Being a 6th-year MBBS student at Russia's Orel State University, my journey from Sumerpur, Rajasthan, is certainly one of the most memorable experiences. A simple reason behind opting for Russia for my medical education was due to affordability, wherein higher education in Russia came cheaper than in India; the same degree is pricey and requires clearing the competitive exams.

My move to Russia brought with it challenges and opportunities. I have been able to experience the scenic beauty of cities like Moscow, though it took time to adjust to the extremely cold weather. The language barrier was the biggest obstacle initially, but thankfully my university offers English language courses that make adaptation easier.

Living in Oryol City for the last five years has provided tremendous growth in many ways. In addition to challenges with academic knowledge, I had to learn basic life skills such as cooking and managing daily responsibilities. The university culture has greatly been helpful; it usually holds cultural programs where I get to share many Indian traditions.

Like most international students, I felt intense homesickness in my first year. However, the friendships that I made overcame this, and spending time with friends became a source of happiness. Financially, studying abroad can be demanding, leading some students to take up part-time work to manage their expenses for food and other necessities. The ability to manage finances effectively was a life skill as important as our academic learning.

To handle expenses wisely, I learnt to track all spending and create a detailed budget. Prioritising needs over wants became essential for financial stability. Significant savings came from cooking my meals instead of eating out sharing expenses with roommates, and using public transport for commuting. I also learnt to avoid impulse purchases and use cash wisely.

During these years, everything from learning new cultures to solving everyday problems in a new society has only enhanced my determination to overcome obstacles, no matter what they are. These years of studying abroad will teach you more about personal growth than academic achievements and resilience.

Advice For Prospective Students

Develop Financial Habits
Start managing your money early to navigate hostel life effectively.

Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
Stay grounded and informed about personal finance to control unnecessary spending.

Build an Emergency Fund
Prepare for unexpected expenses to ensure financial stability.

The author is in his 6th year of MBBS pursuing from Orel State University, Russia.