Erasmus Experience in Riga, Latvia by Rémi

Why did you choose to go to Riga, Latvia?

This choice was, to me, made a bit by chance. It was my third wish and while I didn't "have" the two firsts, I went to Riga. But this city seemed to be nice for a exchange, and there is no regrets to have, the chance is finally luck!

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

I am going to stay one year in this nice country. One "academic year", like from September to May or June, I don't really know, depending on the exams dates in France, my home country...

I receive some money from Erasmus+ programme, around 200 euros per month (this amount depends on the country you choose); I received in November a first amount (around 70/80%, I guess) and I hope I will receive the second part probably near the end of the second semester, I don't know exactly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

Very cooool. We have much free time and there are lots of students in Riga; it is very nice to live here as a student and I like the atmosphere!

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

Of course, yeah! I feel really good here and I guess it is also the case of many students around me, so I would recommend to everyone to come here if he or she has this luck!

What is the food like?

You can find some traditional food, Latvian or Russian (I have tried those), but people don't have to worry about that because we can find here supermarkets and some products just similar to the products we can find in France, for example, or in western Europe in general. I think that, just like in every capital city, fast food and important brands are also present...

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Riga?

Not so much. We came here and slept in a hostel for a few days; we found a nice flat in 2 days and we pay around 250€ each for 70m2 (490€ in total); I think we will change soon because it is possible to find something cheaper...

How much does it cost to live in Riga?

It is not easy to answer this question because it depends on what you want and what you do.

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

Especially in Latvian University I can say that yes, there are some language courses of Latvian or Russian, but probably not only.

The lessons in English become a habit, a practice, and consequently easier in time.

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

Wizzair allows to do Paris-Riga for a cheap enough price, for example.

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

In the old center there are a lot of very cool bars, Bruninieku Iela and Inter Alia are places I also like.

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

Kvatar kebab.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Some museums, the historical monuments in the old center...

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

Come oooooooooooon.