PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Wi-Fi and University network

University wifi is available on all UL premises and student accommodation (with an exception of the student hostel “Prima”). UL Students have free access, and login is to be done using your personal credentials. You will receive this information from the Mobility Division or Department of StudyServices.

There are also a number of locations around Riga that have public wifi, identified by wifi signage. Many cafés and restaurants also offer free wifi.

With the UL login and password, students access the LUIS system, where all the study and personal information of a student is stored, and electronic information sources offered by the UL Library.

Accommodation

The UL has two dormitories, which are located outside the city centre (approx. 15 min. by trolleybus): “Prima” (single, double and triple rooms (EUR 107–229 per month)); and “Rēznas” (double rooms (EUR 101 per month)).

“PRIMA”

Mazā Lubānas iela 6

Riga, Latvia, LV-1019

+371 67112260, +37129175674 prima@lu.lv

“RĒZNAS ”

Mazā Lubānas iela 11

Riga, Latvia, LV-1019 +371 67216221

More information: www.lu.lv/en/studies/student-life/accommodation/ Alternatively, a student can seek private housing and explore options for rent independently.

Location

Choosing a location for an apartment in Riga is not straight-forward as there are many options that may suit your needs. There are advantages to living on either side of the river Daugava, and faculty buildings, as well as training hospitals and other university facilities, are positioned on both sides. Most international students choose to live in Old Town or Centre/Quiet Centre as it is seen as being more central to activities. Other areas of interest may be Tornakalns (UL Academic Centre is located), Āgenskalns (Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital and the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics are located).

Options for finding an apartment, but not limited to*:

• www.ss.lv is a classifieds website advertising a variety of items.

• www.facebook.com has the marketplace feature, as well as a number of Facebook groups for apartment searching, such as Rent in Riga, Flat Share Riga, Student Apartment Riga etc.

Tips on how to avoid housing & rental scams

Students looking for accommodation on the private market should be aware of potential fraudulent housing offers. It is important to never transfer any money before having a signed lease.

Before signing a lease:

• View the property before signing the lease or transferring money to the landlord. If possible, visit the apartment in person before signing anything.

• If the rent seems too good to be true, it may be a scam. Make certain that the rental agreement and the property are in sync.

• Check for reviews and recommendations online - typically you would be able to find detailed reviews of any unfortunate experiences from previous tenants.

• Check for the typical rental prices in the area to avoid overpaying the market price, as it is a relatively common practice used against foreigners.

• Read the lease contract thoroughly to understand your obligations and rights. If something does not make sense, ask for corrections in the contract. If the Landlord is not willing to make changes in the contract, it may be a scam, try searching for another place.

• Inspect the property at the start of the rental period and document any potential flaws. Take photographs and share them with your landlord to limit your liability at the end of the lease. Make sure to include the date and time in any pictures you take.

• Make sure that the landlord is the legal owner of the property you wish to rent.

• Make sure that the contract has a legitimate legal basis and that the terms for terminating the contract are clearly outlined and comply with the law. The Residential Tenancy Law can be found here: https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/ id/322216 (in ENG)

Do not:

• Do not pay in cash. If possible, make sure that the funds are transferred to a Latvian bank account. This ensures that you will have proof of what has been paid and when it was paid. Only do this after you have viewed the property and are completely satisfied with everything.

• Do not pay through an online payment service or international wire transfer services that cannot be traced.

• Do not agree to any demands, requests or deals over the phone. Make sure that everything is provided in a written format.

• Do not sign the lease or transfer funds, If the landlord is pressuring you before you are confident that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

• Do not pay under the table, it is illegal. Hold onto receipts or proof of payment in case something goes wrong.

We remind students of the UL Accommodation options, and of the Erasmusplay platform to ensure a scam-free living experience:

Student card

A student card is a document that substantiates the student status and proof of enrollment. The student card allows use of the University libraries as well as various amenities (eg. sports). It is also possible to get discounts at museums, the cinema, transport etc. Application for the card is done after initial registration and a photograph is taken at Study Services. The card is issued 1 - 2 weeks following matriculation. Each semester, students should update the validation of the card by visiting their study coordinator for a new semester sticker.

Department of Study Services

Raiņa bulvāris 19, room 125 Riga, Latvia, LV-1586 +371 67037444 studentu.serviss@lu.lv

Library

Office hours:

Monday–Friday

8:30–12:30 & 13:00–17:00

The Library of the University of Latvia is the largest (2 million volumes in different languages) accredited higher education library of national significance and the main information resource centre for studies and research at the University of

Latvia. UL has 13 library branches devoted to the specific fields of interest and Academic Library.

Your student card is also used as your library card. It ensures access to the libraries of the University of Latvia, as well as other libraries in conformity with their regulations, for example, the National Library of Latvia, Library of Riga Stradiņš University, Scientific Library of the Riga Technical University, etc.

Since 2006, the libraries of the University of Latvia offer to order, reserve and prolong the borrowing period of books electronically online in the Union Catalogue.

N.B. There is a fine for late return of books!

Office hours:

24/7

For more information on services, contacts and locations, visit: www.lu.lv/en/studies/libraries/

UL Sports Centre

Library of Natural Sciences

Jelgavas iela 1

Riga, Latvia, LV-1004

+371 67033933 dabasbibl@lu.lv

Library of House of Sciences

Jelgavas iela3

Riga, Latvia, LV-1004

+371 26532958 zinatnubibl@lu.lv

The sports life of the University is organised by the UL Sports Centre which offers training in 40 different sport activities, in 11 sport disciplines e.g. basketball, football, volleyball, floorball, athletics, table tennis, wrestling, self defence, etc.

The attendance fee: approx. EUR 20-30 per semester.

Students that are also professional athletes have the opportunity to receive tuition fee discounts, scholarships, and are able to participate in high-level sports competitions.

More information on the latest news and tournaments, available sports lessons, schedules, volunteering, current fees and more: www.lu.lv/en/sports/

Mentor Program

You are kindly invited to take part in the Mentor Program! The Mentor Program is the best way to begin your university journey and get accustomed to your studies at the University of Latvia!

· Acquire assistance in your study process from an older student;

· Develop social connections within your faculty and the university;

· Ensure a smooth settling-in process and interaction with the university staff;

· Participate in student life, expand your network and make new friends!

Sign up now: www.mentors.lu.lv (please select EN at the bottom of the page)

In case of questions please get in touch with rebeka.dilbo@lusp.lv

Psychological Counselling

The university offers short-term (up to six sessions) consultations with a consulting psychologist to discuss study problems, personal matters and relationship building. Sessions should be booked in advance. This is a service available to all UL students and staff, and the sessions are free of charge.

For more information: www.lu.lv/en/studies/student-life/psychological-counselling/

Buddy programmes

The University of Latvia and Erasmus Student Network (ESN) provides exchange students with local buddies (mentors), who can help international students become adapted to the new study environment and provide practical advice about everyday life in Latvia. ESN buddies are regular students of the University of Latvia, who are willing to assist newcomers on a voluntary basis.

UL Support for Ukraine

The University of Latvia is in solidarity with Ukrainian students at the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. UL offers a vast range of support measures and opportunties for Ukrainian refugees. A number of extra support measures have been initiated, including free tuition and accommodation.

More information: www.lu.lv/en/about-us/pidtrimka-lu-dlja-ukrajini (in Ukrainian) www.lu.lv/en/about-us/ul-support-for-ukraine (in English)