Riga Housing Guide for Exchange Students
Hey, this is the Studcasa Team 👋
You’re going to Riga and now the big question is:
Where am I going to live, what will it cost, and how do I avoid ending up in a sad, freezing flat in the middle of nowhere?
This guide is here to walk you through everything housing-related in Riga, using what students actually lived and felt, and adding practical info about the city, neighborhoods, prices and transport so you can make smart choices.
1. Riga in real life: why housing matters so much
Riga is not “just another Erasmus city”.
It’s:
- Cold and dark in winter – several students mention bringing ski-level clothes and how the sun sets super early.
- Calm but safe – people are more reserved, but the city feels secure and organized.
- A travel hub – cheap buses and flights to Tallinn, Vilnius, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Poland… many students say they spent more time in planes and buses than in class.
- Cheaper than France / Germany, but not “ultra cheap” – life costs less, especially fast food and transport, but heating and imported products bump the budget. ([Proserve][1])
So your housing choice matters because:
- In winter, you will spend a lot of time at home or at friends’ places.
- Your friends will mostly come from where you live and who you live with.
- Being too far away can turn nights out into “ugh, I can’t be bothered”.
Many students say the same thing in different words:
“If you want to enjoy Riga, don’t isolate yourself. Live with people and stay close to the center if you can.”
Keep that sentence in mind for everything that comes next.
2. Where to live: decoding Riga’s neighborhoods (with student reality)
Riga is cut in three big ideas:
Old Town (Vecrīga) – medieval, touristy, bars, Erasmus nights.
Centrs / “New Center” + nearby streets – classic city grid, parks, cafés, slightly calmer but still central.
Beyond the center –
- East side: Latgale & surrounding areas.
- West side (across the river): Āgenskalns, Torņakalns, Ķīpsala near RTU campus.
The Erasmus Student Network’s student housing guide for Latvia basically says: Vecrīga and Centrs are very safe and central but pricier; Agenskalns/Zemgale are safe and more affordable; Latgale is cheaper but less central and less safe. ([Scribd][2])
Now, let’s mix that with what your predecessors actually lived.
2.1 Old Town (Vecrīga): where nights start (and often end)
So many students ended up here and loved it.
- Suzanne lived “in the historic center which is according to me the best place to live in Riga because close to everything.”
- Tanguy: “In the old Riga, next to St Peter Church… really well located next to everything. The old Riga is lovely.”
- Marceau: amazing flat just above a bar in the Old Town, 20 minutes to RISEBA by bus, but “really easy to go out and meet people.”
- Several others (Alma, Julie, Eva, Jehanne…) all picked either Old Town or literally 5–15 minutes’ walk away.
Pros
- You walk home from almost every bar or club.
- You’re in the heart of Erasmus life: Rock Café, Valhalla, Code Red, Sinners, Cartel, etc.
- Super atmospheric, especially around Christmas and in summer.
Cons
- Rents for good modern flats are higher (but still often cheaper than Paris / London levels). Expect something like 350–500 € / month in a flatshare and more if you’re alone, based on student experiences and 2024 rent data of 500–700 €/month for a one-bedroom in the center. ([Proserve][1])
- Old buildings can mean thin walls and bad insulation – Suzanne’s apartment was great, but “poorly insulated and noisy roommates made it quite annoying.”
- It can be touristy and noisy in peak periods.
Ideal if: you want to be in the middle of everything, you don’t mind some noise, you’re okay paying a bit more for location and you love walking everywhere.
2.2 Centrs & “between Centrs and Old Town”: the sweet spot
Many students say their “dream spot” is between the center and Old Town, near the parks.
- Alma: “The best area is in Centrs but near the parks. You’re close to Old Town bars but it’s nicer to live there.”
- Clemence: flatshare “between the center and the Old Town… I could walk home after nights out and still reach RISEBA in about 30 minutes by foot or 15 minutes by tram.”
- Eva: lived in Old Riga and then on Ganu iela (Centrs), in a insane 2-floor apartment with sauna and jacuzzi for about 440 €/person.
- Margot: also on Ganu Iela, central, nice colocation with friends.
