Erasmus Experience in Kaunas, Lithuania by Lenka

Why did you choose to go to Kaunas, Lithuania?

I choose Kaunas, because it was the best option I had from my faculty, since studying psychology and going for Erasmus is little bit problematic, and things with bilateral agreements are even more complicated.

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

I get 350 euros per month. For Kaunas it is more than enough. It covers you living costs, food, transportation, some trips... basically it is enough money for nice living there.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Kaunas?

Kaunas is small city, so don't expect too much. But on the other hand, there is always something going on, so if you are willing to put yourself out you can enjoy some really good time there. For example, the ESN organization in Kaunas is always planning some activities, or the International Office too, others are just local students which are happy to have international friends and plan some activities in order to have fun all together.

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

I would recommend definitely, but it depends on what you are looking for in your Erasmus. If you just want to party, drink and travel, Kaunas may not be the good city for you. Of course you get all those things, in pretty cheap way, but in smaller amount I would say. It is more easy going, chilling, peaceful city. The university was really great. I did a lot of assignment during semester and final exams were pretty chilled. The teachers were amazing to me, I can not complain about anything regarding university.

What is the food like?

Food is really good and cheap. Lithuania is more of a meat and potatoes country and the traditional food is quite fullfilling. But I loved it. Of course there are plenty restuarants with european cuisine, so everyone will be completely fine.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kaunas?

I found accommodation through the university. I lived in dormitory Baltija, which was in city centre.

How much does it cost to live in Kaunas?

I think 350 euros for month is enough it depens on the accommodation you will find.

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

Lithuanian courses were available at university before the offcial semester started. And some of them continued throught semester, some didn't. You can catch the basics really fast. Or you can just ask someone young on the streets and they will reply you in English. I never had a problem with languages there.

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

From my home city Kosice to Kaunas I travelled zith 2 buses. It was the cheapest option and the longest one. I payed around 50 euros and I was not limited with luggage. And you need lots of things when you are moving for 6 months to another country.

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

The city is safe, in the city centre there are some bars and clubs you can enjoy and meet other young people. However, there is basicaly no one at night in the winter, in the spring and summer, more people are out. But I have never ever had any problem with going alone in the night.

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

One good restaurant was at my faculty VDU Socialinių mokslų fakultetas and it is called Profesorius. Then I would recommend Charlie pizza with daily menus, La Crepe with amazing potato pancakes. On Laisves aleja there is Žalia Ratas, really good traditional restaurant.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The historical town of Kaunas is quite small, there is Kaunas castle that you can see, the big museum IX Fort is little bit outside of town. The big white church on the hill is a nice place too and you can see the whole Kaunas from up there. Some cultural events are happening quite lot in summmer-ish months so you will be not sitting in your room.

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

Be opened, join the activities and have fun.