Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Mohona Jahan Momy. I’m from Bangladesh, and I’m studying infochemistry at ITMO University.
You have only been in St. Petersburg for about a week. What are your impressions so far?
So far, it has been good. I’ve traveled around using public buses and the metro, which I find very convenient. The maps make it easy to get around if you follow them.
I was also lucky to have a friend from the university who helped me when I arrived. He picked me up from the airport, took me to my hotel, and later helped me get to my dormitory.
How do you like your dormitory?
I’m staying at the dormitory on Belarusskaya 6A. It’s nice. I’m on the 10th floor, and I have a beautiful view. Everything is clean, and I really like it.
There are also several Bangladeshi students living nearby, so it’s nice to be able to share the space with people from my country.
What has been the biggest challenge of moving from Bangladesh to Russia?
I have to prepare my own food, and I have to choose the ingredients carefully. As a Muslim, I can’t eat everything, so I need to pay attention to what I choose. That has been the biggest challenge so far.
Other than that, everything has been quite easy.
You came to ITMO via the Open Doors Scholarship Project. How did you find out about it?
I came across videos on social media by a Bangladeshi student who was studying in Russia. He had received the Open Doors scholarship, so I became curious and started researching.
The application had three main stages. First, I had to complete my portfolio. Then there was a written examination supervised by AI. After passing the second stage, I submitted my documents and chose six universities. ITMO was my first choice, and I was very happy when I was accepted.
I also receive a monthly stipend from both the Ministry [of Science and Higher Education] and the university.
Why was ITMO your first choice?
My subject is infochemistry, which combines computer science and chemistry. ITMO has a very strong reputation in computer science, and since that subject is an important part of my program, I thought the university would be the right choice for me. When I looked at the rankings and learned more about ITMO, I knew this was where I wanted to study.
How did you become interested in infochemistry?
In 2023, I went to China to study computer science and technology. However, deep down I was also interested in subjects related to medicine, especially biology and chemistry.
I completed one year in China, but I still felt that something was missing. Then I discovered infochemistry, a field where I could combine my knowledge of computer science with my interests in other subjects. I decided to leave China and apply again. When I returned home, I discovered the scholarship opportunities in Russia, which eventually brought me to ITMO.
How are you spending your time in St. Petersburg?
When I don’t have paperwork to deal with, I like going out alone and exploring the city, the markets, and tourist attractions. I’ve already visited the Hermitage and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. I really loved the latter – it’s such a beautiful place.
In the evenings, I come back to my dormitory and spend time chatting with my friends and my roommate. I have a nice roommate, so I’m enjoying that, too.
What has surprised or excited you most about being in Russia?
The most exciting thing is that I’m on a new continent. I’ve traveled abroad before, but only within Asia. Now I’m in Europe and in a completely new city. Sometimes St. Petersburg makes me feel like I’m in Paris, sometimes Italy, and sometimes it feels completely like St. Petersburg. That’s what makes it exciting.
I also love meeting new people and making friends. Being in a completely new country gives me experiences that I couldn’t have had at home.
Have you started learning Russian?
I had already started learning a little Russian before coming here. I can read Russian now, and I know how to greet people, say goodbye, and say thank you. Today is actually my first day of the Foundation Program.
How do you manage to get around when you don’t speak much Russian yet?
I can read Russian, so when I’m traveling somewhere, I look at the maps, station names, and signs. If I need to communicate with someone, I use a translator app.
What are some of your hobbies?
I have a lot of hobbies! I love dancing, exploring new places, and playing sudoku. I also love crocheting. Actually, I change my hobby every month, so I’m always trying something new.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering coming to Russia to study?
I’m still new here, so I don’t have much experience, but if you are coming to Russia, I would definitely recommend learning some Russian beforehand because not everyone speaks English.
And bring a power bank! Your phone battery drains very quickly when you’re using maps and translators all the time.
