Coronavirus COVID-19

This page was last updated on May 31, 2022.



Education

All classes and research at ITMO are conducted directly on the university's premises. All the university’s spaces, including the library, coworking spaces, cafeterias, and classrooms, operate within their respective working hours and are air-conditioned, regularly disinfected, and equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers.

The 2023 Admission Campaign is held both offline and online. Prospective students can apply for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and submit their documents in person, by post or courier service, or online via ITMO University Admission Campaign website. For more information, please see our step-by-step application guides.

ITMO’s short-term educational activities, such as summer/winter schools, are held online or offline depending on their format and epidemiological situation.

Migration information

According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 635-р dated March 16, 2020, foreign citizens are allowed to enter Russia for the purpose of studying at higher or vocational education organizations only if their names are indicated in the lists formed by these organizations. For questions on the listing, feel free to contact ITMO’s International Students Learning and Support Center

International students who are currently located in Russia must promptly renew their migration cards and student visas. In case of relocation, students are obligated to receive a new registration and immediately inform ITMO’s Migration Services Office. You can find more information about migration registration in the federal law on foreign migration (in Russian).

A step-by-step guide to settling in ITMO dorms is available here.

Vaccination and QR codes

At the moment, ITMO’s policy on vaccination is that it is advisory for students and mandatory for staff and faculty (according to the Decree No. 1172-од dated October 25, 2021) except for those with medical exemptions. 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is an efficient way to prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself from severe cases of the disease. Although vaccination certificates (QR codes) are no longer needed to attend public places, they might be required to apply for a job, live in a dorm, or do an internship. Here’s how you can acquire a QR code: 

How can I get a QR code?

QR codes are issued to citizens who have either:

  • been fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines registered in Russia;
  • recovered from COVID-19 infection within the past six months.

You can get your QR code on Gosuslugi, the official Russian public services portal. You will need your phone number, ID, and SNILS to create an account and verify it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Student Services Office via ISU.  

Both Russian and international citizens can get vaccinated for free at state hospitals and mobile vaccination clinics or pay to get their vaccine at private hospitals. ITMO students and staff are also eligible to get vaccinated with the two-dose Sputnik-V vaccine at the university (check ISU for updates on upcoming appointments).

As soon as you receive the second dose of the vaccine, you will get a vaccination certificate and a QR code will appear in your personal account on Gosuslugi within one to seven days. 

What documents do I need for my vaccination appointment?

To get vaccinated, international students are required to provide the following documents:

  • ID (passport);
  • Residence permit or permanent residency (if you have one);
  • Health insurance policy;
  • Registration;
  • Individual insurance account number (SNILS).

If you already have your SNILS, go to this website to learn what to do next.

If you don’t have a SNILS yet, send the following documents with the subject line “СНИЛС” or “SNILS” to so@itmo.ru:

  • a scanned copy of your ID (passport);
  • a scanned copy of a notarized Russian translation of your ID;
  • a scanned copy of your migration registration.
As soon as you receive the second dose of the vaccine, you will get a vaccination certificate and a QR code will appear in your personal account on Gosuslugi within one to seven days.

How can I get a QR code if I’ve already been vaccinated in my country?

If you’ve already received a different vaccine other than those officially registered in Russia (Sputnik V, Sputnik Light, EpiVacCorona/EpiVacCorona-N, and CoviVac), you can’t get a QR code, though you can receive a certificate that will state that you’ve already been vaccinated. Visit our STOP COVID-19 website to learn more about vaccines in Russia. 

Websites with official information

World Health Organization COVID-19 Info (in Russian) 

COVID-19 hotline in Russia:

8-800-2000-112

 

Our support

Psychological Support

At ITMO University, all students can receive free psychological support. Consultations are predominantly held in Russian, but consultations in English are also available.

The Medical, Psychological and Social Assistance Center offers:

  • Psychological counseling;
  • Training sessions;
  • Relaxation sessions;
  • Meditation sessions.

Follow the link for more information.

Here’s an overview of online courses you can take to maintain your well-being and mental health, including some useful tips and strategies for coping with stress and keeping it together during the pandemic. Read more articles about mental health and psychological support by following the Mental Health Month tag at ITMO.NEWS.

Coronavirus

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that predominantly affect animals, but in some cases can be transmitted to humans, too. 

What are its symptoms?

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Common symptoms include:

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • tiredness
  • aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • diarrhoea
  • conjunctivitis
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, answer these questions:

  • Over the past two weeks, have you been to countries with a large number of cases of coronavirus infection?
  • Have you been in contact with someone who has been to countries with a large number of cases of coronavirus infection in the past two weeks?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, seek medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and obtain qualified medical help. It’s better to refrain from visiting hospitals and clinics. You can arrange to have a doctor visit you at home by calling 112 or 103.

How is it transmitted?

  • By airborne droplets

Air is the main transmission factor for the novel coronavirus. Just like other respiratory diseases, COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. 

  • By airborne dust particles

Another way COVID-19 can be transmitted is by dust particles in the air. 

  • Through contact 

The novel coronavirus can also be transmitted through handshakes or touching shared objects and surfaces.

What safety precautions can I take to prevent myself from getting infected?

  • Refrain from visiting public places

Try to avoid going to shopping malls, mass events, and public transport at rush hour.

  • Use a disposable medical mask (respirator) in public places

Remember to change your mask (respirator) every 2-3 hours.

  • Avoid close contact and being in the same room with people who are visibly ill with the flu

The signs of being ill with the flu include coughing, sneezing, and running nose.

  • Wash your hands with soap

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap upon returning from a public outing, as well as after contact with strangers.

  • Disinfect your devices and any other surfaces that you touch
  • Limit hugs and handshakes
  • Only use personal hygiene items

Read this illustrated guide by ITMO.NEWS for more advice.