www.mruni.eu

Guidefor Foreign Students

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Guidefor

Foreign Students

Vilnius2010

Mykolas Romeris University

LLP Erasmus OfficeInternational Exchange UnitAcademic Affair Centre

Ateities st. 20LT-08303 VilniusLithuania

Telephone (370 5) 271 4578Telefax (370 5) 271 4695

E-mail: erasmus@mruni.eu

Internet: http://www.mruni.eu

With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union

I wanted to go to an Eastern or Baltic country. I had also an opportunity to study in Prague, Budapest. But first of all I looked at the home pages of each of university and MRU was the only one which was completely in English and explained a lot of things about the MRU, country, town etc. It looked very friendly. Other universities made also a lot of administra-tive trouble. In Vilnius I had no problems at all. /Corola, Germany/

A wonderful country: landscape, people,nature…A different “labai įdomus” legal system. /Pierre, France/

I did not expect I would go to that many lectures, but actually I appreciate I do:) During this semester I could concentrate more on the International/European Law, so I hope it’s gonna bring profits. I also improved my foreign languages a bit , at least :-) /Karina, Germany/

Getting in touch with a culture I did not know before and to wich I got used to a bit now was/is great experience. Next to that it was nice to make so many good friends from differ-ent countries. /Stephen, Germany/

Studying abroad is always a useful experience, both in personal and business view. You learn how to get along on your own in a foreign country without knowing the language. You learn a lot about different cultures and different ways of living, studying and working. For me it is one of the most interesting and helpful time in my life. /Philippa, Germany/

My expectations were completely satisfied. In the beginning I only came here for the first semester and then I decided to come back for the second semester… So… /Nuno, Portugal/

I will miss the atmosphere in the University, the town and the whole life of being an ERASMUS student because it is a good experience studying abroad. /Philippa, Germany/

The spirit between all ERASMUS students is so great! …Come to the Mykolas Romeris University and feel like in your own home! /Nuno, Portugal/

WHY STUDIES AT MYKOLAS ROMERIS UNIVERSITY?

I think that my expectations were satisfied on close of all areas imaginable. I can´t think of anything that fell short of what I expected of my studies and stay in Lithuania. Most of all I must say that the support and help offered from the MRU (from staff as teachers and the staff of the international office) in various situations, concerning both studying matters as well as others, were far beyond expectations. /Mattias, Sweden/

I have missed friends, having a rich life compared with the Netherlands but most Mattias./Janet, Holland/

Without doubts this university is better than mine and the staff are very good people, really. /Alberto, Spain/

Of corse, life in Sweden and Lithuania differ a great deal. I think that in having experience from a foreign country will lead to that I can more easily shift my viewing pints on various situations in life, giving me a wider understanding for other people. Other views than my own and other way of interpreting the world. This will be of great help for me both as a professional but also as a private person. /Matthias, Sweden/

I am going to miss the old town, people I met here, nice atmosphere of Vilnius city. I have discovered that Vilnius is like “crossroads” of different cultures. Many people go to the theater (by the way, tickets are cheaper than the ones to the cinema!…) /Karina, Germany/

The general feeling of being so taken care of by the university made me feel very welcome at the MRU. /Matthias, Sweden/

MRU – paradise for Erasmus!!! /Thomas, France/

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CONTENT

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PRACTICAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ACADEMIC INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ARRIVALPublic Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Making Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

UNIVERSITYResident Halls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Academic Affairs Centre International Exchange Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Leisure Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Student Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

ENTERTAINMENTCultural and Information Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Galleries and Exhibitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Venues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58By Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Around Lithuania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

USEFUL INFORMATIONSubsistence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Official days in academic year 2010–2011, when Mykolas Romeris University is closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Nearest Embassy of your country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

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INTRODUCTION

A big friendly hello to those who are coming to study at Mykolas Romeris University!

Let’s be honest from the very start – living in another country and studying at a foreign university is not only an adventure, but many times a challenge as well. The time that you are going to spend in Vilnius and our University will surely present you many surprises, but don’t get too nervous – we’ll give you a short introduction of local rules. It will help you to find the right solution once you are in trouble. Trust the author of the booklet – he is one of you and will never let you down. In fact, if you follow the advice you will learn how to survive.

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SUMMARY INFORMATION

INSTITUTION . . . . . . . . . . . Mykolas Romeris UniversityCOUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LithuaniaADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ateities st. 20, LT-08303, VilniusWEB SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.mruni.euERASMUS ID CODE . . . . . . LT VILNIUS06DEPARTMENT IN CHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Exchange Unit at Academic Affairs CentreADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ateities str. 20, Vilnius, LT-08303, LithuaniaTELEPHONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . (370 5) 271 4695; (370 5) 271 4578FAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (370 5) 271 4695WEB SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.mruni.euE-MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . acoord@mruni.eu; erasmus@mruni.euCONTACT PERSON . . . . . . Ms. Ieva Tondrykaitė – Coordinator of Incoming Students

Mrs. Audra Dargytė Burokienė – Institutional Erasmus Coordinator

MYKOLAS ROMERIS UNIVERSITY

Mykolas Romeris University is a modern and dynamic University seeking to have a well established position in European higher education.

The mission of the University is to educate young people, to amass and nourish intellectual potential, and to train leaders of society capable of creating and imple-menting innovations, which influence the overall scientific, cultural and technologi-cal progress of society.

The University is the second largest university in Lithuania and focuses on Social and Information Technology Sciences. It consists of six faculties and one institute. Mykolas Romeris University enrolls about 21 000 students in more than 70 study pro-grammes leading to Bachelor, Master or Doctoral Degree.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

BEFORE COMING TO MYKOLAS ROMERIS UNIVERSITY

Once you have decided to study at the Mykolas Romeris University, do not forget to do the following:

FOR ERASMUS AND EXCHANGE STUDENTS:After Your nomination by Your Home University

read the information for international students at: http://www.mruni.eu/en/norintiems_studijuo-

ti/erasmus/;Complete the On-Line Application Package: https://stdb.mruni.eu/anketos/online_applica-

tion.php The On-Line Application Package consists of: 1. Application Form 2. Learning Agreement 3. Request for Accommodation.After Completing and Submitting the On-Line Application Package, Print it all,

Have it signed by You (the Applicant), Your Home University Coordinator, Add Your Transcript of Records, 2 Passport Photos, A Copy of Your Personal Document and Send by Post to Mykolas Romeris University.

Check if you need to obtain visa;Confirm your date of arrival.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU BRING THESE DOCUMENTS:

ID Card or Passport;

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Visa (if required);Letter of Acceptance from Mykolas Romeris University;European Health Insurance Card or Health Insurance Policy;Confirmation of Accommodation;Two passport photographs;Learning Agreement.

FOR FREE MOVERS:

Read the information for international students at: http://www.mruni.eu/en/norintiems_studijuoti/erasmus/;Mail the filled Application Form for Free Movers http://www.mruni.eu/en/norintiems_studijuoti/erasmus/;Mail the copy of your personal document (ID Card for EU citizens or Passport);Mail notarized copy of your University, College diploma (grades should be in-

cluded) or official transcript of records of ongoing studies;Mail certificate, which explains grading system, used in the academic institu-

tions where you pursued (or expect to pursue) your degree or diploma;2 passport photographs;Check if you need to obtain visa;Check if you have money to pay for your studies;Confirm your date of arrival.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU BRING THESE DOCUMENTS:

ID Card or Passport;Visa (if required);Letter of Acceptance from Mykolas Romeris University;Health Insurance Policy or European Health Insurance Card;

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Confirmation of Accommodation;Two passport photographs;Learning Agreement.

