Welcome to Vilnius!

A quick guide for international students

of Vilnius University

Vilnius, 2016

Dear student!

Thank you for choosing studies in Vilnius University. We sincerely hope

that in addition to your studies, you will have a wonderful experience and

enjoy meeting new people. ESN Vilnius University has prepared some

events and social programs for all international students of VU and we

invite you to try and participate in everything we have to offer.

This quick guide will give you only a brief overview about Lithuania, its

capital city Vilnius and some information that could be useful for you.

We wish you a nice time during your exchange!

Welcome to Vilnius University!

Welcome to Lithuania!

Welcome to the adventure of your life!

ESN Vilnius University team

WE CARE, WE HELP, WE SHARE!

Lithuania in brief

Lithuania (officially – Republic of Lithuania) is a small country in Northern Europe,

bordering Latvia, Poland, Belarus and Russian Federation. Lithuania has a 90 km long

coastline with Baltic Sea. Geographical center of Europe is located 26 km north of

Vilnius. Lithuania is the largest of three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).

Lithuania is really small (you can drive across the country in just 4 hours!) but its cultural

heritage, nature and people are inspiring. There are almost 3 million inhabitants in

Lithuania, out of which 84.2% are Lithuanians, 6.6% Poles and 5.8% Russians.

Lithuania has rich culture and history, dating back to the year 1009. After five

decades of Soviet occupation, Lithuania restored its independence in 1990 and

became a member of the European Union and NATO in 2004. Today it is a part of

Eurozone and is one of the fastest growing economies in EU.

Republic of Lithuania is a democratic, semi-presidential republic

with directly elected president and unicameral parliament Seimas.

Since July 2009, the president of Lithuania is Dalia Grybauskaitė,

the first woman to become a president in Lithuanian history.

Quick facts about Lithuanian history

12 000 BCE – First people settle in the territory of Lithuania.

1009 – Name of Lithuania is first mentioned in written sources.

1253 – Kingdom of Lithuania is established by king Mindaugas.

1387 – Lithuania becomes the last European nation to be Christianized.

1410 – The battle of Žalgiris. Grand Duchy of Lithuania becomes the largest country in Europe.

1569 – Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is founded.

1795 – Polish-Lithuanian State is divided and annexed by Russian Empire, Prussia and Austria.

1831 and 1863 – Unsuccessful uprisings against Russian rule. Vilnius University is closed (1832).

Note: because of severe condition, sculptures are removed since July 2015

1918 – Independent Republic of Lithuania is established on February 16, 1918.

1940 – Lithuania is occupied and annexed by Soviet Union.

1941 – Lithuania is occupied by Nazi Germany.

1944 – Reoccupation by Soviet Union.

1988 – Independence movement “Sąjūdis” starts.

1990 – Independence of Lithuania is restored on March 11.

1993 – National currency Litas is re-introduced.

2004 – Lithuania joins EU and NATO.

2009 – 1000th anniversary of the name of Lithuania.

2015 – Lithuania joins Eurozone and introduces euro.

Vilnius – the capital city of Lithuania

Vilnius is a capital and the largest city of

Lithuania. It is located in the eastern part of

the country and is just 30 kilometers away

from border with Belarus.

Vilnius has always been a multinational city

since medieval ages. It is home to more than

half a million inhabitants, out which about

65% are Lithuanians. Polish and Russian

people amount 16.5 and 12 percent.

On January 25, 1323, the name of Vilnius was first mentioned in written sources.

Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas wrote letters to European cities “in our city

Vilnius” inviting foreign craftsmen, traders and priests to come to Vilnius.

There is a romantic legend how Vilnius was

founded. According to it, Gediminas was hunting

and found that it was too late to go back to his

residence in Trakai, so he decided to spend a night

here. He had a dream of an iron wolf howling

loudly at the top of the hill. Gediminas thought his

dream was really unusual and asked the highest

pagan priest Lizdeika for advice. The priest told

Gediminas that he has to build a castle where the

wolf was howling, iron wolf means the strength of

the city and howling – loudness of Vilnius’ glory around the world.

Vilnius University

Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in Northern and Eastern Europe

and the largest higher education institution in Lithuania.

The university was founded in 1579 as the Jesuit

Academy (College) of Vilnius by the Grand Duke of

Lithuania and King of Poland Stephen Báthory. After

November Uprising (1830–1831), university was closed

by Russian authorities and was reopened again only in

August 1919 by Polish administration.