This area lines up very well with the ESN guide’s “Centra rajons” and nearby zones: very safe, central, great public transport. ([Scribd][2])
Pros
- Still walkable to nightlife in Vecrīga (10–20 minutes).
- Daytime is more “local life”: cafés, shops, parks.
- Perfect balance between social life and everyday comfort.
- Huge potential for nice, big shared apartments at 350–450 €/month each.
Cons
- Slightly longer commute to RTU (Ķīpsala) and RISEBA (Meža iela, across the river), usually 15–30 minutes by tram/bus. ([RISEBA.lv][3])
- Prices are a bit lower than Old Town, but not dramatically.
Ideal if: you want a lively but not crazy area, like walking, and want big flats with flatmates.
2.3 Latgale & Eastern side: cheap, variable vibes
Several people ended up around Latgale district:
- Duck Republik (student residence) is there – Célian and Jade say it’s a great place to meet many Erasmus students, with good amenities.
- Some colivings ~15–20 minutes from Old Riga by tram or bus (like Madeleine’s shared flat in Latgale).
- One student’s residence in Latgales cost 480 €/month and was “cool, but nightlife in the city stops at 19h except student parties”.
The ESN guide clearly flags Latgale as less safe and less central, but cheaper. ([Scribd][2])
Pros
- Lower rent: students report around 250–350 €/month in flatshares here.
- Duck Republik and some residences are well set up for students with gyms, shared kitchens, social events and all utilities included. ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Still decent access to the center by tram/bus.
Cons
- Some streets can feel a bit rough or depressing at night.
- Commute to RTU (Ķīpsala) or RISEBA often 30–45 minutes.
- Social life is not at your doorstep – you’ll go to Old Town/Centrs for that.
Ideal if: budget comes first, you don’t mind commuting, and you want a residence/social environment like Duck Republik rather than a central flat.
2.4 Across the river: Ķīpsala, Torņakalns, Āgenskalns
This is the west bank of the Daugava (Pārdaugava), where:
- RTU main campus is on Ķīpsala. ([Wikipedia][5])
- RISEBA’s main building is on Meža iela, also this side. ([RISEBA.lv][3])
Several student options are here:
- Youthments / SMARTments in Torņakalns – a modern student aparthotel with studios, gym, laundry and common rooms, well-connected by transport. ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Shed Co-Living – a newer, very modern residence near RTU / University of Latvia area, with lots of communal spaces and strong student vibes (Selma: “newest equipment, very good vibes”). ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Some cheaper apart-hotels like EcOlive and others, in quiet residential zones but 3–4 km from the center. ([augstskola.lv][4])
One student who lived “on the other side of the Daugava near the universities” says clearly they wouldn’t choose that area again: dead, a bit dodgy, and not nice to live in long term compared with the center.
Pros
- Super convenient if most of your classes are at RTU or RISEBA.
- Modern buildings with good insulation, elevators, better heating setups.
- Close to malls (Riga Plaza, Spice) and parks.
Cons
- Social life is across the river. You’ll often Bolt or tram back from Old Town at night.
- Some pockets feel very quiet or industrial.
Ideal if: you prefer comfort and proximity to campus over nightlife, or you’re okay commuting to parties by Bolt.
2.5 Quick comparison
AREA | Old Town (Vecrīga) VIBE | Lively, historic streets, bars everywhere TYPICAL RENT | 350–500 €/month in flatshare COMMUTE TO UNI | 20–40 min by tram/bus SOCIAL LIFE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (best nightlife, always something happening)
AREA | Centrs / Near the parks VIBE | Safe, local cafés, green spaces TYPICAL RENT | 300–450 €/month in flatshare COMMUTE TO UNI | 15–30 min by tram/bus SOCIAL LIFE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (easy access to bars and events)
AREA | Latgale side VIBE | Residential, cheaper, mixed street quality TYPICAL RENT | 250–350 €/month (often student residences) COMMUTE TO UNI | 30–45 min by public transport SOCIAL LIFE | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (need to travel to center to go out)
AREA | RTU / RISEBA side (across the river) VIBE | Quiet, modern student buildings and coliving TYPICAL RENT | 350–600 €/month (often all utilities included) COMMUTE TO UNI | 5–20 min (very convenient for campus) SOCIAL LIFE | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (nightlife requires Bolt/tram back)
3. Types of housing in Riga (and what they’re really like)
You have four main options:
- Student residence / student hotel
- Coliving / shared flat
- Private apartment
- Short-term Airbnb / apart-hotel
3.1 Student residences & student hotels
These are super popular in Riga.