VISA

Students who are citizens of any country in the EU, EEA, EFTA do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Lithuania.

The students who are citizens of any European Union country and stay in Lithuania longer than for 3 months, will have to apply for the Statement of the European Union Member States citizen of his right to live in the Republic of Lithuania. The procedure will be explained after the arrival.

For all those Students from non-European Union countries who will study and re-side in Lithuania, a National Visa (D-type) is compulsory.

Students from countries who’s citizens do not require visas for entrance to the Republic of Lithuania can enter the Lithuanian territory, BUT after the arrival such students will have to apply for National Visa (D-type) at the Migration Department in Vilnius. The procedure will be explained after the arrival.

List of countries who’s citizens do not require visas for entrance to the Republic of Lithuania be can found in the official Web site of the Migration Department:

http://www.migracija.lt/index.php?1269509203

Students from countries who’s citizens require visas for entrance to the Republic of Lithuania must apply for National Visa (D-type) beforehand. National Visas are issued at the diplomatic missions or consular offices of the Republic of Lithuania abroad.

In order to get a National Visa (D-type), the Student must submit:

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A special Mediation Letter from Mykolas Romeris University; a valid travel document (Passport); a completed form of application for National Visa; one photo of 35x45 mm, corresponding to the age of an alien; the receipt of the paid consular fee; a valid document certifying his/her health insurance; a document certying his/her sufficient subsistence means; Additional documents can be requested.

In order to get a special Mediation Letter from Mykolas Romeris University you have to send the copy of a passport by fax or by e-mail.

Students with D-type visas can reside in Lithuania for up to 12 month. If the period of stay in Lithuania will be longer, all international students are required to have a temporary residence permit.

INSURANCE

All international students must have a valid health insurance during their period of stay in Lithuania.

Students who are citizens of any country in the European Union must have European Health Insurance Card. All students from non-European Union countries can obtain their health insurance at their home countries (please, check if the insur-ance is valid in Lithuanian territory) or they can obtain it in Lithuania.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Bellow is a list of the responsible academic International Coordinators who stu-dents can consult about academic topics:

DEPARTMENTAL (ACADEMIC) COORDINATORS

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia VASARIENĖ

Tel. +370 5 271 4663E-mail: daliavasariene@mruni.eu

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance Management

Dr. Irmantas ROTOMSKIS Tel. +370 5 271 4657 E-mail: irotom@mruni.eu

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Politics and Management

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Danguolė JANKAUSKIENĖ

Tel. +370 5 274 0635 E-mail: djank@mruni.eu

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Policy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena ŽEMAITAITYTĖ

Tel. +370 5 271 4713 E-mail: irene@mruni.eu

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Informatics Dr. Aelita SKARŽAUSKIENĖ Tel. +370 5 271 4741

E-mail: aelita@mruni.eu

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Public Security

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Algirdas MULIARČIKAS

Tel. +370 37 303 641E-mail: a.muliarcikas@mruni.eu

Director of the Institute of Humanities Prof. Dalia Marija STANČIENĖ Tel. +370 5 271 4588

E-mail: hmi@mruni.eu

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Academic Study Calendar for 2010–2011

Autumn semester (20 weeks): from 1 September, 2010 to 23 January, 2011Introductory week: from 24 August, 2010 to 29 August, 2010Date of arrival: 23 August, 2010Lectures: from 1 September, 2010 to 19 December, 2010Christmas holiday: from 20 December, 2010 to 26 December 2010Examinations: from 27 December, 2010 to 23 January, 2011Holidays: from 24 January, 2010 to 30 January, 2011Deadline for Applications: 31 May, 2010

Spring semester (20 weeks): from 31 January, 2011 to 30 June, 2011Introductory week: from 25 January, 2011 to 30 January, 2011Date of arrival: 24 January, 2011Lectures: from 31 January, 2011 to 29 May, 2011Easter holiday: from 25 April, 2011 to 1 May, 2011Examinations: from 30 May, 2011 to 26 June, 2011Summer holidays: from 1 July, 2011 to 31 August, 2011Deadline for Applications: 30 November, 2010

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Academic Study Calendar for 2011–2012

Autumn semester (20 weeks): from 1 September, 2011 to 22 January, 2012Introductory week: from 23 August, 2011 to 28 August, 2011Date of arrival: 22 August, 2011Lectures: from 1 September, 2011 to 18 December, 2011Christmas holiday: from 19 December, 2011 to 25 December 2011Examinations: from 26 December, 2011 to 22 January, 2012Holidays: from 23 January, 2012 to 29 January, 2012Deadline for Applications: 31 May, 2011

Spring semester (20 weeks): from 30 January, 2012 to 24 June, 2012Introductory week: from 24 January, 2012 to 29 January, 2012Date of arrival: 23 January, 2012Lectures: from 310January, 2012 to 27 May, 2012Easter holiday: from 09 April, 2012 to 15 May, 2012Examinations: from 28 May, 2012 to 24 June, 2012Summer holidays: from 25 June, 2012 to 31 August, 2012Deadline for Applications: 30 November, 2011

AFTER YOU ARRIVE TO MYKOLAS ROMERIS UNIVERSITY

Go to International Exchange Office (Room IV-206) for the enrolment;Check if you need to obtain the Temporary Residence Permit;Sign the Contract with the Students House administration, if you have been given

a room there;Sign the Agreement for Tuition Fee Payment between Mykolas Romeris University

and Free Mover (for Free Movers);Check your study programme with the competent person at Mykolas Romeris uni-

versity and check if you need to make changes to your Learning Agreement (within 1 month after the beginning of studies);

Work hard and Enjoy one of the best time of your studies.

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ARRIVAL

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

What is like being a student? Friend, boister-ous life in hostels, and studies into the bargain (your priorities may, of course, be different!!!). We will briefly touch upon each of them, but before that, read the vital information on pub-lic transportation.

Airport, train station or bus terminal is the first place that an international student sets his

foot in. It’s the face of the city. Beautiful or not- it’s up to you to decide…

Customs. No restrictions are applied to any goods purchased or carried when trav-elling inside the EU, if those goods are meant for personal use and not for sale. VAT and customs duties are included into the price of the products, and no further pay-ment of taxes can be due in any another EU country. For travellers from outside of the EU, please check the regulations that apply. For more information we advise to visit the web page www.cust.lt

Air Flights. Regular flights connect Vilnius with many European capitals and larger cities. Flights across the Atlantic and to other faraway countries are not a problem ei-ther: airlines and travel agencies can offer various routes. You can fly through Helsinki, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London and other cities.

Airport. Vilnius International Airport is situated not far from the city centre and can be reached by bus and minibus. Bus No 1, 2. Minibus No 15, 18, 23.