Despite any hardships and difficult historical changes, community of

Vilnius University has been preserving cultural and scientific traditions

of Lithuania and neighboring lands all the time since its foundation.

When Lithuania restored independence in 1990, Vilnius University

regained autonomy, adopted its statute and current name.

Faculties and other facilities of Vilnius

University are spread around the city. For

example, administration is located in Central

palace (CR) in Old town while Saulėtekis is

home to some scientific centers. In 2013, a

new modern library (MKIC) was opened there

(pictured on the left).

Did you know that Vilnius University has a

large botanical garden in Kairėnai?

About 21 thousand students study in

Vilnius University, including more than 900

international students.

On September 1st every year, students of

Vilnius University take part in a student’s

procession in the main street of Vilnius –

Gediminas’ avenue.

Find out more about Vilnius University at: http://www.vu.lt/en/

Language

The official language in Lithuania is Lithuanian.

Lithuanian is one of the oldest and most

archaic Indo-European languages in the

world. Together with Latvian language,

it forms a group of Baltic languages.

Lithuanian is relatively difficult to learn

for non-native speakers because of

complex grammar and vocabulary.

Lithuanian has some common linguistic

features with Slavic (Russian, Polish)

languages but most of vocabulary is

completely different.

Text on the picture: “Imagine how little of people in the world think in Lithuanian language. It is unique and

no one will take it away from you. You are one of a few whose thoughts sound in Lithuanian”

About 40% of all inhabitants in Vilnius

can speak English. Most people younger

than 35 years old are very likely to speak

English and in good fluency. English is

taught at most schools since primary

school, so don’t be surprised to hear

some people speaking very fluently.

About 75% of the people in Vilnius can

speak Russian. It was compulsory during

Soviet rule, so most people still know it

since then. However, fluency of Russian

language among young people is quite

poor – it’s common they can understand

a little bit but cannot speak.

Some locals of Vilnius can speak Polish but it’s not so common as English or Russian.

Basically, you can always ask young people for help in English, they might be able to

answer you more or less clearly. Older generation (40+) might speak Russian better.

Basic Lithuanian phrases

It’s useful to learn some basic Lithuanian phrases: you may be able to open up and

surprise locals positively by showing interest into our language which Lithuanians

are very proud of. Even a few basic phrases are enough!

In order to express approximate pronunciation better, phrases here are provided in

Latin (English), Cyrillic (Russian), Hangeul (Korean) and Katakana (Japanese) scripts.

Word/phrase Approximate pronunciation

English Lithuanian English Cyrillic Hangeul Katakana

Hi (informal) Labas lah-bahs лабас 라바스 ラバス

Hello (casual) Sveiki sway-kee свяйки 스베이키 スベイキ

Hello (formal) [“Good day”]

Laba diena lah-bah d’ye-na

лаба дена 라바 디에나 ラバ デナ

Hello (phone) Alio ah-lyoh алё 알료 アリョ

How are you? Kaip sekasi? kayp seh-kah-see кайп сякаси 카입 세카시 カイプ セカシ

Good/fine Gerai geh-ray гярай 게라이 ゲライ

Poorly Prastai prahs-tay прастай 프라스타이 プラスタイ

Good luck! Sėkmės! sehk-mehs секмес 세크메스 セクメス

See you! (informal)

Iki! ee-keeh ики 이기 イキ

Goodbye (formal)

Viso gero wee-soh gehroh висо гяро 비소 개로 ビソ ゲロ

My name is [name]

Mano vardas […]

mah-no wahr-dahs […]

мано вардас […]

마노

바르다스[…]

マノ ワルダス

[…]

I’m from […] Aš iš […] ash eesh […] аш иш […] 아쉬 이쉬[…] アシュイシュ[]

Please Prašau prah-show прашау 프라샤우 プラシャウ

Yes Taip tayp тэйп 타이프 タイプ

No Ne neh ня 내 ネ

Here you go / Please (formal)

