Erasmus experience in Vilna, Lithuania by Jordi

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Why did you choose to go to Vilnius, Lithuania?

I chose Vilnius because it was the most far away destination that my university offered me. As well, I had never thought about visiting Lithuania (and never thought that I would live there for a while). So I just wanted to make the most of a new opportunity, not knowing what to expect.

How long was the placement? How much grant did you receive?

I was in Vilnius from the end of August until the middle of February. From all the grants I received (from the Balearic islands, the European grant, help from my university, etc. ), I got around 500€ a month.

What is the student life like in Vilnius?

Great! Really incredible. I can only say good things about the student atmosphere there. Although I suppose it depends on who you make friends with and what course you study.

For me, I couldn't imagine being anywhere better. I studied six modules during my stay in Vilnius. In my class were both Erasmus and Lithuanian students. In both cases, it was a marvellous experience.

I have to give a special mention to the Lithuanian students, who made such an effort with my and tried (and succeeded) to integrate me perfectly into their group of friends. They are extraordinary people, Lithuanians.

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

Totally, I can say without any doubts that it was the best experience of my life. Really try to rent a flat with other Erasmus students that aren't Spanish, like I did. Most of the time Spanish people tend to stick together and in the end, if you don't make the most of meeting new cultures, then you're missing out on a large part of your Erasmus experience. And don't worry, you will meet other Spanish there, no matter what (I mean it).

I shared a flat with two German students (boy and girl) and an Italian student. This way I could practice my English a lot (especially speaking). From this, my main group of friends were made up of 4 countries (Spain, German, Italian and Lithuanian) where we would all speak in English. This is something that I recommend, talk in English for most of your time there.

What is the food like there?

It is really good, but it is fatty and there is a lot of it, and a lot of calories! You have to try the Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat) and a cold, pink soup called Šaltibarščiai- very typical to eat in the summer.

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Did you struggle to find accommodation in Vilnius?

Once I had arranged everything and my destination was confirmed, I joined the Facebook group Erasmus Vilnius 2011/2012. I posted on the group asking if anyone wanted to share a flat during the first semester.

Without getting a response, I arrived in Vilnius and I stayed in a hotel for 5 days. Whilst I was there, some people got in contact with me about sharing a flat. So I went to see the flat and... it was fantastic! Right in the centre of the old town (Rudninku gatve), just behind the Town Hall, 30 seconds away from Salento (the club where they host Erasmus parties). It was a huge flat, with a TV, internet, heating, double doors, 4 rooms and 2 floors. It was very impressive, and the rent was only 175€ a month with bills included.

We didn't want to look for anything else, this was perfect!

How much does it cost to live in Vilnius?

In general, the city is very cheap. I lived like a king with my grant of 500€ a month (and that's after paying 175€ a month for my rent, like I told you earlier).

Many restaurants have discount tickets so it is quite normal to get a pizza for 2€ or a Hamburger menu (burger, chips and a drink) for 1. 70€. You just have to go there at the right time.

What is the language like? Did you take a university course?

I went to a beginner's course at the start of the semester. Lithuanian is a very difficult language. And I have to admit that the course wasn't very useful for me. Anyway, if you make friends with local students, you will learn useful, day to day phrases without even realising.

What is the cheapest way to get from your city to Vilnius?

There are direct Ryanair flights from Palma to Kaunas. Once you arrive at Kaunas, there are direct trains to Vilnius.

What places would you recommend to go out in Vilnius?

• Salento - It has really good Erasmus parties.
• Tarantino - The same as Salento, but personally it isn't my favourite.
• Pogo - A rock bar, with good music.
• Bix Baras - This place is just behind where I live. They have live music, foosball, pool, and the people there are really friendly. It is a hit with lots of international students.
• Gringo - This is the place to go if you want to watch a football match.
• SoulBox - It is more exclusive and very expensive, although every Wednesday there is live Jazz music there.
• PlayClub - A great alternative rock bar. It is situated a little far out but the atmosphere is amazing and the people are really nice.
• Alaus Namai - You have to go to this bar. They are the bar with the most amount of different beers in the city. You have to try the traditional Lithuanian beer. The two I strongly recommend are: Backoriu, a black beer, with a hint of coffee and Daujotu, the best beer I have ever tasted in my whole life. Oh how I miss it so much!

And eating in Vilnius, what are some of your favourite places?

There are a million different places to eat from.

• Cili Kaimas: A chain restaurant that serves dishes of traditional Lithuanian cuisine.
• Cili pizza: A chain pizza restaurant from the same company above.
• Cili Ninja: The same chain again but Asian food.
• Hesburguer: The Lithuanian solution to McDonalds, but a lot cheaper.

There are also lots of kebab shops etc. There are lots of bars and restaurants in Pilies gatve, Gedimino prospektas, Uzupis, etc.

What is there to do culturally in the city?

• KGB Museum.
• Vilnius Cathedral.
• Three crosses hill.
• Užupis (the hippy neighbourhood).
• Literatu gatve (artists' street).
• Gedimino prospektas.

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In general, all the historic centre of Vilnius is worth seeing.

I also recommend that you make the most of your stay and go to visit Trakai (and it's castle) and Klaipeda (the main port in Lithuania). And if you have enough time, Kernave. Also, take a boat tour on one of the thousands of lakes in the country (in Salakas, for example), visit all the different parks etc.

It is a beautiful country full of things that are worth going to see.

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Any advice to give to future students going to Vilnius?

Don't hesitate, go! You won't regret it. You will fall in love with the city and the people!