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Address: Rodūnios kelias 10A, LT-02189 Vilnius Information tel.: + 370 5 230 66 66, +370 5 273 93 05. http://www.vilnius-airport.lt

Railways. Most international trains connect Vilnius with the cities of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. This is due to the railway system developed in the course of his-tory, and the Russian-standard track width (which is several centimetres wider than the European). And even though from there is a special train connecting Vilnius and Warsaw, most passengers to Poland and other European countries travel by bus or by air.

Railway Station. Vilnius railway station is also the terminus for many bus, trolley-bus and minibus lines. The bus station is nearby.

Address: Geležinkelio 16. Information: tel. +370 5 233 0088 www.litrail.lt Open: 6.00–22.00. Ticket Reservation Bureau: tel.: +3705 269 2466, +370 5 269 3722,

fax +370 5 262 6947

Bus routes. Direct bus routes connect Vilnius to most large European cities, and with changes you can reach virtually any European destination. Though it isn’t very comfortable to spend more than a day on the bus, it is one of the cheapest ways to go abroad. The internal bus network is also well developed – you can conveniently reach major Lithuanian cities and region centres.

Intercity connections. Buses and trains are the best ways to get around, as they go just about everywhere. Although buses are quicker and slightly cheaper, train travel is far from dear: you can track 100 km on little more than small change in general

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seating class. Driving isn’t a bad option since the main roads are good, traffic is light and distances are small. Lithuanians drive on the right and a zero blood-alcohol level is strictly enforced. The country’s flatness, small size and light traffic make it good pedalling territory.

Bus station. The bus station in Vilnius is near the railway station, on the other side of the square.

Address: Sodų 22. Information: tel. 1661. Open: 07.00–19.00. International Ticketing Agency: tel. +370 5 233 5277 Open: 07.00–21.30. http://www.autobusustotis.ltAttention! Near the bus station there are always guys offering to take you cheaper

and faster to Kaunas, Klaipėda and other cities. Don’t be tempted by their offers – the trip will cost you the same or even more, and these guys will profit from the unpaid taxes. Always go up for a shuttle bus and buy a ticket at the station or bus.

Inside Vilnius. People most probably will look at you open-mouthed if you ask them for the way to the Metro. Contrary to other European capitals, Vilnius has no underground railway station. But, as you will see for yourself, this is not a problem at all – public transport system in Vilnius is developed fairly well and can get you just about anywhere in town. You will soon get to like the funny life on trolleybuses and crowded buses as well as their innocent-looking ladies – conductors in plain clothes that may crop up at any moment and ask you for your validated ticket.

Most of the buses and trolleybuses start running at around 5:00 in the morning. If you want to catch the latest bus, keep in mind that they run until not so late (not much after 23:00). To catch up with the public transport check the timetables at stop or surf at www.vilniustransport.lt (the link will also get you to the intercity train and bus schedules, as well as furnish you with the information on the ticket prices).

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To get to the centre of the city or to the train station from the University you should take buses No 10, 33 or 34. No 34 will take you directly to the Bus (Train) station, but if you want to go to the centre, take a bus No 10 and get off straight in front of the Cathedral Square – the heart of city.

Your way back to the University is quite the opposite. You can also start off or finish your journey at IKI (Engl. “see you!”) supermarket – it is a short way from the University „Student House“.

Sadly enough, the exotic trolleybuses do not run this direction, but you will get enough of them touring around the centre of the city.

The price for a single discounted public transport ticket is 1.00 LTL for students. The monthly pass both for travelling by buses and trolleybuses will cost you 24 LTL in all (be sure to get it at the beginning of each month). You have to punch your ticket (I mean the single one) straight after you get on the bus.

The tickets are available at all newstands as well as at the driver’s (the cost is a bit higher then). The public transport tickets are valid as long as you have your student’s card with you, otherwise you will be fined 100 LTL without any mercy. So, better don’t scrooge for miserable 24 LTL and you will be in peace for the entire month.

It may sound a bit confusing but there are also buses where regular tickets from newstands will not work. The tickets are purchased from the conductor and the price is 2 LTL. Be sure, you have no discounts there. It is really not so easy to distinguish the two types of buses apart – the only difference is a notice on the bus windshield with the sign 2 LTL on it. With time it will come easy to you.

If you want to travel faster and more comfortable, hail for the minibus. No 5, 10, 15 and 26 pass by IKI supermarket. All the minibuses cut the centre of the city but, in fact, their destinations are quite different – No 5 goes to the Train station, No 10 to the Centre, No 15 heads for the Airport and No 26 – to Pilaitė district. They are running frequently enough and will deliver you to your destination in a minute’s time. Just hand over 3 LTL to the driver and let him know when you want to get off.

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In extra cases you can pick up a taxi. The charge is approximately 2–4 LTL per kilo-metre.

It is better to call a taxi company by phone, because to hail a cab on the street in Vilnius can cost you much more.

Cheapest Vilnius taxi telephone numbers:(8 5) 277 7777 • 233 3333 • 240 5405 • 270 5705 • 275 7575 • 240 0500

More for taxi numbers check at:http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/topic.php?tid=62&sid=76&aid=460

Liudo Giros st.

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Table of the most frequent local destinations:

From: To: Bus to be taken Bus stop to get off

Airport MRU

1. No 2(Šeškinė – Centras – Oro uostas)2. No 10(Markučiai – Baltupiai – Fabijoniškės)

I. Žaliasis tiltas (for a bus change) 2. Mykolo Romerio universitetas

Bus stationRailway station MRU

1. No 53(Stotis – Pylimo g. – Kalvarijų g. – Fabijoniškės)

1. Liudo Giros (one bus stop walk to the University along the park)

2. No 53(Stotis – Pylimo g. – Kalvarijų g. – Fabijoniskės)

2. Žaliasis tiltas (for a bus change)

3. No 10(Markučiai – Baltupiai – Fabijoniškės)

3. Mykolo Romerio universitetas

MRU Center1. No 10(Fabijoniškės – Baltupiai – Markučiai)

1. Arkikatedra

Driving. Traffic jams during the peak hours (before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.) are a part of everyday life. Driving in the city centre and the Old Town requires patience at any time of the day. It is obligatory to switch on “dipped headlights” when you drive. More and more local drivers learn to stop in front of the pedestrian crossings and to behave in a friendly manner. However, driving behavior in general could be much better. Beware of passing cars with black-dark windows and loud music – they are often driven by too quick young guys.

Parking. Parking in the city centre requires a fee (symbols of coins under the park-ing sign). Parking for 30 minutes will cost you 1–2 LTL, 1 hour – 2–4 LTL which you must drop into ticket machine. Leave the parking ticket inside your car behind the windscreen. Do not park your car at the reserved lots (Lith. REZERVUOTA) or in a No-parking area – otherwise upon your return you will find a “snare” on the car wheels. You will have to call the police and to pay a fine of about 150 LTL.

Thefts. Never leave any valuables in your car: briefcases, players, cameras, note-book computers, car radios, even when leaving your car for a short time: the crooks “work” fast!

