Most international students arrive in Russia by plane. Airports close to Moscow are Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo. All three airports are connected to Moscow by railways and buses. Trip to Moscow will take approximately 30-40 minutes by railway and around an hour by bus depending on the traffic situation.
Upon arrival you need to get to one of HSE dormitories (please check which one you are going to live in during your stay with HSE before you leave to Russia). The next working day you need to come to the International Office where you will be welcomed by HSE staff and receive a welcome package, which contains useful information about the University, Moscow and the Orientation Week program. You will also receive official proof of registration at HSE. Together with the accommodation office you will go through the necessary paperwork, including the tenancy agreement.
Meet and greet service
Pre-booked pick-up service at Moscow one of Moscow international airports. You will be met by a student representative at the airport and taken to the University in a private bus or car.
The airport pick-up service costs 40 USD. We encourage you to use this service – it will make your arrival more enjoyable and you will have the opportunity to meet other students during your journey to the University.
You must book a place for this service at least three days before you are due to arrive. You can do this using the pre-arrival form on the website or via e-mail.
You will receive an e-mail confirmation when you complete your booking.
If you arrive without booking the service or you book too late, you may still be able to use the service if there are seats available.
Meet and greet on campus
When you arrive at the University contact the International Office. The student crew members can give you information and help you to get to your accommodation. This is a free service provided by current students who work for the International Office.
The meet and greet service operates at the beginning of each semester during September and February, between 9.00am and 6.00pm. If you plan to arrive outside the working hours please be shure to arrange all the details via e-mail.
For more information about the meet and greet services, contact
International Office Team
Orientation week
In order to quickly adapt to campus life, get to know your way around Moscow, and feel at home at HSE and among your fellow students, we offer an extensive introduction program called the Orientation Week.
In the 2010/2011 academic year Orientation Week will be organized twice:
For students arriving in September for the Fall semester or full year, the Orientation Week will take place between September 1 - September 8
For students arriving in February for the Spring semester, the Orientation Week will take place between February 1 - February 8
This information is subject to change. Please check back for updated information.
The program for the upcoming Orientation Week will be included in the information package you will receive during the Arrival Days. It will also be available here. It will include workshops and information sessions about the University and the extensive services we provide and about studying in Russia and life in Moscow:
• Welcome to HSE
• Overview of orientation
• Campus tour
• Welcoming drink
• Various workshops (safety and security, services for students, transport around Moscow, sporting facilities etc.)
• Meeting your coordinator, study information
• Meeting your buddy
• Course enrolments
• Computer and Library information session
• Immigration sessions
• Evening at the Sports Centre
• City tour by CIE
• Adjusting to Moscow life
• Movie night
You will have the chance to meet staff and make friends with other international students and you will also receive practical instructions on how to open a bank account.
Social activities
Throughout your stay with us we will be running social events, including cinema screenings, city centre tours and more. You will receive more information about these on arrival at HSE.
Please note that for many events you should book a place at least three days in advance, using the arrival information form or by confirming your willingness to participate on Facebook.
Other social activities we organise for students include visits to art galleries and museums, visits to St-Petersburg and trips to other cities and places of interest in Russia.
On arrival checklist:
If you have arranged Airport Reception, meet the driver at the designated area, or alternatively, make your own way to your first night’s accommodation or HSE Center for International Education;
Ring the numbers provided under the ‘Airport Reception’ section in this guide if you have any problems finding the driver;
Contact home Phone or email to let your friends and family know that you have arrived safely;
Open a bank account, or if you have opened one overseas, take your passport to a branch to withdraw money;
Deposit any bank drafts, traveller's cheques or cash you have brought with you;
Start looking for your permanent accommodation if you have not already arranged it;
Shop for your immediate food requirements. Buy food and household items in self-service supermarkets located in shopping malls in most areas of Moscow;
Try using public transport. Catch a bus, tram or train into the centre of Moscow and to and from your dorm (ask your buddy for assistance if necessary);
Visit a Center for International Education office and introduce yourself to the International Student Support Team;
Get to know your local area. Find the shops, eating places, the closest branch of your bank, and entertainment options;
Be kind to yourself if you are feeling disorientated and homesick. Recognize this as a common response for new students and that it will pass as you adjust to your new surroundings;
Get to know other students and join in the Orientation Program;
Talk with your International Student Adviser at HSE;
Meet new friends, learn more about the university, your course and life in Russia;
Receive your student ID card;
Get you registration document within 3 working days after you arrive on the territory of Russian Federation – contact Center for International Education office for the procedure details;
Get your visa prolongation (if you stay for a semester/year period) – contact Center for International Education office for the procedure details.