Duck Republik
Multiple students stayed at Duck Republik – a modern student hotel in Latgale with private rooms (bathroom + fridge) and shared kitchens, plus gym, bar, café, events, and weekly cleaning included. ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Célian: “Many kitchens, own fridge in your room, gym available, shops very close… I would go there again.” (around 300 €/month)
- Jade: also at Duck, says she met a lot of Erasmus students and enjoyed the amenities, even if it was 45 minutes from RTU and 20 minutes from bars.
Youthments / SMARTments
Youthments (sometimes branded as SMARTments) is a student aparthotel in Torņakalns:
- Fully furnished studios and two-room apartments.
- Gym, common room, laundry, bike storage.
- All utilities and Wi-Fi included. ([augstskola.lv][4])
Asna lived there (or a very similar concept) and describes:
“Private studio, cleaning every two weeks, quiet area with a park nearby, international people, responsive staff… a really good choice if you come alone and want a comfortable, social but not crazy environment.”
SHED Co-Living
SHED Co-Living is another popular option, very modern, near universities, with lots of communal spaces and events. Selma sums it up in one line:
“Yes – newest equipment, very good vibes.”
FUSE Riga
A lot of recent exchange students also use Fuse (fusestays.com):
- Fully furnished, renovated apartments.
- Mostly in central locations.
- Fixed rent, all utilities and Wi-Fi included.
- Community events, online hub, and rewards for being active. ([augstskola.lv][4])
Fuse is a good halfway point between a random private flat and a residence: more curated, clearer contracts, and still social.
Who are residences best for?
- You’re coming alone and want an easy way to meet people.
- You like the idea of events, common rooms, and gym on-site.
- You don’t want to manage utility bills or furniture.
Trade-offs: slightly higher price, and sometimes farther from the nightlife.
3.2 Coliving / shared apartments
This is where Riga really shines.
Students repeatedly report huge apartments, shared with 3–5 people, in Old Town or Centrs, for decent prices:
- Eva: 5-bedroom, 2-floor apartment with sauna and jacuzzi, balcony and all utilities included for 440 €/person on Ganu iela.
- Jehanne: massive flat at Jēkaba iela 3/5 in the very center, “best location”, ~295 € + charges.
- Antoine: 3-person colocation in Old Town, ~400 €/month each, in a perfect location 20 minutes from RISEBA.
- Clemence: 5-person flat between center and Old Town, 395 €/month all included.
Students almost all say:
“Shared flat + central location = easiest way to meet people and enjoy the city.”
Pros
- Best ratio of space / price / location.
- Built-in social life with your flatmates + neighbors.
- You live like a local, not like a hotel guest.
Cons
- Quality varies a LOT: one landlord never answered any messages; another never fixed a broken window.
- Older buildings may have poor insulation – cold in winter, noisy at night.
- You absolutely need a decent contract to avoid deposit dramas (we’ll cover this in the scams section).
3.3 Private apartment (alone or as a couple)
A few students chose this:
- Couples often took 1-bedroom apartments in Old Town or Centrs (e.g., 70m² flat right on the central square for 750–850 €/month depending on season).
- Airbnb flats mid-term (600–700 €/month) in central areas.
Pros
- Privacy, control over who comes in and out.
- Often very nice, newly renovated places.
Cons
- You’re more exposed to feeling lonely, especially in winter when days are short and people stay home.
- Higher rent per person vs flatshares.
If you do go for this option, we strongly recommend being very active in Studcasa groups and ESN events to compensate socially.
