Parents in Novosibirsk, Russia are expressing significant concern about the rising costs associated with preparing their children for the upcoming school year. Many families are reporting substantial expenses for essential items such as clothing, stationery, and backpacks.

As the new school year approaches, parents are sharing their financial burdens. Some families have already spent considerable amounts on school supplies, with total costs reaching tens of thousands of rubles per child. These expenses include uniforms, shoes, stationery, and backpacks.

Readers have participated in surveys detailing their spending. One parent, Yulia, reported spending 13,400 rubles on supplies for two children in grades 1 and 4, with an additional 10,000 rubles set aside for tracksuits and shoes, bringing the total to 30,000 rubles. Another parent, Marina, cited expenses of 2,000 rubles for trousers, 1,500 rubles for a shirt, 3,000 rubles for polo shirts, and 7,000 rubles for physical education shoes, along with 4,500 rubles for a new backpack.

The high cost of uniforms is a particular concern for many parents. Karina expressed frustration at being directed to a specific store where a first-grader’s skirt costs 5,000 rubles. Others have noted the rising prices of basic stationery items.

Some parents are adopting resourceful strategies to mitigate costs. Elena, an experienced mother, plans to utilize existing stationery supplies from home and only purchase essential items like shoes, trousers, and tracksuits. For those who have not yet begun preparing for the school year, school fairs in Novosibirsk may offer opportunities to find supplies.