.g., noodles, tea, spices) is possible through local apps.

International students typically live in 9-floor flat-style dormitories, sharing apartments with 3–5 roommates. Each apartment includes: 

• A private kitchen
• A bathroom/shower

In Apatity (a nearby town with university campus), dormitory types vary — both corridor-style and flat-style are available. 

All international students are required to have Voluntary Health Insurance policy (DMS) to access medical services in Russia. This insurance ensures you receive timely and appropriate care during your studies. You can read hot to get the insurance in this article.

Murmansk is considered one of the safest regions in Russia. Still, always exercise common sense and personal responsibility to ensure your safety and well-being.

• Fasten seatbelts when in transport
• Watch for your personal belongings
• Be careful at night and in desolated areas
• Russian traffic is right-handed, so look at right and left when crossing the street
• Cross it ONLY at zebra, green light, and when all the cars stopped
• Be moderate if drinking alcohol
• Avoid taking any unknown substances
• Do not get involved in any kind of conflicts
• Pay attention to the expiry dates of foods you buy
• Obey silence rules from 22.00 to 10.00
• Remember emergency number: 112 

1) Depending on what was agreed, arrive to MAU International cooperation office at Egorova str. 15 (see directions in any online map):

• From railway station – 15 minutes’ walk or by taxi (consider Yandex Taxi – around 300 roubles)
• From airport – a) Bus 106 to Knipovicha street bus stop (around 150 roubles) followed by 7 minutes’ walk, or b) by taxi (around 1000-2000 roubles).

2) Strictly follow the migration procedures described in this article to keep your stay in Russia safe and legal.

The main MAU page in VK
(in Russian)

The main MAU page in Telegram
(in Russian)

International students’ hub in VK
(in English and Russian)