Welcome to Vilnius! - ESN Vilnius University

Welcome to Vilnius!
A short guide
For exchange student of Vilnius University
(Spring semester)
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 exchange students of VU and we invite
you to try and participate in everything we have to offer.
This short 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 – Lithuania and Poland are divided and annexed by Russian Empire, Prussia and Austria.
1831/1863 – 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
800 foreign students. About 300
exchange students are expected to
come for spring semester in 2016.
Students of faculties of VU organize
festivals every year (on the right –
“Physician’s day” by Faculty of Physics).
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
Cyrillic
Hangeul
English
Lithuanian
English
Hi (informal)
Labas
lah-bahs
лабас
라바스
ラバス
Hello (casual)
Hello (formal)
[“Good day”]
Hello (phone)
Sveiki
свяйки
스베이키
スベイキ
Laba diena
лаба дена
라바 디에나
ラバ デナ
Alio
sway-kee
lah-bah
d’ye-na
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
Iki!
ee-keeh
ики
이기
イキ
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
マノ ワルダス
바르다스[…]
[…]
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
Here you go /
Please (formal)
Thank you
Ne
neh
ня
내
ネ
Prašom
prah-shom
прашом
프라섬
プラショム
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
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-mahyu pah rooskee
я не понимаю
по-русски
야 네파니마유
ヤ ネパニマユ
파 루스키
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
See you!
(informal)
Goodbye
(formal)
Katakana
アシュ
ネスプランツ
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.
On your arrival (around February 1st), -5…-10℃ in the
daytime and -10…-15℃ at night can be expected. Heavy
snowfall and negative temperatures are usual for this
period. Sometimes warm air masses (~0℃) or extremely
low temperatures (-20℃ and below!) can occur.
Check weather forecast before coming to be prepared!
When you arrive, it is a must to bring 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 
On March, temperatures are gradually rising, followed by
cold winds and sometimes rain, mixed with snow.
Waterproof boots are necessary. Snow starts melting
approximately in late March but during cold springs, it can
last until mid-April.
In April, it becomes warmer gradually (~+10℃) in the
daytime but please be careful – in the sunlight, it can be
warm but cold winds can make more sensitive people sick
very easily! Cold winds and big change of temperatures
during day (for example, from 14℃ in the daytime and 0℃
at night) are common.
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 (elders or children) sometimes can give
strange looks (especially outside large 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
Average salary per month
Lithuania is one of the least expensive
(net pay; after taxes)
countries in EU. You can use average salaries Minimal salary
290€
400-500€
(per month) as a reference. However, this Beginner full-time worker
Statistical average
575€
might cover only basic expenses (food, Well-paid worker
600-800€
dormitory and transportation).
Businessman/CEO
More than 1000€
Remember: a lot depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.
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.
Time format: 2016-02-14 15:30 / 2016 m. vasario 14 d. 15 val. 30 min.
Date on food labels is usually written in reverse order: 14.02.16
Public holidays
Most businesses are closed during these days:
January 1
New Year's Day
Naujieji metai
Day of Restoration of the
State of Lithuania (1918)
Day of Restoration of
Independence of Lithuania
(1990)
Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo
diena
Commemorates independence
from Russia and Germany
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
Mother's Day
Motinos diena
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
February 16
March 11
1st Sunday of
May
st
1 Sunday of
June
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).
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, 1450 (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 September 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. In theory, 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. Don’t choose bank in Akropolis to take your alreadymade 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):
1,00 €
0,50 €
30 minutes
0,64 €
Full price
30 days
28,96 €
Refilling Vilniečio kortelė
or LSP (Lithuanian Student ID)
30 days
5,79 €
With discount
90 days
17,38 €
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.
Buying a ticket from a
driver
Single ticket
Full price
With discount
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€.
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.
You can find more information about routes and plan your trip at:
http://stops.lt/vilnius/#vilnius/en (available in several languages)
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 (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! 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!
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Ride from the first to the last bus stop
Meet a homeless in public transport
Interaction with Passenger control (have
your ticket checked)
Eat a BigMac in Gediminas’ avenue
Have a meeting near “Vincelis” (Vincas
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Kudirka sq.)
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Find some money on the street
Take a walk/ride a bicycle in Vingis park
Feed swans/ducks in Žvėrynas (in
wintertime)
Visit Vilnius TV tower
Find out where Tramvajų (Tram) street is
(just seeing the sign is enough)
Sit near a “horse” (“Arklys”) (at least 30min)
Make a wish (“Stebuklas”)
Drink some coffee in “fake Starbucks”
Chill out without your shoes in the
city/park
Get lost and “teleport” in the Old town
(find a shortcut, walking through narrow streets)
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Soak your feet in Vilnelė river
Climb Three Crosses hill using stairs
Walk under “The Pipe” (“Vamzdis”) and
criticize it
Spend a day (at least 4 hours) in Akropolis
Ride a bicycle across Vilnius (and survive)
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“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
Eat a kebab
Take a picture in Sakura garden in spring
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(Japanese cherry blossoms)
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Ride an Old town bus (bus route No. 88)
Meet an urban legend (“Dredas”,
“Rožytė”)
Visit “Shanghai” (old part of Šnipiškės)
Visit Pučkoriai/Belmontas
Visit Green lakes (Žalieji
ežerai)
(recommended by bus No. 36, 66, 76 or bicycle)
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Study in MKIC
Slide from Tauro hill (Taurakalnis) in
wintertime
See a double (long) trolleybus (route No. 16)
At the end of semester, please bring this list
and proof (pictures of at least 20
accomplishments) to ESN Vilnius University.
There is a surprise waiting for those who
reached “Über Vilnietis” level!
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 (official) Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/VilniusUniversity
Vilnius Tourist Information Centre
http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/
Official Lithuania travel website
http://www.lithuania.travel/
Transport routes and timetables
http://stops.lt/vilnius/#vilnius/en
Official weather forecast
http://meteo.lt/english/forecasts.php
News in Lithuania (in English)
http://en.delfi.lt/
Visit Vilnius app
http://vilniusapp.lt/
Mobile Network “Ežys”
http://www.ezys.lt/
Ežys mobile app for Android
Ežys mobile app for iPhone
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)
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 January 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”