Nigerian student explains move to Arctic city for studies

Joy Abisola Omoniyi went to study in Arkhangelsk from hot Nigeria. Here, she is pursuing an economics degree and works part-time in her free hours. She chose student life in the North herself and has no regrets. We got to know her better during a photo walk — the Nigerian woman seems born for photography, and the snowy winter highlights her vibrant appearance even more.

We spoke with Joy in Russian and English. Some of her remarks were translated into Russian for this article.

“This is my choice”

The dark-skinned beauty is 21 years old. Her acquaintances call her Joy or Bisola, but she prefers the first option. From English, this name translates as “joy.”

We walked with Joy along the embankment in the sunset sun. She admired the landscapes and photographed everything that seemed beautiful to her. Despite the frosty weather (Joy admitted that she doesn«t like the cold at all), the girl constantly radiated positive energy and a smile never left her face.

The African woman grew up in a large family; she has an older brother and sister. Her sister lives with her husband in the USA, and her brother has his own clothing production in Nigeria. Their parents are also in business — they have their own small shop of natural spices for healthy eating.

Joy has been living in Arkhangelsk for about three years. She is a second-year student at SAFU (Northern Arctic Federal University), in the economics program. To enter the Arkhangelsk university, she completed an eight-month preparatory course for studying the Russian language here.

“I came to study in Russia of my own free will. There are international programs for students who want to study in Russia, based on a government agreement that has been in place for many years,” explains our interlocutor.

The student believes she made the right decision by entering a Russian university.

“In Russia, people are very cultured, pleasant. They [Russians] respect people, pay attention to people.”

“I like the cozy atmosphere in Arkhangelsk”

Before moving, Joy had heard about the problems that local residents face, but she didn«t experience them herself.

“When I came to Russia — everything is fine, no problems, no war. This is wrong propaganda. I am positive and when there are any difficulties, I don«t think about them.”

Arkhangelsk attracts Joy with its pace of life and compact infrastructure.

“I know a little about Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok. Vladivostok is very far. Moscow and St. Petersburg — wonderful places, but more bustling than Arkhangelsk. I don«t really like Moscow because it»s very big, many people, it takes a long time to get to studies. 2 hours by taxi, because I want to go to another place. In Arkhangelsk — 5-7 minutes,” she reasons.

The girl doesn«t attempt to compare the North with her homeland — both here and there have their own peculiarities, and it»s hard to say where it«s more comfortable to live.

“Life in Arkhangelsk is completely different from life in Nigeria. Both places have their uniqueness. Different weather. Different cultures. Night life in Nigeria is always so fun, and here, in Arkhangelsk, I like the cozy atmosphere. For me, it«s a wonderful feeling — to experience two different lifestyles that I love so much,” she says.

At the same time, Joy admits that she often misses her homeland. During holidays, she usually flies home.

“Despite everything, I love my country. Nigeria — a wonderful place, people here are strong and very kind. They have a very good fighting spirit, positive attitude, they can achieve everything they want. And they have a very good attitude towards people. I love Nigerians for their determination. They — are people of action, not lazy. I think Russians are also not lazy, because Russians go to work and school, earn money.

Joy finds it difficult to answer if she already has any favorite places in Arkhangelsk, but trips to Malye Karely and Bobrovo left strong impressions. The girl also likes to go to restaurants that are in the city center. It wasn«t difficult to get used to local dishes.

“As for food, I quickly adapted to Russian cuisine, personally I like it, I don«t know their names, but the dishes I tried are very tasty.”

Braids hair and lives in a dormitory

According to the student, on average she spends about 10,000 rubles per month (approximately $110 at current rates) on food and transportation. Joy receives a scholarship, and also teaches English and braids African braids.

“The cost of my services varies from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (approximately $33 to $55 at current rates) depending on the hairstyle, and the work itself takes from 4 to 7 hours. My clients learn about me through recommendations, as well as through my page,” explains our interlocutor.

Sometimes the girl works part-time in one of the city«s canteens — clearing dishes after visitors. They pay 1,500 rubles (approximately $17 at current rates) for an eight-hour shift.

Joy«s bright appearance has not gone unnoticed — last year she was invited as a model for shooting a collection of a local clothing brand.

The African woman lives in a dormitory and shares a room with a roommate. The conditions suit her quite well.

“She [the roommate] is very good, sweet. I think when a person wants to live alone, that«s also not very normal, because when I am sick, she takes care of me and so on.”

About communication with locals and authorities

Joy is on good terms with other students. Her classmates often help her cope with the language barrier.

“Every time I don«t understand, they explain in English,” she shares.

Also in Arkhangelsk, the student has made new friends and acquaintances with whom she likes to spend free time. Joy herself is an open, friendly girl.

“I have very cool friends, both Russians and Africans, as well as friends from other countries. It«s easy for me to find common ground with local residents,” she notes.

In December 2025, Joy and other SAFU students from African, Arab countries and China were invited to a meeting in the administration of Arkhangelsk. Foreigners communicated with representatives of the department for external relations and tourism.

“They [administration representatives] wanted foreign students to tell about Arkhangelsk, how it can become better for tourists, what problems there are, to improve the life of foreigners. It was very pleasant. I was so happy because they think about people, want to create comfortable conditions for them, so that it is convenient for them.”

The student prefers not to talk about some loud plans for the future and does not yet know if she wants to leave back after receiving higher education. But she already sees herself in the entrepreneurial sphere.

“I often visit my homeland. Not sure yet if I want to return or stay, but Russia — a cool place. In the future, I would like to do business, become an entrepreneur, own my own clothing brand.”

Earlier we told the story of Nigerian Laval Bakare, who moved to Arkhangelsk, studied to become a doctor, obtained a Russian passport and took up coaching.