My Erasmus Experience in Vilnius, Lithuania. By Patricia.

Why did you choose to go to Vilnius, Lithuania?

I had two friends that studied there the previous year, one in Klaipėda and the other in Vilnius, and they both recommended me to go to Vilnius. Furthermore, Lithuania didn't require me to have any other language, and I wanted to learn English.

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How long did your grant last? How much did you receive?

They paid me €200 a month and they gave 70% of it to me at the end of March (the timing depends on the person), and the final 30% of it at the end of June. It was 6 months (for me, because I stayed for one term).

What is the student lifestyle like in Vilnius?

You could say that a Vilnius lives off of Erasmus students when it comes to parties, travelling, etc. You've got a lot of help. There is a lot of atmosphere. That being said, once you meet the people, it is always the same... So, be careful about what you do... A bit of advice.

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

Yes, I would recommend it. Well, there are 5 universities and they each don't have anything to do with the other ones. Mine, MRU, is quite hard. For me personally, it doesn't seem like a university fit for Erasmus students, but it is what it is, and it's on the outskirts of the centre as well... I always have to rely on buses or taxis as the people at this university take the residence just in front and the one that corresponds to it. But, oh well, the ambience in the residence is also this way!

How is the food of the country?

I have a good apetite and I love food from other countries, like Chinese, Indian, Italian, Arabic, etc. However, I have to say that I don't like the food here one bit... I went to a place that specifically had typical Lithuanian food from Vilnius in it, and I didn't like anything that I tried. So, oh well, I guess that everyone has different tastes. You'll miss your mum's cooking!

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Vilnuis?

The truth is that no, it wasn't because my university gave me the option of the residence. That being said, if you want to rent a flat then you will have to look well and join someone else who also wants a flat. There are lots of people that make groups on WhatsApp, but don't wait too long! Also, depending on the residence, for example I had to pay everything all at once, so all of the semester in the first month. In this way they can be sure that you won't leave as they wont give your money and the deposit of €100.

How much does it cost to live in Vilnius?

This is quite relative depending on your own situation, if you smoke (although tabaco is quite cheap here), if you take a lot of trips... Without all of this, with €300/350 you can live, go out and such... Well, of course, with the trips it depends on what you want to do on each one. That being said, be careful in the first month! You will lose control when you see how cheap everything is and you will spend a lot of money.

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How is your language? Did you go to any course at university?

I came here without even so much as a B1 in English, I didn't know how to say anything or I didn't dare to. But you have no choice but to let go and now I'll have a normal conversation, I know how get out of a sticky situation. But let go! And don't always get together with Spaniards!

What is the most affordable way of getting to Vilnius from your city?

I'm from Zaragoza and what I have always done is this: catch a bus to Barcelona that leaves at 23:35 in the evening, and arrive at 3am at Barcelona. From here, get a taxi to the airport (I think there's a bus but I don't know exactly about it), the times that I have been in a taxi it has been shared because there are always people wanting to go to the airport. I got the plane to Vilnius that left at 6:20am and we more or less arrived at 12 as it is quite a long journey... but affordable. That being said, you have to get the tickets beforehand! And there are usually offers so look out! Also, there is another way to get there which is from Madrid, but I don't know much about it.

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Where do you recommend to go our in Vilnius?

Everyone will have heard about SALENTO, yes, it's a very cool place, full of Erasmus students, with more party music... But there are others like COCAINN, MOJITO (the DJ is Cuban and plays mostly Spanish music, but it's okay). I personally love it, although you have to be 23 years old as a minimum. Another one for hardcore music, for example, is KABLYS. I've never been because I don't like that music but, well, I guess not everyone likes reggaeton...! If you just want to go for a drink, you can also go to places like LA BIRRA, REPUBLIC, MR PUB... If you look, you will find... Don't just close yourself off and do the same things, because you'll end up tired, especially if you are here for a whole year!

And to eat in Vilnius? Can you tell us your favourite places?

To eat... I love Chilli Pica, and there is a place in the center of town, next to the cathedral that is also very good, but I don't remember the name. Then you have the HESBURGUER, which is kind of like McDonalds but even better... Much cheaper, for €1. 89 you have a hamburger, potatoes with a sauce on top from Vilnius which is super nice, and a drink... You will get tired because on top there is one next to Salento and when you go out to party... you'll always feel like having it! There is also Charlie where, for €5, you have two giant pizzas and a drink. If you have an ISIC card, (get yourself one, it doesn't cost anything and it will be good for you) you get a discount in many of the places. Another place I love is Republic, both to eat (the hamburgers are delicious) and just to have a drink.

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And how about a cultural visit?

For a cultural visit... There are some things, but not a great variety of them... You can see all of Vilnius in two day perfectly easily. There are also other places like the Crosses Hill or Trakai, which is a little further away, but it is worth seeing... Especially Trakai in summer and winter, as you can see the frozen lake, which is a cool experience. Bring your coats!

Do you have any advice for other students coming to Vilnius?

Enjoy the experience! You only live once. Get to know the people you meet, because living with them can be very good, but also very bad... o enjoy with head and crazy! I also recommend, if you have the opportunity, to travel to LAPLAND... The best trip of my life! Another trip that is also done a lot is going to Russia, so don't waste money and take advantage! And another trip I recommend is Stockholm, it's beautiful! By the way, for Russia, for example, or Belarus, you need visas, so you will you need a specific photo in which you need to look super serious, and above all YOUR PASSPORT IS IMPORTANT!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me!

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