Why HSE Dorm is Best for Foreign Students
Moving to another country for studies is always a significant and sometimes challenging step in life. Especially if it’s Moscow — a huge metropolis with a fast-paced lifestyle and countless opportunities. One of the most important issues for international students coming to study at HSE is choosing housing. There are many options: renting an apartment, leasing a room, staying in hotels or dormitories. In this article, I will explain why the HSE dormitory is the optimal and most convenient option, especially for foreigners. I will examine all the pros and cons in detail and share a real student review.
Pros of Living in an HSE Dormitory for International Students
Optimal number of roommates — 2-3 people per room
Unlike traditional Soviet-style dormitories, where sometimes 5-6 people live in one room, HSE dormitories offer more comfortable conditions — usually only two or three people share a room. This ensures privacy and makes it easier to adjust to a new lifestyle. This number of roommates helps students adapt more easily, find common ground and avoid constant feelings of overcrowding.
Private bathroom
For many students, this is a key factor in comfort. In HSE dormitories each room has its own bathroom with a shower and toilet. This significantly simplifies daily life and improves hygiene standards. There’s no need to share bathrooms with dozens of other residents as is common in traditional student dormitories. A private bathroom helps you feel as comfortable as possible and maintains a sense of coziness.
Good renovations and comfortable furniture
HSE dormitories are well-maintained: walls are painted, floors are covered with modern materials and rooms are equipped with comfortable furniture, beds, wardrobes and study desks.
Well-equipped workspace in the room
Each student gets not only a bed and a wardrobe but also a comfortable workspace with a lamp, shelves and outlets for a laptop and other devices. For students who often combine studies with independent learning, having their own comfortable workspace is a huge plus.
Coworking spaces for studying and working
HSE dormitories have designated coworking zones where students can focus on their studies, interact with others, prepare for group work or complete projects. This is especially useful for international students, who can meet classmates here, make new friends and collaborate on academic tasks.
Easy to make new friends and socialize
Living together is a great opportunity to meet people from different countries and cultures. Shared kitchens, hallways and lounges encourage informal communication and friendships. For international students who often arrive alone, the dormitory becomes not just housing but also a place for socialization, support and shared leisure.
Other international students live there — easier to find common ground
HSE dormitories attract many international students, creating an international and friendly atmosphere. It’s easy to meet people facing similar adaptation challenges, language barriers and diverse interests. Small international communities often form, making integration into the new environment easier.
Renting an apartment near HSE is difficult and expensive
Moscow has a high demand for rental housing, especially in central districts where HSE buildings are located. Landlords often refuse to rent to students due to unstable income, short-term leases or concerns about property safety. Additionally, apartment prices near the university are very high and often unaffordable for a student budget.
Balancing studies and work is easier when living in a dormitory
If you rent an apartment far away, you’ll spend a lot of time and money commuting, which complicates both studying and working. HSE dormitories are located close to academic buildings, so students save time and energy. This is especially important for international students who may work part-time or freelance to cover living expenses.
Cons of Living in an HSE Dormitory
Dormitory is closed from 11 PM to 5 AM
HSE dormitories have a nighttime curfew — students cannot enter or leave the building between 11 PM and 5 AM. If you’re used to nightlife, evening walks or working late, this may be inconvenient. You’ll need to plan your time and evening activities around these restrictions.
If you’re an introvert — sharing space with roommates may be difficult
Living with others means constant interaction and being around people. If you’re an introvert and value solitude, sharing a room and common space with 2-3 roommates may be psychologically challenging. In such cases, good communication skills and the ability to set personal boundaries are helpful.
Possible noise and lack of personal space
Dormitories can sometimes have noisy gatherings or guests. For those who prefer quiet and order, this may be uncomfortable. However, HSE dormitories generally maintain a calm atmosphere, and in case of conflicts you can contact the administration.
To provide a more complete and objective picture of life in an HSE dormitory I reached out to my friends — students who already have experience living there. Unfortunately, not everyone could share their impressions, challenges and advantages for various reasons. Below is one of the reviews from Mark Kizimov .
I came to Moscow from Donetsk.
I’m in the Marketing and Market Analytics program. Honestly, there wasn’t any special choice. I just wanted something related to business and analysis. Plus, this field is growing now, so there are prospects. That’s important to me.
I’d heard a lot of good things about HSE, and people I talked to always said the education here is high-quality. I applied, and here I am.
The move wasn’t too stressful, though I was nervous, of course. At first, it was hard to adjust to the new environment, but over time everything got better. As for the dorm, I was placed in Sevastopol — it’s right in the city center, so it’s just 20 minutes by metro to the Shabolovskaya campus. That’s convenient. The dorm is good — not luxury, but decent.
The room is fine. There are two of us, and I don’t talk much with my roommate, but it’s okay. Everything you need is there: a bed, a desk, a wardrobe. The shower and toilet are private.
Yes, there are a few coworking spaces in the dorm where you can work or study. I go there when I need to focus or do homework.
At first, it was a bit awkward. But then it got easier. There are all kinds of people in the dorm, and everyone is pretty friendly. I’m not super close with my roommates, but we get along and there are no problems. The main thing is that no one bothers anyone, and there are no conflicts.
Well, studying is pretty tough. We have a lot of practical assignments, lectures, and seminars. The workload is heavy, but I still have time for work and relaxation.
Yes, you can definitely combine work and studies, but you need to manage your time carefully — otherwise, you might end up retaking exams. I found a marketing agency to work at near my dorm, so I can get to the office quickly anytime.
The HSE dormitory is a modern, comfortable and convenient place for international students, offering an optimal balance of price and quality, comfortable living conditions and opportunities for socialization. Despite some drawbacks, such as nighttime restrictions and sharing a room with roommates, the advantages make the dormitory the best choice for those coming to study in Moscow.
By choosing an HSE dormitory, you’re not just getting housing — you’re joining a community, gaining support and fully immersing yourself in student life and the atmosphere of Moscow. It’s a step that will make your adaptation easier and your life brighter.
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