Useful Information
About Ukraine
USEFUL INFORMATION
Moving to another country is not always easy, especially when the culture, language and everyday life are different from what you are used to.
If you are planning to study in Ukraine, it is important to understand what everyday life and accommodation may look like.
Accommodation in University Dormitories
Many Ukrainian universities offer international students accommodation in university dormitories. Dormitories are usually located on or near the university campus, although some may be further away and require public transport
Living conditions and accommodation fees vary depending on the university, city and type of dormitory. Students are generally provided with basic furniture and access to shared facilities
What should you expect from living in a Ukrainian university dormitory?
- You will usually share a room with one or more students. The exact number depends on the dormitory.
- Rooms are normally equipped with basic furniture, such as beds, wardrobes, desks and chairs.
- Bathrooms and showers are usually shared by several students.
- Most dormitories have shared kitchens where students can prepare their own meals.
- Internet access is available in many dormitories, but the conditions and additional fees may vary.
- Students are expected to keep their rooms and common areas clean and follow the dormitory’s internal regulations.
- Visitors may need to show identification and register at the entrance. Overnight stays for guests may be restricted or require permission from the dormitory administration.
- Dormitories usually have designated quiet hours, especially at night.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or psychoactive drugs is prohibited by law. Smoking is allowed in specified areas only.
Important to know about living in Ukraine
Because Ukraine is currently under martial law, everyday life may include additional safety requirements.
- University dormitories should have access to a designated shelter or another approved protective facility.
- During an air-raid alert, students must follow the university’s safety instructions and go to the designated shelter.
- Students should always follow official safety announcements and instructions from their university and local authorities.
- Curfew rules may apply depending on the city or region. During curfew hours, movement may be restricted, so students should check the current rules in their city.
- Accommodation procedures and safety requirements may differ from one university and city to another.
Before arriving in Ukraine, contact your university or international student office to confirm dormitory availability, accommodation fees, application procedures, check-in requirements, safety rules and current local restrictions.
Your university’s international office can also provide you with the most up-to-date information about accommodation and everyday life in your particular city.
Living in a university dormitory is not the only option. If you prefer more privacy, comfort or independence, you can consider renting a private apartment or room.
In Ukraine, international students can look for accommodation through popular real estate platforms and short-term rental services:
• OLX — one of the most widely used platforms in Ukraine for finding apartments and rooms for rent.
• DIM.RIA — a real estate platform where you can search for apartments and houses for long-term or short-term rental.
• LUN — a popular platform for searching rental properties in different Ukrainian cities.
• Booking.com — useful for finding hotels, apartments and temporary accommodation, especially when you first arrive in Ukraine.
• Airbnb — can be considered for short-term accommodation, subject to availability in your city.
Before renting a property, always check the location, rental conditions, utility costs, contract terms and the availability of a nearby shelter. It is also recommended to view the property in person or use a trusted real estate agent before making any payment.
For international students, the university’s international office can also be a useful source of information about safe and suitable accommodation options in your city.
Ukraine has a well-developed public transportation system, especially in major cities. Depending on the city, students can use metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams, city trains and minibuses (marshrutkas).
Public transportation is generally affordable, and students can benefit from discounted fares. Ticket prices, student discounts and payment methods vary from city to city.
In Kyiv, students can use the Kyiv Digital mobile application to purchase public transport tickets, top up their transport card, check routes and plan journeys around the city.
Other Ukrainian cities also have their own digital transport services or mobile applications. For example, Lviv has LeoCard, which is used for electronic payment and travel on public transport. Other cities may use local transport applications, electronic ticket systems or services such as EasyWay and Google Maps for route planning.
Important: Public transportation schedules and routes may change due to local conditions and safety restrictions. During an air-raid alert, public transport may be temporarily suspended or its operation may change.
Before travelling, international students should check the official transport information for their city and familiarize themselves with the available ticketing and mobile applications.
In addition to public transportation, international students in Ukraine can choose from several convenient ways to get around the city. Depending on your needs, you can use taxi services, car sharing, car rental, bicycles or electric scooters.
