Erasmus in Riga: Why French Students Love It & How to Find Housing.

Planning your Erasmus in Riga? Discover why it's a top choice for French students and get expert tips on finding safe student accommodation in Riga. Choosing where to go for your Erasmus exchange is one of the biggest decisions of your university life. Lately, there has been a noticeable shift in trends. While Spain and Italy remain classics, more and more students are looking North. Specifically, to Latvia.

The bond between Erasmus Riga France connections is growing stronger every year. Why? Because Riga offers the perfect blend of affordable living, a vibrant international party scene, and a stunning mix of history and modernity. It’s an underrated gem that allows you to live a high-quality lifestyle without the crushing costs of cities like Paris, Lyon, or London.

However, moving to a new country always comes with logistical challenges. If you are packing your bags for Erasmus in Riga, you need to know where to live, how much to budget, and how to avoid rental scams. Here is everything you need to know about making the most of your semester in Riga.

What can French students expect from Erasmus in Riga?

If you are used to the academic pressure or the fast-paced lifestyle of major French cities, Riga will feel like a breath of fresh air. The city is compact, meaning you can walk almost everywhere, but it still buzzes with energy.

Here is what the vibe is really like:

• A massive international community: You won't be alone. Riga is a hub for students from all over Europe. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) here is incredibly active, organizing trips, parties, and cultural events constantly.
• English is widely spoken: Worried about learning Latvian? Don't be. Almost everyone under the age of 35 speaks excellent English, making daily life and making friends very easy.
• A different academic pace: Many French students find the academic culture in Latvia to be slightly more relaxed and personal compared to the large lecture halls back home.

How does the cost of living compare to France?

Let’s be honest: budget is a huge factor for students. This is where living in Riga as a student truly shines. Your scholarship goes a lot further here than it would in Western Europe.

• Rent: While a small studio in Paris might cost you €800+, you can find excellent student accommodation in Riga for half that price.
• Daily Expenses: Groceries, gym memberships, and nights out are significantly cheaper. A beer in the Old Town might cost you €3 - €5, which is a welcome change for many.
• Transport: Public transport is efficient and affordable. As a student with an ISIC card, you are eligible for massive discounts on monthly passes for trams, trolleybuses, and buses.

Where are the best areas to live in Riga?

Riga is divided into several districts, but for an Erasmus student, location is everything. You want to be close to the fun, but also close to your university.

What student accommodation options are available?

When looking for student accommodation Riga has a variety of choices depending on your budget and social preferences.

Renting a room in a shared flat

This is the most popular option for a reason. If you want to rent a room in a shared flat Riga Erasmus life becomes instantly more social. You will likely live with other international students, which means instant friends and shared expenses.

• Pros: Cheaper rent, built-in social circle, shared utility costs.
• Cons: Less privacy, shared bathroom and kitchen.

Studios and private apartments

If you value your personal space and quiet study time, a private studio might be better. While more expensive than a room, it is still affordable compared to French prices.

• Pros: Total privacy, your own rules, peace and quiet.
• Cons: Higher cost, can be isolating if you don't make an effort to go out.

What common mistakes do French students make when renting?

We see it happen every semester. Students get excited about the move but drop the ball on the logistics. Avoid these traps:

1. Waiting too long: Don't wait until August to book for September. The best student accommodation Riga has to offer gets snapped up months in advance.
2. Trusting Facebook-only offers: Social media is full of scams. If a landlord asks for money via Western Union before you’ve signed a contract or seen verified proof of the apartment, run away.
3. Ignoring the contract: Never sign something you don't understand. If a contract is only in Latvian, ask for an English translation.
4. Underestimating utilities: Always ask if the rent price includes bills or if they are extra.

How to find safe and verified student accommodation in Riga?

The renting process can be tricky even for locals, and it gets harder when you are a foreigner. The most important rule is to use a trusted platform.

Scams targeting international students are unfortunately common. A "landlord" might send you photos of a beautiful, cheap apartment, ask for a deposit, and then disappear.

To stay safe, look for:

• Verified Listings: Platforms that check if the apartment actually exists and looks like the photos.
• Secure Payment Systems: Services that hold your money and only release it to the landlord after you have moved in.
• Clear Contracts: Agreements that protect your rights as a tenant.

How Pepe Housing helps French Erasmus students

At Pepe Housing, we understand exactly what you are looking for because our team is made up of former Erasmus students. We created the platform we wish we had back then.

Here is how we make finding student accommodation Riga safe and easy:

• Verified Offers: We visit apartments or verify them via video to ensure they are real and match the description.
• 100% Online: You can browse, view, and book your room from your bedroom in France. No travel required.
• Secure Booking Guarantee: We protect your money. We hold your payment for 48 hours after move-in, giving you time to ensure everything is perfect.
• English Support: We are here to help you through the whole process, so you don't have to worry about language barriers with landlords.

Check out best student accommodation in Riga:

Final tips for your move to Riga

You are about to embark on an incredible adventure. To make it as smooth as possible:

• Book early: We can't stress this enough. Start looking 2-3 months before your semester starts.
• Join the community: Look for "Erasmus Riga" groups on social media to connect with future classmates before you even get on the plane.
• Pack for the weather: It gets cold! Make sure you have a good coat and boots for the winter months.
• Be open: Say yes to invitations, try the local food, and explore the country beyond Riga.

Your Erasmus experience is what you make of it. By sorting out your housing early with a trusted partner like Pepe Housing, you’re setting yourself up for the best semester of your life. Looking for information about entertainment in Riga? Check out liveriga.com Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga Erasmus in Riga