Bank cards
All first-year students at ITMO, whether tuition-free or fee-based, are issued a Bank St. Petersburg debit card for their stipend and personal use. If you wish to open an account at a different bank, the most common options are Sberbank, Alfa Bank, and T-Bank – all offer cards for foreigners. As a general rule, salary cards are free; otherwise, you will need to pay a monthly fee of around 100-150 rubles.
Accommodation
There are three housing options available to ITMO students: you can reside at one of ITMO’s dorms, stay at ITMO-approved aparthotels (ITMO Aparts), or stay in your own apartment in the city. All vary in benefits and prices, with the dorms being the most popular and affordable option (about 2,000 rubles per month).
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Food & groceries
A good portion of your budget will be eaten up by food – and that includes not only groceries, but also lunches and eating out. You can buy your food at nearby stores or have it delivered via such services as Samokat or Yandex Lavka. Whatever you choose, remember to install store loyalty apps and keep an eye out for discounts and promo codes. Aside from home-cooked meals, many students opt to have their lunches at the university's cafeterias (including the newly-opened one at the Lomonosova St. 9 campus) or the city’s many restaurants or cafes. Look out for lunch deal options to keep your costs low – and always ask if they have any sort of loyalty program.
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Transport
Students also enjoy a massive discount on public transport thanks to student travel cards, or BSKs, which cover metro and/or ground transport for a pleasant price of 740-1,305 rubles per month (depending on the plan). The same goes for train rides: you can enjoy a discount of 50% off on suburban trains or 25% off on long-distance trains using your student ID and a student status certificate, respectively.
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Services
First things first, you will need to get a local SIM card to avoid extra roaming fees. It’s easy, affordable, and can even be done online. Most mobile plans today include a package of calls+texts+mobile data, so you won’t need to worry about having access to the internet when you are out and about. While dorms and hotels are usually equipped with Wi-Fi, if you choose to live at your own place, you (and your roommates, if you have any) will need to choose an operator and purchase a suitable plan on your own. As for public Wi-Fi, there are quite a few free hotspots throughout (and even under – in the metro) the city, including at ITMO’s campuses.
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Stay in Touch: Buying a SIM Card in Russia
ITMO.STUDENTS: Coworking Spaces
ITMO.STUDENTS: Corporate Email and Free Software (to be updated)
Photo by ITMO University
Healthcare
As it’s often said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. We hope that you won't need this information any time soon, but remember about first aid posts if you suddenly feel unwell at the university; and it might be a wise decision to invest in a good health insurance plan during your stay abroad. The university’s staff become eligible for voluntary medical insurance after two years of employment.
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Shopping
Generally, students don’t need to purchase any academic materials; they can access the university’s catalog of e-resources or order textbooks at the library. But in case you’re in need of a hardcover, search for one at the city’s bookstores, like Bookvoed, or some online resources – for instance, Avito – for new and used books at a lower price. As for other kinds of shopping, we recommend trying seasonal sales, online shopping, and thrifting. Each option will help you update your items without compromising much in quality.
Read also:
Find Anything: A Guide to the Flea Markets of St. Petersburg
A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in St. Petersburg
Navigate Avito Like a Pro: Declutter & Find Vintage Treasures Online
Sports
As an ITMO student, you can take advantage of your PE classes. Luckily, the choice is vast; from football and martial arts to badminton and yoga, you will find a sports club for your liking! For outside-university options, check out WorldClass, Fitness House, and Alex Fitness/A-Fitness gyms, as they offer discounted memberships for ITMO staff and students.
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Going out
When it comes to entertainment and culture, most places – such as theaters, cinemas, and museums – offer discounts or even free entry to students. Student tickets commonly have to be purchased at ticket offices rather than online, as you need to show your student ID. Many places have free entry days every month (the third Thursday of every month for the Hermitage or the last Wednesday of every month for ROSPHOTO). For theater lovers, the university’s Intelligentsia Culture Club offers discounted prices for varied performances around the city – keep an eye out for announcements on their VK page.
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Photo by ITMO University
Benefits & discounts
Being a student comes with its perks – and that’s freebies and discounts on a range of goods and services. By simply showing your student ID, you can pay less not only for transport and different services, but also at museums, theaters, and galleries. Better still, ITMO students also get some extra bonuses from their university’s partners.
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Tools & resources
Knowing ways to save some money is always good, but it’s also good to know how to keep track of your finances. You can do that simply via your bank app’s built-in analytics, Excel spreadsheets, or in a designated app, like CoinKeeper. This will help you stay on top of things and make more conscious decisions when it comes to your next purchase.
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Getting help
For any questions regarding bank cards, student IDs, stipends, and different opportunities, feel free to contact ITMO’s Student Services Office via so@itmo.ru or pay them a visit at Lomonosova St. 9, room 1400 or Kronverksky Pr. 49, room 1106.