3.4 Short-term Airbnb / apart-hotel
Some students booked:
- 1–2 months in an Airbnb while they looked for a long-term place.
- Long-term Airbnb stays (especially for couples) around 600–800 €/month.
This can be a good plan B if you’re late and everything seems booked: secure a place for the first weeks, then visit flats in person once you’re there.
4. How much should you budget? (rent, bills, heating)
4.1 Rent
Mixing student experiences and current cost-of-living data:
- Room in a shared flat, central (Old Town / Centrs): ~300–450 €/month (sometimes a bit more if super modern or small flatshare).
- Room in a shared flat, non-central (Latgale / further out): ~250–350 €/month.
- Student residence / hotel / coliving: ~300–600 €/month depending on room type & location (Duck on the lower end, high-end coliving like SHED more expensive). ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Private 1-bedroom in center: around 500–700 €/month. ([Proserve][1])
Also note several students mention rent differences between summer and winter because landlords charge more when heating is on (e.g., 750€ in summer, 850–950€ in winter).
4.2 Utilities and heating
Latvia = serious winter.
One detailed cost-of-living breakdown for Riga shows: ([Proserve][1])
- Heating in winter can be 100–200 €/month per apartment.
- Hot water ~50–100 €/month.
- Electricity ~50–100 €/month depending on use.
In a flatshare of 3–5 people, that typically lands somewhere between 50–100 €/month per person in winter.
Residences like Duck, Youthments, Fuse, SHED usually include utilities in the rent, which is why they appear “expensive” on paper but are actually predictable.
4.3 Deposits
Standard practice in Riga is:
- 1 month’s rent as deposit (sometimes 2).
- First month paid in advance.
We’ll talk about how to avoid losing your deposit in the scams section, but as a rule: never pay anything before seeing the contract and avoid sending money to random IBANs from new Facebook accounts.
5. How to find housing (without losing your mind)
Here’s the strategy we recommend as Studcasa.
5.1 Step 1 – Use the Studcasa ecosystem
The single most powerful move is:
Talk to students who just came back from Riga.
Inside Studcasa:
Go to the Feedback tab for Riga and your university (RTU, RISEBA, LU…).
- Look at who lived where (residences, streets, neighborhoods).
- Pay attention to what people would do differently next time.
Message 2–3 of them:
- Ask what they would recommend for your profile (budget, social vs calm, uni).
- Ask if their landlord is looking for new tenants.
- Ask if they’d still choose their neighborhood.
In the Studcasa group, don’t be a ghost:
- Ask who wants to share a flat.
- Ask if anyone is leaving a room at Duck, Youthments, Fuse, etc.
- Suggest a call with people who look like good future flatmates.
For every message in a group, there are ten happening in DMs. Being visible makes people come to you.
5.2 Step 2 – Where students actually find places
Based on what many of them told us, here are the most used sources:
Facebook groups
- “Riga accommodation”, “Riga apartments”, “Erasmus Riga housing”, expat groups.
- Many found great flats there (but also: scams, so be careful).
Housing platforms
- HousingAnywhere – several Erasmus students used it. ([Scribd][2])
- Fuse – curated central apartments with all bills included, very student-friendly. ([augstskola.lv][4])
Student residences’ own sites
- Duck Republik ([augstskola.lv][4])
- Youthments ([youthments.com][6])
- SHED Co-Living Riga. ([augstskola.lv][4])
University pages
- EKA / ESN housing guide lists many student hotels and apart-hotels with student-friendly prices. ([augstskola.lv][4])
Airbnb
- A lot of RTU students first booked 1–2 months of Airbnb, then moved into a shared flat they found locally.
Our recommendation: combine Studcasa + Facebook + official residences. If you can lock something good from a previous student’s landlord, that’s often pure gold.
5.3 Step 3 – Choosing roommates
A recurring theme from Riga:
- Living with people made winter easier and more fun.
- Living alone could become heavy, especially when the sun sets at 15:00.
Some explicit advice from students:
- “Don’t live alone because the winter can be hard.”
- “If you’re extroverted, don’t go alone – the early sunset can be really depressing.”
