First-years – start here

Are you about to start your studies at ITMO? Look no further, this section is the perfect starting point. 

If you are still packing for your trip to Russia, check out this article with tips from our current international students on what you should take with you. And if you are worried about the way St. Petersburg will greet you, take a look at this story, where we’ve debunked some common myths about studying in Russia.

Next, we have a whole list of guides that cover every aspect of your student life, from St. Pete’s public transport to housing options and budgeting tips:     

• A Guide to Public Transport in St. Petersburg 
• ITMO Student's Guide to Housing in St. Petersburg 
• ITMO Student’s Adaptation Guide
• ITMO Student’s Guide to Saving & Budgeting 

Being an international student can be a pretty intense and potentially lonely experience – and that’s why we asked our international students for tips on making friends and building connections in Russia, take a look! You’ll find it easier to stay in touch with all the new friends you’ll make, as well as to stay on track of all the university news, by creating a social media account; here’s what our students say on essential social media pages in Russia. By the way, follow ITMO on VK and Telegram for not just updates, but also tidbits about St. Petersburg and helpful posts for international students.

For information about your studies, internships, practical training, and exam procedures, visit the website of the university’s Student Services Office.

Study inspiration

Yet to get excited about your studies? We’ve got it covered. First, check out this list of movies to get you into a study mood. Next, get inspired by the stories of our international students – from all corners of the world and studying all kinds of subjects, from robotics to business informatics. You’ll definitely find someone in whose footsteps you’d want to follow. We also have plenty of students who decided to pick up a new career or deepen their education after gaining some practical experience – discover their stories here.

Another option to get your gears in motion is to learn about the highest achievement you can make as a higher education student in Russia – the red diploma. We believe in you, you can achieve the heights you want!

Exploring the city

While September is still treating us to a sunny and warm weather, why not explore St. Petersburg? Start with this guide to get to know the very basics and cover your tourist ground first. Then, the world is your oyster: you can visit lesser-known areas of the city, study architecture just by walking the streets, get to know the city through its extremes – from the oldest to the largest, and even find Moscow in St. Petersburg. You can always find something new to do in St. Petersburg in the dedicated section on ITMO NEWS.

Mental health during studies

At the start of the academic year we are often full of energy and motivation, but once November kicks in, moods tend to swing. In order to avoid burnout and soothe your anxiety, it’s important to take the time to care about your mental health. ITMO psychologists recommend four simple exercises that can become a great routine for your mental hygiene.

How can you meet the exam season at your best? Two answers from ITMO lecturers: tend to your self-esteem and learn to boost your confidence. When you believe in yourself, any test or exam just won’t stand a chance. 

Studying abroad brings its own, very specific, challenges, best described as feeling like a fish out of water. Luckily, there are ways to deal with it and make sure that you get the most comfort you can get in your surroundings – here’s what ITMO experts recommend.

More opportunities 

At ITMO, you get much more than studies! Join one of the university’s student clubs to practice your hobby, develop your idea into a startup, learn a new language – or start your own club! Another option is to take part in ITMO Megabattle, the yearly competition of the university’s schools where you can showcase all kinds of talents: from your organization skills to creativity, sports prowess, and drama.

Come to the university’s coworking spaces to work on your ideas alongside your groupmates. Visit the Career Center to find an internship at a cool company, or become a mentor to assist a lecturer with a course and train to become one in the future. The opportunities at ITMO are endless and we wish you to discover your path here!