Speed Limits

Towns – 50 km/hCounty Roads – 90 km/hHigways – 110 km/h (Oct 1–Apr 1)Higways – 130 km/h (Apr 1–Oct 1)Vilnius – Kaunas Higway – 100 km/h

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MAKING CALLS

You will certainly need to make calls not only to a taxi company but to your friends and kin as well. International phonecards (20 minutes – 20 LTL) are sold in the Central Post Office. You can also buy a cell phone or a chip card for public telephones (pay-phone boots). Mobile communications are provided by the three major operators in Lithuania – Omnitel, Bite GSM and Tele2.

“Omnitel” and “Bitė GSM” networks have prac tically full coverage of Lithuania and roaming agree ments with the majority of GSM operators in the world. “Tele2” started the service in 2000 and is expanding its network. All international students may get services at the same conditions as regular local students (usually with special stu-dent dis counts). Prepaid mobile telephone cards (EXTRA from Omnitel, LABAS from Bitė GSM, PILDYK from Tele2) ease communication both within Lithua nia and home country. You will not have to pay your monthly fee but talk for the card’s value only.

There are two ways of calling by mobile telephone: 1. Dial: 8, area or mobile network code, subscriber number. 2. Dial: +370, area or mobile network code, subscriber number. We advise to use

the second scheme, as in this case you will be able to reach the person you want both calling within Lithuania and from abroad.

3. Pay-phone cards (lith. telefono kortelė) may be purchased in all press kiosks, shopping centres or supermarkets. The denominations of fixed telecommuni-cations telephone card are 50, 75, 100 and 200 telephone credits, that cost 9, 13, 16 and 30 LTL respectively. Once you have punched your card, make calls to any city of the world! After you finish, don’t forget to take your card back!

Calling other Lithuanian cities and mobile networks (within Lithuania)For in-country calls you should dial 8, wait for the long distance tone, dial the

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city code and subscriber number. Let’s say, you want to make a call to Kaunas at the number 276 5844. You dial: 8 37 276 5844.

Remember: when calling mobile it is the calling party who pays.

Calling abroad from LithuaniaTo make an international call, first dial 00, then dial a country (and city) code

and then – telephone number. Usually all country codes are listed in the telephone booths or may be consulted by calling 117 (free of charge Telecom customer serv-ice) or 118 (information telephone at 1,5 LTL per a call). (00-country code-city code-telephone number). Reduced rate periods (30% discount) for most international calls are 10 p.m.–6 a.m. from Monday to Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday and on public holidays.

Calling Lithuania from abroadInternational telephone code of Lithuania: 370Dial: area or mobile network code, subscriber number.To a fixed line telephone: Vilnius code 5 + telephone numberTo a mobile telephone: 6+relevant operator’s code + telephone numberE.g.: Your mobile telephone number is 23 45678 (where 23 is your operator’s code

and 45678 is your telephone number). A friend from a foreign country may reach you by dialing +370 6 23 45678.

Service Numbers:General directory 118Collect calls (within Lithuania only) 8 191Calls via operator (to Lithuania and abroad) 8 193, 8 194Telegrams (to some foreign countries only) 8 199Emergency Telephone Numbers:United Emergency Telephone 112

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Domestic area access codes (City Codes):

City, district Code City, district CodeAkmenė 8 425 Panevėžys 8 45Alytus 8 315 Pasvalys 8 451Anykščiai 8 381 Plungė 8 448Birštonas 8 319 Prienai 8 319Biržai 8 450 Radviliškis 8 422Druskininkai 8 313 Raseiniai 8 428Elektrėnai 8 528 Rokiškis 8 458Ignalina 8 386 Skuodas 8 440Jonava 8 349 Šakiai 8 345Joniškis 8 426 Šalčininkai 8 380Jurbarkas 8 447 Šiauliai 8 41Kaišiadorys 8 346 Šilalė 8 449Kaunas 8 37 Šilutė 8 441Kelmė 8 427 Širvintos 8 382Kėdainiai 8 347 Švenčionys 8 387Klaipėda 8 46 Tauragė 8 446Kretinga 8 445 Telšiai 8 444Kupiškis 8 459 Trakai 8 528Lazdijai 8 318 Ukmergė 8 340Marijampolė 8 343 Utena 8 389Mažeikiai 8 443 Varėna 8 310Molėtai 8 383 Vilkaviškis 8 342Neringa 8 469 Vilnius 8 5 Pakruojis 8 421 Visaginas 8 386Palanga 8 460 Zarasai 8 385

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Country code list:

Country Country CodeIceland 354 India 91 Ireland 353 Israel 972 Italy 39 Japan 81 Kazakhstan 7 Kyrgyzstan 996 Latvia 371 Liechtenstein 423 Lithuania 370 Luxembourg 352 Macedonia 389 Malta 356 Mexico 52 Moldova 373 Monaco 377 Mongolia 976 Montenegro 382 Netherlands 31 New Zealand 64 Norway 47 Poland 48 Portugal 351 Romania 40

Country Country CodeArgentina 54 Armenia 374 Australia 61 Austria 43 Azerbaijan 994 Belarus 375 Belgium 32 Bosnia and Herzegovina 387 Brazil 55 Bulgaria 359 Canada 1 China 86 Christmas Island 61 Croatia 385 Cyprus 357 Czech Republic 420 Denmark 45 Egypt 20 Estonia 372 Finland 358 France 33 Georgia 995 Germany 49 Greece 30 Hungary 36

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Country Country CodeRussia 7 Serbia 381 Slovakia 421 Slovenia 386 South Korea 82 Spain 34

Country Country CodeSweden 46 Switzerland 41 Turkey 90 Ukraine 380 United Kingdom 44 United States 1

So, by now you already know the most important things: how to get to the place you want and how to keep contacts with people you want.

For the most recent information please check Lietuvos Telekomas’ Group internet page at: www.teo.lt

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MONEY

“LITAS” (LTL) is the national currency unit since June 25, 1993. In 2002 Litas was pegged to the Euro at the rate 3,4528 LTL to 1 EUR.

The denominations of the currency are the following: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 LTL (Litas). Coins: 5 LTL, 2 LTL, 1 LTL, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 Ct (Centas).

More information is available in the internet site of Bank of Lithuania: http://www.lb.lt/eng/about/index.html

Currency Exchange

You can exchange foreign currency for Litas at any bank or exchange office or draw cash against your credit card from cashing machines. Usually you can find them in-side and outside of the bank offices, in major shopping centres or just in the streets.

Currency exchange office that is open 24 hours: At the railway station:Parex bankas exchange office, Geležinkelio 6, tel. (8 5) 213 5454.

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In Lithuania most of the internationally recognized bank and credit cards (VISA, VISA ELECTRON, MASTERCARD, MAESTRO, EUROCARD, ELITOCARD and some-times AMERICAN EXPRESS) are-accepted and widely used in all shops and shop-ping centres where such method of payment is indicated at the entrance. Traveller’s cheques can only be changed in banks. International stu dents of Mykolas Romeris University may open accounts and ask for bank cards in Lithuanian banks on equal basis as local Lithua nian students (without fees or with greater dis counts). If you wish to open an account, just apply to any bank branch or ask at the representative from the University or the mentor for advice.