Use:
- The Studcasa group to find flatmates.
- The Members tab to DM people going to your uni.
Ask potential roommates about:
- Going-out rhythm (5 nights a week vs 1).
- Study seriousness (never in class vs always).
- Cleanliness and noise.
- Guests and parties.
One quick call now can save you months of frustration later.
6. Scams, bad agencies & how to protect yourself
Unfortunately, Riga has rental scams, especially targeting foreigners.
Real stories:
- One student “got scammed the first time by a fake agency – they scammed us on utilities and never gave the deposit back.”
- Another says: “Never go with Pinecone agency, we had lots of problems and they never sent our deposit back.”
- Others had landlords who simply never replied to any messages or refused to fix issues.
The official Student Housing Guide (by ESN Latvia & the Student Union) gives very clear, simple rules to protect yourself: ([Scribd][2])
Before you send money:
See the contract – with:
- Full address, tenants’ names, landlord’s name & ID.
- Exact RENT + what is included (heating? water? internet?).
- Start/end date and notice period.
Ask for recent utility bills for winter (Nov–Feb) to understand the real cost.
Check the landlord/agency online – name + “scam” on Google, see if their profile is new on Facebook, etc.
Avoid cash – pay by bank transfer so everything is traceable.
Do not pay deposit or first month’s rent before seeing at least a video tour or, ideally, in-person.
Red flags:
- “I’m abroad, my cousin will give you the keys, just send the deposit.”
- Pressure like “five others want it, pay NOW”.
- Refusal to provide a written contract.
If something feels off, talk to:
- Other students in Studcasa who know Riga.
- ESN Latvia housing support (they know local patterns). ([Scribd][2])
7. Transport & choosing your commute
7.1 The student transport card (e-talons)
Riga’s public transport system (buses, trams, trolleybuses) is run by Rīgas Satiksme.
- A normal monthly ticket is 30 €.
- Students of higher education institutions pay 12 € per month for unlimited rides. ([Rīgas Satiksme][7])
You need:
- A personalized e-ticket (e-talons).
- A confirmation from your university that you’re a student (they’ll tell you how to get it; see e.g. RSU or RTU guides). ([RSU][8])
Several students explicitly mention this:
- “Bus card 12€/month for daily commutes.”
- “Take the metro (tram/bus) card, it’s really worth it.”
So if you’re thinking “Should I pay a bit more to live in Centrs and commute 20–30 minutes?”, the answer is often yes – because it’s cheap and easy.
7.2 Bolt, Bolt Drive and scooters
Bolt is huge in Riga. ([Proserve][1])
From students:
- “Bolt will be your best friend, especially in winter and at night after parties.”
- “Bolt Drive is really cheap – you drive the car yourself, sometimes Audi / BMW, and it’s like 0.12–0.25 €/min.”
- “Red scooters are super practical; when the weather is nice they are the best way to move around and explore.”
Plan a small Bolt budget for nights out and freezing days.
8. Weather, mental health & why your housing choice is emotional too
Nearly everyone brings up the weather:
- “There is no sun and people are angry all the time. Cafés are a safe place and autumn is beautiful for the colors of the trees.”
- “Riga is a northern city. 13°C in Riga is not the same as in France. The wind is freezing, you need ski clothes.”
- “The sun goes down at 3PM in winter; it can be depressing if you’re alone.”
And on the other side:
- “Riga is really cool in second semester – you get snow and then sunny days, a beach nearby, activities on the lake, hikes, shopping malls and tons of cafés.”
- “Live your best life in Riga – but bring gloves and a hat!”
So housing isn’t just “price + location”:
- Being in a social environment (flatshare, residence, or active group) makes the winter feel fun rather than heavy.
- Being too isolated, especially with a long commute, can make you feel stuck and lonely.
Minimum winter survival kit
- Very warm coat, hat, scarf, proper gloves.
- Warm socks + thermal layers (t-shirt & leggings).
- Vitamin D or at least sunlight when possible.
- A flat where you actually like hanging out.
9. Concrete housing scenarios (so you can picture yourself)
Let’s imagine a few typical profiles.
