Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia by Hikmat

Why did you choose to go to Riga, Latvia?

From the beginning this decision was made randomly and unexpectedly, but still, I don't regret of my decision.

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

Unfortunately I am not receiving any scholarship, first year I was living by my family's help but since then only working. Luckily Riga is not crowded so to find a good work with limited Latvian language skills is more than possible

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What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

Oh, you gonna enjoy it! People are welcome over here, weather is cold, so in every possible situation you can find the way to warm up. Mainly for entertainment you will hang out in old town, its quite big for a small city, and for almost every taste you can find something, if not, neighboring 2 capitals (Vilnius, Tallinn) are close enough to enjoy them as well

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

If you are ready for a strange and cold weather, to see the sun and bright sky at 11 pm during the summer, or have a full darkness after 3pm during the winter, so welcome :D Universities are same everywhere so no comment :)

What is the food like?

Well, basically, they don't have national cousin. It's a mix of German, Scandinavian, Slavic dishes. And of course you can find kebab, burger and pizzas and every corner. But their beer is just delicious, not like Belgian or Czech but still good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Riga?

Every major university have acceptable dormitories/hostels, prices are cheap, conditions are not bad. In case if you want to move to flat, I am pretty sure you can find some flatmate in FB Erasmus Riga pages, or during ESN meetings, even in Friday night in the club you can have some drunk conversation and afterwards move to the flat with a flatmate

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How much does it cost to live in Riga?

Depends on what is your expenses, and how do you live, if you eat only noodles and tea with bread so 100 euros is more than enough. Riga is not that expensive like Paris or Amsterdam, its more like Berlin, Bratislava, Prague, Valencia for example. Average 300-500 euro is enough for basic living (without flat costs)

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

Of course, first of all in Riga almost everyone speaks English, its not like in Spain or south of Italy, where you need to explain every single word by hands. In case if you want learn Latvian or Russian (which is second and sometime main language for locals) it is possible to sign for some free courses in your university

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

Well, I am from Baku, Azerbaijan. So I don't have any alternative rather than to use a plane. But Latvia has a problem with European railway system, so not every train comes here, however their bus companies are top of top. Luxexpress, Ecolines, Simpleexpress. By this bus companies you can travel all around for extremely cheap price and be like a boss

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

Just follow the crowd, youngsters mainly goes to places like Puce clubs, Ala bar, First dacha club, Coyote fly and so on.

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

I am cooking good at home so, cannot say honestly, but pretty sure you can find some place for your taste in center. Just use trip adviser))

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All Latvia is open for traveling, small country, and you can cross it just in 6-7 hours, so travel around, if you will be here in June-July, amazing, so you can see national holiday Ligo

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

Enjoy every single minute! Once Erasmus, always Erasmus!