LITHUANIA | Accommodation | Finding accommodation

General (student) housing situation

It is useful to know that in Lithuania, and especially in Vilnius, it is relatively expensive to rent a flat or a house in comparison with accommodation in a hostel. It is important to consider all the costs according to your budget. There is also a big difference in rental costs in the centre of the city and its suburbs. The local transport is relatively reliable, so you can live in the outskirts and use public transport: buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. Furnished flats usually have a fridge, dishes, cutlery, bed linen, a washing machine, and a vacuum cleaner or other appliances.

Before you start looking for an accommodation, you should ask yourself a few questions:

• Would I prefer to live on my own or share accommodation with others?
• What is my budget?
• Do I already have a preferred area where I would like to live?

Types of accommodation

• Hotels: The price of accommodation in hotels varies depending on the number of stars. Prices of accommodation in Kaunas and Vilnius are more or less the same. Usually, breakfast (buffet) is included in the accommodation price.
• Flats: In case you prefer more privacy and you do not have budget constraints, you can rent a flat. The rental cost depends on the city or district you wish to live in, as well as many other conditions. You can compare the prices for a flat's rent in Vilnius and Kaunas. In Kaunas, monthly rent of a single room flat including facilities (bathroom, toilet, and warm water) ranges from 300 to 800 Lt per month. The price depends on the distance to the city centre, the age of a house, public utilities, and other factors. The price level of rent is similar in Kaunas and Klaipeda, highest prices are in Vilnius.
• Living with a family: This kind of service is not very popular in Lithuania. Usually, this is used when student or school exchange programmes are carried out.
• University halls of residence/dormitories: Lithuania is not an expensive country to live in. If you stay in Lithuania for a longer period under the exchange programme or alike, it is advisable to take care of accommodation in a dormitory in advance. Universities have special groups of employees such as quest service groups, accommodation centres and other for such purposes. The contact information can be found on the universities' internet websites. The universities should be provided with information about arrival time and desirable living conditions in advance. Living conditions depend on the price of accommodation, for example the price for foreign students for a dormitory range from 125 to 212 Lt per month (all prices are indicated according 2008) plus municipal rates for utility services. Depending on the price, one can choose various types of rooms. Dormitories are not luxurious and are of these types: several residents share one room, each with a separate bed, or each resident rents a separate room. One can choose a double or a single room, a flat of two rooms where a shower and the toilet is shared between the residents of two rooms. Every room has an Internet access. Usually, an advance payment is charged for the accommodation. A cheaper possibility is also available (from 20 to 70 Lt per month). The dormitories are maintained from the budget of the University, and residents pay fees for the use of the facilities.

Once you have found suitable accommodation that meets your needs and preferences, you should consider the following:

• Is the accommodation secure? (Check the locks on doors and windows)
• Is the accommodation multicultural?
• Is the accommodation located near you place of work?
• What is the public transport like?
• What equipment is available in the accommodation (furniture, appliances), and is everything working?
• What type of heating is it, and is there an extra charge for it?
• Are there extra charges for electricity and water?
• Do I have any allergies, for example to animals?