University: Riga Stradins University
City: Riga
Country: Latvia
Continent: Europe
Field of study: medicine
Study type: Other courses
I’ve been studying human medicine in Riga since February 2018. I graduated from high school in 2016 with a grade of 1.4. After that I was in Australia for a long time and did various nursing internships. My advanced courses in high school were biology and social sciences. I had no foreign languages as exam subjects, math as a written subject and German orally. I took chemistry throughout the upper grades and dropped out of physics after the 9th grade. Check liuxers.com to see how to open a bank account in New Zealand.
Before the study
After I was again unsuccessful in Germany in the 2017/18 winter semester, I initially started training as a nurse. However, I didn’t have much fun in nursing school and there was no way to shorten the training period to two years. So I looked for quick ways to study medicine and sent my application to Riga. At the beginning of November I flew to Riga with my mum for a first exploratory tour and we looked at the university. I would basically recommend all future applicants to come and see for themselves beforehand and see for themselves!On the outward flight, the boy next to me dropped an anatomy atlas. I then approached him and he told me that he is also studying at RSU and that he explained a bit about the university and life in the city to me.
Application phase
The confirmation came faster than expected and at the beginning of December it was clear to me that from the end of January it was time to pack my bags. As far as the application phase is concerned, I would like to thank you again for the great support from MicroEduthank you! I was sent an information catalog in which the individual steps required for the application are explained very well. It is advisable to have the internship certificates translated in addition to the high school diploma. I had my letters of recommendation issued by a doctor from trauma surgery, where I previously completed my KPP, and by my Bio-LK teacher. Shortly after my acceptance, MicroEdu sent out the first contact lists and I quickly got to know other students via Facebook. I had already been in contact with my current roommate a few weeks beforehand and we also flew to Riga together.
Accommodation
As far as the apartment search is concerned, it is a good idea to follow offers on Fabebook sites beforehand. It is important to read the rental agreement carefully, to observe the notice periods and if the ancillary costs are not included, it is best to have the previous tenants show you the invoices. Since it is very cold in the winter months, the heating costs are extremely high. In terms of location, I recommend the old town or the center. Some of my friends took a room at the RSU Hostel at the beginning and quickly met nice people there and set up a flat share. The hostel is fairly new and modern, but not so well suited for one or two drinks and visits. Visitors must register at the entrance.
Riga
Riga is a city in transition. There is a lot of modernization work going on and there is an architecturally beautiful National Library for learning, which is located right on the water. The nightlife is lively and there is a club for everyone! There are also pubs and bars where you always meet well-known medical students. The “housewarming” parties, where you always come into contact with other students, are particularly nice.
University
Basically, I can recommend the university to everyone. The professors are very committed, helpful and easily accessible. The English is easy to understand and you will quickly find your way around professionally. Teaching in study groups has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand you can ask questions if you don’t understand something, but on the other hand it’s also very schooly. What annoys me personally is the Latvian class. We have Latvian for four and a half hours a week and most of the time there is homework.
And as far as costs go, be prepared for additional fees for e-tickets, the immigration process, etc. The tickets are not included in the semester fees.
If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to talk to people from higher semesters, everyone helps everyone here!
I keep my fingers crossed for you and am happy to answer any questions.