Study Abroad in St. Petersburg: Housing & Meals

During the first month abroad you will live in the residence hall to get accustomed to the program, then choose from two housing options:

Residence hall

Reside in the comfortable residence hall for Russian and international students at St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University in a 2-room suite (two students per room, four students per suite) with kitchenette (stove and refrigerator), toilet and bathtub/shower in each suite.

Homestay

Living in a Russian homestay is a fantastic way to become integrated into the culture of the country and learn Russian. However, you must be open minded and flexible in order to get the most out of your experience. Students are usually placed with a single woman, often a widow without family at home or a divorced mother with one or more children. Students may be placed on their own or in a twin room with another AIFS student. Private homes do not have internet access.
"Due to new and changing city registration laws in the Russian Federation, AIFS and the Polytechnic University cannot guarantee that homestay accommodation will be available. All students must live in the dorm for the first month of the program and the possibility of living in a homestay can be discussed with the Resident Director on arrival."

AIFS always arranges the best accommodation available for students. Changes in housing will be considered only in the event of health and safety issues.

Meals

You will receive a meal allowance to subsidize meals from Monday to Friday. Please note this will not cover the cost of meals in expensive restaurants but is intended for use in cafés or the University cafeteria, or to purchase food to cook meals in the dorm kitchenette.