Erasmus Experience in Siauliai, Lithuania by paolo

Why did you choose to go to Šiauliai, Lituania?

I decided to go to Siauliai because I wanted to feel another culture, I wanted to live something different from the Italian, and all mediterranen lifestyle.

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

I stayed in Siauliai from February to late June.

My scholarship was 230 euro for month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Šiauliai?

In my opinion studying in Siauliai was very easy than study in Italy. Generally the lessons are easy, the professor good and nice and the exams easy.

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

Yes, of course it was not easy sometimes but i lived the best experience of my life, right now.

What is the food like?

Sorry Lithuanian but food is really awful! Anyway you can find everything you want in every market so you can cook your dishes!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Šiauliai?

The college made for me the application to have a room in the dormitory. I had only to fill the application form.

How much does it cost to live in Šiauliai?

Compare to Italy the cost of life is very cheap. I think I spent an avarage of 150 euro for month (70 for the room in the dormitory).

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

Lithuanina language is very hard to learn but the most part of people are able to speak english. I didn't attend any kind of language course.

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

I took plane from Bergamo to Riga, then I took the bus to Siauliai.

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

Thera are two great pubs: Degaline and Rock and Roll. After pub you can go to dance, I tried Kapitol, Happy mosquito and Pegasas. Happy mosquito was the best.

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

There are some cheap and quiet good resturants in the city center but especially inside the commercial center.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I think Hill of crosses is the most known attraction but is 30 minutes far from the city. In Siauliai there is a very nice lake.

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

At first everything could seem strange and cold, but step by step you are going to feel confortable with Siaulia and the Lithuanian people!