Student's Guide
Welcome to Latvia!
Riga is a perfect place for studying and travelling. International students fall in love with its historical atmosphere and modern, smart infrastructure. Due to a well-developed transportation system, travelling across the country and discovering fascinating Latvian landmarks conveniently is possible.
The country has a rich history, culture, and unique celebrations, but it also embraces innovations. We welcome students from all around the world to obtain European higher education in Riga, as we offer a progressive and creative approach to unleash the full potential of our students.
Compared to other major cities of northern and western Europe, Riga has a very affordable cost of living. Moreover, it is a city with a high quality of life, good healthcare and safety.
Don’t miss those great opportunities, studying at Riga Management College!
Consultations and Informative Support
When you enter Latvia for the first time to work, study or live, you may have many questions. The Integration and Inclusion Agency provides personalised immigration advice. The Integration and Inclusion Agency offers support and information about life in Latvia all in one place.
Individual consultations are available in person in the capital city, Riga, and in other Latvian cities: Jelgava, Liepāja, Valmiera and Daugavpils, or by phone and online channels (WhatsApp and e-mail) in Latvian, Russian and English. If the client uses another language, an interpreter can be provided.
Learn about living in Latvia or book a consultation: livelatvia.lv
Accomodation
EEC Hostels
An amazing opportunity to live in quiet, newly refurbished apartments near the city centre! They are equipped with everything required for a convenient student life.
Price and fees: Contact +371 24 337 715 (WhatsApp)
Location: Various, City centre
More Information: educationbridge.eu
Duck Republik
One of the best choices for students. Duck Republik offers modern rooms and co-working spaces, with a welcoming atmosphere and a feeling of community. Housing is provided for short and long-term living and is located just a couple of minutes away from our College!
Single rooms – from 299 EUR/month per person;
Double rooms – from 439 EUR/month per person;
The hotel offers the following amenities:
- Gym and Yoga room
- Bar
- Study and chill area
- Sony PlayStation corner
- Laundry
- Basic kitchen utensils
- Wi-Fi
Location: Lauvas St. 1, Riga, LV-1003
Website: duckrepublik.eu
Apart Hotel TOMO
Apart Hotel TOMO is located in the quiet part of Riga, 15 minutes drive from the city centre. The hotel offers a wide range of accommodation options for flexible prices and conditions. Additionally a unique package of services could be created based on guest’s wishes.
The hotel offers the following amenities:
- Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Personal bathroom and restroom
- Safe
- TV
- Iron and ironing board upon request
Location: Raunas St. 44, Riga, LV-1039
Website: tomo.lv
Valdemara Residence
This is our students’ favourite hotel because you can reach us in just 1 minute! This lovely hotel, with 29 cosy and pleasant rooms, offers everything for a great student life in Riga. Valdemara Residence offers special prices for our students:
Double room – from 190 EUR/month per person;
Triple room – from 170 EUR/month per person;
4-bed room – from 155 EUR/month per person;
The hotel offers the following amenities:
- Lounge area with TV and board games
- Shared kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Laundry
- Wi-Fi
- Closet in every room
Location: Krišjāņa Valdemāra St. 20, Riga, LV-1010
Website: valdemara-residence.riga-all-hotels.com
Public Transport
Public transport in Riga is organized by Rīgas Satiksme (rigassatiksme.lv). It is possible to use buses, trolleybuses and trams seamlessly with a special e-ticket, which can be purchased at ticket vending machines, Latvian Post branches or supermarkets like Rimi, Maxima, or Narvesen. Another option is to buy a digital ticket in the Rīgas Satiksme mobile app and then activate it in the transport by scanning the QR code. We suggest ordering an e-ticket card here if you use public transport regularly.
Remember that using public transport without a valid ticket is prohibited by law, and passengers caught without a ticket may be fined.
The Latvian railway system (Vivi) provides an opportunity to visit other Latvian cities. For example, Jurmala – the seaside town near Riga. Moreover, you can use trains to commute across the capital if you live far from the College. All the information can be found on the official website of Vivi.
ISIC Card and Banking
After receiving a residence permit, you can open a bank account in any Latvian bank and apply for an ISIC card.
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is the only internationally recognised identification card for full-time and part-time students used by 5 million youths in 130 countries around the world every year.
An application for the ISIC gives you:
- An internationally recognised official student identification card;
- Discounts at 550 places in Latvia and 150,000 places around the world. See all here.
Choose the ISIC best suited for you:
Recommended: Swedbank ISIC
Card features:
- Your official student identification card;
- Discount card;
- Debit card for payments at stores and online, as well as for receiving your scholarship;
- Card with contactless payment function and an easy-to-use mobile app;
Price: First year for free, every following year 5.50 EUR per year.
Regular ISIC
Card features:
- Proves your student status around the world;
- Take advantage of benefits for students for public transport, textbooks, cinema tickets, clothing stores and many other places throughout Latvia;
Price: 7.10 EUR
Apply: isic.lv/en/pieteikties
Emergency Service
In case of an emergency, dial the free number 112, which is the primary contact for emergency services. Operators are available to assist you in Latvian, Russian, English, and German. This number connects you to the police, fire brigade, ambulance, and gas emergency services.
State Holidays
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 4 May – Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia
- 23 June – Summer solstice day (Līgo)
- 24 June – St. John’s Day
- 18 November – Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia
- 24-26 December – Christmas
- 31 December – New Year’s Eve
Conversational Latvian for Foreigners
Hear the basic phrases and expressions of the Latvian language. Learn them to be fully prepared for your studies in Latvia!
Sveiki – Hello
Čau – Hi
Labrīt – Good morning
Labdien – Good afternoon
Labvakar – Good evening
Uz redzēšanos – Goodbye
Visu labu – Have a good day
Atā – Bye
Atvainojiet – Excuse me
Paldies – Thank you
Lūdzu – Please/You’re welcome
Jā – Yes
Nē – No
Labi – Good/OK
Mani sauc … – My name is …
Es esmu no … – I am from …
Es nesaprotu – I don’t understand
Es nerunāju latviski – I don’t speak Latvian