Prašom prah-shom прашом 프라섬 プラショム

Thank you Ačiū ah-choo ачю 아츄 アチュ

Sorry/Pardon Atsiprašau at-see-prah-show атсипрашау 아지프라샤우 アチプラシャウ

I don’t understand

Aš nesuprantu ash

neh-soo-prahn-too аш нясупранту 아쉬 네수프란투

アシュ

ネスプランツ

I speak Aš kalbu ash kahl-boo аш калбу 아쉬 칼부 アシュ カルブ

Lithuanian Lietuviškai lye-too-wish-kay летувишкай 리에투비쉬카이 リツビシュカイ

English Angliškai ahn-ghlish-kay англишкай 앙글리쉬카이 アングリシュカイ

I don’t understand Russian (in

Russian) -

ya neh-pah-nee-mah-yu pah rooskee

я не понимаю по-русски

야 네파니마유

파 루스키

ヤ ネパニマユ

パ ルスキ

Help! Padėkit! pah-deh-keet падекит 파데킷 パデキテ

Police Policija poh-lee-tsee-ya полиция 폴리치야 ポリツィヤ

Climate and clothing

The climate of Lithuania can be described as typical European continental influenced

climate with warm, dry summers and fairly severe winters. For reference, it is more

or less similar as in all North-Eastern Europe, including Sweden, Southern Finland

(Helsinki), Poland and other neighboring countries. In Asia, climate in island of

Hokkaido (Japan) is somewhat similar to Lithuania’s.

Around September 1st, +15…+22℃ at daytime and +10℃ at night are the most likely. Sometimes warmth of summer can stay for up to a few weeks. Check weather forecast before coming to be sure.

When you arrive, it is recommended to bring a light sweater/jacket and a raincoat. September is dangerous because it’s still warm in the sunlight but cold winds can make more sensitive people sick quite easily.

Later (October, November), temperatures are gradually dropping, followed by cold winds and rain. You may need more and warmer clothes, including autumn coat (pictured on the right). First snow tends to appear in November but cold winds and rain are the most common.

For December-February, you’ll need to change your clothes to even warmer. It is a must to have a warm winter coat, winter hat, scarf and gloves. Warm winter boots (better waterproof) are necessary. Ask your mentor for more advice. A good comparison can be like this: prepare like you go for skiing to the mountains

Negative temperatures and snowfall are normal for this period. Days are very short (about 7h long). Extreme temperatures (-20℃ and below) can be expected in January and beginning of February. Check weather forecast before coming to be prepared! Snow starts melting around March. However, beware of cold winter

winds still present during “spring months”, it’s extremely easy to get sick!

A short tip: your health is the most important, so take warmest clothes you have –

you won’t regret it! You might be able to buy more suitable clothing here, if you

don’t want to take too many things from home but take notice that sometimes

clothes can cost more than in your home country.

Etiquette and manners

Lithuanians are considered to be quite reserved people, especially for strangers.

However, they open up for friends, family and guests as very warm and friendly.

These tips are very generic and everything depends on a person, so don’t take

everything too straightforward. Using common sense and what is polite in your

country should be enough.

The usual greetings are saying “Sveiki” (semi-formal/plural) or “Labas” (informal)

and a handshake. Hugs are acceptable among good friends. Don’t hug people from

behind, it could be taken as lover’s gesture.

Some people can appear sad, cold-hearted or even

angry, especially during cold months. That’s usually

not the case – they are probably just tired and try to

save energy. However, if you need to ask for help,

most people should be helpful.

What most people do in public transport is looking

through the window.

Women are well respected in Lithuania. It is perfectly acceptable to offer help to

carry heavier bags, open the door, let her go first, etc. However, picking up random

girls in public (“Hey, what’s your number?” “Are you free tonight?” and similar)

could be perceived as intruding into personal space (or even mild harassment).

Lithuanian language is considered to be difficult, so Lithuanians would be surprised

in a good way if you learn to use some Lithuanian phrases.

Respect Lithuanian culture and history, people are very proud of them. Lithuania is

very different from other Baltic States and Russia by language, culture, history,

religion and many other things, although there are some influences.

Some people have strong opinions about politics, Soviet occupation, LGBT+ people.

Praising communism, Soviet Union and similar won’t be understood.

Give only odd number (1,3,5 …) of flowers. Even number of flowers is for the dead.

It is not polite to eat too loudly (slurping soup, etc). It is acceptable to leave a tip of

about 10% in a restaurant.

Safety

Vilnius is a relatively safe city. Using common sense, just like anywhere else in

Europe, might be enough to avoid any problems.

Pickpocketing and small theft are common, so take additional attention how you

keep your belongings. Be careful in public transport, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Never leave your phone, tablet, computer, purse, wallet or any other valuables

without supervision even for a second!

