If you’re an international student or staff member, chances are that your first-ever encounter with our great city will be at Pulkovo Airport! Although you’re guaranteed to be welcomed by one of our ITMO buddies or members of staff, we still recommend you check out our guide to travelling from Pulkovo to the city center. Once you’ve boarded the shuttle bus, bring up this public transport guide to find out all about the different ways to get around the city (and the handy student discounts!).
At the university
First things first, read all about the most important tools, webpages, and departments you’ll need in your first days at ITMO. Then, find out all there is to know about the many perks and advantages available to all students in St. Petersburg (and some to ITMO students only!). Finally, check out our article on KronBars, ITMO’s award-winning student sports club, to find out how to join (staff members are welcome, too!).
Pop by the Student Services Office if you need a spot to study on your own or with friends
And don’t forget to visit the Student Services Office website for a wealth of information on any and all aspects of life at the university.
Around the city
Once you’ve figured out your living situation (whether you’ve settled for dorms or decided to rent an apartment), it’s time to hit the town. You’ll notice that we like to gush about this city of ours – and for good reason! After all, it’s a place of great beauty with a rich history and so much to offer in terms of entertainment, social life, and food. Now, there are plenty of places to read all about St. Petersburg’s top attractions, so we won’t bother you with that. Instead, go off the beaten track with our series Unexplored St. Petersburg and Places to See. Oh, and keep an eye on our Experience St. Petersburg section, where every Wednesday we post a new round-up of the upcoming weekend’s best events.
The Street Art Museum in St. Petersburg. Credit: crossarea.ru
Like a good meal? Then you’re in luck, as St. Petersburg is at the forefront of culinary progress. Start with our guides on underrated fast food, food delivery and the top ice cream spots. For a quick bite and coffee between classes refer to our line-up of the best study spots near campus. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, then you’ve chosen well – living cruelty-free in St. Petersburg is a breeze. In addition to our quick vegan guide to the city, we’ve also written about some of the best vegan shops, restaurants, and cafes around town.
A great way to get into the spirit of the city is to learn from others’ experiences – which is why we’ve rounded up some of the best blogs by expats in St. Petersburg.
Feel Russian
Krestovsky Island. Credit: paperpaper.ru. Photo courtesy of Egor Tsvetkov 
Whether you’re already in St. Petersburg or still planning your trip, tap into the local vibes with our Russian Mondays and Relocation Tips series. Visit the Life in Russia section of our website to learn all about the Russian day-to-day. And be sure to use the form at the top of this page to subscribe to the ITMO.NEWS weekly newsletter.
Brave the chill
St. Petersburg is just as pretty in winter as it is in summer. Credit: aeroflot.ru
Even though the real winter is still ways away, it’s better to prepare in advance. Check out our students and staff’s tips on surviving Russian winter, find out all about the best winter activities, and learn how to stay healthy, entertained, and sane while cooped up in your winter nest!
Want to share your own impressions and thoughts? Interview a fellow student? Write for our blog? Join the ITMO.NEWS family! Email us at int.news@itmo.ru or fill out this form. Your experience matters!
