Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia by Ana Sofia

Why did you choose to go to Riga, Latvia?

I've always wondered if it was true all the things that media was telling us about Eastern Europe or Nordic countries, so I decided to come to this part of Europe. Riga was my first choice because of its weather (I wanted to feel how is a real winter), its people (cold and quite rude) and its food (sour cream, pink cold soup, etc). I definitely do not regret it.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I came for 10 months, but my scholarship was of 200€ for 8 months. But I only received 80% during the experience and the rest of 20% when I returned and got everything done.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

It depends on you. Don't be shy. I met people here from countries than I never imagine in my life (such from Dubai, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Korea, Uzbekistan, Georgia, etc) all of them were so nice. Remember that everyone is in the same position as you. Go to activities, go to parties and most of all, classes. Integrate in some sort of group and you can find a 2nd family for life.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Riga to other students?

Yes, I definitely recommend Riga and the University of Latvia. The ladies from International office are really nice and ready to help you out with anything they can. Even though the faculties are spread all over the city, it's a chance to discover other parts of Riga, that most part of the times is not in the touristic routes.

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What is the food like?

For the one who are Portuguese or Spanish, it's a bit hard to come here and see everything is imported (we are used to have fruit trees in our backyards) and they eat a lot of sauces in salads, mostly sour cream, and also in soup. The soups are not bad, but if you cook at home you don't feel so many differences. There are some cheap and good restaurants, such as Lido or Folkklub ALA Pagrabs.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Riga?

The University of Latvia has available 2 dormitories and I stayed all the 10 months in Prim Hostel. But if you want to rent a flat, I advice you to ask help for your buddy of someone local (locals speak quite good English - at least the youngers and middle age) but as you know there are a lot of Russians here and usually they don't speak English. Or you write of Facebook group of Erasmus that you are looking for a flat and I guarantee you that it will rain a lot of offers.

How much does it cost to live in Riga?

Depends on your life style. The minimum is between 400€ and 500€. But it can reach 800€ - you eat all the time outside, going out every day, with hitting bill in the winter, etc

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes. I came with Europa Campus Programme so it was mandatory for me to frequent a course of host language, in this case Latvian. I had in the 1st semester A2 level. And now I am close to reach B1. Even though is not useful anywhere than here, it gives you chance to demonstrate to future employers that you are able to learn anything. And you can also learn Russian and other Languages.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Riga from your city?

There is no direct flights from Portugal. So I came from Porto to Barcelona and then Barcelona - Riga. To return I went Riga-Kiev and then Kiev-Lisbon. But you have thousands of alternatives, because you can go through UK, Italy, Germany, Amsterdam, etc. You just need to find the most suitable for your timeline and luggage.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Riga?

Latvians have dinner between 18h30 -20h so its quite early for us from Portugal. So also they go out early. 20h - 22h and most pub's close at 2 am. Each pub is different but in a good way - cosy environment. But you can continue the party at La Rocca, Just Bar, Coyote Fly Club, and one of the best ones - Rock Café. For pubs/coffees - Ala Bar, Omas briljants, French Bar, Pacho Music Café, and others outside the Old Town.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Riga?

Lido, Folkklub ALA Pagrabs, Cili Pica, Elkor Food & Wine, Kebabs, Tokyo City and there are tiny restaurantes also really good but I don't remember the name. You can get lost and see for yourself, or even better, ask for suggestions from locals.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are a lot of museums here. But you must for sure go for a Ballet show or Opera at National Opera. Go to KGB Museum, you will know a lot of things about Soviet Union times. The Occupation of Latvia Museum- really interesting because of Nazism times and then Soviet Union. You can understand better some values of Latvian nation, where they came from. And of course, Staro Rīga in November, the fireworks in New Year, etc.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Riga in the future?

Don't be stuck all the time in Old Town - as many Erasmus students did. Get lost during the day or go with some friends to the other part of the city - explore and discover amazing places. Go to Zoo, Mežaparks, Arena Riga, etc. Visit other cities with an amazing natural beauty such as Saulkrasti, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Kuldīga or Vecspils. Don't stop any minute. Don't say that you don't have anything to do here, and most important have fun and appreciate each moment because it can never happen again in your life.