It’s better not to carry lots of cash (more than 100€) and do not show them off.

Don’t give money to beggars. It’s better to avoid eye

contact with them and just to walk away.

Giving money to beggars only escalates the problem and

municipality is responsible to take care of them. Also,

officers have a right to punish you with a fine.

However, it is recommended to have a 1€ coin in your

pocket (in case really annoying beggar approaches you)

and don’t argue with them. This might save you lots of

energy and your belongings would be safe.

If you feel the place is not safe, it probably is. It’s better to avoid dark passages and

to find a well-lit route. There are some security cameras in the old town.

Avoid suspiciously-looking people. They can either be

aggressive or try to avert your attention in order to steal

your belongings. Take extra attention during evening

and night. Drunk and often aggressive thugs can cause a

lot of problems. Old part of Šnipiškės, Naujininkai

district and area around Bus/Railway Station are not

considered to be very safe as well.

Racism is not very common. Some people (like elders or children) sometimes can

give strange looks (especially outside the biggest cities) but in most cases, it is just

pure curiosity because Lithuania is a very homogenous country and people are not

used to seeing people of different race.

Laws, recommendations and emergencies

It is most likely that your visit would be trouble-free but you should know some

things in order to avoid them.

Be careful crossing streets, obey traffic

signals. Use pedestrian crossings, where

available. There are some rude drivers, so

road rage (swearing, reckless driving,

honking horn, etc.) is not uncommon.

Use sidewalks, where available; don’t walk on

carriageway if not necessary. Don’t walk on a cycling

path. It is allowed to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.

Bus drivers can start breaking unexpectedly, so try to sit down (when

possible) and hold on tight, if you are standing. Yield designated seats

for elderly, disabled people and parents with small children.

Please don’t make too much noise on the street and in/around the dorm. At night

(22-6h), people can call the police and you risk getting a fine for noisy behavior.

Legal drinking age is 18. Drinking any kind of alcohol in public

places is prohibited and enforced. It is not allowed to goof

around drunk in public – it’s better to call a taxi if you drank too

much. It is not allowed to keep and drink alcohol in dormitories

as well (however, rarely enforced).

Smoking is banned in dormitories, territory of VU, restaurants, bus stops, all public

facilities indoors and where designated (for example, V. Kudirkos square).

All drugs are illegal. Possession of drugs can lead up to imprisonment.

Public demonstration of Soviet and Nazi symbols (for example, wearing t-shirt or hat

with them) is punishable by a fine.

It is wise to carry a National ID card or any other identification document with you.

This might save you a lot of time in case of unexpected emergency.

Emergency number: 112 After you dial, wait for the operator to respond, tell your address, what happened, other important details. Don’t end the call until you’re allowed.

Practical information

Currency and banks

The currency of Lithuania is euro. You might have to

exchange any other currency.

MasterCard, Visa, Maestro credit cards

are widely accepted. Other cards (for

example, American Express) are accepted in some places as well.

ATMs in most places work 24/7.

In order to receive scholarship and make electronic

payments, you will need to open a bank account in

Lithuania. The largest banks are Swedbank, SEB and DNB.

Banks are usually open during work hours only (8-17h).

Visas

Citizens of member states of the European Union,

EFTA and more than 40 other countries/territories can

enter Lithuania without a visa, including citizens of

Australia, Canada, USA, Japan and Republic of Korea.

Check visa requirements before travelling to be sure.

Visa for students can be obtained in Lithuania if you can enter the country without

it. Sometimes visa is not needed at all. Consult your studies coordinator for more

information. Lithuanian visa (type D) allows travelling in all Schengen Area.

More information about visas (MFA of Lithuania): http://keliauk.urm.lt/en/

Living expenses

Lithuania is among the least expensive countries in EU but always remember:

expenses can vary drastically depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Health issues

If you are a citizen of European Union, EEA or Switzerland, you should bring a

European Health Identity Card (EHIC). You can get most necessary health care

services free of charge (or refunded) in public clinics with it. More information

Practical information

Date and time

Time zone in Lithuania is EET (GMT+2) and is the same as in Finland, Estonia, Latvia,

Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. On the last Sunday of March, EU countries

shift one hour forward due to Daylight Saving Time in summer, which is cancelled on

the last Sunday of October.

