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Welcome To Vilnius Autumn 2015 1
Welcome To Vilnius Autumn 2015 1
A short guide
For exchange student of Vilnius University
(Autumn semester)
Vilnius, 2015
Dear student!
Lithuania in brief
Lithuania (officially Republic of Lithuania) is a small country in Northern Europe,
bordering Latvia, Poland, Belarus and Russian Federation. Lithuania has a 90 km long
coastline with Baltic Sea. Geographical center of Europe is located 26 km north of
Vilnius. Lithuania is the largest of three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).
Lithuania is really small (you can drive across the country in just 4 hours!) but its cultural
heritage, nature and people are inspiring. There are almost 3 million inhabitants in
Lithuania, out of which 84.2% are Lithuanians, 6.6% Poles and 5.8% Russians.
Lithuania has rich culture and history, dating back to the year 1009. After five
decades of Soviet occupation, Lithuania restored its independence in 1990 and
became a member of the European Union and NATO in 2004. Today it is a part of
Eurozone and is one of the fastest growing economies in EU.
Vilnius University
Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in Northern and Eastern Europe
and the largest higher education institution in Lithuania.
The university was founded in 1579 as the Jesuit
Academy (College) of Vilnius by the Grand Duke of
Lithuania and King of Poland Stephen Bthory. After
November Uprising (18301831), university was closed
by Russian authorities and was reopened again only in
August 1919 by Polish administration.
Ever since Vilnius region was returned to Lithuania in October 1939,
and during WWII, Vilnius University has been a center of Lithuanian
intelligentsia. Academic community of VU had a significant influence
in independence movement in 19881991 as well. In Soviet years,
university was named after a communist activist but when Lithuania
restored independence in 1990, it regained autonomy and historical name.
Faculties and other facilities of Vilnius University
are spread around the city. For example,
administration is located in Central palace (CR)
in Old town while Saultekis is home to some
scientific centers. In 2013, a new modern library
(MKIC) was opened there (pictured on the left).
Did you know that Vilnius University has a large
botanical garden in Kairnai?
About 21 thousand students study in Vilnius
University, including more than 800 foreign
students. About 700 exchange students are
expected to come for autumn semester in 2015.
Students of Vilnius University take part in a
procession in Gediminas avenue on September
1st every year.
Find out more about Vilnius University at: http://www.vu.lt/en/
Language
The official language in Lithuania is Lithuanian.
Lithuanian is one of the oldest and most
archaic Indo-European languages in the
world. Together with Latvian language,
it forms a group of Baltic languages.
Lithuanian is relatively difficult to learn
for non-native speakers because of
complex grammar and vocabulary.
Lithuanian has some common linguistic
features with Slavic (Russian, Polish)
languages but most of vocabulary is
completely different.
Text on the picture: Imagine how little people in the world think in Lithuanian language. It is unique and no
one will take it away from you. You are one of a few whose thoughts sound in Lithuanian
English
Approximate pronunciation
Cyrillic
Hangeul
Katakana
lah-bahs
sway-kee
lah-bah
dye-na
ah-lyoh
kayp seh-kah-see
geh-ray
prahs-tay
sehk-mehs
ee-keeh
wee-soh gehroh
mah-no
wahr-dahs []
ash eesh []
prah-show
tayp
neh
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
prah-shom
ah-choo
at-see-prah-show
ash
neh-soo-prahn-too
ash kahl-boo
Lithuanian
Lietuvikai
lye-too-wish-kay
English
Anglikai
ahn-ghlish-kay
I dont understand
Russian (in Russian)
Help!
Police
Padkit!
Policija
pah-deh-keet
poh-lee-tsee-ya
A short tip: your health is the most important, so take warmest clothes you have
you wont regret it! You might be able to buy suitable clothing here, if you dont
have such or just dont want to take too many things from home but take notice
that sometimes clothes can cost more than in your home country.
Safety
Vilnius is a relatively safe city. Using common sense, just like anywhere else in
Europe, might be enough to avoid any problems.
Pickpocketing and small theft are common, so take additional attention how you
keep your belongings. Be careful in public transport, bars, clubs and restaurants.
Never leave your phone, tablet, computer, purse, wallet or any other valuables
without supervision even for a second!