Safety. The chances of getting robbed-and/or beaten senseless in the street are tiny. How ever, caution never did anybody any harm, and you’re advised not to flaunt your wallet in stupid places, or announce to the entire world your huge wealth by wearing loud jewellery in quiet back streets. Walk tall, look like you know what you’re doing, and you won’t be troubled. Green-uni formed police officers are supposed to be keeping the peace in the Old Town, although finding one when you are in need is like looking for the a needle in a hay stack.

Theft is the major problem. Mobile phones are apt to disappear if left even vaguely unat tended in bars and other public plac-es. Keep all pocket-sized valuables out of reach at all times.

In case of theft or any other incident, always call the Police by 112.

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UNIVERSITY

RESIDENT HALLS

After your travel test on bus No 10 and pockets full of telephone cards and NATIONAL currency you are ready to join the carefree life in students‘ house on DIDLAUKIO street 57.

If you are a heavy sleeper and don’t like commut-ing to and from the University every morning you can request for University accommodation (5 min. walk) by filling your On-Line Application Package or Application form for a Free-Mover (be-fore the deadlines. Afterwards, all the proce dure is coordinated by the International Exchange Unit at the Academic Affair Centre. Surely, you will like the bright red-brick house and its rooms. This is probably the most modern and best furnished hostel all around Vilnius. The Student house is a 12 – storey building. In case you are afraid of height, ask for a room somewhere closer to the ground.

Each floor has got a study and, most importantly, leisure rooms. If they happen to be locked up, don’t hesitate to ask the housekeeper for a key.

Keep in mind that your presence in the leisure room is indispensable, when the Lithuanian national football (soccer) or basketball team is fighting for a medal. Then is the right time to shout your head off, but for heaven’s sake not for the rival’s score!

Some basic things that you will certainly need here are on the ground floor. They are the telephones (you can find them on the first floor, too), the Internet room, a Laundry room and a cafeteria.

The Internet room is open until 22:00, so, if you failed to check your e- mail or find a e-document you need at the University, you can always do that in the hostel. The

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room is on the ground floor opposite the caf-eteria.

And finally comes the cafeteria… The friendly staff is ready to serve you from 16:00 (from 14:00 on the weekends) to 22:00. As you have prob ably noted, the time is convenient to have dinner and supper here. Break fast, however sad it may sound, should be taken either at home or at the University buffet or canteen. Dinner or supper will normally cost you here only from 3 to 6 LTL. (but if you were on a diet last week, then the price will certainly double or even triple!)

Remember that you are in a student cafeteria, so you don’t need to give them a tip, (but if you have some spare money and you were flattered by the smiles…)

You can’t smoke in the inside places (kitchen, rooms, corridors etc.), you’d better do that on your balcony and be careful not to drop the stubs down!

As a rule, students like companies and of course they have a bunch of friends. You can invite them to your place, BUT bear in mind that you have to say good-bye to your folks till 22:30. If you have anything against it, you’d better look for another place outside the Student house. To put it short, tell your visitors to come before 22:00, otherwise they will not get a chance to call on you. Keep away from friends that are by nature destructive people since you personally will have to take all responsibility for the damage they have done. In the evenings try not to be noisy and avoid loud music – your neighbour might not necessarily enjoy your piece (phones are OK). The hostel locks at 24:00 sharp. So, if it is in your plans to come home in small hours, you’d better give notice to the housekeeper before your departure, otherwise you might lose your heart banging on the door till 06:00 in the morning.

You will have to clean up your room yourself, but if you think that it’s not a stu-dent’s chore, then take on Mr. Proper!

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It is hard to admit, but Lithuanians still have no good traditions of waste collection and rubbish sorting, therefore you shouldn’t feel guilty if you drain all refuse down the container. But if your ecological conscience does not allow you to do so, you can sort the stuff in different bags and then take them away to… the containers at IKI supermarket on your way to the bus stop.

Take note of the HOSTEL RULES:The residents of the Students’ House accept responsibility for the care and condi-

tion of the room he/she occupies. The residents themselves clean up their rooms and lavatories. The common use areas are cleaned up by the Students’ House staff.

The residents of the Students’ House are allowed to return to the House until 24.00, on Sunday – Wednesday; until 2.00 Thursday, until 3.00 Friday – Saturday. If later, only with the permission of the administrator or houskeeper. The visit time for guests is from 7.00 to 22.00. They are regis tered on the guest book at the reception desk, therefore the guests are asked to deliver a personal identification document. The guests shall leave the House at 22.30. The host is responsible for the behaviour of the guests.

In case of accident or at the time of emergency repair, the workers of upkeep are allowed to enter a room only with the presence of the Adminis trator of the House or the Housekeeper if the residents are absent.

The condition of the room as well as the furniture is inspected each time before the beginning and end of the study year and before moving from it. Students are notified about the inventory and inspection beforehand. The results of the inspection shall be indicated in the agreement. The damage done afterwards shall be accounted for by the resident of the Room. On the agreement with the Administrator, the residents themselves can eliminate the damage done, or can cover all the expenses for the repairs. If damage is done in the common areas of the Students’ House and cannot be assigned with certainty to any specific individual, the responsibility is assigned to the floor warden. Malicious damage deprives a person of the right to reside at the

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Students’ House.The residents of the Students’ House are not allowed to: • Change places in the room without a permission of the Administrator. The ad-

ministrator reserves the right to move a student to another room, if need be. • Stick notices, posters, hang pictures on the room walls or bring to the room ad-

ditional pieces of furniture. • Spoil or dismantle the inventory of the room and other safety equipment in the

room. • Take, sell or use alcoholic beverages, narcotics at the premises of the Students’

House. • Smoke in the places other than indicated. • Throw different items, stubs or rubbish through the windows. • Disturb a comfortable resting and studying, listen to loud music, make exces-

sively noisy parties. • Curfew time is from 23.00 to 6.00.Atention! Students have to pay for the first month of accommodation during the

introductory week. The rest of semestral rent has to be paid no later than the end of the first month of the study period. The bank receipt has to be delivered to the Student House manager or to the Incoming Students Coordinator.

Accommodation prices at the Student House:

Type of Room No of persons Price per month

Double (2 students live in the same

room)1 person 200 LTL

Double 2 persons 400 LTL

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MEALS

Canteen and the adjoining buffet together with the hostel cafeteria take the second place according to the attendance (the first comes the Library). Empty-stomach students are especially welcome to these places. The canteen is ready to satisfy the broadest range of tastes. Menu includes traditional Lithua nian and exotic dishes. Anyway, promise, that your first meal is potato dumplings (Lith. cepelinai) – the most popular one from traditional Lithuanian cui sine. If you don’t, you will fail to understand the Lithuanian nation and Lithuanians, in their turn, won’t understand you. ☺

NB: Tips are not necessary:)I discovered that the Lithuanian kitchen is far better than it IS rumoured about.

I loved the food and drinks of Lithuania.Mattias Mattsen, former Erasmus student at the Mykolas Romeris University

From 12:00 to 13:00 is staff’s lunch time and do not get furious if the administrator will kindly show you the way out and ask to come later. The two snacky buffets are open at this time and generally they work longer hours: from 9:30 to 21:00 (the only break is between 16:00 and 17:00) and from 10:00 to 16:00.

