Nigerian Student on Life in Russian North with 10k Ruble Budget
Joy Abisola Omoniyi traveled from hot Nigeria to study in the capital of Pomorye, Arkhangelsk. Here, she is pursuing an economics education and works part-time in her free time. She chose student life in the North herself and does not regret it. Correspondents from 29.RU got to know her better during a photo walk — the Nigerian student seems made for photoshoots, and the snowy winter emphasizes her colorful appearance even more.
We spoke with Joy in Russian and English. Some of her comments were translated for this article.
«This is My Choice»
The dark-skinned beauty is 21 years old. Friends call her Joy or Bisola, but she prefers the first option. From English, this name translates to «joy».
We walked with Joy along the embankment in the rays of the sunset sun. She admired the landscapes and photographed everything that seemed beautiful to her. Despite the frosty weather (Joy admitted that she does not 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 run a small shop of natural spices for healthy eating.
Joy has been living in Arkhangelsk for about three years. She is in her second year at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (SAFU), studying economics. 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 interviewee.
The student believes she made the right decision by enrolling in a Russian university.
«In Russia, people are very cultural, pleasant. They [Russians] respect people, pay attention to people,» she says.
«I Like the Cozy Atmosphere»
Before moving, Joy heard about the problems that local residents face, but she did not experience them herself.
«When I came to Russia — everything is good, no problems, no war. This is incorrect propaganda. I am positive, and when there are 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 are 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 study — 2 hours by taxi. In Arkhangelsk — 5–7 minutes,» she reasons.
The girl does not dare to compare the North with her homeland — both here and there have their own peculiarities, it«s hard to say where it is 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. On holidays, she usually flies home.
«Despite everything, I love my country. Nigeria is a beautiful 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,» the girl reasons somewhat naively.
Joy finds it difficult to answer if she already has any favorite places in Arkhangelsk, but trips to Malye Korely and Bobrovo left strong impressions. The girl also likes to go to restaurants located in the city center. It was not 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,« she laughs.
Braids Hair and Lives in a Dorm
According to the student, on average she spends about 10,000 rubles a month (approximately $100 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 ($30 to $50) 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 interviewee.
Sometimes the girl works part-time in one of the city«s canteens — clearing dishes for visitors. There they pay 1,500 rubles ($15) for an eight-hour shift.
Joy«s bright appearance did not go 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, it»s also not very normal, because when I«m sick, she takes care of me, and so on,» shares Joy.
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 language with local residents,« notes the student.
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 [representatives of the administration] 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 they are comfortable,» smiles Joy.
The student prefers not to talk about any loud plans for the future and does not yet know if she wants to leave back after getting her diploma. But she already sees herself in the entrepreneurial sphere.
«I often visit my homeland. I»m not sure yet if I want to return or stay, but Russia is a cool place. In the future, I would like to do business, become an entrepreneur, own my own clothing brand,« smiles Joy.