Taxi Services
Taxi is one of the easiest ways to travel around Ukrainian cities. Instead of stopping a taxi on the street, it is usually more convenient to order a car through a mobile application, where you can see the estimated fare, choose the type of vehicle and pay by card or cash, depending on the service.
Popular taxi applications in Ukraine include:
- Bolt — operates in many Ukrainian cities and offers several ride categories.
- Uber — available in a number of major Ukrainian cities.
- Uklon — a Ukrainian ride-hailing service available in more than 30 cities across the country.
The availability of particular services and vehicle categories depends on the city.
Car Sharing
Car sharing is another convenient option, especially if you want to drive yourself but do not want to own a car. Getmancar is one of the car-sharing services available in Ukraine. Through the mobile application, you can find an available car nearby, book it and start your trip using your smartphone.
In Kyiv and Lviv, Getmancar offers car sharing with flexible minute- or hour-based rental. Depending on the tariff and city, fuel, parking and insurance may be included in the price.
Car sharing can be useful for everyday trips around the city, shopping, university-related activities, meetings or longer journeys.
Car Rental
If you need a car for several hours, a full day, several days or longer, you can also consider traditional car rental.
Getmancar combines car sharing and conventional car rental in its application. As of 2026, regular car rental through the service is available in Kyiv, Lviv and Dnipro.
Traditional car rental can be a convenient option when you need a vehicle for a longer period or want to plan a trip in advance.
Other car rental companies are also available in major Ukrainian cities, including at airports and railway stations.
Electric Scooters and Bicycles
Electric scooters are a popular option for short trips in many Ukrainian cities, particularly during the warmer months.
For example, Bolt offers electric scooter rental in Ukraine through its mobile application. You can locate an available scooter on the map, unlock it using the app and pay according to the applicable tariff.
Bicycle rental and bike-sharing services are also available in some Ukrainian cities, although availability varies by location and season.
Important for International Students
Transportation services and their operating hours may vary depending on the city and current safety restrictions.
During an air-raid alert, some transportation services may temporarily stop operating or change their routes. Students should follow official safety instructions and check the current situation before travelling.
When using taxi, car-sharing or rental services, make sure that you understand the payment conditions, insurance coverage, rental requirements and rules for returning the vehicle.
For driving a rental or car-sharing vehicle, you will need a valid driving licence accepted in Ukraine and must meet the age and other requirements of the particular service.
If you would like to visit friends in another Ukrainian city, explore the country or simply experience more of Ukrainian culture and nature during your studies, travelling between cities is possible and convenient.
Ukraine has an extensive railway and intercity bus network connecting major cities and regional centres.
Travelling by Train
Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) connects Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Uzhhorod, Kharkiv and many other cities.
Intercity and Intercity+ trains are a comfortable way to travel between major cities, while regular long-distance trains provide connections to many other destinations.
Tickets can be purchased through the official Ukrainian Railways website and mobile application.
University students can benefit from student discounts on eligible railway tickets. International students should carry a valid student ID and check the applicable fare conditions when purchasing a ticket.
Travelling by Bus
Intercity buses are another convenient way to travel around Ukraine and can be particularly useful for destinations that are not directly connected by Intercity trains.
Online services such as INFOBUS allow you to compare routes, departure times, prices and different carriers and purchase tickets online.
Student discounts may be available on some routes, depending on the carrier.
Travelling During Martial Law
Ukraine is currently under martial law, and this may affect travel in certain ways. However, intercity railway and bus services continue to operate, allowing students to travel between many Ukrainian cities.
For your comfort and safety, keep the following in mind:
- Transport schedules may occasionally change or be delayed due to security-related circumstances.
- During an air-raid alert, train or bus services may temporarily be affected depending on the situation and location.
- Some areas or destinations may have additional access or travel restrictions.
- Curfew rules apply in Ukrainian cities and regions and may affect late-night travel. Always check the current local regulations before planning a late arrival.
- It is recommended to plan your journey in advance and check the latest information from your transport provider on the day of travel.