The canteen also offers breakfast and lunch.Breakfast: 7:40–8:30Lunch: 11:00–11:20Dinner: 12:00–13:00 (for staff only!!!); 13:00–18:15And let me remind you that before getting down for your meals, please take off

your coats at the cloakroom and... always count calories! (a student has to keep fit).

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LIBRARY

At last you have come to the place where you will get the essential information related to your studies.

The library was designed to meet the University’s teaching, study and research needs.

Mykolas Romeris University Library is a contempo-rary and modern library that makes available printed publications as well as provides access to other infor-

mation resources, analyses users’ information needs and renders appropriate serv-ices for the Readers – University students, doctoral students, research and teaching staff and other University community members. Other Lithuanian Republic citizens can also use the Library, however, priority is given to the University community. Other individuals can only use the Library’s materials in reading rooms.

The Library acquires materials with regard to the University’s priority research and study areas:

Humanities Philosophy • Philology • History • Communication and InformationSocial Sciences Law • Political Science • Management and Administration • Economics • Sociology

• Psychology • Educology Physical Sciences Mathematics. Statistics • InformaticsBiomedical Sciences Medicine. Health care • Ecology and Environmental Science

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Lending Department (I-020)Books from the Lending Department can be loaned. Open fund of textbooks and monographs. Books from the Depository have to be requested by the Internet. Computers for the work with Internet. Copying.

Group Study Rooms (I-015, I-017)Group study rooms are ideal for use by three or more students who want to work

on class assignments together.

Library Reading Rooms Books and other publications from the library Reading Rooms are not for loan,

please use them in the library.Members of the Mykolas Romeris University community have the possibility to use

the Reading Rooms (I-04, I-011) during the Night Hours. The Library Reading Rooms must be used for study and research purposes only.

Before using the library during the Night Hours users have to familiarize themselves with the library rules and to fill out a request form (for the first time only). The next time, when using the library during the Night Hours, the student must leave the ID card to the library staff. After finishing research work, the student has to take back the ID card. Important! Students must leave the library for 15 minutes from 8.00 p.m.

Main Reading Room (C I-04)Books classification: Encyclopydias, dictionaries, reference books and etc. • Literature on Law •

Economics • Sociology • Management • Ethic • Finance • Public Administration • Psychology and etc.

Computers for the work with the Internet and digital documents, copying, printing.

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European Union Reading Room (C I-011) Books classification: Books about the European Union • International Law • Human Law • Migration •

Literature. Rhetoric. Languages • History • Geography Computers for the work with the Internet and digital documents, printing.

Reading Room for Periodicals (C I-011) Journals and magazines in Lithuanian and foreign languages for the current

seven years. Computers for the work with the Internet and digital documents, printing, scanning.

Internet Reading Room (C II-101) Computers for the work with the Internet and digital documents, printing, scan-

ning, CD/DVD writing.

P. Leonas Professors’ Reading Room (C III -147) This Reading Room is only for University lecturers.

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Working hours of the Library

Ateities st. 20, LT-08303, Vilnius I–V VI VII The Night Hours I–VII

Lending Department Room: C I-020, tel. (8 5) 271 4616 8.30–20.00 9.00–16.00* – –

Main Reading Room Room: C I-04, tel. (8 5) 271 4723 8.30–20.00 9.00–20.00 9.00–20.00 20.15–5.00

Reading Room for the European Union Publications Room: C I-011, tel. (8 5) 271 4726

8.30–20.00 9.00–20.00 9.00–20.00 20.15–5.00

Reading Room for Periodicals Room: C I-011, tel. (8 5) 271 4726 8.30–20.00 9.00–20.00 9.00–20.00 20.15–5.00

P. Leonas Professor’s Reading Room Room: C II-147, tel. (8 5) 271 4709 10.00–20.00

9.00–16.00* On the 3rd Saturday

of each month

– –

Internet Reading Room Room: C II-101, tel. (8 5) 271 4615 8.30–20.00

9.00–16.00* On the 3rd Saturday

of each month

– –

* Break for the lunch 12.30–13.00.The Library is closed on the last Friday of each month.

LLP ERASMUS OFFICE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE UNIT AT THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS СENTRE

This may become your second home during your studies at the University.At the beginning of your stay in Vilnius, everything will be new: the University

and its facilities, the educational system, the country, its traditions and of course the Lithuanian people. If you get desperate with your questions and do not know whom to address, go straight to the International Exchange Unit – they will quickly sort it out for you. It is here that you are always welcome with a friendly smile and, if any-thing, willing to lend a comforting ear.

No doubt you will soon develop lots of friendships here. During the introducto-ry week of your stay in Lithuania the LLP Erasmus Office will introduce you to the Lithuanian students, who will help you adjust to the routines at the University and city life in general. This is the main department where you can find all the informa-tion you need.

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International Exchange UnitAcademic Affairs CentreMykolas Romeris UniversityAteities st. 20, LT-08303 VilniusLithuania Rooms IV-206 and IV-208Tel. +370 5 271 4578, fax +370 5 271 4695

Coordinator responsible for incoming students Ms. Ieva TONDRYKAITĖ Tel. +370 5 271 4578

E-mail: acoord@mruni.euCoordinator responsible for outgoing students Ms. Laura NEMANIUTĖ Tel. +370 5 271 4578

E-mail: exchange@mruni.euInstitutional ERASMUS Coordinator Bilateral agreements, TS and projects

Mrs. Audra DARGYTĖ BUROKIENĖ

Tel. +370 5 271 4695E-mail: erasmus@mruni.eu

Working hours:Monday–Thursday 8:00–16:45Friday: 8:00–15:30

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LEISURE ACTIVITIES

If you belong to those who do not only study, but also know how to use their free time, no doubt you need the information on possible leisure activities. There are lots of things you can do in Vilnius, but you can also be active in the University’s life.

Well, if you are not so much in for sports and want to express yourself artistically you may as one of the following:

University Choir • University Band • Pop Vocal Group • Dance Studio • Theatre Studio • Visual art Studio • Folklore Ensemble

University ChoirThe choir performs music embracing different genres and epochs and participates

in different student festivals, including the famous student song festival Gaudeamus. The University choir has accumulated a long repertoire of sacral music and has re-corded a number of different choir performances at the National Radio. A specific detail from the choir’s work is notations, teaching and individual vocal training that is immensely enjoyed and valued by students. The members of the choir are young and interesting people with traditions that they are shaping themselves. The choir’s special evening parties and discussions with famous people are full of meaning and romance.

University BandThe band includes drums, keys, brass instruments, guitar

and vocal. It performs classical jazz pieces by Duke Ellington, Irving Miles, Henry Mancini, Count Basie, Steve Wonder, George Gershwin, and others. At the same time, students improve their musical taste as they get to know more of jazz harmony and improvisation. Come along and join the group!

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Pop Vocal GroupThe Mykolas Romeris University Pop Vocal Group was established in 2000. The

leader of the group is composer Artūras Novikas, who is the well-known founder and head of the private „Artūras Novikas Jazz School.“ He is a vocal specialist, teacher-expert and well known Lithuanian vocal jazz ensemble leader as well as a member of various music evaluation committees and juries.