Its better not to carry lots of cash (more than 100) and do not show them off.
Dont give money to beggars. Its better to avoid eye
contact with them and just to walk away.
Giving money to beggars only escalates the problem and
municipality is responsible to take care of them. Also,
officers have a right to punish you with a fine.
However, it is recommended to have a 1 coin in your
pocket (in case really annoying beggar approaches you)
and dont argue with them. This might save you lots of
energy and your belongings would be safe.
If you feel the place is not safe, it probably is. Its better to avoid dark passages and
to find a well-lit route. There are some security cameras in the old town.
Avoid suspiciously-looking people. They can either be
aggressive or try to avert your attention in order to steal
your belongings. Take extra attention during evening
and night. Drunk and often aggressive thugs can cause a
lot of problems. Old part of nipiks, Naujininkai
district and area around Bus/Railway Station are not
considered to be very safe as well.
Racism is not very common. Some people (elders or children) sometimes can give
strange looks (especially outside large cities) but in most cases, it is just pure
curiosity because Lithuania is a very homogenous country and people are not used
to seeing people of different race.
Practical information
Currency and banks
Since January 1, 2015, currency of Lithuania is euro.
You might have to exchange any other currency.
MasterCard, Visa, Maestro credit cards
are widely accepted. Other cards (for
example, American Express) are accepted in some places as well.
ATMs in most places work 24/7.
In order to receive scholarship and make electronic
payments, you will need to open a bank account in
Lithuania. The largest banks are Swedbank, SEB and DNB.
Banks are usually open during work hours only (8-17h).
Visas
Citizens of member states of the European Union,
EFTA and more than 40 other countries/territories can
enter Lithuania without a visa, including citizens of
Australia, Canada, USA, Japan and Republic of Korea.
Check visa requirements before travelling to be sure.
Visa for students can be obtained in Lithuania if you can enter the country without
it. Sometimes visa is not needed at all. Consult your studies coordinator for more
information. Lithuanian visa (type D) allows travelling in all Schengen Area.
More information about visas (MFA of Lithuania): http://keliauk.urm.lt/en/
Living expenses
Average salary per month
Lithuania is one of the least expensive
(net pay; after taxes)
countries in EU. You can use average salaries Minimal salary
250
Beginner
full-time
worker
400-500
(per month) as a reference. However, this
Statistical average
560
might cover only basic expenses (food, Well-paid worker
600-800
dormitory and transportation).
Businessman/CEO
More than 1000
Remember: a lot depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.
Practical information
Date and time
Time zone in Lithuania is EET (GMT+2) and is the same as in Finland, Estonia, Latvia,
Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. On the last Sunday of October, EU countries
shift one hour back due to Daylight Saving Time in summer.
Time format: 2015-09-23 15:30 / 2015 m. rugsjo 23 d. 15 val. 30 min.
Date on food labels is usually written in reverse order: 23.09.15
Public holidays
Most businesses are closed during these days:
January 1
Naujieji metai
Commemorates independence
from Russia and Germany
Lietuvos nepriklausomybs
atkrimo diena
Commemorates restoration of
independence (from USSR)
March 27, 28
Easter
Velykos
May 1
1st Sunday of
May
Mother's Day
Motinos diena
1st Sunday of
June
Father's Day
Tvo diena
June 24
Jonins, Rasos
Midsummer festival
July 6
Statehood Day
Commemorates coronation of
King of Lithuania Mindaugas
(1253)
August 15
Assumption Day
November 1
December 24
Christmas eve
v. Kios
December 25, 26
Christmas
v. Kaldos
February 16
March 11
Practical information
Water and food
Tap water is drinkable and perfectly safe to use for food. Some people boil it before
drinking but this is not necessary. Water is taken from underground (40-180m deep)
In most cases, food labels are in Lithuanian only. These are some names for food:
Pienas milk
Kefyras kefir (fermented milk)
Grietin sour cream
Vark curd, cottage cheese
Sris cheese
Sviestas butter
Jautiena beef
Kiauliena pork
Vitiena chicken, poultry
Pomidor padaas tomato sauce
Keupas ketchup
Batonas soft white bread
Other cell network providers are Bit Lietuva (Labas) and Tele2 (Pildyk).
