Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia

Why did you choose to go to Riga, Latvia?

Because in 2004 it was not in the Union, there is not a lot of information about it and few people know it. I went with a friend of mine and the two of us chose Riga because it was different, and to be in the corner of Europe, to make real discoveries on all levels. We were the second lot of students from Belas Artes to go there.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

That depends on you, I don't remember the amount but it took a while to arrive. It was little.

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What's the student environment like in Riga?

At the beginning I went out with people from the residence chosen for me by my host university (Porto) and there were students from different areas and also non-students. And they went out together and had a drink together. They did lots together. But I didn't want the people there to show me RIGA with capital letters, but Riga, and that's where I went.

To give you an example, the sauna at Riga is very popular, and I never paid to do the sauna at Riga... once I arrived at the residence where I stayed and a group of Erasmus students were organising a trip to a sauna for I don't know how many people, it depends on the likes of the individual, and Erasmus is just like that. In the university I gradually started to meet people and it was very interesting, I was curious and wanted to meet someone to share my ideas with, but the Latvian people didn't seem very easy to me, you have to make a big effort to get them to talk to you. Some speak English, others Spanish, it's strange...

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

Yes, I still have the friends I met there today, some from the university, others not, but a large part from outside the university. They visit me, and I visit them.

How's the country's food?

Strong, and imagine I'm vegetarian and was vegetarian in Riga.

How did you find accommodation?

Initially, I was at a residence, which the university had organised. After that I moved to live in a house with a friend.

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How are the accommodation prices? And the prices in general?

It's not easy to get an apartment type accommodation, my friend and I spent a long time looking and we saw some with the help of locals who spoke the language, it's not easy.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

Difficult but I got there.

What is the cheapest way to get to Riga from your city?

Now, low-cost airlines that weren't available at the time.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Riga?

I went for the music of pulkevedis with Nick on Sunday nights, Nick from the Bahamas, imagine. The Nautilis Kabatha with old ladies who are picking up the glasses and sweeping the floor. Who knows? The night life in Riga is brutal!

And eating out in Riga? Can you name your favourite places?

There are lots of all you can eat buffets which are great.

And in terms of cultural visits?

There are many museums whose names I forget... and galleries and it's possible to see a game of ice hockey. I don't know, you have to walk through the city and discover.

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Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Riga?

When we arrived on the street on the first night, in the old zone of Riga and with tourist guides, my friend asked someone where a good restaurant was, in English, but the person replied in Spanish. The man asked us if we were foreign and we said, of course, we're Portuguese. He replied "bloody well welcome to my Riga di Janero".... bring light clothes, I actually used them, it can get super hot. But now I'm in better form and those fantastic running tights that stick close to the skin are great. And don't forget that Riga has beautiful people.

Brieka, cheers!