Good-to Know!
Business hours
Shops are usually open Monday to Friday 8/10am-6/8pm. Some have reduced working hours on weekend. Stores located in shopping centres are open on weekends. Most food shops stay open until 10pm and are also open on Sunday. Central offices of banks are open 9am to 5pm.
Student cards accepted in Latvia
ISIC (International Student Identity Card) and student identity cards provided by education institutions.
Smoking and drinking
Smoking is prohibited within 10 m from the entrances of institutions of national and local government, as well as at the public transport stops. Sale of alcoholic drinks is prohibited in all the territory of Latvia from 22:00 to 8:00 o’clock. It is prohibited to carry open bottles or cans of alcoholic drinks in public places. The legal age for drinking and smoking age is 18.
Driving in Latvia
A driver's licence issued by any of the EU member states is valid also in Latvia. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km per hour and outside of built-up areas, 90 km per hour. Dipped headlights during the day are compulsory all year long! Winter tires are compulsory from 1 Dec until 1 March, but spiked tires are prohibited from 1 May until 1 Oct. Drivers are prohibited from speaking on the phone while driving, except when using a hands-free system.
Student Cities
Arrival &
Transportation
Upon arrival at the university, the student meets with university representatives to become acquainted with the programme and ask any questions. Most often, the staff of the external relations division or members of the student council look after visiting students.
Living Costs
Average monthly living expenses
€450 – €700
Most universities in Latvia have their own dormitories or hostels, others provide assistance with housing search.
€70 - €120
dormitories or student hostel
€250 - €350
solo flat rent
€100 - €200
shared flat rent
€100 - €170
daily and common utilities
€12 - €15
internet connections
International Student Calendar
Starting From
1st September
Ending On
30th June
Medical Care & Insurance
Health insurance requirements are linked to visa and residence issues.
For registration purposes, citizens of the European Union Member States, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland may use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This document certifies that the holder is a resident of one of the aforementioned countries and is covered by the social insurance system of this country.
During the period that the holder of the EHIC card resides in another of the participating countries, the card ensures the right to receive acute or emergency health care to the same extent that it is available under the national social insurance system to the permanent residents of the country in question.
Information on the services available through the Latvian public healthcare system are described on the Ministry of Health website.
It is recommended to supplement the EHIC card with a health insurance policy covering patient contributions for public healthcare, treatment of non-acute situations, private healthcare, and repatriation expenses to the country of origin.
Insurance companies in Latvia providing foreign travel insurance policies include the following:
Balta
BAN
BTA
Seesam
Work Opportunities in Latvia
What you need to know about working during and after studies
International students are allowed to work in Latvia during studies, but be aware that there are some restrictions depending on your study level.
Full-time Bachelor’s students have the right to work
for up to 20 hours per week(part-time) during studies.
Full-time master's or doctoral students have the right to work
40 hours per week(full-time) during the study break.
There are exceptions if you have different kind of visa or residence permit.
Sites for job searching:
Leisure
Latvia offers plenty of entertainment activities including cafes and restaurants, music festivals, creative quarters and other venues and events.
Mini Dictionary
Translation guide from English language to Latvian language
Hi! How do you say “Hello”, “My name is…” and “What’s your name?” on Latvian? 🇱🇻 🤔
“Hello” 👋🏼 - “Labdien”. You pronounce it like this - [lab-dy-een].
“My name is…” - “Mani sauc…” [man-ee s-auts]
“What’s your name?” - “Kā Tevi sauc?”
🔊 [khaa te-vy s-auts]
Ok! I see!
But I’ve got a few more questions… 😅