One of the first financial considerations when studying at a Lithuanian university is choosing where to live. It is important to choose an affordable room with relatively low rent per month, but the key task is to select budget student accommodation in Lithuania, taking into account other expenses related to housing, such as heating, transportation, etc.
There are three basic options available to students: university dormitories, sharing an apartment, and renting a private room or a studio. University dormitories tend to be the most affordable option, while living with others can be considered the best middle ground between privacy and economy. Private rooms/studios are the options that provide maximum freedom but require an additional budget.
It is necessary to compare several options and choose the cheapest one after calculating the cost per month.
University Dormitories
For students concerned about keeping their housing costs down, university dormitories might be the right option. Many universities in Lithuania provide university dormitories or on-campus housing, and as noted in Study in Lithuania, most universities offer their students the chance to live on campus. There are dormitories near academic buildings or those that students will need to commute from by public transport.
University dormitories can be a good choice as they normally provide basic furnishings and facilities for common use instead of a whole private apartment rental. Students can share rooms with one or two other students and use common kitchens and bathrooms depending on the university.
Nevertheless, affordable university accommodation is not guaranteed. According to Vilnius University, accommodation demand is high, and dormitory accommodation is limited. Students not provided with university dormitory accommodation have to rent private accommodation on their own.
That is why timely application is necessary. After receiving your acceptance information, check your university’s accommodation process, deadlines, types of rooms, and payment conditions instead of doing it once you get to Lithuania.
Seeking Shared Accommodation
If it turns out to be impossible to find a university dormitory, then shared accommodation can be a good solution to keep housing expenses under control in Lithuania.
Instead of renting an entire apartment separately, several students can share their living space. Electricity, heating, internet, and other household expenses can also be split. Thus, the cost of a separate apartment becomes significantly lower without the need to reside in the dormitory.
The two options include either sharing a single room or renting a private room in a shared apartment. The second option is more expensive than sharing the same room but ensures more privacy.
Prior to picking roommates, it is essential to agree upon all issues related to finances to prevent future complications. Discuss how you are going to share rent and other expenses, who pays bills and does cleaning, and what the plan is for everyone involved. Otherwise, a cheaper apartment will very soon turn into a bad deal.
Find Budget-friendly Private Rooms Rather than Entire Apartments
Those students who require more privacy don’t necessarily have to rent an entire apartment. In such cases, renting a private room in a shared apartment can be a good solution.
In particular, it is effective for those students who need their own bedroom and yet cannot afford a studio. Having a fully furnished room would allow you to save money on the purchase of initial furniture.
When choosing a room, you should consider not only the room itself but also such factors as having a shared kitchen and bathroom, availability of internet service, payment of heating, and any extra expenses related to the maintenance of the apartment.
Moreover, you should remember the location of your future room relative to the university you study at.
Search in Low-Cost Areas Close to Your University
While it is great to live centrally, it is not necessarily the most cost-effective solution. If you search for student housing in Lithuania, then pay attention to the areas where the prices of renting are affordable, but the place can still be accessible from the university via public transport.
It depends on where exactly your university is located. For example, there are dormitories located at several locations in Vilnius near Vilnius University: Saulėtekio Avenue, Olandų Street, and Didlaukio Street.
What really matters here is not the following calculation:
Monthly rent = housing cost
Rather, the one below:
Rent + utilities + heating + transportation = real monthly housing cost
You might end up paying a bit more for housing, because even if a place costs €30 less per month than others, the high cost of getting there might make the deal more expensive.
Where to Find Accommodation for Students in Lithuania
Your university is the first place to go because it may be able to describe its own dormitory system and suggest other ways.
For instance, the accommodation page on the Vilnius University website will help you find housing at Vilnius, Kaunas, and Šiauliai universities. The university also suggests where to look for private accommodation, but clearly states that it will not arrange it for you.
Aside from universities’ web pages, there are many rental services, student forums, university pages, and recommendations from students currently studying in Lithuania.
The advantage of consulting current students is that they are able to provide you with information about the district, reasonable prices for rent, transport, and landlords.
Do not use only one website because it will give you a better picture of the normal prices in the area you are going to study.
Compare the Real Cost Before Choosing a Property
A cheap rent is not always a sign that it will be an inexpensive accommodation.
In order to select your future accommodation, first of all, ask whether the following are included:
- Heating
- Electricity
- Water
- Internet
- Charges for the building or maintenance
- Other fees
It should be stressed separately that heating needs to be paid a lot of attention since the winters in Lithuania are quite cold; therefore, the expenses for energy become an important item in your budget.
It is also necessary to consider the security deposit and whether an agency fee should be paid. The security deposit is normally a one-time payment, unlike other regular payments; however, it can greatly increase the expenses needed when renting accommodation.
Here is how the two rooms should be compared:
Room A: Rent – €250 + Utilities €70 + Transport €20
Room B: Rent – €220 + Utilities €110 + Transport €45
Therefore, even if Room B has a smaller rent, in total, it will cost more than Room A.
Check These Things Before Paying a Deposit
Never let a low price substitute for any basic checking.
Prior to paying any deposit, check whether the property actually exists and if the landlord is a real person. Check the place physically and request a rental agreement prior to making any considerable payment.
Find out the exact rent, deposit amount, utility arrangements, duration of the contract, and how the deposit will be returned to you.
Be careful if the landlord demands that you pay the money instantly and does not provide you with any written agreement, or offers you the rent at an unusually low price compared to other similar apartments.
Keep copies of the rental agreement and receipts. Take photos of the apartment upon moving into it.
Conclusion: Choose an Affordable zSuitable Home, Not Just the Cheapest Room
Finding affordable student accommodation in Lithuania is essentially a question of proper preparation and comparison. Students who start looking for accommodation earlier will be able to compare dormitories, apartments, and private rooms, rather than accept the one left after all other options have been taken.
University dorms may be the first choice to consider, while shared accommodation offers a good alternative to students if there are no free places in dormitories. Private rooms may also be a good fit for students who need some privacy but don’t want to pay for an entire apartment.
Above all, find out the total cost. The rental fee alone will not show you whether accommodation is affordable or not. Heating, utility payments, internet connection, transportation costs, and the initial deposit may increase the price significantly.
In the case of international students, the wisest choice of housing may not be the cheapest one at all. It is the safe, suitable, and conveniently located housing that keeps the total monthly cost within your budget.
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