Practical information
Orientation Week
The first week of September is going to be Orientation Week (OW). The most
important event is Opening ceremony, where you will register for your studies.
ESN Vilnius University will organize many
other events for exchange students and we
invite you to participate in all of them
meet new friends and have a good time!
Student IDs
Citizens of European Union member states can use
International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It offers
many discounts and offers in 129 countries around the
world, including more than 1000 of them in Lithuania.
You can obtain ISIC in your home country or here in
Lithuania. In theory, discount for public transport with ISIC is valid only with National
ID card/passport of EU country provided but this is rarely enforced.
Students from non-EU countries have to apply for
Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSP). It is the main
document verifying your status as a student of VU. It
provides full access to VU Library (MKIC) and many
other benefits (discounts) in Lithuania.
You can order it at https://lsp.lt/en. Take notice that making it can take a long time
because thousands of Lithuanian freshmen students are also applying for it. It is
advised to order it as soon as possible* to avoid long waiting. Dont choose bank in
Akropolis to take your already-made card because of long queues. LSP has
integrated public transport ticket (equal to Vilnieio kortel).
* You can order LSP after your registration in Vilnius University (during OW)
Public transport
For a student, it is the cheapest and easy-to-use way to get around the city.
There are 3 types of transport: 1) trolleybus (electric bus); 2) bus; 3) express bus.
Express bus is faster and skips some stops. Transport runs from ~5:30 till ~23:15.
If you have Lithuanian Student ID card (LSP), you can use it as ticket! It has
integrated microchip inside. If you have ISIC only, you should buy Vilnieio kortel.
Ticket prices (the most popular tickets):
1,00
0,50
30 minutes
0,64
Full price
30 days
28,96
Refilling Vilnieio kortel
or LSP (Lithuanian Student ID)
30 days
5,79
With discount
90 days
17,38
Important: discounts for students are valid only with LSP or ISIC! If you dont have
it with you, you must buy a full-price ticket or else youll have to pay a fine.
Buying a ticket from a
driver
Single ticket
Full price
With discount
Express bus No. 5G (Saultekis-Ozo g.-Pailaiiai) goes east-west across the city
through the northern part of the city (Ozo and Kareivi streets).
Get off at Licjus for shopping center Ozas, Vichy waterpark and Siemens arena;
ekins kalvos for shopping center Akropolis.
You can find more information about routes and plan your trip at:
http://stops.lt/vilnius/#vilnius/en (available in several languages)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Kudirka sq.)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Visit Pukoriai/Belmontas
Visit Green lakes (alieji
eerai)
o
o
o
Study in MKIC
Slide from Tauro hill (Taurakalnis) in
wintertime
See a double (long) trolleybus (route No. 16)
Levels of Vilnietis:
1-5 accomplishments: Tourist
6-10 accomplishments: Noob Vilnietis
11-15 accomplishments: Almost Vilnietis
16-20 accomplishments: Normal Vilnietis
20-25 accomplishments: Real Vilnietis
26+ accomplishments: ber Vilnietis ;D
At the end of semester, please bring this list
(printed) to Leisure Committee of ESN Vilnius
University. There is a surprise waiting for
those who reached ber Vilnietis level!
Useful links
ESN Vilnius University
http://vu.esnlithuania.org/
ESN Vilnius University Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/ESNVilniusUniversity
Vilnius University website
http://www.vu.lt/en
Vilnius University (official) Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/VilniusUniversity
Vilnius Tourist Information Centre
http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/
Official Lithuania travel website
http://www.lithuania.travel/
Transport routes and timetables
http://stops.lt/vilnius/#vilnius/en
Official weather forecast
http://meteo.lt/english/forecasts.php
News in Lithuania (in English)
http://en.delfi.lt/
Visit Vilnius app
http://vilniusapp.lt/
Mobile Network Eys
http://www.ezys.lt/
Eys mobile app for Android
Eys mobile app for iPhone
Taxi companies
http://www.etaksi.lt/en/ (app for Android/iOS/Windows Phone available)
http://www.taxi.lt/ (app for Android/iOS available)
http://www.vilniusveza.lt/Order.aspx