The student life in Latvia is vibrant and active, it is also highly orderly yet very diverse and unique with several opportunities for self-development and actualization. The dynamic of life on campus as a foreign student in Latvia is very interesting, the country has a lot to offer in terms of experiences and adventure.
School Year:
There are two semesters in an academic year at Latvia higher institutions, it is made up of 40 weeks spread through two seasons.
Fall Semester:
Classes: starts in September up to December
Finals: January
Semester break: January to February
Spring Semester:
Classes: starts in February up to May
Finals: June
Semester break: Summer holiday (July – August)
Weather:
As a Baltic nation situated in the north, Latvia encounters significantly long and dim winters beginning in November up until December. The weather in Latvia is not commonly very cold with extreme snow but averages around -10° C, yet temperatures can go up to -20°C in some areas for a couple of days annually.
Springtime is beautiful with a lot of blossoms and sprouting natural trees and scenic greenery. Summer is the most favored period by most of the residents in Latvia on account of “white evenings and warm temperatures”.
Fall is famous for lovers of nature because of the vivid leaves and ample wild mushrooms spread around the woodlands. Make sure to own an umbrella for all year use, comfortable clothing, and solids, waterproof boots are also from September to March or April.
Language:
In Latvia, it is pretty easy to carry on your daily activities with the English language as a large number of Latvians speak English. The younger population of Latvians communicate very well n English, and it is the language of instruction for foreign students in .the majority of Latvian higher institutions.
Classes, quizzes, and exams are fully led in English as well, but a mandatory course in Latvian is offered from the second year of studies just for foreign students to learn basic Latvian for use in their daily communication with the locals.
Other useful information;
International student cards (ISIC) are very helpful in Latvia, they help students find discounts and student deals across many places and even for food and transport.
The legal age for drinking in Latvia is 18 and offenders will be punished
Driver’s Licence is essential if you plan to rent or buy a car in Latvia. Students from EU countries can use their license from their home country, but other international students must apply for a Latvian license.
Business and working hours in Latvia starts from 8 AM to 8 pm on weekdays and 9 AM to 8 or 10 PM on weekends.
