You get one of Europe's oldest universities, one of its largest baroque old towns and prices that stretch an Erasmus grant a long way. It is compact, safe and green, so the river and the pine forests are never far.

• Vilnius University (founded 1579) is one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe, with fairy-tale courtyards in the Old Town.
• The UNESCO-listed old town is genuinely lived-in rather than a museum piece.
• You are never far from the Neris river, a park or a forest trail.

Nights out are cheap and centred on the Old Town's courtyards and Vilnius Street, with a serious craft-beer culture on top. The bohemian Uzupis district is where students drift for something more offbeat.

• Vilniaus gatve (Vilnius Street) and the Old Town courtyards are packed with affordable bars.
• Craft beer is a national obsession, so try Snekutis or Alaus Biblioteka.
• The Studcasa Vilnius group organises weekend trips to Trakai and lakeside saunas.

Vilnius is the priciest Lithuanian city but still one of the cheaper EU capitals, and it uses the euro. Canteen lunches and local beer keep daily costs low.

• Budget around EUR 550-850 a month, rent included.
• A hearty lunch (pietus) at a bistro or canteen runs EUR 5-8.
• A pint of local craft beer is EUR 4-5, cheaper at happy hour.

Central, leafy districts like Naujamiestis and Zverynas are popular with students, while university dorms are the cheapest but most basic option. Start looking early, as the good flatshares go fast.

• Naujamiestis and Zverynas are central, green and student-friendly.
• University dorms (bendrabutis) around Sauletekis are cheapest but simple.
• Check the Studcasa Vilnius group and aruodas.lt for flatshares.

There is no metro or tram, but buses and trolleybuses cover the city well and the centre is flat and walkable. A student pass makes public transport almost free.

• Buses and trolleybuses run everywhere; a monthly student pass is about EUR 5-10 with an LSP or ISIC card.
• Load a Vilniecio kortele or buy tickets in the Judu app.
• CityBee and Bolt scooters and cars fill the gaps for late nights.

Vilnius has a good spread of universities, and many Erasmus modules run in English. Semesters follow the standard European pattern.

• Vilnius University, VILNIUS TECH (VGTU), Mykolas Romeris and ISM are the main hosts.
• Semesters run September-January and February-June.

Your paperwork depends on your nationality. EU and EEA citizens need no visa; if you stay over three months you register for a certificate confirming your right of residence at a Migration Department office, which is straightforward. For most European exchange students that is the extent of it.

Non-EU students need a national (D) visa or, for longer stays, a temporary residence permit, arranged through the Lithuanian Migration Department (MIGRIS portal) and usually a Lithuanian embassy in your home country. You will need your acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance and accommodation details. Apply well ahead, as processing can take several weeks to a couple of months, and register your address once you arrive.

• EU/EEA: no visa; register for a residence certificate if staying over 90 days
• Non-EU: national D visa or temporary residence permit via the MIGRIS portal
• Bring acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance and accommodation proof
• Start early, permit processing can take 1–2 months

Lithuanian food is comforting and potato-heavy, with a bright summer twist in the famous cold beetroot soup. Markets are the best place to eat and shop cheaply.

• Cepelinai (potato dumplings) and cold pink saltibarsciai in summer are the staples.
• Grab kibinai pastries, best fresh from Trakai, and fried garlic bread (kepta duona) with beer.
• Hales turgus market is the spot for cheese, smoked fish and dark rye bread.

The city runs from the historic Old Town out to riverside redevelopments and residential districts. Each has a different feel, from baroque to industrial-chic.

• Senamiestis (Old Town) for history and nightlife.
• Uzupis for the bohemian, self-declared republic with its own constitution.
• Paupys and Snipiskes for modern riverside flats.

Castles, lakes and other Baltic cities are within easy reach by train or bus. Warm months open up the coast and the dunes.

• Trakai castle on its lake is about 30 minutes by train or bus.
• Kaunas, the second city, is about 1-1.5 hours by train.
• The Curonian Spit and Nida dunes (about 4-5 hours) are worth a long weekend in summer.

Winters are genuinely cold, so pack properly and lean into the sauna culture. Sorting your student card early unlocks cheap travel and museums.

• Winters can hit -20C, so bring proper layers and boots.
• Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, even market stalls.
• Get the LSP (Lithuanian student card) early for transport and museum discounts.