Two Moscow universities publish dormitory prices, and they differ widely. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) says accommodation for international students costs up to $300 a month per person, paid in roubles. The Higher School of Economics (HSE) lists monthly dormitory fees of 751 to 1,920 roubles, depending on the building, and 5,800 roubles a month for applicants and others not enrolled at HSE. This guide sets out what each source says, and what to ask before you book.
Details come from the Institute for International Relations (IRLC) section of MSU’s English website, and from HSE’s dormitory price page and international student cost page, checked on 28 October and 8 November 2026. None of these pages gives a date for its prices, and HSE says its fees might be subject to change.
Moscow State University dormitories
| Question | What the university says |
|---|---|
| Cost | Up to $300 a month per person; it can vary through the academic year |
| Included in tuition? | No |
| How you pay | In Russian roubles at the Central Bank of Russia’s current rate, in cash in Moscow |
| How you book | You sign an accommodation contract with the MSU Dormitory Office |
| Which dormitory | Assigned by availability when you arrive |
| Length of stay | The place is provided only for the period of study |
Because the dollar figure is converted to roubles at the current rate, your cost in your own currency can change from month to month. Ask the dormitory office for the rouble fee and contract terms in writing before you travel.
HSE dormitory fees
HSE publishes a monthly total for each Moscow-area dormitory, made up of utilities plus rent. The totals below are in roubles per month, as the page lists them.
| Dormitory | Monthly total (roubles) |
|---|---|
| Dormitory 6 (Odintsovo) | 751 |
| Dubki (Odintsovo) | 786.33 |
| Dormitory 8 (Odintsovo) | 883 |
| Dormitory 2 | 1,037 |
| Dormitory 7, building 2 | 1,073 |
| Dormitory 9 | 1,102 |
| Dormitory 4 | 1,127 |
| Dormitory 10 | 1,231 |
| Dormitory 7, building 1 | 1,311 |
| Dormitory 3 | 1,431 |
| Dormitory 1 | 1,628 |
| Dormitory 5 | 1,728 |
| PhD students (Lyublinskaya Ulitsa) | 1,920 |
- Not enrolled at HSE: applicants and others such as summer and winter school participants and interns pay 5,800 roubles a month in all dormitories.
- Payment: HSE recommends paying before the 5th of each month, in advance for the upcoming month.
- Separate HSE housing: HSE’s cost page says its student housing facilities cost 13,000 to 30,000 roubles a month, and its student dormitories 1,000 to 1,500 roubles a month. It does not say how the two differ.
The price page lists dormitories by building rather than by room type, and mentions no deposit. It does not say whether these rates apply to international students, so ask HSE’s housing office which rate applies to you before you pay.
MSU or HSE: how to compare them
I have not tried to rank the two. The MSU figure is a dollar amount for international students, while HSE’s table is in roubles and is not labelled for international students, and neither page is dated. A fair comparison needs the current rouble fee, the contract length, what is included and whether you are eligible, all confirmed in writing by each housing office.
HSE’s cost page also gives rough private-rental figures: about 25,000 roubles a month for one room excluding utilities, and studios from 35,000 roubles a month. These are the university’s general guide rather than listings, so check against current adverts.
What I could not verify
I could not find official fee pages for other Moscow universities, so this guide covers MSU and HSE only. I have not listed private residences or districts, and I have not described Russian tenancy rules, because I could not check current rents, availability or regulations against reliable sources. Check your own government’s current travel advice, and how you will be able to pay, before you commit. If you rent privately, view the room in person or on a live video call, get a written contract and never pay before you have one. Before you commit, read our guide to university halls versus private housing, the checklist of what to look for before you sign and our safety guide, or browse all student accommodation in Russia.
FAQs about student accommodation in Moscow
How much does a Moscow State University dormitory cost?
The university says up to $300 a month per person, paid in roubles, and that costs can vary through the academic year. The page does not date the figure.
How much is an HSE dormitory?
HSE lists totals from 751 to 1,920 roubles a month depending on the building, and 5,800 roubles a month for people not enrolled at HSE. The page is undated and says fees might change.
Is accommodation included in tuition fees?
At MSU, no. The university says accommodation is paid separately, on signing a contract with the MSU Dormitory Office.
Can I choose my dormitory?
At MSU, the page says the dormitory you are assigned depends on availability when you arrive.
Sources
- Lomonosov Moscow State University: accommodation and terms of study
- HSE University: dormitory prices
- HSE International Student Support: cost of living
MSU checked 28 October 2026. HSE pages checked 8 November 2026.
