Experience in Klaipėda, Lithuania by Laura

What is it like to live in Klaipėda? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Klaipėda is my hometown and I am living here since I was born. The city is very unique and different compared to the rest of the cities in Lithuania. It is a port and third city in Lithuania, which was founded in 1252 and also it is the oldest city in the country. Here you can find a lot of German architecture especially in the old town which is quite small but very interesting. Many years ago the city was divided into two parts which is seen of the architecture and street layout.

I recommend this city for those students who are not afraid of colder and rainy weather. As this city is located near the seacoast it is often rainy and cloudy. Weather in summer is much colder than in other part of Lithuania but the winter is warmer because of marine climate we have here.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Klaipėda?

Student lifestyle in Klaipėda is very different. Some students like going out at night for partying, some students rather spend time at cafés, shopping malls, exploring city, visiting new places. Foreign students likes to gather together and spend time between them. I knew some Erasmus students who said that is pretty hard to communicate with Lithuanian students because they are cold and quite reserved. I would say that some of us are afraid and do not feel confident talking in English.

Erasmus students have a possibility to have mentors from Klaipėda University. They are helping them with all the information they need, helping them with the needed documents, tries to introduce the lifestyle in Klaipėda, organising some socialisation between other students.

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How much does it cost to live in Klaipėda?

Student dormitory costs 100 euro per month and the flats costs 150-400 euro for the students.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Klaipėda? Is there any advice you can give?

In fact it is not that easy to find accommodation for a foreign student because some people do not want to trust them and prefers just Lithuanians. But of course students are used to share flats. In that way it costs less. I recommend this website of flats for rent, it has an English menu. Anyway, the tutors are always helping students with their needs and they know more information about accommodation here.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

We have a big variety of food here. From Lithuanian cuisine to Chinese/Japanese.

What places would you recommend visiting in Klaipėda?

I recommend to visit:

• Curronian spit (use the ferry)
• Old town
• Park of sculptures
• Klaipėda Castle museum
• "Kultūros fabrikas"
• All the cafes in Klaipėda
• Memel nord bunker in Melnragė beach

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Is it good to eat out in Klaipėda? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is very good and I recommend that. My favourite spots to eat are:

• A bar "Senamiestis" where I recommend you to try our city traditional dish - cheese fingers. All people loves them! It is located in the old town. Address: daržų g. 10.
• Lithuanian cuisine "Kiaulės koja" there you can try our Lithuanian dishes and find new tastes, address: Birutės g. 1A.
• Another spot where I haven't seen any foreigner because they simply didn't know about that place and even not some locals. It is a place that was left from the Soviet times but of course now renovated and had a nice interior. Try the dish called "Čeburėkas su mėsa" it looks like a big dumpling from pastry with meat inside. Also is very cheap so everyone can easily afford it. Dishes should be bought at the bar, address: Taikos pr. 101.
• Pizzeria "Bambola". The best pizzas in the city! Located in the city center. Address: H. Manto g. 1.

Is the nightlife good in Klaipėda? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is not very rich here. People can visit bar "Faksas", "Kaštonas", "Raketa", night club "Portas".

What advice would you give future students heading to Klaipėda?

I would recommend to check the transport systems, prices locations and how to reach them before you go here. Some students are just going here without any idea about transport and the main things like that. Also the other important thing you should know is that not everyone speaks English. Older people used to speak in Russian as the second language.