Erasmus+ Exchange at VILNIUS TECH – where your adventurous journey begins.

Nguyen Anh Thu Luu, International Management Studies in the Baltic Sea Region, 6th Semester, Lithuania, Vilnius Tech University, Sommersemester 2022
Before registering for an exchange semester in Vilnius, I had doubts if it is a wise decision. I’ve heard that Lithuanian people seem to be not friendly, the weather is bad all the time, there is nothing much going on in Vilnius, etc. However, the warmth and support that I received from the university, teachers, and other students made me feel like being home. Besides, the amazing work from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) of VILNIUS TECH gave me unforgettable memories with my new fellows through fascinating and various activities. It is a lifetime experience that one shouldn’t miss. In this report, I would like to share my experience about finding accommodation in Vilnius, daily life, leisure activities, study, and transportation in Vilnius. 
Finding accommodation
Since the capacity of the dormitory is limited, you should prepare to register for a place in the dorm at the exact time mentioned in the email from the university. Housekeepers will clean your room once per week and it’s also possible to change your bed sheet every Tuesday. If you are unfortunately not able to get a room in the dorm, you can find one in Chapter, a co-living area. The price is way more expensive than the dorm, but the room can be more furnished. There are also more facilities and services included in a room at Chapter. In case you come to Vilnius with a few students, you can also look for an apartment in the city center together. However, make sure to ask your mentor about the apartment you find, there are scammers sometimes. If you come to Vilnius during the summer semester, be aware that the rate of the dorm can be increased after one month of your arrival (my contract stated that the university has the right to increase the rental fee after March).
Daily life
There are four big supermarket chains in Vilnius: Iki, Lidl, Maxima, & Rimi. There is one Iki next to the dormitory, therefore, often students go shopping there because it is the most convenient when you want to wrap something quickly. However, my roommate and I often go to Lidl for a friendlier price and a variety of products. However, if you want to try or buy some specialties from Lithuania, Iki & Maxima are ideal places to find them. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet, the price for tofu is reasonable in Lidl, and there are various vegan/ vegetarian products in Maxima. Be sure to ask your mentor/ friends to add you to the Dormitory group chat. There, you can borrow utensils, baking equipment from other students. 
Study
The lectures at VILNIUS TECH are planned differently compared to Hochschule Stralsund (or to Germany’s universities in general). The schedule includes week 1 & week 2 where lectures on the same subject might be planned on different days. If you plan to take 6 - 7 subjects in different faculties, you must be very lucky that the schedule is not overlapped. Otherwise, you might need to change your learning agreement.
Leisure
There would be no free time for students at VILNIUS TECH because in your leisure time, there are also many interesting activities organized by the ESN. Every two weeks, there is a cultural evening where international students present their homeland at a club, you might also be able to get one-euro beer there during the event. Almost everyday if you look for a mate to hangout at night, don’t hesitate to send a message in Erasmus+ group chat, you will probably find someone. There are also activities that promote Lithuania and its culture, such as visiting the parliament, free walking tour, prison tour, etc. 
If you are one who loves sports, don’t miss the chance to join university’s sport club to compete in tournament. Also, bringing balls for volleyball, basketball, & football would not be a bad idea because there is a playing field in front of the dormitory and a mini stadium close by. 
There are also some other interesting activities around the city, such as ice skating, bachata dancing course. When the weather is good, BBQ station is provided at the beaches in Vilnius, you just need to bring your own food & have a BBQ party with your friends. 
Transportation around Vilnius
The public transport in Vilnius is quite simple, including regular buses & trolley buses. Bus tickets can be bought directly via drivers or can be bought online through Traffi app with credit cards. If you have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), it is better to purchase a ticket through the app since you will get an 80% discount for monthly bus tickets & 50% discount for a single bus ticket. 
Unfortunately, the last bus leaving the center starts around 23:30, therefore, if you are a party animal, you can download Bolt (a share car app, similar to Uber) to book a car to get back. Otherwise, you can dance until 5:00 am and wait for the first bus. 
Tips 
It is highly recommended to purchase an ISIC card if you haven’t gotten one since you can get discount for public transportation (up to 80%) and train (up to 50%) in Lithuania. The card can be ordered via international office, details should be sent before the departure. 
In Lithuania, the last Sunday of every month is the good time to visit museums in Vilnius since it will be free of charge, including ticket to Trakai castle. 
In conclusion, spending an exchange semester in Vilnius is an incredible experience. Besides learning new things from the university, I’ve had a chance to get to know international students and explore different culture. Although there is only five months, I have developed a lot through Erasmus+ exchange program and I highly recommend anyone who is still hesitating to sign up. Exchanging at VILNIUS TECH is an incredible journey where you meet different people, learn new things, and unlock your unknown potentials.