Hello everyone,
my name is Ole, I am 20 years old and am just starting the 2nd semester of human medicine in Riga. After experiencing a number of disappointments due to rejections at German universities, I decided to send an application to Riga. Then it was time to wait. 5 weeks later, the RSU received the acceptance, initially by email via MicroEDU. That feeling of relief is hard to describe. You can finally start!
The excitement for the coming months was of course huge. There was a lot to do and the time flew by. Then the time had come, the day of departure. I sat in the car on the way to the airport with a queasy feeling. When the plane landed in Riga and I was on the way to the NB Hotel in a taxi, the new impressions struck me as overwhelming. Foreign people, new language and not to forget the Latvian winter. At first you feel like you are on your own and the rather dreary dark winter is no help either. But even during the orientation week you get to know a lot of nice new people who also live through these new experiences. During this introductory week you should take all opportunities with you to get to know other students. The cohesion between the students is really great and makes life in Riga a lot easier.
After all, everyone is in the same boat. You support each other in your studies and in everyday life. The buddy provided by the university also helps you to settle in more quickly in the new city.
Life in Riga is really nice. The city and the infrastructure are very modern and nothing is missing. There are good opportunities for shopping. The Latvian cuisine and the Latvian pubs leave nothing to be desired. At the latest with the beginning of spring you start to love Riga, because then the city shows its true beauty. The green parks, the small rivers and bridges create a very idyllic cityscape. You also have the opportunity to lie on the beach in Jurmala and briefly forget the stress of studying. Get more student review on Riga Stradins University on jibin123.
Now to the study in general. The university is not particularly beautiful from the outside, but it really looks something from the inside. The cafeteria or canteen is quite small, but the selection is ok and generally nothing to complain about.
I personally got to know the student life at the RSU as very familiar. This familiar environment is not to be found at many universities. The professors’ English is mixed from very good to sufficient. The professors and staff at the university are very friendly and always happy to help. The lecture halls are never overcrowded, as you often hear from German universities. The equipment is good and the new technology center makes a great impression.
In addition to the normal lectures, there are lessons in small groups of around 12-14 people. These “classes” are a great opportunity to clarify your own questions and to work through the topics of the lectures. The teachers in these classes are interested in the success of their students and are available to answer any questions. Learning in small groups is extremely efficient as individual problems can be addressed. The course is very learning-intensive. You should try to stay on the ball right from the start. Because once you lose touch, it is really difficult to come to terms with it. There are weekly tests in anatomy. In my opinion, this continuous review of one’s own knowledge has only advantages. Continuous learning is therefore a prerequisite. Stay tuned
On the whole, it is a considerable step to decide to study in Latvia. After my first semester, however, I can say that it was absolutely worth it. The course is challenging, but it’s also fun. You get to know a lot of new and interesting people. Latvia is a very beautiful country in which it is easy to live as a student. Studying at the RSU is very modern. The family environment and the solidarity between the students make life in Latvia very pleasant. It remains to be mentioned that the flights to and from Riga are also offered in abundance (RyanAir) and are ultimately not more expensive than when you travel 300 – 400 km by train in Germany.
I haven’t regretted the decision to study in Riga for a second.
If you are applying to study at the RSU or are one of the lucky ones with acceptance, I wish you all the best.
See you then hopefully in Riga, OLE
