For international students dreaming of studying in Russia, choosing a university is about more than just academic programmes – it is about the place you will call home. At Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (PRUE), that place is a sprawling, vibrant campus right in the centre of Moscow, where 19th‑century elegance coexists with cutting‑edge digital laboratories.

The university’s campus comprises nine buildings, two of which are listed architectural monuments. The story begins with the First Building, constructed in 1904 for the Men’s Commercial School by architect Alexander Zelensko. Its graceful Art Nouveau façade immediately set it apart from the surrounding Zamoskvorechye district, and it remains a neighbourhood landmark. Inside, original early‑20th‑century interiors have been carefully preserved, now housing the university’s museum, the Main Digital Space, and seminar rooms – a perfect blend of heritage and modern learning.

Fast‑forward to 1982, and the Third Building rose with hands‑on help from students, postgraduates and faculty members. Spanning 25,500 square metres, it hosts five higher schools, over a dozen departments, 15 laboratories, and more than 20 administrative offices. To help newcomers navigate this vast complex, the university offers an interactive Umap – a digital guide that ensures you never lose your way between lectures.

At the heart of academic life lies the Academician L.I. Abalkin Scientific Information and Library Centre, housed in Building 6. Its roots go back to 1907, when the Moscow Commercial Institute’s library was founded with a modest collection of 123 volumes donated by the Moscow Society for the Dissemination of Commercial Education. Today, named after the renowned economist and PRUE alumnus Leonid Abalkin, the centre has evolved into a hub of knowledge that bridges past and present. The reading room is equipped with assistive technology, including a braille keyboard and printer for visually impaired users – a testament to the university’s commitment to inclusivity.

But education is not all about books. Plekhanov takes student wellbeing seriously. On campus, you will find a fully equipped fitness gym, a martial arts hall, a strength‑training room, a 25‑metre swimming pool, and a general physical conditioning space. When hunger strikes, there are coffee points scattered across the buildings, plus popular student cafés like Plekhanovsky Plombir and Plekhanovets – perfect spots to recharge between classes.

For those with a creative streak, the Congress Centre is a showstopper. With a professional stage and an auditorium seating over 1,000, outfitted with state‑of‑the‑art lighting and sound systems, it hosts major university events, festivals and concerts. And the best part? Every student can get involved. Whether you join the PRUE Choir, the Gelikon dance ensemble, the KVN comedy league, or the Guitar Club, there is a place for your talent to shine.

The crown jewel of the campus is the ninth building – the A.S. Vishnyakov Centre for Digital and Information Technologies. Opened in July 2024 in a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, this ultramodern facility sits just steps from the historic buildings, symbolising the university’s seamless bridge between tradition and innovation. It is a space for creative labs, research collaborations, and partnerships with industry leaders and scientific centres – exactly the kind of environment where tomorrow’s digital pioneers will be forged.

From imperial architecture to AI‑ready classrooms, from Olympic‑sized pools to concert stages, Plekhanov University offers international students not just an education, but a complete, comfortable, and inspiring campus experience – right in the pulse of Moscow.

Information for Prospective Students