The students are taught to sing in various popular music styles. They are trained and encouraged to form solo and group ensemble singing skills, introduced to the development of pop music and the specifics of the style. Lots of attention is devoted to movements and expression on stage, while performing. One of the group‘s most important aims is the quality of singing and its quest for professionalism. That is why during concerts the group stands out with its sonorous tones and wonderful man-agement of unison and unforgettable, subtle tunes and ability to serenade a crowd not only with voice, but with fluid movements on stage.

The repertoire of the Pop Vocal Group is diverse, authentic and at the same time innovative. Some of the compositions are performed without using any instruments. The Pop Vocal Group‘s concert programme is composed of well-known Lithuanian and foreign jazz composers‘ compositions, popular songs and songs written by stu-dents themselves, which are arranged and specially adapted for the group by its leader Artūras Novikas. All group members brim with enthusiam before each per-formance and their youthful energy is reflected in the songs they perform.

The Pop Vocal Group is a frequent performer on various occasions at Mykolas Romeris University, at special events in the city and in student-organized fundraisers and fests. They also appear on national television and organize concerts.

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Dance Studio

Ballroom Dancing

The ballroom dancing group was established in 1994. Students gather here to learn ballroom dancing techniques. Most of the people in the group begin with the first dance steps and become acquainted with the rhythms of Latin America (samba, rumba, cha cha, jive, paso doble), standard dances (slow waltz, tango, viennese waltz, slow foxtrot, quickstep) and the most popular (salsa, argentinian tango, rock‘n‘roll) dances. During the year students learn the not-so-difficult steps of these dances. Our dancers, not only learn new dances, but also have fun spending time together. From 1994, since the first dance contest was held drawing large numbers of spectators, ballroom dancing contests have become very popular.

Bolero

The „Bolero“ Dance Studio was established in November of 1992. At the time, a small group of 16 students, led by Dalė Maskoliūnienė, began taking its first tiny steps.

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The first concert in 1993 was met with hearty applause. After this performance the Dance Studio spent countless hours and months in rehearsals. They performed in various venues, at Mykolas Romeris University and in various small towns and cities throughout Lithuania.

The Dance Studio successfully performed in front of various audiences and most often danced for secondary school students.

Each year performers create a whole new repertoire, which is more and more var-ied and complex. Dance Studio members learn new dance techniques and new ways of movement during rehearsals as well as create new dances.

The first big performance in Vilnius was on October 2nd, 1994, at the Interior Ministry‘s Cultural and Sports Palace. Since that time the Dance Studio has grown and expanded.

Folk Dancing Group „Skalsa“

In the fall of 2008, the University‘s Folk Dancing Group was formed. A group of enthusiastic, young students joined the group uniting one and all in their love of folk dancing. Although the group is still very young, they have already managed to take part in several concerts. In March of 2009 the Folk Dancing Group performed in Mexico and took part in an international cultural festival there visiting Acapulco, Veracruz, Mexico City and numerous small towns and villages. Falk Dancing Group often performs for foreign students during the International dinners and other oc-casions.

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Theatre Studio

In the fall of 2008 the Mykolas Romeris University Theatre Studio was established. There has been lots of interest on the part of students. For Christmas of 2008, a mini-theatre performance was organized and as such, it was the first such performance for an audience.

There are many plans, but only time will tell whether we will be able to accomplish all we have set out to do. At the Studio, students are able to show what they are capa-ble of and to find and express their hidden talents. With a help of the studio, students are encouraged to develop their abilities to appear on stage: to sing, play an instru-ment, create poetic lines and texts, musical etudes, and develop oratory speaking skills and fluid movements on stage.

Members of the Theatre Studio have a possibility to attend performances of the National Drama Teatre for free. That is how horizons are expanded and knowledge of the art of acting and the theatre is gained – by observing professional actors on stage and by discussing performances and meeting with the actors themselves.

The Theatre Studio is always waiting for talented students and even for those who doubt their particular talents but want to try out their abilities on stage.

Visual Arts StudioAt the present time the Visual Arts Studio unites students as well as university em-

ployees in their love of photography. They regularly organize thematic seminars. In addition, while on an excursion to the Silesian University in Opava, (Czech Republic) in the fall of 2008, there was an opportunity to attend lectures of professors. Three members, displaying their works, received positive reviews.

Folklore EnsembleIn 1991 a folklore ensemble was established at the University. Since its inception

Gražina Tamošiūnienė has been the ensemble‘s leader and head. Members are stu-

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dents who vary in age and attend various courses at the university. During the many years the ensemble has been showcasing its works and performing, its members have changed, new members have joined thus renewing the face of the ensemble.

The folklore ensemble repertoire includes tradi-tional Lithuanian folk danc-es, traditions, customs. The ensemble performs songs, dances and even games from various ethnic regions of Lithuania. Old Lithuanian folklore instruments are part of the ensemble‘s perform-ances and include: horns, the Lithuanian string instrument kanklės and the handheld wooden windpipe instrument, skudučiai. During dances, performers also play on the harmonica, violin and use percussion instruments.

Members of the ensemble are people who cherish and value old Lithuanian tradi-tions. They perform authentic folk music songs and dances. Members of the ensem-ble also meet and greet exchange students from abroad. They celebrate specially-designated events, perform in concerts at aid centers and take part in charity projects or events commemorating historical dates important to the Lithuanian people.

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVES BODYwww.mrusa.ltStudents’ Representatives Body is an organisation that supports and protects stu-

dents’ interests, related to their social state and status both inside and outside the Uni versity borders. The Student Representa tives Body together with the administra-tion of the University seek to ensure the quality of study programs. Their remarks along with recommendations help to make the process more effective and enjoy-able. It also organises students’ leisure time and takes care of their cultural and civic education.

To contact Student Representatives Body:Room I-401Tel. +370 5 271 4560,E-mail: mrusa@mrusa.lt

STUDENT’S CARD(LIETUVOS STUDENTO PAŽYMĖJIMAS (LSP))

During the introductory week you will meet the Students’ Repre sentative Body and apply for your Lithuanian student card. You will soon feel its weigh as long as it gives you a free pass (or at least a discount) to hundreds of places and makes your life easier in millions of situations. All you have to do to get this card is to have your 2 recent photos (3cm x 4cm) and 20 Litas in your pocket. You will receive your LSP card ready in a week’s time after filling in the application form and paying 20 LTL fee. In case you lose your LSP, inform immediately the Students’ Representatives Body. At the end of Your study period You have to return Your Student’s Card to the Students’ Representative Body.

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ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORKesn@mrusa.ltErasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest interdisciplinary student

associations in Europe, founded in 1989 for supporting and developing student ex-change. ESN works for the creation of a more mobile and flexible education environ-ment by supporting and developing the student exchange from different levels, and providing an intercultural experience also to those students who cannot ac-cess a period abroad (“internationalisa-tion at home”). The students who are returning from exchange are being supported in reintegration process in their home countries by keeping con-tact with an international environment. However, the main focus of ESN is placed on current exchange students, who often face problems (and feel abandoned) in their new environments. Therefore ESN of-fers help in academic, social and practical integration process. This is mainly done through activities in the local sections, which include cultural and social events such as trips to various places within the country, film nights, buddy group and language projects and international food fests and last, but not least, parties.

