Top 5 student cities in Latvia
Discover the favourite cities for university students in Latvia and what makes them unique.
Choosing between the top 5 student cities in Latvia can make a big difference to your university experience, both academically and in your day-to-day life. This Baltic country has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students for several reasons: its high-quality education, its more affordable cost of living compared to other European countries, and its safe and modern living environment.
In this article, we present a selection of ideal cities for university students, analysing the pros and cons of studying there, the most prominent universities and student accommodation in each city. In addition, from our online student accommodation platform, you’ll be able to compare options for rooms, flats and verified residences, to find the accommodation that best suits your budget and lifestyle during your stay in Latvia.
Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia and the most popular university city for both Latvian and foreign students. It’s renowned for its historic centre, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, its Art Nouveau architecture and a cultural scene that is very active throughout the year. It’s also very easy to get around on foot or by public transport.
Pros and cons of studying in Riga
Riga stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.
Pros of studying in Riga
- Its student atmosphere is very lively and international.
- Nightlife and cultural life are the most extensive in Latvia.
- It also has the widest range of academic programmes in the country, at renowned universities.
- It has a lower cost of living than other European capitals.
Cons of studying in Riga
- Rent and other expenses are more expensive than in other Latvian cities.
- Despite having the largest number of job opportunities, in many cases knowledge of the Latvian language is required.
- Be careful of pickpockets in tourist areas.
Top Universities in Riga
The country's most important academic institutions are concentrated in Riga.
Latvijas Universitāte (University of Latvia)
The University of Latvia is the largest and oldest institution in the country. It welcomes many foreign students every year and offers a wide range of academic programmes.
The main campus consists of several buildings located in the city centre, and has other complexes and centres in other neighbourhoods. Find out everything about the university and its surroundings in our guide to housing close to the University of Latvia.
Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte (Riga Technical University)
Riga Technical University is one of the most renowned technical institutions in the Baltic region, with a practical and innovative approach.
The RTU Ķīpsala Campus is the main campus, where most of its faculties are located, but it also has other buildings in Riga. If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near Riga Technical University.
Student housing in Riga
Rent for students in Riga is the highest in Latvia, although it remains affordable compared to other European capitals. The most popular option for students is a single room in a shared flat, with the minimum price usually around €250 per month and the average around €350-400.
For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in this city, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Riga.
Daugavpils
Daugavpils is Latvia's second largest city and an interesting option for those seeking a more peaceful and economical university experience. It’s located near the border with Lithuania and Belarus, which adds to its multicultural character. It has a more relaxed pace of life than the capital and is less touristy.
Pros and cons of studying in Daugavpils
Studying in Daugavpils can be very rewarding, although you’ll also encounter some more complicated aspects.
Pros of studying in Daugavpils
- It’s more economical than Riga in terms of expenses and rents.
- Its student body is close-knit and the relationship with the lecturers is more personalised.
- It has a very diverse artistic movement.
- It’s located in Latgale, a region with incredible nature.
Cons of studying in Daugavpils
- Academic programmes in English are less varied.
- The leisure and nightlife options are fewer than in the capital.
- There are fewer international students than in Riga.
Top Universities in Daugavpils
Daugavpils is home to a prestigious Latvian institution.
Daugavpils Universitāte (University of Daugavpils)
Daugavpils University is the city's main university and offers a wide range of programmes in English for international students. Its campus consists of several buildings in the city centre. In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to accommodation near Daugavpils.
Student housing in Daugavpils
Rental prices in Daugavpils are generally among the most affordable in Latvia. For reference, a room in a shared flat typically costs between €150 and €250 per month.
If you’re going to study in the Latvian city, check out our guide to student housing in Daugavpils with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.
Jelgava
Jelgava is another university town in Latvia, located a short distance from the capital. In fact, the opportunity to enjoy everything Riga has to offer is one of the attractions of studying in Jelgava. Other advantages include its youthful atmosphere and good academic life, the fact that it’s smaller and quieter than the capital, and its more relaxed lifestyle.
Pros and cons of studying in Jelgava
The academic experience in Jelgava has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.
Pros of studying in Jelgava
- The cost of living is lower than in Riga.
- It has excellent connections to the capital, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by train.
