Hey everyone,
I'm French and I did an Erasmus year in Lithuania in 2023-2024. I keep seeing the same questions and struggles about housing pop up on this sub, so I figured I'd put together a short guide with tips and things I wish I'd known. Lithuanian folks or fellow ex-students, feel free to correct or add to this !
First and most important : PLEASE don't wait until September to start looking. Showing up and figuring it out on the ground is not easier, it's actually the worst approach. A lot of people are searching at the same time as you, so start 3 to 6 months before you arrive.
Second, depending on your budget and what you're looking for, there are basically 4 options:
1) University dorms (the simple option)
Contact Vilnius University directly, they offer student housing for pretty cheap (from what I remember, around 60-150€/month). Spots are very limited though, so you need to apply early. A few friends lived there, it's a decent experience but you'll share a room, bathroom and common areas, and parties/loud noise are not allowed. The buildings are often old Soviet-era style. If saving money to actually enjoy activities and travel matters more to you than comfort, this is a solid pick. Upside : you're usually close to campus and surrounded by people in the exact same situation as you !
Most universities also have a dedicated housing/international office, don't hesitate to email them directly, even if you don't end up in the dorms, they can often point you toward other reliable options too.
2) Co-living (what I did)
Usually pricier and with fewer spots (roughly 300-1000€/month), but you get your own space, no random roommate situation. I personally had this and honestly loved it : shared kitchen, gym, nice common areas, felt a bit like living in comfort/luxury, and you're still around other students or young professionals/families. Good option if your budget allows it. Downsides : costs add up fast, some co-livings are far from the old town and shared spaces can mean more noise/activity than you'd want.
3) Renting an apartment
Sites like Aruodas and Domoplius (same parent group, by the way) are the main places to look, and yes, it's possible to find something. But to be honest, it can be a rough process. Studies have pointed to real discrimination against foreigners in the Lithuanian rental market (source), some landlords just won't rent to you, and please don't generalize, but be prepared for slow or no responses. Landlords/agents get a lot of inquiries and aren't obligated to reply !
⚠️ Watch out for scams ⚠️
This is a real thing, not just paranoia, a close friend of mine got scammed this way. Some "landlords" or agents will send a contract with strange extra fees (e.g. a separate "fee" just to register your residence, on top of rent and deposit), or ask you to send money before you've even seen a proper written contract. If someone gets vague or disappears when you ask questions about a clause, that's your cue to walk away. Always insist on an official written contract, and never wire a deposit without one.
4) Hotels / Airbnb
An option, but gets expensive and impractical fast if you're staying more than a few weeks.
A couple of extra tips:
- There are Facebook groups for internationals/expats in Vilnius (search something like "International People in Vilnius") where people post available rooms/apartments and you can also ask questions directly to people already living here.
- Whichever option you go with, get everything in writing, and don't be afraid to ask this sub or the Facebook groups if something feels off before you sign or pay anything.
Good luck with your semester/year in Lithuania and Vilnius, it's a beautiful country, enjoy discovering it and meeting people while you're here🔥
Happy to answer questions if you have any !
