Beyond the Alphabet: Navigating Law, Language, and Life in Moscow
Thank you for asking me. My name is Damla Pınar Tamer. I am from Turkey. I finished studying law at Marmara University. Now, I am living in Moscow and learning Russian at HSE University. I really enjoy meeting people from different places and learning about new cultures. After I finish my language preparation, I want to start a master’s program here in International Law. I believe understanding law between countries is very important for the future, and this is the perfect place to gain that knowledge.
I chose Russia because it has a very strong history in education and science. HSE University is known all over the world for its good programs. Also, Turkey and Russia have important connections in trade and politics, so studying here makes sense for my law career. The application process was clear. I sent my university papers, my grades, and a letter saying why I wanted to study there. The university staff helped me at every step and answered all my questions quickly. It was very well organized, which made me feel confident in my choice from the very beginning.
My first thoughts about HSE were very good. The buildings are new and clean. Everything is easy to find. The teachers are serious about their work but also very kind and ready to help. I feel that the university really wants its students to succeed. It is a welcoming place for people from other countries. There are many clubs and activities, which makes it easy to meet friends and feel at home. I’ve also noticed that the library has so many resources, and the study areas are quiet and perfect for concentrating on my work.
Learning Russian is hard but very interesting. The way sentences are built is very different from Turkish. The hardest part for me is the grammar rules—how words change their endings based on their role in the sentence. But I study every day, and little by little, it gets easier. Being in Moscow helps a lot because I hear Russian everywhere: in shops, on the metro, with friends. This real-life practice is the best teacher. My classmates and I also practice together, and we laugh when we make mistakes, which helps us learn without stress.
Moscow is a huge, lively city full of energy. Compared to Istanbul, it feels more organized and calm, even though it is also very big. The streets are wide, the metro is incredibly clean and on time, and everything works in a predictable way. My favorite things are the beautiful metro stations that look like palaces, how safe I feel walking around, and all the theaters, parks, and museums there are to visit. It is a city that respects its history but feels very modern. I also love how green the city is, with so many parks to escape to.
A little, yes. At first, people on the street or in shops seemed more quiet and serious than in Turkey. But I learned that this is just the outside manner. Once you talk to someone, they are often very warm and helpful. Another thing is how much Russians follow rules, like waiting for the green light to cross the street, even if there are no cars. It shows a strong sense of order. The food was also different at first, but now I really enjoy trying new Russian dishes like borscht and blini.
We are like a small family. All of us are far from home and trying to learn a difficult language. We help each other with homework, share tips about living in Moscow, and sometimes cook food from our countries. Having friends from places like Iran, China, or Egypt teaches me so much about the world. We laugh about our mistakes in Russian together, and it makes the challenging days much better. This support system is really important and makes me feel less alone in a new country.
When I am not studying, I like to explore the city with my friends. We visit different neighborhoods, try new cafes, and go to student events at HSE. The university often has concerts, talks, or cultural nights. I also try to watch Russian movies and listen to music to help my language skills. Sometimes, I just enjoy walking in one of Moscow’s many big parks to relax. On weekends, I might visit a market or a museum to learn more about Russian culture and history.
Yes, I have started to explore. I have seen the famous Red Square and the beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral. I have walked through Gorky Park and visited the VDNKh exhibition center, which has amazing old buildings and fountains. Arbat Street is great for feeling the old Moscow atmosphere. Even riding the metro feels like sightseeing because each station is so unique and beautiful. I also visited the Moscow Zoo and enjoyed seeing animals from different parts of Russia.
I still have many places on my list. I really want to see a ballet at the famous Bolshoi Theatre. I also plan to visit the Tretyakov Gallery to see Russian art and the Pushkin Museum for world art. I want to see Moscow State University’s main building from up close because it looks like a fairy-tale castle. In the summer, I hope to take a boat ride on the Moscow River. I’ve also heard about beautiful churches like Christ the Savior Cathedral that I would like to visit.
For me, being a student in Russia is a big opportunity. It means getting a top-quality education while living in a country that plays a major role in world politics. Learning the language and understanding the culture here will give me a special skill set for working in international law. Personally, it makes me more independent and confident. I believe this experience will make me a strong candidate for jobs between Turkey, Russia, and other countries. It teaches me how to solve problems and adapt to new situations, which are important skills for any career.
My advice is to come with an open mind and a patient heart. The beginning can be tough with the language and the cold weather, but do not give up. Try to speak Russian even if you make mistakes—people appreciate the effort. Explore the city, make friends with locals and other international students, and do not just stay in your room. Remember why you came. The challenges you face here will make you stronger and will lead to great opportunities in your future career. Also, always ask for help when you need it; people are kinder than they might seem at first.
Shared by
Habip Bardakci