These measures are part of everyday life in Ukraine during the current period and are designed to help maintain the safety of residents and visitors.
Being a student in Ukraine comes with various benefits. Students can receive discounts on public transportation, museums, cinemas, theatres, cultural events, entertainment, and sometimes in cafés, shops and other services.
The availability and amount of the discount depend on the city and service provider.
To receive a student discount, you will usually need to show a valid student ID issued by your university.
Students may also use an electronic student ID in the Diia app, where available.
International students can additionally consider getting an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). It is not mandatory for studying in Ukraine, but it provides access to student discounts in Ukraine and many other countries and can be especially useful when travelling.
Tip: Always ask about student discounts before purchasing a ticket or service, as conditions may vary.
Keep your university student ID with you — it is the main document confirming your student status in Ukraine.
Health insurance is an important part of preparing for your studies in Ukraine.
International students are generally required to have valid health insurance covering their stay in Ukraine. The insurance should cover medical expenses and emergency treatment according to the terms of the policy.
Students can purchase an insurance policy from an insurance company operating in Ukraine. Before choosing a policy, make sure it covers the services you may need and is valid for the entire period of your stay.
Important: The conditions of medical insurance may differ depending on your nationality, type of visa or residence document and length of stay. Before travelling to Ukraine, check the current requirements applicable to your situation.
Keep your insurance policy and emergency contact information easily accessible during your stay in Ukraine.
In case of an accident or real threat to your health or property, immediately call the Emergency Call Number 112.
The national currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH).
Bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, pharmacies and other services. Cash can also be withdrawn from ATMs throughout the country.
International students can open a bank account in Ukraine and use a Ukrainian bank card for everyday payments, receiving money and paying for services.
Some of the major Ukrainian banks include:
- PrivatBank
• Oschadbank
• Raiffeisen Bank
• monobank
• UKRSIBBANK
• PUMB
Foreign students may be asked to provide their passport, Ukrainian tax identification number (TIN/RNOKPP), residence documents and other documents required by the bank.
Currency exchange is available at banks and licensed exchange offices. Many Ukrainian banks also allow customers to exchange currencies through their mobile banking applications.
Tip: Before opening an account, check the bank’s requirements for foreign citizens, available services, fees and whether the account can be managed through a mobile application.
Ukraine has several major mobile operators offering prepaid SIM cards, eSIM and mobile plans with calls and mobile internet.
The main mobile operators include:
- Kyivstar
• Vodafone Ukraine
• lifecell
SIM cards can be purchased at operator shops and other authorised points of sale. Depending on the operator and your phone, you can also use an eSIM.
Mobile internet is widely available across Ukrainian cities, with 4G coverage and 5G available in selected locations. Prices and mobile plans vary, so you can choose an option that suits your needs and length of stay.
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, universities, libraries and other public places. Universities and student dormitories may also provide internet access.
Tip: When choosing a mobile plan, check the amount of mobile data, call allowances, roaming options and the requirements for registering a SIM card as a foreign citizen.
Here are some useful official websites and online services that can help international students during their stay in Ukraine:
- Official Website of Ukraine — general information about Ukraine, its culture, cities and life in the country.
- Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine — information about higher education, universities, educational regulations and student life.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine — visa information, entry requirements, Ukrainian embassies and consulates abroad.
- State Migration Service of Ukraine — information about temporary residence permits, migration procedures and documents for foreigners.
- Diia — Ukraine’s digital government service platform, providing access to various electronic documents and public services.
- Ukrainian State Centre for International Education — useful information about studying in Ukraine for international students.
- EDEBO — Unified State Electronic Database on Education — information related to Ukrainian educational institutions and education records.
- Ukrzaliznytsia — official railway website for checking train schedules and purchasing tickets.
- Kyiv Digital — information and digital services related to public transportation and city services in Kyiv.
- State Emergency Service of Ukraine — official information about emergency situations and safety recommendations.
Important: Information and regulations may change, especially during martial law. Always check official government websites for the latest requirements before travelling, applying for documents or using government services.