Time format: 2017-02-01 15:30 / 2017 m. vasario 1 d. 15 val. 30 min.

Date on food labels is usually written in reverse order: 01.02.17

Public holidays

Most businesses are closed during these days:

January 1 New Year's Day Naujieji metai

February 16 Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania (1918)

Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena

Commemorates independence from Russia and Germany

March 11 Day of Restoration of

Independence of Lithuania (1990)

Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena

Commemorates restoration of independence (from USSR)

March 27, 28 Easter Velykos Date depends on a year

May 1 International Labor Day Tarptautinė darbo diena

1st Sunday of May

Mother's Day Motinos diena

1st Sunday of June

Father's Day Tėvo diena

June 24 St. John's Day/Day of Dew Joninės, Rasos Midsummer festival

July 6 Statehood Day

Valstybės (Lietuvos karaliaus Mindaugo karūnavimo) diena

Commemorates coronation of King of Lithuania Mindaugas

(1253)

August 15 Assumption Day

Žolinė (Švč. Mergelės Marijos ėmimo į dangų diena)

November 1 All Saints' Day Visų šventųjų diena

December 24 Christmas eve Šv. Kūčios

December 25, 26 Christmas Šv. Kalėdos

Practical information

Water and food

Tap water is drinkable and perfectly safe to use for food. Some people boil it before

drinking but this is not necessary. Water is taken from underground (40-180m deep)

In most cases, food labels are in Lithuanian only. These are some names for food:

Pienas – milk Kefyras – kefir (fermented milk) Grietinė – sour cream Varškė – curd, cottage cheese Sūris – cheese Sviestas – butter

Jautiena – beef Kiauliena – pork Vištiena – chicken, poultry Pomidorų padažas – tomato sauce Kečupas – ketchup Batonas – soft white bread

Meat products (sausages, etc.) designated as “Aukščiausia rūšis” (“Highest class”)

have better quality than “Pirma rūšis” (“1st class”) and “Antra rūšis” (“2nd class”).

Check food expiration dates before buying to avoid not fresh products.

The most popular traditional foods are: cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai

(cold beetroot soup), kibinai (Karaite dish), juoda duona (black bread), šakotis (a

cake with “horns”), gira (kvass; a drink made of bread), alus (Lithuanian beer).

Do not throw away plastic/glass bottles and aluminium cans with a sign:

You pay 0.1€ deposit when buying a drink and you can get it back when

returning bottles/cans to machines inside or near most supermarkets.

Taxi

Taxi prices vary between 0.5 and 1 €/km. Many companies apply fixed fare for

getting in the taxi (about 1€). Taxi can be booked by phone, internet or mobile app.

Phone numbers: 1414, 1428 (these companies accept credit cards)

Taxi from Airport to Saulėtekis dormitories should cost no more than 10-15€.

Mobile (cell) networks

ESN Vilnius University will give you a prepaid mobile service card for cheaper

communication in Lithuania. The service is provided by Omnitel (“Ežys” network),

offering high-speed 3G and 4G LTE mobile internet.

To save money, we strongly recommend ordering a service/mobile data plan and

monitoring your phone service usage by downloading an app (for Android and iOS)

More information: http://www.ezys.lt/ App for Android App for iOS

Other cell network providers are Bitė Lietuva (“Labas”) and Tele2 (“Pildyk”).

Practical information

Orientation Week

The first week of February is going to be Orientation Week (OW). The most

important event is Opening ceremony, where you will register for your studies.

ESN Vilnius University will organize many

other events for exchange students and we

invite you to participate in all of them –

meet new friends and have a good time!

Student IDs

Citizens of European Union member states can use

International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It offers

many discounts and offers in 129 countries around the

world, including more than 1000 of them in Lithuania.

You can obtain ISIC in your home country or here in

Lithuania. Officially, discount for public transport with ISIC is valid only with National

ID card/passport of EU country provided but this is rarely enforced.

Students from non-EU countries have to apply for

Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSP). It is the main

document verifying your status as a student of VU. It

provides full access to VU Library (MKIC) and many

other benefits (discounts) in Lithuania.

You can order it at https://lsp.lt/en. Take notice that making it can take a long time

(up to 2 weeks, sometimes – even longer). It is advised to order it as soon as

possible* to avoid long waiting. It is not recommended to choose bank in Akropolis

to take your already-made card because of long queues. LSP has integrated public

transport ticket (equal to Vilniečio kortelė).

