Law / British national studying in Poland - need a Russian visa, what to do? [4]

Hey all,

Title may seem really basic, but it isn't for me since I've never had to apply for a visa before.

I'm studying here for a year but in April I am going to study in Russia for 3 months, so I need a student visa. I was under the impression that being a British national, I would have to travel all the way back to the UK to use the Russian embassy there, but I've been told I can apply at a Russian embassy here in Poland, and I also got my residency permit back so I am 'legit'. Okay, great. So I then tried to email the consulate but got no reply (don't know if it was because it was in English, I did apologise, an email seemed better than directly going there and potentially embarrassing myself). So what do I exactly need to do? I also believe I need to have a HIV test done and maybe medical insurance (?) (I have the EHIC card here). I mean where can I go to get all of these things done? Or maybe it may be easier just to go back to the UK?

Any advice would be appreciated!