Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia

Why did you decide to go to Riga, Latvia?

It was a question of convenience more than anything. I study languages, in particular Russian, Spanish and English. Spanish and English classes were available in the university I went to (and they also had courses especially for Erasmus students) and I could practice Russian in everyday life. Also, if you speak English you won't find anyone who doesn't understand at least a few words (everyone speaks English).

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How long did the placement last? How much money did you receive as help?

My placement was for 6 months, but it was extendable. The grant from Europe is 230 euros a month and my university contributed another 100/200 euros a month depending on your income.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

It is a city with a lot of universities and a considerable number of Erasmus students, but also students from Russia, the Caucasus (Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.. ) so at the interpersonal level you get to know a lot of people easily because everyone is looking for new people to meet!

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

Absolutely, yes! The city offers so much on the cultural level; festivals, music, theatre, opera, but also parties! All the local events are free, provided it's not a concert. Concerts don't cost more than 2-3 lats anyway, which is around 3-4 euros, and the cloakrooms are always free!

What is the local food like?

They eat a lot of potatoes and soups, but both the fish and meat are excellent! However, generally there are supermarkets where you can find everything, including imported things which obviously cost more.

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How did you find your accommodation?

To start with I was in the Kipsala dormitory, which was very nice, thanks to the bursary from the the Latvian EILC language course. Then I moved to another "hostel" in the city centre called Green Apple, which was used as a student residence but is still a hotel. In my opinion it isn't adequate for a long period of time as the internet doesn't work well and there is only one kitchen for 200-300 students, with 16 hot-plates but no oven or freezer.

What were rent prices like? What were costs like generally?

Thanks to the crisis the rent prices are really low. To give you an idea I lived in a 200m squared house with 2 floors, 5 single bedrooms with double beds, 3 bathrooms, a fireplace, 3 sofas, smoke alarms, codes to get in, external video surveillance and internet for 190 euros per month (everything was included in the coldest month, January). I lived 5 minutes from the historical centre by tram and 15-20 minutes away on foot. It was a mansion.

In general the houses are all well presented and prices are similar.

How did it go with the language? Have you attended any university classes?

I went to the EILC course through the RTU, Riga Techical University, and it was really useful, as well as really fun. There are activities organised at the weekends and throughout the week and above all you meet people that will probably be your Erasmus friends for the whole time you are there :)

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

A Ryanair or Air Baltic direct flight from Milan is a bit more expensive but you can leave from (almost) any Italian airport.

Where do you recommend for a night out in Riga?

French Bar and Moon Safari Celsis to start the night with cheap shots and beer. Definitely followed by Pulkvedim Neviens Neraksta, also known as Pulkvedis, which is open pretty much every day and has two floors with a different DJ each day. Naba Klab, Depo and Dirty Deal, a couple of more alternative bars with rock music, reggae nights and some concerts. Push and the Club play pop music and house. They're mostly attended by locals. Piens and Kefir are nice pubs a bit further away from the centre. The other ones are ALL in the historical centre.

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And to eat in Riga? Can you tell us a bit about your favourite places?

Definitely PelmeniXL; it's cheap and open until 4am. In LIDO there is typical food at really affordable prices. There are numerous sushi bars in the centre and the food is great, really cheap and you get a lot - especially for lunch. Hersburger is good for when you're hungry at 6am (the doughnuts are MAGICAL! ).

And to see a bit of culture?

Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, the Barricades Museum, the Art-Nuoveau Quarter, the Opera and the National Theatre, the Church of Saint Peter where you can climb the bell tower for a view of the whole city, the central market... It's a lovely city to visit.

Do you have any recommendations for future students in Riga?

Initially you might not even know where Riga is, but it offers so much. It is a capital city (with 700, 000 inhabitants) which is becoming increasingly westernised, moving away from Soviet times. Best of all, it's in a great position for visiting the nearby towns, given that planes and coaches are really efficient, the trains are a bit more limited...

There is a great quality of life, the shops are always open and living costs are lower than in Italy!