Thread: Moscow or St. Pete

If you had to choose between two places to study abroad in Russia which would you choose: Moscow or St. Pete.
....or would you choose some other Russian speaking slavic country?

If you are going during the academic year, remember that it gets pretty dark in petersburg over the winter. It can defintely be pretty miserable, and might take getting used to not getting much sunlight at all. If its during the summer, you cant beat white nights in petersbugh (opposite of winter's darkness).

Other than that, I would definately do petersburg. It is more managable, a little cheaper, probably just as fun. You can always spend a lot of time in the other city depending on how ambitious you are. Its only 5 bucks one way in the sidyashi vagon, so its pretty easy to go for weekends to either.

I would recommend Odessa, the pearl of the Black Sea.

Oh yea! Almost forgot about white nights in St. Pete. Actually, I am planning to go a fall semester, which of course begins in Aug. and ends in Dec. Do you think the white nights would still be going on in Aug. and Sep. atleast?

no, days should be pretty normal. Longest day of the summer is june 21. I went from sept to dec 2 years ago. Dec is pretty bleak...sun rises at about 10-11 never really gets too bright, sets at about 3.

10 out of 10 Kalinka_vinnies go for St. Petersburg over Moscow!

The city is amazingly beautiful!

http://masterrussian.net/mforum/viewtopic.php?t=4047

Peterburg has more classical beauty, and white knights!

Maybe "nights"? :)

White knights. In shiny armour. Good reason for girls to go there.

Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie

10 out of 10 Kalinka_vinnies go for St. Petersburg over Moscow!

The city is amazingly beautiful!

Did you just talk about yourself in the fifth person??
-Fantom

I know, it's personal (I'm from St.Pete). But definitely go for St. Petersburg!
And yes, it is very depressing in a winter time!
Did you know, that statistically St.Pb has only 60 sunny days per year?
60 out of 365 - not much, hah?

...so everyone agrees on Saint Petey?

Originally Posted by fantom605

Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie

10 out of 10 Kalinka_vinnies go for St. Petersburg over Moscow!

The city is amazingly beautiful!

Did you just talk about yourself in the fifth person??
-Fantom

I think it was third person plural

So St. Petersburg it is! I guess the real question now is...summer or fall? I was going to go fall, but maybe summer would be a better choice.

Originally Posted by fantom605

Did you just talk about yourself in the fifth person??
-Fantom

I only know 3 people... so I can't of spoken to this fifth person of yours!

russkayalove:

Summer is good for: warmth, light, outdoor activities, bridges opening (great event to watch)
Summer is bad for: drunkerds on the street, gangs on the street (at night), musqouitos, bridges opening (sucks if you want to be on the other side)

Winter is bad for: Cold, dark, slippery, the rain-snow-slush combo st. peter loves to create, heating is city-wide central, no local thermostats
Winter is good for: nice lighting of the buildings, no drunkerds on the street (or at least severly reduced in ranks), no musqouitos, a hot blini tastes much better

this is just from the top of my head, there is probably more pros and cons

all cities are better in spring/fall/winter!!!

heating is city-wide central, no local thermostats

True, this really can suck in october/nov if its cold but not cold enough so that heat is on yet. Depending on what room you are in in your flat.

well I would be in a dorm and am assuming there will not be heating there of all places. Us poor college students always get the shaft.

Just bring lots of warm clothes, and maybe your favorite cold medicine. You will most likely catch one, living in the dorms without heating.