Living and Studying in St Petersburg

School Location and Facilities

As in Moscow, Language Link in St Petersburg has a prime location right in the heart of the city. The school is situated just off Nevsky Prospect, behind Kazansky Cathedral. The metro station Nevsky Prospect is a few minutes' walk away. Language Link has renovated two floors of a former factory building, and all the classrooms are modern and well equipped (although the courtyard still leaves a little to be desired).

The Surrounding Area

Shopping - Although there are no supermarkets in the immediate vicinity of school, there is a little grocery store not far away at Kazanskaya Ul. 6. Further down Nevsky you will find the 'Yeliseevsky' supermarket, which is a grand-looking Style Moderne place at Nevsky 56. There is also a supermarket in the basement of the Passazh Univermag at Nevsky 48. Finally, there is an excellent delicatessen called Sigma at Marata 3 (metro Mayakovskaya), although it is quite a walk from school.

Eating, Drinking and Dining - Whether you prefer traditional Russian cooking or a more international menu, there is plenty to choose from in the vicinity of central school. A convenient Russian 'stolovaya' (canteen) type cafe serving good value Russian fare is located in the Herzen University Hostel, just across the road. In 'Gostinyi Dvor' there are snack bars and canteens. Also within walking distance are Russian restaurants Samovar, Krokodil and Chas Pik; a Chinese restaurant called Don Juan; the Mocco club and the Atrium serving European food; and a branch of Pizza Hut.

Coffee House, Republic of Coffee and Idealnaya Chashka are popular choices for a quick coffee- or tea-break. Nevsky Prospect and the area around it offer plenty of bars to choose from too, but there is not space to list them all here, so we recommend exploring for yourself. Some of the restaurants mentioned above double up as bars.

Keeping fit - Further down Kazanskaya Ulitsa from school is a gym called Planeta Fitness, which has been frequented by previous Language Link students.

Internet - The 'Quo Vadis' Internet cafe is very near school, at Nevsky Prospect 24. An alternative is 'Maxim', which is a little further down the same road.

Safety - St Petersburg is no more dangerous than any average Western city, although pick-pocketing can be a problem in tourist areas and the metro. Common sense is your best weapon to avoid problems during your stay. Main streets are well lit, but yards and side streets may not be. Be on your guard, don't carry obviously expensive items openly and use only official taxis at night. In the event of an emergency, you should contact one of Language Link's Russian office staff. People of darker skin tones should be aware that they may face some verbal harassment, as racial intolerance is sadly common in Russia.