- Its university atmosphere is very distinctive and lively.
- The pace of life is relaxed, ideal for concentrating on studies.
Cons of studying in Jelgava
- The leisure and cultural offerings are more limited than in Riga, with few things to do.
- There is less variety of programmes in English and universities.
- The language barrier is further accentuated, with locals who don’t speak much English.
Top Universities in Jelgava
Jelgava is home to an important Latvian institution.
Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte (University of Life Sciences and Technologies)
The Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies is highly regarded nationally. It specialises in programmes in agricultural sciences, engineering, the environment and technology. The Jelgava Palace Campus is the main campus, and there are also other buildings scattered throughout different neighbourhoods of the city. Explore locations, neighbourhoods and tips in the guide to accommodation near LBTU.
Student housing in Jelgava
Rent for students in Jelgava is more affordable than in the capital. The most popular type of accommodation is single rooms in shared flats, which usually cost between €250 and €350 per month.
Are you planning to study in Latvia? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Jelgava, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.
Liepāja
Liepāja is a coastal city located in western Latvia on the Baltic Sea. It’s a good choice for students looking for a relaxed and peaceful university experience, with a different pace of life than in big cities and surrounded by nature.
Pros and cons of studying in Liepāja
Liepāja presents a lot of advantages, but it also has some disadvantages that’s worth knowing about.
Pros of studying in Liepāja
- It has a natural environment, including beaches.
- Expenses and rents are cheaper than in Riga.
- Its environment is peaceful and it has a good quality of life.
- It hosts several festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Cons of studying in Liepāja
- The academic offering is very limited.
- Its nightlife is very limited.
- The locals usually speak Latvian or Russian, not so much English.
Top Universities in Liepāja
One institution in particular stands out in Liepāja.
RTU Liepājas akadēmija (Liepaja University)
Liepaja University is the most important university in the city, offering programmes in education, social sciences, humanities and arts. It takes a practical approach to teaching. Its campus is located in the centre of Liepāja, in an imposing building next to a park.
Student housing in Liepāja
Rental prices in Liepāja are more affordable than in Riga and similar to those in other medium-sized cities in Latvia. Generally, the average cost of a room in a shared flat ranges from €250 to €400 per month.
Valmiera
Valmiera is a university town located in northern Latvia. It offers a good quality of life, with green spaces, student-friendly services and a relaxed and safe atmosphere. Its moderate size also makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle.
Pros and cons of studying in Valmiera
Living and studying in Valmiera offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.
Pros of studying in Valmiera
- It has a relaxed pace with a good quality of life and a friendly student atmosphere.
- It’s more affordable than Riga in terms of expenses and rents.
- The universities are prestigious and have modern infrastructure.
- Good access to nature, with the famous Gauja National Park very close by.
Cons of studying in Valmiera
- It can be boring, with fewer leisure activities than in the capital.
- The academic programmes are less varied.
- It’s more isolated and it’s more difficult to travel around Latvia and Europe.
Top Universities in Valmiera
There is one institution that stands out in particular in Valmiera.
Vidzemes Augstskola (Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences)
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences focusing on business, technology, tourism and social sciences. It stands out for its practical approach to teaching. There are two buildings where its faculties hold classes, one on the Gauja River and the other further north. Both are close to the city centre.
Student housing in Valmiera
Rent for students in Valmiera is affordable and stable throughout the year, as it isn’t a tourist city. Single rooms in shared flats or halls of residence typically start at €200 and up, while shared rooms are much more affordable, with options starting at €110 per month.
Find accommodation in Latvia with Erasmus Play
Choosing your destination from among the top 5 student cities in Latvia will depend on what you’re looking for as a student and the type of experience you want to have. Cities such as Riga offer a more active university life and greater academic variety, while options such as Daugavpils, Jelgava, Liepāja or Valmiera stand out for their lower cost of living, peaceful surroundings and a more intimate student experience.
Whatever your choice, finding suitable accommodation is a key part of the process. Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare verified rooms, flats and residences in different cities across Latvia and book securely before your arrival, so you can focus on making the most of your academic experience in the country.
Other guides on studying and living in Latvia
In the following guides, you can expand your knowledge about the country and the most important cities for studying.