* You can order LSP after your registration in Vilnius University (during OW) only!

Public transport

For a student, it is the cheapest and easy-to-use way to get around the city.

There are 3 types of transport: 1) trolleybus (electric bus); 2) bus; 3) express bus.

Express bus is faster and skips some stops. Transport runs from ~5:30 till ~23:15.

Night bus is also available every hour on weekend nights (ticket price: 1€).

If you have Lithuanian Student ID card (LSP), you can use it as ticket! It has

integrated microchip inside. If you have ISIC only, you should buy Vilniečio kortelė.

Ticket prices (the most popular tickets, prices in 2016):

Important: discounts for students are valid only with LSP or ISIC! If you don’t have

it with you, you must buy a full-price ticket or else you’ll have to pay a fine.

After you buy/refill the ticket, it must be activated in the

(trolley-) bus! Touch the yellow composter with your card

until the signal beeps. You can check the status of your ticket

by touching the composter again. If there is not enough credit

(a warning signal), buy a single ticket from a driver. Paper

(single) tickets must be marked by

mechanical composter.

Always make sure your ticket was activated! When Passenger

control comes, it will be too late! Show your card and let them

check your ticket. Show your student ID if asked to. Discount is

not valid without a student ID. The fine is up to 30€.

Buying a ticket from a driver

Single ticket Full price 1,00 €

With discount 0,50 €

Refilling Vilniečio kortelė or LSP (Lithuanian Student ID)

30 minutes Full price

0,64 €

30 days 28,96 € 30 days

With discount 5,79 €

90 days 17,38 €

Getting around Vilnius (for students living in Saulėtekis)

Students living in Saulėtekio ave. 39 will reach their dormitories going till the last

stop called “Senoji Plytinė”. Get off at stop “Vilniaus Universitetas” for Vilnius

University and “Saulėtekis” for VU Library (MKIC) and dorm at Saulėtekio ave. 4.

Trolleybus No. 2 (Saulėtekis-Antakalnis-Stotis) goes from Saulėtekis to Railway

Station. It is the most convenient choice to reach Old town.

Get off at “Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas” for Central palace of VU and Cathedral square;

“Vinco Kudirkos aikštė” for Gediminas’ avenue; “Trakų” for Old town, Town hall;

“Stotis” (last stop) for Railway/bus station.

Express bus No. 5G (Saulėtekis-Ozo g.-Pašilaičiai) goes east-west across the city

through the northern part of the city (Ozo and Kareivių streets).

Get off at “Licėjus” for shopping center “Ozas”, Vichy waterpark and Siemens arena;

“Šeškinės kalvos” for shopping center “Akropolis”.

Express bus No. 4G (Saulėtekis-Konstitucijos pr.-Pilaitė) goes east-west across the

city through the new city center (Konstitucijos avenue). For the most part,

trolleybus No. 19 goes the same route.

Get off at “Europos aikštė” for White bridge (Baltasis tiltas), shopping centers

“Europa” and VCUP; “Edukologijos Universitetas” for shopping center “Panorama”.

You can use night bus No. 101N to go back to Saulėtekis on weekend nights.

Download an app for schedules and journey planner (strongly recommended):

http://www.trafi.lt/ (for Android and iOS); http://m.stops.lt/vilnius/#/en (official website)

How to reach (from Saulėtekis):

Bus/Railway station?

Take trolleybus No. 2 till the last stop “Stotis”. You will have to walk about

200 m to reach the bus station. Estimated time: 40 min

Airport?

1) Take trolleybus No. 2 till the last stop (“Stotis”) and transfer to bus

No. 1 or bus No. 2 (the stop is near “IKI” shop). Go till the last stop

(“Oro uostas”). Estimated time: 60-75 min

2) Take express bus No. 4G, transfer at “Europos aikštė” by crossing

through underground passage. Take express bus No. 3G till the last stop

“Oro uostas”. Estimated time: 50-60 minutes

How to discover Vilnius (List of accomplishments) Every city has some unique experiences. However, many people, despite staying in

Vilnius for a long time, never get to experience how it feels to be a real Vilnietis –

citizen of Vilnius. So, a few students, locals of Vilnius, created this list! Let’s turn

your experience in Vilnius into a lively game and ask your mentor for advice!

