Studying in Russia: Safety Tips

We all know that studying abroad can be a really fun and exciting experience, and one should make the most out of it. However, it does not mean doing even dangerous and risky activities while you’re in another country. As an international student, you can still enjoy your stay abroad while being aware of some dangers you might encounter there. 

Safety is a relative term. If people follow safety precautions and exercise their better judgment in every situation, they can be safe, even in dangerous places. On the other hand, even if you are staying in some of the safest places in the world, if you are not vigilant, there’s a small chance you might experience some unfortunate incident. 

When it comes to Russia, many people have this warped image of danger, especially for those who still associate it with the Soviet Union. Not only has the Soviet Union been gone for decades, but Russia has been more modern and global in recent years. 

Study in Russia, Russia’s official website for higher education for foreign students, has created a guideline that students can follow to stay safe while in the country. 

Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Scams

The internet, with all its benefits and convenience, is also one of the easiest mediums that scammers use to fool people so they can get important details such as bank details and other confidential information. Aside from the internet, one can also get scammed through phone, and by people pretending to be officials from the government or bank.

To protect yourself from these, here are some tips to follow: 

• Do not give anyone your bank’s PIN and other confidential info about yourself such as your full name, address, birth date, and so on.
• Be wary of suspicious offers or services from different organizations.
• Do not purchase SIM cards from street shops.
• When withdrawing a big amount of cash, do it near a bank outlet or in a secure location.
• Do not exchange your money with people on the street to avoid getting fake money.

Public Places and Transportation Safety

When it comes to public places and transportation in big cities, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are quite normal. When using public transportation or roaming in a public place, follow these tips:

• Stay vigilant of your surroundings, don’t be too preoccupied with your gadgets such as your smartphone.
• Keep your valuable things near your body, or keep your bag in front of you.
• Do not display your valuable items in public including phones, jewelry, expensive watches, and other gadgets.
• Do not carry large sums of money when you go out of your accommodation.
• When riding a taxi, hire one from an established company such as Uber or GetTaxi.

Others

Other safety precautions in other situations include the following: 

• Bring your friends with you when attending big events such as concerts.
• Keep an eye on your belongings when having fun in a club or other partying venue.
• Stick to well-lit areas when walking at night.
• Stay low-key and try not to draw unwanted attention to yourself. 

Learn more about living and working in Russia through MSM Unify’s article, 3 Things You Need to Know About Working in Russia.