Ukrainian Lifestyle

Ukrainians are generally open-minded, self-motivated, and intelligent nations. Each of them can stand on their own and help in difficult times. International students should have no problems communicating with residents of the country. Ukrainians are deep people. If the Ukrainian smiles at you, this always means a sincere smile. The people of Ukraine are very emotional and loyal. They love to have fun and are very friendly. At the same time, Ukrainians are very superstitious. Many people from Ukraine are recognized worldwide, including writers, poets, football players, and many others. Famous writers and poets such as Gogol and Shevchenko were born in Ukraine.

Student Life in Ukraine

Student life in Ukraine is much cheaper than in other European countries! It is a place where learning goes beyond the classroom. Student life in Ukraine offers a dynamic and enriching experience characterized by academic rigor, cultural diversity, social activities, and opportunities for personal growth. Enjoy your multicultural life and have new experiences every day! Learn from the most talented professionals and thrive as a sought-after professional around the world. Ukraine gives you that opportunity, so why not take advantage of it?

Student life in Ukraine is not much different from other European countries. Students study, meet new people, communicate, learn new things, and travel around Europe. Most of the students live on campus. The campuses have all the conditions for a safe and comfortable stay: libraries, hospitals, gyms, conference rooms, concert halls, laboratories, and others. Local student communities offer a wide variety of cultural clubs, competitions, and activities. Brainstorming competitions are popular in Ukraine; students also participate in scientific conferences to present their research.

Ukrainian universities provide a conducive environment for learning and intellectual development. With a diverse range of programs offered in Ukrainian, Russian, and increasingly in English, international students have ample opportunities to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines. In Ukrainian universities, you can find any kind of sport: large university campuses have gyms and playgrounds. The most popular team sports are football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, and cricket. Other sports in which some students participate are tennis, badminton, and chess. Sports tournaments are constantly held throughout Ukraine.

Transport System

The transport system in Ukraine encompasses a variety of modes that cater to both urban and intercity travel, reflecting the country’s size, geography, and economic activities. Ukraine has several major highways and motorways that facilitate long-distance travel between cities. The road quality varies, with major routes generally well-maintained while some secondary roads may require improvement. Cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa have developed urban road networks with multiple lanes, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings to accommodate local traffic.

In Ukrainian cities, students benefit from a comprehensive public transportation system that includes metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A student transport card, issued by universities, provides access to all municipal transport at a highly affordable rate. It allows unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses within the city. It’s a convenient and economical option for students commuting between campus, accommodation, and other city destinations. Travel tickets for metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses range from 0.24 to 0.31 USD per ticket, making public transport extremely affordable for students.

Market and Food

Ukraine known for its developed industrial sector and rich agricultural heritage, boasts a diverse culinary field. Ukrainians can get a variety of products from shops, supermarkets, and bustling agricultural markets. The food scene in Ukraine reflects a blend of European, Asian, and traditional Ukrainian cuisine, with influences from Arabic culinary traditions also making their mark. In Ukraine, food is more affordable compared to other parts of Europe due to the country’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. The quantity of locally grown produce and agricultural products contributes to the availability and affordability of food items across the nation.

Prominent supermarket chains like AMSTOR, ATB, SILPO, OBJORA, ASHAN, and METRO are widely accessible, offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, dairy products, and household essentials. Ukrainian supermarkets are convenient stops for international students looking to stock up on groceries or find quick meal solutions. For a more traditional shopping experience and potentially lower prices, Ukrainian students can visit agricultural markets. Agricultural markets throughout Ukraine offer an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and artisanal products. Prices are more competitive compared to supermarkets, making them attractive to budget-conscious shoppers and students.

Across Ukrainian cities, cafes, restaurants, and fast food establishments serve a diverse range of cuisines, including European, Asian, and Arabic influences. It gives students opportunities to explore international flavors or indulge in traditional Ukrainian dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls). Compared to Western Europe, food prices in Ukraine are notably lower, making it easier for students to manage living expenses.

Clothes

In Ukraine, the prices of clothes vary widely depending on factors such as brand, quality, location, and the type of clothing item. Generally speaking, Ukraine offers a range of shopping options from budget-friendly stores to higher-end boutiques, catering to diverse consumer preferences and budgets. For affordable clothing options, local markets and bazaars are popular destinations. Found in many cities, street vendors sell a mix of new and second-hand clothing, providing budget-conscious shoppers with inexpensive choices.

Ukraine boasts a variety of retail chains and stores catering to different price points. Chains like Zara, H&M, and Reserved offer stylish and affordable clothing options for both men and women. Local brands and international chains like Mango and Pull&Bear provide mid-range options with slightly higher prices but are still accessible to many consumers. In larger cities such as Kyiv and Lviv, upscale boutiques and designer stores offer high-end fashion pieces at premium prices, appealing to those seeking luxury and exclusivity.

During key periods such as end-of-season sales, Black Friday, and New Year’s sales, shoppers can find significant discounts and promotional offers across stores, making it a great time to buy clothing at reduced prices. Some cities have outlet stores where shoppers can find discounted clothing items from previous seasons or overstocked merchandise at lower prices. While prices can vary widely, it’s important to consider quality and durability when making purchases, especially for essential items like coats and shoes that need to withstand harsh Ukrainian winters.

Currency

The currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia, abbreviated as UAH. It is represented by the symbol ₴. The Ukrainian Hryvnia is widely accepted throughout Ukraine for all transactions, including retail purchases, dining, accommodation, transportation, and services. Most transactions in Ukraine are conducted in cash, although electronic payments and credit/debit cards are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, train stations, and at the airport. At the international airport, the exchange rate is not the same as in other places.