Erasmus advice for Kaunas, I studied Computer Engineering@KTU

Why did you choose to go to Kaunas, Lithuania?

Because it was not popular and it required the level B2 of english (in italy is not a commmon thing). I have already been in Lithuania before my erasmus and I liked it, so I had no prejudgment about it. I already knew that it is a cheap country and the nature is awesome. From Kaunas is also easy to travel other countries (I've been to Gdansk, Lapland and Copenhagen).

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

I stayed 5 months. Rents for flats were cheap. I received 1300€ in total. I have to say that even if the dormitory was cheap (80€ per month) and the other stuff are less expensive than Italy, I spent around 200-300 eur per month (all inclusive).

Would you recommend the city and the KTU to other students?

Yes, I prefered Kaunas to Vilnius. The KTU campus is big and full of free activities (I did rock climbing). Kaunas is surrounded by nature that actually is the part I like the most. By the way Vilnius is only 2€ far from Kaunas (I've been there more than 10 times).

The university is easy: you collect your final grade during the year by midterms and projects. Attending lessons is not a mandatory but I really suggest that. The final exam is only the 30% of the final grade. A lot of people passed all the courses with 9 or 10.

What is the food like?

I didn't really like the Lithuanian food a part some sweets. Their food is cheap and mostly based on potetoes. Kaunas is full of restaurants from all over the world and the food shops are well provided.

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

All the lessons were English and young people know English. People over 25yo speak only lithuanian or russian and sometimes this was a problem.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kaunas?

I lived in the KTU dormitory 8 (the best one for Erasmus students). For going there I just applied in the application form to register in the university. It was really really easy. For the first months I was thinking to move in a flat, but trust me: the dormitory is better! So go there and be patient during the first period.

How much does it cost to live in Kaunas?

As I told, you'll need around 200-300€ per month.

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

From Italy there are many cheap flights: Naples-Kaunas, Rimini-Kaunas or Milan-Vilnius.

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

DO NOT pass all your time in Basement or Dzem pub! Explore other places and pubs! B2O, XYZ are good as well. I almost partied only in LIZDAS, a techno club in the city center. Do not forget to party also in Vilnius!

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

I think the best semester to go there is the first: you arrive and everything is green and awesome and when you leave everything is white and frozen. Enjoy the end of september where the days are still long and the temperature are okay (you can swim in the lake)

And:

• 5 months in erasmus are like 5 days. Enjoy every second.

• For traveling to Lapland, WEGO is better than Scabalt

• Say always yes. Never skip experiences for studying!

• If you can, during your erasmus go back in your home country for some days in order to clean your mind (it's very useful, trust me).

• Attend the lessons if you want good marks.

• Enjoy the silence of the nature, you'll miss it.