Transport
Public Transportation
Lithuanian cities have well-developed public transportation systems. There is a choice of buses, trolleybuses (in the largest cities of the country) and minibuses. Students are offered large discounts on public transportation tickets (daily, monthly and yearly), and are encouraged to use this form of transportation.
Information on the routes and schedules (available in English for all major cities) is available on the TRAFI website and mobile app.
Other Transport
Taxi services provide a fast, comfortable and relatively inexpensive way to travel around the city. However, in Lithuania, it is not a common practice to stop taxis in the street. It is always better (and cheaper!) to use one of the popular mobile apps, such as “Bolt“, “Uber” and “e-Transport“, or to rent a car via “CityBee” and “Spark”.
Rentable scooters and bikes are currently also a popular choice of transportation!
Intercity Transport
If you would like to travel to other parts of Lithuania, or have a desire to see more of what Lithuania has to offer, simply hop on board an intercity bus or train.
Don’t forget to use your student discount when purchasing tickets!
Living Cost
The likely monthly living costs are provided below. These costs are based on a student who lives in Vilnius or Kaunas, and has no dependents. Tuition fees, residence permit expenses and trips to your home country are not included.
Accommodation in a VU dormitory: €55-174.00
Food: €230
Materials for your studies (stationery, textbooks, printing and photocopying, and other materials): €53
Social/leisure (~7 € for a movie ticket + 25 € for other activities like the theatre): €32
Public transport (with the student discount): €5.80
Personal care (hygiene, medicine and haircuts): €35
Others: €80
TOTAL: € ~535.80
It may seem that living in Lithuania is quite expensive, but there are a few ways to ensure you enjoy a good lifestyle (although please keep in mind that you must be able to maintain your financial stability during the whole study period, even without these options):
1. get a student loan (if you are an EU student) or apply for a scholarship.
2. To get a part-time job.
Work in Lithuania
Work during studies
International students have the right to work while studying in Lithuania, as long as they are enrolled in a university. EU students can work full-time, meaning up to 40 hours per week. International students from non-EU countries can also work up to 40 hours per week after obtaining a temporary residence permit. There is useful information and practical advice available for students, carefully selected by career counsellors that will help on their career path.
Work after completing studies
International students have the possibility to stay in the country for 15 months after their studies, in order to look for a job:
• During the last year of studying, if you apply for a temporary residence permit renewal for an 3 additional months from the day when your studies are finished.
• After graduating, students also have the possibility to apply for a temporary residence permit for 12 months for job search and self-employment purposes.
Financial&Bank Accounts
EUR (€) is Lithuania's national currency.
Banking cards such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted in most shops and places providing services. You can also easily exchange foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change, airports and railway stations. The Bank of Lithuania acts as the central monetary authority in Lithuania. Currently, six commercial banks hold a licence from the Bank of Lithuania and operate in the country:
• SEB
• Swedbank
• Luminor
• Šiaulių Bankas
• Citadele
• Urbo Bankas
You can easily open an account at one of these banks by visiting a branch.
Entertainment
According to “Lonely Planet”, a well-known publisher of travel guide books, Lithuania is “a land of crumbling castles, soaring dunes, enchanting forests and magical lakes”. Yes, Lithuania is all that and much more! From the Curonian Spit to the Hill of Crosses, to the Old Town of Vilnius (a UNESCO heritage site) – the country is full of surprises, wherever you look.
For more adventures check here.
