Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia by Antonio

Why did you choose to go to Riga, Latvia?

I chose to go to Riga, because it's the furthest place from my hometown that was available, and I have never been to the Baltics so this was a great opportunity to take.

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

My Erasmus scholarship was intended to last for 5 months and I received €330 per month. But you have to take into account that Erasmus has only paid off 70% of the total amount, and the rest will be given to me when I submit my transcript of records.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

Amazing. A lot of spots offer a wide variety of programs intended for students, and the city is full of those places.

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

Absolutely. Riga is an amazing place, full of life and beautiful sceneries. My faculty - Faculty of Economics and Management, is in the center of the city, on the border with Old Riga.

What is the food like?

Food is interesting. There are a lot of foreign restaurants and places to eat in. But overall Latvian cuisine is interesting.

Source

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Riga?

No. Dormitories were already offered by the Faculty and I found my apartment by surfing online.

How much does it cost to live in Riga?

Well per month, without the rent it costs €200. With the rest of the things being accounted in, you can live comfortably with €350 per month.

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

Actually not that much. Latvian is so different from any other language that I ever had a chance of listening to, but the faculty offers a course that might be helpful. Also majority of Latvians speak Russian as well so that can help you.

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

From my hometown, Rijeka, there is no easy way. Only if you are traveling in the last week of August there is a direct flight; but usually the closest airport that has available flights to Riga is Venice.

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

Some of the clubs that I would recommend are 'Puce', 'Rock Bar', 'Funny Fox', 'Paldies Latinam' and 'Coyote Fly'.

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

Some good restaurants in Riga are 'Valhalla Bar', 'Kiwi Bar', '1222', 'B Burgers'...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Well Riga is full of them, Old Riga should be the first on your list, then the Art District, Opera House, KGB Museum, Embassy Area.. After all that you can travel to Jurmala (25 min by train), and to Sigulda (1 hour from Riga).

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

Yes. Maximize your time, enjoy it and have all the fun you can have.