Some accomplishments are seasonal but don’t worry: don’t rush and take it slow –

the spirit of Vilnietis will grow inside you little by little every day.

We wish you good luck and have a wonderful time!

o Ride from the first to the last bus stop

o Meet a homeless in public transport

o Interaction with Passenger control (have your ticket checked)

o Eat a BigMac in Gediminas’ avenue

o Have a meeting near “Vincelis” (Vincas

Kudirka sq.)

o Sit near a “horse” (“Arklys”) (at least 30min)

o Make a wish (“Stebuklas”)

o Drink some coffee in “fake Starbucks”

o Chill out without your shoes in the city/park

o Get lost and “teleport” in the Old town (find a shortcut, walking through narrow streets)

o Soak your feet in Vilnelė river

o Climb Three Crosses hill using stairs

o Walk under “The Pipe” (“Vamzdis”) and criticize it

o Spend a day (at least 4 hours) in Akropolis

o Ride a bicycle across Vilnius (and survive)

o Eat a kebab

o Take a picture in Sakura garden in spring (Japanese cherry blossoms) / Ride a “Christmas train” (during Christmas period)

o Ride an Old town bus (bus route No. 88)

o Meet an urban legend (“Dredas”, “Rožytė”)

o Visit “Shanghai” (old part of Šnipiškės)

o Find some money on the street

o Take a walk/ride a bicycle in Vingis park

o Feed swans/ducks in Žvėrynas (in wintertime)

o Visit Vilnius TV tower

o Find out where Tramvajų (Tram) street is (just seeing the sign is enough)

o Visit Pūčkoriai/Belmontas

o Visit Green lakes (Žalieji ežerai) (recommended by bus No. 36, 66, 76 or bicycle)

o Study in MKIC (VU library)

o Slide from Tauro hill (Taurakalnis/Pamėnkalnis) in wintertime

o See a double (long) trolleybus

“Levels” of Vilnietis: 1-5 accomplishments: “Tourist” 6-10 accomplishments: “Noob Vilnietis” 11-15 accomplishments: “Almost Vilnietis” 16-20 accomplishments: “Normal Vilnietis” 20-25 accomplishments: “Real Vilnietis” 26+ accomplishments: “Über Vilnietis” ;D

Useful links

ESN Vilnius University website http://vu.esnlithuania.org/

ESN Vilnius University Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ESNVilniusUniversity

Vilnius University website http://www.vu.lt/en

Vilnius University Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VilniusUniversity

Vilnius Tourist Information Centre http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/

Official Lithuania travel website http://www.lithuania.travel/

Public transport routes and timetables http://m.stops.lt/vilnius/#/en http://www.trafi.lt/ (app for Android/iOS available)

Railway schedules and tickets https://traukiniobilietas.lt/portal/en Intercity bus schedules and tickets https://www.autobusubilietai.lt/index.php?cl=start&lang=0

Official weather forecast http://www.meteo.lt/en/

News in Lithuania (in English) http://en.delfi.lt/

Events in Vilnius http://www.vilnius-events.lt/en/

Taxi service http://taxify.eu/ (app for Android/iOS/Windows Phone available) http://www.etaksi.lt/en/ (app for Android/iOS/Windows Phone available) http://www.taxi.lt/ (app for Android/iOS available)

Uber in Vilnius https://www.uber.com/cities/vilnius

Have a nice time in Vilnius!

This guide is for reference and non-commercial use only.

This guide may not represent official view of any organizations.

Information was reviewed in July 2016 and is subject to change.

Written by Senior mentor Martynas Smolianskis

ESN Vilnius University, 2016

http://vu.esnlithuania.org/

Authors of pictures used: Alfredas Pliadis, Cortesía SXC, Emilija Jokubauskaitė, ESN Vilnius University, Ežys, Irmantas Gelūnas (15min.lt),

ISIC, joseasreyes (123rf.com), Kiril Čachovskij (delfi.lt), LSS (lsp.lt), Lukas Misiūnas, Martynas Smolianskis, Mindaugas Ažušilis (delfi.lt),

mindexas69 (Instagram.com), Rytis Daukantas (karikatura.lt), Ruslanas Kondratjevas (balsas.lt), Stepdraw, Tomas Vinickas (delfi.lt),

Vilnius.lt, VSAT, 69ežys (diena.lt) and others; Painting by Kanutas Ruseckas “Lietuvaitė su verbomis”