We Ranked Russian Foods That Taste Like Struggle (and the Ones That Slap)
Moving from the land of different types of jollof rice, suya, and mouthwatering soups to a place where “seasoning” often just means a lonely sprinkle of paprika or some “grass” (dill) is a major cultural reset for most Africans in Russia. To be fair, Russian food is not necessarily bad, but with time, you just […]
The Sakharovo Struggle
If you meet anyone currently submitting documents for residency in Moscow, there is a high chance they need a hug and perhaps need to squeeze a little cash into their hand. Sakharovo is the location for the submission of documents, and a lot of people agree, that that place is close to hell. It is […]
Christmas in the Abroad: Life as a Foreigner in Russia
By now, everyone knows that the Christmas vibe here in Russia is completely different from how we do it back home. If you’ve been here for a while, you already know the feeling. While people back home are entering “Detty December” mode with the heat and the constant parties, we are here facing the snow […]
Interview Series: How I Built My Afro Shop Business as an African in Russia
Hi. Can you tell us a little bit about your journey in Russia and how your business started? I came to Russia to work through the help of one of my aunties back then. When I was starting out, I would say, it was not easy at al. Because when I arrived, I had to […]
“Sweat Equity”: Making Money Legally in Russia with Zero Investment
The year is gradually coming to an end, and many people were able to achieve all that they dreamed of, while some, maybe not. Today’s article is a little something to keep you motivated, prepared, and focused for the next year. If you are a foreigner in Russia, especially someone from Africa, you know the […]
Career Guide for Foreign Medical Students & Graduates in Russia
Over the years, there has been a persistent stereotype that it is not possible for medical students upon graduation to work as medical doctors in Russia. In recent times, however, that narrative has thankfully changed. It is, in fact, possible for you to work as a doctor here. From the information gathered, landing a job […]
NEW: On the Temporary Procedure for Citizenship and Residence Permits in Russia
Russia and new rules, 5&6. Russia and fines everyday. This is to tell you how fast in recent times the laws in Russia hit you and how you can get into trouble if you don’t stay informed. Recently in Russia, foreigners and even citizens at large have experienced a surge in laws that concern them. […]
How I’m Dealing with a Chronic Disease Abroad
“I am not trying to start a pity party or anything like that. I just want to shed more light on an aspect of life that a lot of people don’t get to experience or even have an idea of. My diagnosis didn’t come as a shock to me. I’ve always been that sick child, […]
Ranking the Best Cities in Russia: From the Perspective of One African in Russia
Some people found themselves in some cities by chance while others intentionally chose them before they came to Russia or even after living here for some time. When an African in Russia is choosing a city to live in, it depends on so many factors such as school rankings, university life, cost of living, job/business […]
JJC in Moscow: A Hard-Earned Word on How to Survive This City
I arrived in Moscow roughly a year and a half ago. Let me tell you, those first few months were a string of embarrassing and confusing occurrences. I was the very definition of JJC (‘Johnny Just Come’). One look at me back then, and you probably could have guessed I was new in town. I […]
AURA FOR AURA: How to Guard from Unsolicited Advice and Nosy Questions
My eyes have seen plenty things for this life o. I completed my master’s program in Russia three months ago and since then, I have come to understand that a lot of people don’t understand the word ‘privacy.’ Some questions just should not be asked, especially if you’re not close enough to that person. The […]
NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THIS: The Temptation of Illegal Jobs in Russia
Listen up. We actually need to talk about something serious. And this is something that people don’t really want to discuss, especially among the foreigners here. So back in the day, when I first landed in Russia, things were pretty tough for foreigners. In fact, finding a decent job was almost impossible, and I myself […]
BACK TO SCHOOL: EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THE DAY…
Summer is over. That statement is a huge blow to some people hehe. As the first of September is upon us, the beginning of a new academic session brings a host of responsibilities, particularly for foreign students. In fact, this academic year starting on a Monday is no joke at all so you just have […]
RENTING AN APARTMENT IN MOSCOW IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE
Anyone that has stayed in Moscow long enough knows there’s the narrative that it is difficult to find good apartments in Moscow. That’s why we are here for you today. The thing about finding a place as a foreigner in Moscow is that you need to be very patient and wise. Renting an apartment comes […]
MY CR*ZY EXPERIENCE WITH A SCAMMER IN RUSSIA
I have been hearing about scammers and how the number of internet fraud has soared recently. It is still a mystery to me how these scammers get numbers and personal details but that is a story for another time. On this day I received a phone call, the person started with my full name, date […]
IN EVERYTHING YOU DO THIS SUMMER…
We hope your summer is going great and your plans are working out. Summer is the perfect time to take on extra jobs, travel, sightsee, learn a skill or two, attend festivals and parties. In all your ‘summering’, we’ve outlined a number of things you should pay attention to as a foreigner in Russia to […]
ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS HAVE 2 MONTHS LEFT TO REGULATE THEIR LEGAL STATUS IN RUSSIA
All foreign nationals currently residing in Russia take note: If you are in the country without legal status, there is an important deadline approaching. You must take action within the next two months to either resolve your legal status or leave Russia. Failing to do so will result in expulsion measures and a ban on […]
“THE INNOCENT CHILD THEY SENT ABROAD IS NOT WHO THEY WILL TO RECEIVE”
I think, aside from the changes that have clearly occurred back home over the years, I am scared of the changes I have also undergone while being very far from home. Today’s article is from a 23-year-old who has had a rough journey in Russia. He has something to tell us concerning friendship and the […]
IF YOU HAVE A GOOD LANDLORD, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE FOR YOU
Hmm, if you have a landlord or landlady who isn’t a threat to your mental health, you should be thanking God! I arrived in Russia in 2017, and until last year, I had been living in my school’s hostel. After graduation, I decided to move into an apartment. Friends, I found a fairly nice place, […]
QUALIFIED, EXAGGERATED OR LIES?
This past week, my Twitter feed was full of posts about people lying on their resumes and landing jobs they weren’t qualified for. It immediately brought back a memory that, for a while, felt pretty bitter. During the COVID lockdown, I was desperately job hunting, applying to all the big companies in Russia. The pressure […]
“MY FIRST MONTH IN RUSSIA WAS TERRIBLE”
We interviewed a final year student on her experience upon getting to Russia and her perception of the country. This interview is sure worth reading. When did you first know you wanted to leave Nigeria? I had a cousin that was studying here already. I think she was in her final year that year. My […]
NEW SIM CARD RULES IN RUSSIA: WHAT FOREIGNERS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, Russia is shaking things up when it comes to how foreigners can get and use SIM cards. If you’re a foreign citizen or a stateless person living in Russia (or planning to), here’s a quick and simple breakdown of what’s changing, and what you’ll need to do. 1. Getting a SIM […]
Simplified Residence Permit Process for Foreign Specialists in Russia (2025 Update)
The Russian government has introduced significant changes to the immigration process for foreign professionals seeking a residence permit (RP/ ВНЖ). The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has approved a new List of Professions (Order No. 172n, dated April 3, 2025) that allows qualified foreign workers to obtain an RP without first securing a temporary […]
ADMISSION OF FOREIGN CHILDREN TO RUSSIAN SCHOOLS (2025 UPDATE)
A while ago, we posted on our Whatsapp status concerning the admission of children of foreign citizenship into Russian schools. Below is the necessary information on the new bill passed for children in this category. On April 1, 2025, an amendment of the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” came into force, according […]