Erasmus Experience in Vilnius, Lithuania by Handini

Why did you choose to go to Vilnius, Lithuania?

Actually, my choice came from the university that I chose. In my program, there were only 2 universities which provide architecture in their program. One in Italy, and the other one is in VGTU-Lithuania. But finally, I got VGTU. and what? I definitely will never regret it, as I took a look on the internet, Lithuania is kind of wonderful country in the Eastern Europe. And when I came here, I was just amazed. Everything seems so great to me. No lies.

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

Well, I will be here for 2 semester. from autumn and spring semester. So it takes about 10 months living in another country which thousand miles far away from my hometown. I will stay here and will not going back to my homecountry untill I finish these 2 semesters. I've been here for 5 months so far. And for the money, actually I got the scholarship more than enough to live here. That's why I do love this country. The living cost is not that expensive comparing to other countries among Europe. We can save more to travel around Europe. I can spend only around 300-400 euro every month. It's already included the accomodation. I live in student dormitory now, and it cost only around 100 euro per month, included for the utilites. And the condition of my room is extremelly goooooodddd. Don't worry. Maybe I can show my room next time. Because when before my arrival, some people told me that student dormitory is suck. But it's totally not true.

What is the student lifestyle like in Vilnius?

I could say that Vilnius is a super nice city for student. Im feeling so peaceful when I coming back to this city after my long travelling. Erasmus organitation is also growing up well here, like ESN. exchange students, foreign students, and Lithuanian student can blend altogether. They are so nice, and help me a lot. There are a lot of parties as well in Vilnius, it's like a heaven for erasmus.

Sometime we have cultural evening to know about another culture, and another cool program from the university or ESN that make us not only feel so bored being here. We will have such a amazing experience. I also ever joined the program called "Erasmus in School", we met pupils in the countryside of Lithuania, and we should encourage them to have an open mind to go to the high level of study, and going abroad for sure.

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

Like what I said before, Vilnius is totalllyyyyy an awesome city.

Dont worry to be here. You will get a lot of experience whether in your speciality of study and in your life.

What is the food like?

The food here generally made from potatoes. I mean for the special cuisines from Lithuania. I every tried cepelinai, pink soup, kibinai, and more.

Overall, the food here is nice for my tongue. Since I come from the northeast Asia, I was afraid my tongue could not accept every kind of food here. But when I live here, it's so good. I can find some ingredients as well to cook.

Unfortunately, It's still a bit rare here to find an Asian Shop. Im unable to find it until now. but no problem, I can still handle it.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Vilnius?

At first, It was a lil bit hard. Since my faculty is in the city centre, and the student dormitory is about 45 minutes by bus far away from my faculty. And in that time, student dormitory of VGTU was being renovated. And I chose to stay in a long term hostel. But it was a bit costly in Vilnius. then after a few months, I chose to move out. I chose flat in that time, but after so many consideration, I chose to move to the dormitory. and It cost really cheap and it has a good considition, almost similar with my previous accomodation. and I dont mind anymore about the distance to go to my faculty haha.

How much does it cost to live in Vilnius?

For a month, I can spend only 300-400 euro. It is already included for accomodation, hanging out, shoping, and more.

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

Yessss! I got my language course in my first semester. and I will definitely take it again in the 2nd semester.

Dont worry, It's fun learning language in where you are living. you can practice it everyday.

Almost all people in Lithuania can speak English. some people can speak English very well. but it's different case for the old people.

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

Actually I travell here by plane and it took about 26 hours flight. such a long trip. and I have no idea whether It's cheap or not.

But my friend from Korea got the cheapest way, he flight to Poland first, then took a bus to came here.

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

You definetely need to go to feel the beautiful of Vilnius at nite in the old town. and dont forget to climb up the Gediminas Hill and Hill of three crosses. The view is so amazing over there. You can see Vilnius from above over there. and the view is so wonderful at nite. and so many party in Salento, Coccain, and more. This is for the people who loved party so much, I personally dont really like party. But I ever been there as well for once.

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

For eating, sometime I eat outside or cooking. When I eat outside, I used to eat at Hesburger, Wok to Walk, KFC, MAxima, Chili Picca, and more. In mall, like Ozas and Akropolis, there are so many good Restaurants that you can go. And for Lithuanian cuisine, you can try Forto dvaras in Pilies Gatve. the interior is great.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old town! you should looking around Old town. there are so many good cultural sites here that i cannot mention it here one by one. And for sure you need to go to outside Vilnius. There so many another cultural site that are worth to visit.

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

Don't be afraid to try the new place! everything will be great if you can experience it. And if you want to know more about Vilnius and other thingy here, dont be hesitate to contact me. Probably you can find me on facebook. see ya!

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