Before you leave home
A little preparation saves a lot of stress. Make sure your passport or ID card is valid, bring several copies of your university admission or Erasmus documents, and take out student travel and health insurance. EU and EEA students should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); non-EU students must sort out a visa or residence permit before travelling, so start that process early. Download offline maps and the Rīgas satiksme transport app, and note down your residence address for the arrival forms.
Registration and student status
Your university's international office is your best first stop, they know exactly what each nationality needs and help with residence registration and confirming your student status. EU citizens have a straightforward process; non-EU students register their residence permit and may need a local address confirmation, which we can provide. Keep digital and paper copies of everything.
Opening a bank account
Latvian banks such as Swedbank, SEB and Citadele offer student-friendly accounts, usually free for students. You typically need your passport, proof of address and your enrolment certificate. Many students arrive with a Revolut or Wise account, which works instantly for the first weeks, for splitting costs with flatmates and for sending money home cheaply. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Riga, even for small amounts.
Mobile and internet
Prepaid SIM cards from LMT, Tele2 or Bite are cheap and sold at kiosks, supermarkets and phone shops, bring your passport to register. A basic data plan costs only a few euros and is plenty for maps, messaging and calls. Your residence already has fast Wi-Fi included, so you only need mobile data when you are out and about.
Getting around the city
Riga's trams, trolleybuses and buses are run by Rīgas satiksme. Buy an e-talons card at a kiosk and top it up, or pay by app; a single ride is inexpensive and a monthly student pass is great value. Most of our residences are central, so you can reach the Old Town, your university and the shops on foot or with one short ride. For late nights or heavy bags, Bolt is cheap and everywhere. The city is also flat and very bike-friendly.
Everyday essentials
For groceries, Rimi, Maxima and Lidl are the main supermarkets, with a Rimi or Maxima usually a few minutes from each residence. Pharmacies (aptieka) are common and well stocked. For anything bigger, malls like Origo (by the station) and Galerija Centrs have everything under one roof. The tap water in Riga is clean and safe to drink.
Settling in and making friends
The best part comes fast. Say yes to the welcome events, join your university's ESN (Erasmus Student Network) section for trips and parties, and use the shared kitchen and living room in your residence, most friendships start over a coffee or a shared dinner. Within a week or two, Riga will feel like home.