On travel and arrival
How do I acquire a visa? How much does the procedure cost?
After you have registered for one of programs in our university you will receive an official invitation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will need this invitation for the visa application, which you will send to your local consulate.
Be sure to leave ample time for the procedure of obtaining a visa, as a rule it takes 2 weeks and more. The cost of the visa depends on processing time and type of visa.
Do I need to register my visa?
On arriving in Petrozavodsk you should have your visa registered within 72 hours. The University (International office) is responsible for registration. You need to bring your passport, visa and 2 photos of yourself to International office of PetrSU.
Will I be picked up at the airport?
If it is required you will be met by the representative of the university. The cost is 30 euros. You need to report us the information about your flight. You will receive important and useful information about your stay upon arrival.
What does Orientation week include?
It includes the excursion tour of Petrozavodsk, the guide will tell you the most important information (museums, shops, cafes, discos, transport etc.) about city and its inhabitants. You will get the map of Petrozavodsk and International Students Handbook where you will find a lot of useful information about University and its facilities. If you come as a group Orientation week includes welcome dinner where you get acquainted with instructors and administrative staff of the university.
How much money should I take with me?
For lunch in the cafeteria and transportationyou will need about 300 euros a month. We organize excursions, the cost varies from 3 to 100 euros. You may need some money to buy souvenirs, presents, etc.
Should I always have documents on me?
We advise you always to have documents on you. You must present your passport and visa in order to change money, and to buy train tickets, book hotel rooms and in numerous other situations.
How do the eating arrangements work? What do I get to eat?
Russian cuisine contains little that you are not familiar with.
If you choose homestay program you eat breakfast and dinner with your host family. It is included into the cost. In the university canteen you can eat your lunch. The cost is about 3 euros.
If you choose another housing you can eat in the university canteen or elsewhere you want or cook yourself. Upon arrival you will get more detailed information about restaurants, cafes, bars of Petrozavodsk.
Do I have to get medical insurance during stay in Petrozavodsk?
Before arrival to Russia you should check with your doctor what inoculations you require and take out a medical insurance policy before you leave your home country. You will not get free medical care here in Petrozavodsk if you haven't got medical insurance. Otherwise you will have to pay extra money.
You can take out medical insurance policy here in Petrozavodsk. The cost varies from 0,97€ to 0,32€ per day and depends on the duration of your staying here.
Can I change accommodation if I don't feel comfortable?
We do our best to select accommodation that fit best to your personality and personal background. In case you feel uncomfortable we will try to provide you with better accommodation.
How do I get to university on the first day?
On your first day you will be brought to the university by someone of our staff. Next days you will be provided with bus pass. You need to take with you the fi\ollowing documents: passport, migration card photos.
To whom can I turn if I have problems?
You can call International Students Adviser or you can simply come by. Also a list of telephone numbers of all our university administrative and teaching staff will be put at your disposal.You should feel free to make use of it.
What happens if I get sick?
First of all, you should contact International Students Adviser who will help you to solve this problem. You will get free medical care only if you have medical insurance. Otherwise you will have to pay your own money for provided services.
Where can I go in for sports?
There is a fitness center at the university. There you can play tennis, billiard, indulge in aerobics, bodybuilding. As well there are some modern sports centers in Petrozavodsk.
Is street crime common?
There is some, but very little compared to large cities. You should behave as you would in any European city with 300.000 inhabitants. You should not carry large sums of cash around with you and you should hold your personal items close to you in the bus or trollybus. At night you should refrain from discovering the city and its nightlife.
Where do I get a monthly ticket for the public transport?
At the university you can purchase a monthly ticket valid on bus and trolly. This ticket costs between 10 euros per month.
Where is the post office nearest the university?
For letters you can use the post office in Gagarina sq. 1 (near the railway station), less than 10 minutes away by foot. Upon arrival you will get all information necessary for your happy staying in Petrozavodsk.
Where can I make international phone calls cheap?
The most economical option is the so-called 'peregovorni punkti' which you can find all over the city. The one nearest to the university is at the post office (Gagarina sq. ) Also you can purchase telephone cards at the post office as well. These can be used in payphones all around the city.
Where can I exchange money?
There are many exchange points in Petrozavodsk (Lenin prospect) but you will need to show your passport. Do not change with people in the street - there have been several different sets of bank notes issued in the last ten years and you can easily be fooled. When you change money, many places will give you a green receipt - it is not necessary to keep these and do not worry unduly if you are not given one.
If you have more questions please contact us. We are here to help you - parikhina@psu.karelia.ru
