Moscow Through American Student’s Eyes

If you’re thinking about studying Russian in Moscow, you probably have two big questions: “Will I feel safe?” and “What’s daily life actually like?” I’m an American student studying here, and after a few weeks in the city, I’ve noticed some things that surprised me—in a good way.

Here’s my honest, on-the-ground take on security, everyday services, and digital life in Moscow.

Safety and security

Russian officials are very focused on security right now. Police and security guards are everywhere, and metro riders pass through security in a way that’s different from what I’m used to in Europe and the U.S. If you’re carrying a purse or backpack, metro staff may ask you to go through additional screening.

On New Year’s Day, metal detectors were set up around Red Square. Visitors walked through detectors, and bags and coats were searched. I also attended a Russian Orthodox Christmas Eve service at the Novospassky Monastery with many other worshipers, and security guards walked around during the service.

Security checks can extend into everyday culture in ways you might not expect. For example, even to buy tickets for the ballet or other concerts, you may be asked to provide passport information. The goal seems to be making sure everyone is identified and accounted for.

One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between Russia and the West is that women often walk alone at night. When Russians ask me if I feel safe living here, I tell them honestly: I feel safer here than at home.

Airports

You might see online mentions of Russian airports occasionally closing due to security concerns. My flight arrived at VKO (Vnukovo Airport) without delay, but I had the bad luck of my checked bag being left behind by my airline. It was later routed through Istanbul and delivered to Vnukovo, which meant I had to return to the airport to pick it up.

When I came back, I heard an announcement that the airport had been closed for safety reasons. Because of that, I couldn’t simply walk to a typical lost-and-found counter. Instead, I had to use a telephone, wait for an operator to answer, and explain (in Russian) that I was there to retrieve a delayed bag and which airline it belonged to. After some time, I and a few others were allowed into the baggage return area. They asked for my bag tag and passport, scanned them, brought out my suitcase, and then I had to run it through an X-ray machine before leaving.

Goods and services

Russians take pride in their service industry, and in Moscow I’ve felt that. Wait staff is attentive, and I genuinely don’t think I’ve been in a bathroom that wasn’t spotless.

Public infrastructure is efficient, too. If you miss a train on the metro, another is usually just a couple of minutes behind it. Metro cars are clean. In winter, snow is regularly cleared from sidewalks and streets.

Food quality is also very high. You might not always love traditional Russian dishes (taste is personal), but in my experience the food is well-prepared and consistently fresh.

And I can’t personally confirm this one yet—but I keep hearing the same thing from everyone: Russian manicures are the best anywhere.

Cafe in Moscow

Digital Moscow

A few Western platforms (including some social media and YouTube) are blocked, but pretty much every young Russian I know uses a VPN—especially to access Instagram.

Also: Moscow is very app-driven. Many restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets have their own apps, usually with loyalty programs and discounts.

And then there’s Telegram. In Russia, Telegram is the default messaging app. People use it for messages, group chats, channels, hobbies, events—everything. If you want to feel even slightly “local,” ask someone for their Telegram handle.

For navigation and getting around, Yandex Go/Yandex Maps is the closest equivalent to Google Maps here. I actually prefer it—and I miss it when I go back home. You can search in both Latin and Cyrillic, and it’s designed to work seamlessly with Moscow’s metro system.

Thought you’d feel nervous? You might be surprised.

Before coming, I expected Moscow to feel intimidating. Instead, it feels organized, modern, and—at least in my daily life—safe. Like any big city, you should stay aware and use common sense. But if you’re curious about Russian language and culture, Moscow is an incredible place to learn fast, meet people, and experience something totally different from home.

If you’re considering a trip (or a Russian course here), I hope this helps you picture what it’s really like.