The Kazakh Student Lifestyle: How Indian MBBS Students Actually Live in Kazakhstan

Living in Kazakhstan as an MBBS Student: The Real Experience

Numbers are easy to find—fees, rankings, eligibility. But what students really want to know is this: what does it actually feel like to live in Kazakhstan for six years?

Here’s an honest, ground-level view based on real student experiences.

Almaty: The City That Surprises Everyone

Most Indian students arrive in Almaty expecting a dull, Soviet-style city. Instead, they’re often surprised.

Almaty feels lively and modern. You’ll see:

• Tree-lined streets
• Cafes and restaurants
• A young, active population
• Stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains on clear days

Getting around is easy. The city has:

• A clean and efficient metro
• A wide bus network
• Reliable ride-sharing apps

Daily life here is smooth and manageable—even for someone new to the country.

On the other hand, Astana (now also known as Nur-Sultan) offers a completely different vibe.

It’s more structured and futuristic, with:

• Wide roads
• Modern architecture
• Government buildings designed to impress

Some students love Astana’s clean, planned feel, while others prefer Almaty’s more relaxed and natural energy. Both cities are comfortable places to live.

Food: What You Should Really Expect

Food is one of the biggest concerns for Indian students—and rightly so.

Kazakh cuisine is heavily meat-based, with dishes featuring lamb, beef, and even horse meat. For vegetarian students, this can be a challenge at first.

But things are manageable.

In both Almaty and Astana, you’ll find:

• Indian restaurants (perfect for occasional cravings)
• Stores selling Indian groceries like rice, dal, and spices
• Online delivery options for familiar ingredients

Most students settle into a routine:

• Cooking at home for daily meals
• Eating local food that suits their taste
• Visiting Indian restaurants occasionally

University canteens are affordable and convenient, though the food is basic. It won’t feel like home—but it gets the job done.

Hostel and Accommodation

Hostel facilities at universities like Kazakh National Medical University and Astana Medical University are generally better than many students expect.

You can expect:

• Double or triple-sharing rooms
• Attached bathrooms
• Heating during winters
• Wi-Fi access

One of the best parts of hostel life is the diversity. You’ll meet students from:

• India
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• African countries
• Kazakhstan

This creates a global, social environment.

Some students choose to move into shared apartments after a couple of years for more independence. In Almaty, shared apartments typically cost around ₹8,000–₹15,000 per month per person.

Climate: The Honest Reality

Let’s be clear—Kazakhstan gets cold.

In Almaty, winter temperatures usually range between -5°C to -15°C. It’s cold, but manageable.

Astana is much harsher. Temper