Despite the political and social turmoil in Russia, St. Petersburg remains a safe city. The quality of life is high, plus there are many avenues to enjoy and relax without worries.
Still, being extra safe won’t hurt anyone. If you want a pleasant stay in the city, there are certain things you must keep in mind.
Stray away from potential trouble in St. Petersburg by following these tips:
Know the Law
This should be basic, but sometimes people forget that laws vary from one country to the next. It’s vital to know the basics of Russian law because you can’t excuse being a foreigner for your ignorance.
Get familiar with common road laws, student visa laws, and those that concern international students like you. You don’t have to familiarize everything you see, just get a good grasp of the important ones.
Observe Social Etiquette
Or to say it frankly, don’t behave like a tourist. Consider yourself as a part of Russian society now who follows social etiquette and customs.
For example, don’t smile at strangers as you may come off as a creep. You should also be hospitable to your guests and place great value on the friendships you make.
Always Keep Copies
Your documents are some of the most important things you own as a student. Make sure that you have at least one copy of each and scanned copies for digital storage.
As for the originals, keep them in a safe, waterproof place and never get them out unless you need to. If it’s inside a closed bag, you can throw in a silica gel pack to avoid moisture buildup that may ruin the paper.
Be Extra Vigilant When Traveling
Public transportation is a common target for petty crimes like pickpocketing. And obviously, you don’t want to travel mindlessly that you forget about the valuables in your bag.
The simplest way you can prevent this is by holding your back in front of you so you can see it all the time. And while you hold it, make sure to cross your arms over the pockets just as an extra cover.
Study First Aid Techniques
Whether you got a papercut or were bruised by an unexpected fall, you must learn how to treat yourself. Knowing how to apply first aid treatment helps in urgently addressing your injuries. This way, you’ll avoid serious infections before you get proper medical care.
Keep a medical kit at your dorm or apartment too that’s filled with medicine, bandages, and disinfectants. Of course, if your injuries are far more serious, call help immediately.
Keep a List of Emergency Contact
In the event of an emergency, you must know who to call fast. See the list of common emergence numbers below so you can add them to your speed dial list:
*Note: These numbers are for calls made via mobile phones
- Emergency medical assistance – 103
- Police – 102
- Fire – 101
- Gas – 104
Staying out of trouble can give you the peace of mind you need to live a comfortable study experience in St. Petersburg. Read our articles here at MSM Unify to learn more.
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