Step-by-step guide

Pass the border control at the airport and receive the migration card (indicate “study” as your purpose of stay)

Meet your buddy

Exchange some currency and buy a SIM-card

Get a Podorozhnik transport card in the metro station and deposit money

Check in to the dorm and visit the dorm administration during working hours to submit the required documents and receive further instructions

On the first day in Russia, send scans of all passport pages (even blank ones!) and migration card to migrationspb@hse.ru and receive a confirmation e-mail. Our Centre for Visa & Immigration Support will apply for a FIS-registration for you (only for those students who live in HSE dorms)

If you live in a private apartment, you still need to send scans of documents to migrationspb@hse.ru but along with it you must get registered at your actual place of stay within 7 working days upon your arrival

Send a scan of your purchased Medical Insurance to incomingspb@hse.ru (If you don’t have one, check Medical Aid & Insurance page for recommendations and buy an insurance as soon as possible!)

Come to Orientation session to learn vital information about your studies and life in Saint Petersburg (dates will be sent out by email or via Telegram chat closer to the start of the semester)

Come to International Student Mobility Office with a 3x4 matte photo to sign all necessary documents and to receive your electronic pass to the HSE buildings

As soon as you receive an invitation via corporate e-mail, come to Centre for Visa & Immigration Support to get your registration paper (for those who live in the dorm)

Check your courses during the “shopping period” (first two weeks of each semester) and ask your Incoming coordinator to make changes if needed

Start the process of medical examination, fingerprinting, photographing within 2 weeks upon arrival (you will need a FIS-registration paper for that) and receive the green certificate in 2-3 weeks + send it to migrationspb@hse.ru. It is extremely important to pass the procedure as soon as possible because you will need the certificate for visa extension

After receiving a notification from your coordinators, apply for your student transport card at any metro station (we recommend to take a buddy with you)

Check your Smart LMS, HSE App and corporate e-mail daily

If you're a free mover student, pay for your studies within a week after signing the Educational Agreement and send the payment slip to incomingspb@hse.ru for confirmation

Upon invitation, come to Centre for Visa & Immigration Support to submit your documents for visa extension. Check the lists here - I live in the dorm / I live in the private apartment

Receive your extended visa and if you live in a private apartment, re-register within 3 working days at your place of stay

Enjoy your time in Russia! ♥