Scenario A – “I want full social Erasmus mode”
You value: parties, bars, spontaneous meetups, walking home at 4am.
Best fit: Flatshare in Old Town or Centrs near the parks.
Budget: 350–450 €/month in a 3–5 person flat + 50–100 €/month for utilities in winter.
How to find:
- Contact 2–3 Studcasa alumni who lived in Old Town / Centrs.
- Ask for landlord contacts and move-in dates.
- Use Facebook groups and Fuse listings as backup.
Scenario B – “I want comfort, gym, community, but not too wild”
You value: a good bed, clean bathroom, gym, but still meeting people.
Best fit: Duck Republik, Youthments, SHED Co-Living, or Fuse apartment.
Budget: 300–600 €/month depending on room type and location (usually all-inclusive).
Perks:
- Ready on day one, no furniture to buy.
- International community, events and common rooms.
- Fixed bills (zero stress with heating).
Scenario C – “Budget traveller, I want to travel a lot”
You value: saving money for trips to Lapland, Norway, Eastern Europe.
Best fit:
- Flatshare a bit further out (Latgale, Agenskalns, Teika).
- Still aim for good tram/bus connection to the center.
Budget:
- 250–350 €/month rent + 50–80€ utilities.
- Student transport card at 12 €/month gives you freedom.
Tip: live with people who share your travel mindset – a lot of students used Riga as a base to explore half of Northern Europe.
Scenario D – “I’m a couple / I really want my own space”
You value: privacy and calm, but still some social life.
Best fit:
- 1-bedroom apartment in Old Town or Centrs.
- Or a larger Fuse apartment rented together.
Budget:
- 600–900 €/month depending on location and season.
Very important: still join ESN, Studcasa events and meet people actively – don’t rely only on each other or you might end up in a tiny bubble.
10. Housing checklist – before you sign anything
A. Questions to ask the landlord/agency
- Is the rent fixed all year, or higher in winter?
- What exactly is covered: heating, water, electricity, internet, building fees?
- How much was the total bill last January / February?
- Is there central heating or individual?
- How much is the deposit, and under what conditions is it returned?
- Who handles repairs, and how quickly do they respond?
B. Things to check in the flat
- Windows: double glazing? Do they close properly?
- Radiators: present in each room?
- Mold or humidity marks on walls/ceilings?
- Water pressure and hot water in shower.
- Wifi router present and working.
C. Contract basics
From the ESN/LSA housing guide: always ensure the contract clearly states rent, included utilities, duration, notice period, and lists all tenants. Pay only by traceable methods and keep all payment proofs. ([Scribd][2])
If you don’t understand something, ask a local friend, ESN, or your international office for help.
11. Using Studcasa to maximize your Riga experience
Putting it all together:
Before you leave
- Browse the Feedback tab for Riga and your uni.
- DM at least 2–3 former students about housing.
- Start talking in the Studcasa group: who wants to share? who is booking where?
When choosing housing
Decide your priority:
- Super social & central? → Old Town / Centrs flatshare.
- Comfort & community? → Residence / Fuse.
- Budget & travel? → Slightly out + good transport.
Never send money without a contract and at least a video tour.
The first weeks
- Go out a lot – ESN events, bar nights, picnics in parks, Tallinas district, etc.
- Make one or two “allies” from the group and move together from event to event.
- If your housing doesn’t feel right, it’s not the end of the world – some students changed flats mid-semester and ended up happier.
Final word from us
Riga can be calm, grey and freezing… or it can be one of the most intense and beautiful chapters of your life – full of road trips, snowy nights, late-night bars, sauna evenings, weird techno clubs and friends from all over Europe.
Your housing will set the tone for all of that.
If you remember only three things from this guide, let them be:
- Don’t isolate yourself – choose a place (and roommates) that keep you connected.
- Stay central if you can – Old Town / Centrs / near the parks are where most things happen.
- Use the Studcasa community – talk to people who were literally in Riga last semester, and use the group to build your social and housing safety net.
And if you get stuck or hesitate between options, come back to us in Studcasa – we’re here exactly for that. 💙