‘I Forced Myself to Explore Moscow and Adapt to the Rhythm of the City’

Anastasiya Baravikowa

Photo courtesy of Anastasiya Baravikowa

Anastasiya Baravikowa, from Mogilvev, Belarus, is a fourth-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. Though initially overwhelmed by the fast pace of life in Moscow, she now believes the city is full of excitement and opportunities. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Anastasiya offers advice for new arrivals in Russia, explains why language learning and cultural immersion go hand in hand, and shares how the piano in her dormitory has become an essential part of her daily routine.

— How did you end up at HSE University-Moscow?

— I completed my secondary education at Mogilev State Regional Lyceum No. 3, where I focused on advanced studies in English and Mathematics. I also attended courses at the Aspect English language school. I chose to study in Russia because of its strong academic reputation and the opportunity to immerse myself in a rich cultural and historical environment.

HSE University stood out to me because of its outstanding reputation and its position as one of the top universities in Russia. It’s known for its academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and inspiring community of students and professors. The opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds was another key factor in my decision—gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and building a global network are crucial for my future career.

HSE attracts students who are genuinely passionate about their studies and eager to make a difference, and this shared enthusiasm creates a motivating and inspiring atmosphere.

HSE not just a place to study, but a place to thrive

— Why did you choose the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication programme?

— The programme perfectly aligns with my interests and career aspirations. I wanted to learn another foreign language (I decided to focus on German), and the opportunity to specialise in intercultural communication offers great career prospects in today's globalised world. Effective communication across cultures is essential in multinational companies, international organisations, and diplomacy.

One of the most fascinating subjects for me has been ‘History and Culture of the Second Foreign Language Countries.’ This course has given me deep insights into the traditions, history, and societal values of German-speaking countries, which has made my language learning experience much more meaningful and holistic.

I believe that to truly master a language, it’s essential to understand the culture behind it

Another subject that stood out to me is ‘Corporate Culture and Business Communication.’ This course taught me how to analyse and shape organisational cultures, which is a critical skill in today’s globalised world. Through real-world case studies and hands-on projects, I’ve gained practical experience in internal communications and learned how to create corporate cultures that drive sustainable competitive advantage.

— Have you participated in any academic conferences or events during your time in Russia?

— I’ve participated in several academic events here. One of the most memorable was the 12th International Scientific and Practical Conference held at the Federal State University of Education in autumn 2024. My groupmate and I presented a research paper on the importance of studying German dialects, which was both challenging and rewarding.

Photo courtesy of Anastasiya Baravikowa

Preparing the presentation was a collaborative effort, and we put a lot of effort into making our research clear and impactful. At first, I felt nervous about presenting in front of experienced professionals and academics, but as we began speaking, the excitement of sharing our work took over. To our delight, our presentation was well-received, and we even received praise for our thorough research and clear delivery.

Academic conferences are a great platform to meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build connections with peers and professionals

— How is life as an international student? What advice do you have for those considering studying in Russia?

— Studying in Russia has been a transformative experience for me. Coming from Mogilev, the transition to Moscow’s fast-paced lifestyle was quite a change at first, and being away from my family and friends for the first time was difficult. It took time to build a new support system. However, I overcame these challenges by taking things step by step. I forced myself to explore the city, learn the metro routes, and gradually adapt to the rhythm of Moscow. I actively worked on making new friends, both in my classes and in my dormitory. Building these connections helped me feel more at home and supported.

Living in a new country can be challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for personal growth. Embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Give yourself time to adapt, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Immerse yourself in the local culture—learn some Russian, try traditional foods, and participate in cultural events. This will help you connect with people and feel more at home.

Take full advantage of the academic and social opportunities available at your university. Attend workshops and events, join student organisations, and network with peers and professors. This will enrich your experience, develop valuable skills, and help you feel at home. HSE offers a lot of support for international students, so make the most of it.

Studying in Russia can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Stay curious, stay resilient, and enjoy the journey!

— What tools do you find useful in your studies and daily life?

I use platforms like Yandex Mail for professional communication and Telegram to stay connected with student groups, classmates, and professional networks. Telegram in particular is widely used in Russia for both personal and professional communication, and it’s been a great way to stay updated on events, share resources, and collaborate on projects.

