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Remember that Russians are often rude to strangers. On the contrary, they are open, hospitable and kind to those they know. Just persist and be polite and people will often soften once they realise you are a clueless foreigner: younger students in particular may speak a little English and be keen to practice.
If you really become desperate to find an English speaker, walk into the Faculty of Foreign Languages on the junction of Babushkina/Butina closed in the summer. The staff and students will be delighted to meet you.
