Shared apartments, spare rooms, and roommates in Riga

In Riga, many institutions like the University of Latvia, Riga Polytechnic University, and Riga Medical University welcome many international students every year. Young people choose the Latvian capital for its high-quality universities and the chance to experience a different culture.

Living in a shared apartment in Riga offers a multicultural environment with fellow Latvians and other nationalities, making the experience much more interesting.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Riga

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in this Latvian city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Riga

• Riga is a very safe city with a variety of neighbourhoods to choose from. Some popular neighbourhoods among young people include the historic centre, Centrs, Vecrīga, and Āgenskalns.
• In Riga, it’s easy to find good accommodation with a reasonable price, location, and features. Using the Erasmus Play housing search engine makes it even easier to compare the available rooms.
• In shared apartments, you can choose between single and shared rooms, helping you save even more on rent.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Riga

• If you have a Latvian roommate, making friends might be challenging at first as they tend to be reserved. However, young people are often more open to ​​living with international students, so friendships can develop over time.
• The cost of utilities in Riga is usually very high. Make sure that your rent includes water, electricity, internet, heating, and garbage collection. Otherwise, you’ll need to budget extra to cover these costs each month.

Erasmus Apps for your exchange in Riga

There are several apps for Erasmus+ students that can simplify your exchange process. These apps offer useful information from universities and other students, as well as practical advice. For example, many recommend taking advantage of your stay in Riga to taste the local cuisine, such as sachertorte, piragi, skaba putra, or karbonades.

How to meet people in Riga

Consider these options to meet other young people in the Latvian capital:

Student associations in Riga

ESN Riga is a favourite among international students for meeting other students in the city. You can join affordable trips to cities like Jelgava, picnics, exercise afternoons, and theme parties, among other activities.

Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Riga

Facebook groups are great for connecting with other students in the same academic cycle and staying updated on activities organised by students and ESN Riga.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Riga

You'll likely find WhatsApp groups to join, where communication is more direct. You can join these groups to stay connected and even propose your own plans and meetings with other young people.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Riga

Keep these tips in mind when living in a shared flat in the Latvian capital:

• Winters in Riga are long and cold, with average temperatures around -5ºC. Check the heating system in your apartment and whether its use is included in the rent, as this can significantly increase your monthly costs.
• Use the extra budget that comes from saving on rent to travel to other cities in Latvia and also to Estonia, Lithuania or Russia. Erasmus people often find ways to make their trips affordable!

Frequently Asked Questions about sharing a flat in Riga