In my daily life, I use AI to enhance productivity and creativity. It helps me come up with ideas for projects, and I also use it to plan my day, organise tasks, and even create detailed project plans. This saves me time and allows me to focus on execution. When it comes to academic work, AI tools like Litmaps and Semantic Scholar have been invaluable for finding relevant scientific articles for my course papers or thesis. These tools streamline the research process and help me discover high-quality sources quickly. I see AI as a collaborator, not a rival.

— What does your typical day look like? 

— A typical day usually starts with seminars at HSE. After classes, I head to my part-time job as an HR trainee. In the evenings, I dedicate time to homework and studying, often collaborating with classmates on group projects. I also make sure to connect with my dorm friends—whether it’s sharing a meal, discussing our days, or simply relaxing together.

I feel completely at ease in the dorm and truly enjoy the vibrant environment. I’ve not only adapted to the rhythm of life here, but also embraced the diversity and richness it brings

I live in the dormitory in Tekstilshchiki, and it’s been a great experience so far. I share a room with a girl from Uzbekistan who’s studying for her master’s degree. We get along really well, though sometimes I miss having a bit more personal space. Our room has its own bathroom, which is very convenient, and there’s a shared kitchen on each floor. The dorm also has a canteen and a gym, which makes it easy to stay active and grab a meal without leaving the building. The dorm is well-organised—floors 2 to 6 are for girls, and floors 7 to 9 are for boys. The furniture is relatively new, and the atmosphere is lively, with many international students around. We sometimes get together to play board games, which is a fun way to relax and connect with others.

I usually buy groceries at nearby stores like Lenta, Pyaterochka, or Yarche, all within a 10-minute walk. I enjoy cooking, and it’s become a tradition for me to make syrniki every Sunday. It’s a small way to bring a taste of home to my dorm life while also sharing it with my roommate and friends.

— Which places in Moscow would you recommend to visitors?

— This summer, I organised a small tour for my family to show them some of my favourite spots. We visited VDNKh, a huge exhibition park with fascinating pavilions and attractions. My brother especially loved the Moscow Aquarium (Moskvarium), and we took a ride on the cable car there in the evening—the views were breathtaking! Another highlight was Moscow City, the iconic business district with its futuristic skyscrapers. It’s become a symbol of modern Moscow and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

Moscow is full of incredible places, and I love exploring its mix of history, culture, and modernity

We also spent time at Muzeon Park, where we saw the ‘Territory of the Future: Moscow 2030’ exhibition. It was inspiring to imagine how the city might evolve. And, of course, I took them to Nikolskaya Street, my absolute favourite place in Moscow. The LED-lit arches create a magical atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

— What do you like to do in your free time?

— I regularly go to the gym—which is conveniently located in my dorm—to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also love exploring interesting places in Moscow with friends, whether it’s discovering a new café, visiting a museum, or simply walking around the city’s beautiful parks and streets.

When I have some quiet time, I play the piano. There’s a piano in our dorm, and it’s a wonderful way for me to relax and express myself creatively. These activities help me balance my academic and personal life, and they’ve become an essential part of my routine in Moscow.

I’m also actively involved in extracurricular activities at HSE, particularly through the Centre for Leadership and Volunteer Work. I’ve contributed to organising various events such as conferences, runs, Open Doors Days, and picnics. These activities have been instrumental in developing my leadership and communication skills.

Being part of extracurricular initiatives has allowed me to give back to the university community and helped me grow as a person and a professional

One of the most rewarding experiences has been organising excursions to introduce international students on my programme to Russian culture, history, and traditions, which helped them feel more connected to the country.

— What’s next for you after graduating from HSE University?

— After graduating, I aspire to work in an international business environment. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to use my language skills and cultural understanding, such as international business, corporate communications, or diplomacy. The programme’s focus on language and discourse in business, as well as the opportunities to gain practical experience, will prepare me for the dynamic challenges of these roles.

I would like to stay in Moscow because it’s a vibrant, dynamic city with countless opportunities for professional growth. Moscow offers the perfect environment to apply my skills and build a meaningful career. Additionally, I’ve grown to love the city’s energy, diversity, and the connections I’ve made here. Staying in Moscow would allow me to continue growing both personally and professionally.