Erasmus Experience in Valmiera, Latvia by Jessica

Why did you choose to go to Valmiera, Latvia?

The reason I did choose for Valmiera, Latvia, was that it is totally different from my home city/county. I wanted to experience a new city, in a totally different country. After doing some research, I found out that Valmiera was a nice place and I really wanted to go there.

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

My scholarship was for four months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valmiera?

In the summer months, the people really like to go out, have parties and eat at the different restaurants in Valmiera. However, when the winter is coming, more and more activities will be inside.

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

I do really like this city and the university. I think it is a great way to get to know the "real" Latvia and it's people. However, keep in mind that this is definitly no big party destination or a destination with many Erasmus students

What is the food like?

I do believe that the food is quite "normal", as in quite European. I always found some foods I knew. When I wanted to eat something that we have in my home country as well, this was possible. However, I do think that it is very important to try new stuff. That is what I did and somethings I loved the food, sometimes I didn't at all. For me, the most strange thing (but maybe that's just strange in my country, I don't know) is that the people in this country eat warm during lunch. This is not the case in my country.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valmiera?

I lived in the dorms, the accommodation provided to every Erasmus student by school. In the beginning this was really getting used to, but as soon as I changed from a double room to my own room, I really liked it.
I heard that it is hard to find another accommodation. So, if you want this, go search early!

How much does it cost to live in Valmiera?

For food, you can probably go around with € 5 a day. For the parties, it of course depends on how much you want to spend. But you can have a shot for € 1,50. Beer for € 2 or less and a cocktail for € 3. Sometimes, it is even cheaper. I did give myself a budget of € 15 a day, for food, excursions, stuff for my room, etc. Sometimes, I did spend more, but most of the time I did spend less

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

I am not that good at learnig languages, so after 3 months I only know some words.
Yes, a language course is provided by the University

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

From my city, the best way to travel was by train, airplaine, bus.

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

Tinte, defenitly.

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

Bastions is one of the options where you can get real Latvian food. There are more restaurants and I know exactly how to find them, but do not know the names. Just explore the city and try everything that looks nice!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many, nice cities within Latvia. I wish I had more time, 'cause 4 months of studying is unfortunately not enough to see everything.
But what I love the most, is defenitly Riga

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

Just try everything, go everywhere and have fun. At the end of your exchange, you will really regret the moments you did NOT go anywhere