DEBATE SOCIETYwww.mru-debate.euThe Debate society is run by University students and hosts students from other

Lithuanian universities. as members of the society, University students have a pos-sibility to learn how to discuss, defend their arguments, how to speak in public and improve their English language skills.

The debate program provides students with the opportunity of meeting many people with different attitudes towards the same things and enables them to com-

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municate freely and openly in solving resulting problems. Through debates, the younger generation of Lithuania becomes socially-aware citizens, involved in dealing with the problems facing their native country and the world, and creating an active and positive attitude in finding solutions for a better future.

STUDENT SCIENTIFIC SOCIETYhttp://smd.mruni.euThe Student Scientific Society of Mykolas Romeris University is an independent,

public, scientific, voluntary organization, which unites all the scientific sections of the university. Scientific sections represent the most popular disciplines conducted at Mykolas Romeris University. Every section has a scientific leader – a lecturer and a chairman selected from students. For the last ten years the Student Scientific Society organizes Scientific Mind Event – an international scientific conference, which attracts numerous participants from abroad and offers an attractive scientific programme.

THE EUROPEAN LAW STUDENT’S ASSOCIATIONE-mail: info@elsa-mru.orgThe European Law Student’s association (ELSA) is the biggest independent, apo-

litical, non-profit-making law students and young lawyers organization, which unites 30 000 members in 36 European countries. The association actively cooperates with the United Nations, institutions of the European Union, and governments of different countries, as well as practicing lawyers, judges and advocates organizations. ELSA MRU is a Lithuanian ELSA branch at Mykolas Romeris University, established in 1994.

CLUB OF FRENCH SPEAKING STUDENTSThe aim of the club is to organize all the French speaking students of Mykolas

Romeris University, who are interested in expanding their knowledge of French lan-guage and culture. The Club is organizing various projects, which help spreading French language and culture.

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ENTERTAINMENT

CULTURAL AND INFORMATION CENTERS

American Centre Pranciškonų 3/6Tel. 212 0481E-mail: mail@usembassy.ltLibrary – tel. 212 26 58

British CouncilJogailos 4,Tel. 264 48 90E-mail: mail@britishcouncil.ltwww.britishcouncil.lt

Russian Culture CentreIsganytojo 2/4,Tel. 212 3236E-mail: rkc@post.5ci.lt

Japanese Culture CenterM. K. Čiurlionio 82b,Tel. 231 0465

Centre culturel français Didžioji St.1, 01128 VilniusTel. 219 9696

Italian Culture Institute in VilniusUniversiteto st. 4 LT-01122 Vilnius Tel. 261 1076/7, fax 261 6490 E-mail: iicvilnius@esteri.it

Goethe-Institut Vilnius Gedimino Ave. 5 LT-01103 Vilnius Tel. 231 4433/34, fax 231 4432E-mail: info@vilnius.goethe.orgwww.goethe.de/vilnius

The Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania

Didzioji 5, LT-01128 Vilnius,

Polish InstituteDidžioji g. 23, LT-01128 Vilnius Tel. 264 9332, fax 264 9333 E-mail: in.pol@lenkukultura.lt

Information Office of the Council of Europe

K.Sirvydo 4, 01101 Vilnius, LithuaniaTel./fax (8 5) 249 6685E-mail: m.prokopcik@lnb.lt

z.baublyte@lnb.lt, http://www.etib.lt

Danish Cultural InstituteVilniaus 39/6 LT-01119 Vilnius Tel. 212 2412 Fax 212 2607 E-mail: info@dki.lt www.dki.lt

GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS

MuseumsIn Vilnius there are museums on about 60 themes: art, nature, architecture, history,

science, theatre, music and cinema, literature and memorial museums. The museums in the Vilnius television tower and Gediminas’ Castle also offer impressive views of the city. There one can not only see the interesting exhibits, but also admire the spec-tacular Vilnius panorama. No one can remain indifferent to the evidence of Soviet repression in Lithuania’s history on display at the Genocide Victims’ Museum. Those who are interested in modern art should visit the unique open air sculpture display at Europos par-kas (‘Europe Park’).

Gediminas TowerArsenalo St. 5 Tel. +370 5 261 7453 www.lnm.lt

Television TowerSausio 13-osios St. 10 Tel. +370 5 252 5333

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National Museum of Lithuania (The New and the Old Arsenal)

Arsenalo St. 1, 3 Tel. +370 5 262 9426 E-mail: informacija@lnm.lt www.lnm.lt

Adam Mickiewicz MuseumBernardinų St. 11 Tel. +370 5 261 8836 E-mail: rimantas.salna@mb.vu.lt

Aleksandr Pushkin Literature MuseumSubačiaus St. 124 Tel. +370 5 260 0415 E-mail: info.puskino@vilniausmuziejai.lt www.vilniausmuziejai.lt

Bastion of Vilnius Defence WallBokšto St. 20/Subačiaus St. 18 Tel. +370 5 261 2149 Closed for repairs

Church Heritage MuseumŠv. Mykolo St. 9 Tel. +370 5 269 7803, +370 5 269 7800 E-mail: muziejus@bpmuziejus.lt www.bpmuziejus.lt

Energy and Technology MuseumRinktinės St. 2 Tel. +370 5 278 2085 E-mail: info@emuziejus.lt www.emuziejus.lt

Holocaust Exhibition (Green House)Pamėnkalnio St. 12 Tel. +370 5 231 2357 E-mail: jewishmuseum@jmuseum.lt www.jmuseum.lt

House of SignatoriesPilies St. 26 Tel. +370 5 231 4442 E-mail: signataru.namai@lnm.lt www.lnm.lt

Museum of Applied ArtsArsenalo St. 3A Tel. +370 5 262 8080 E-mail: tdm@takas.lt www.ldm.lt

Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB)Aukų St. 2A Tel. +370 5 249 6264 E-mail: muziejus@genocid.lt www.genocid.lt/muziejus

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Museum of Theatre, Music and CinemaVilniaus St. 41 Tel. +370 5 262 2406 E-mail: ltmkm@takas.lt www.ltmkm.lt

Palace of the Grand Dukes of LithuaniaKatedros Square 3Tel. +370 5 212 7476, +370 5 260 8947 E-mail: info@valdovurumai.lt www.valdovurumai.lt

Museum will be open for public from July 2010.

Paneriai MemorialAgrastų St. 17 Tel. +370 5 260 2001 www.jmuseum.lt

Radvila PalaceVilniaus St. 22 Tel. +370 5 262 0981 E-mail: galerija@ldm.lt www.ldm.lt

Railway Museum of LithuaniaMindaugo St. 15 Tel. +370 5 269 3741 E-mail: muziejus@litrail.lt

Tolerance CenterNaugarduko St. 10/2 Tel. +370 5 262 9666 www.jmuseum.lt

Vilna Gaon Jewish State MuseumPylimo St. 4, Pamėnkalnio St. 12 Tel.: +370 5 261 6253, +370 5 262 0730 E-mail: jmuseum@delfi.lt www.jmuseum.lt

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Galleries

Arkos Art GalleryAušros Vartų St. 7 Tel. +370 5 212 1319 E-mail: arka@artistsassociation.lt www.artistsassociation.lt

Amber Museum-GallerySt. Mykolo St. 8 Tel./fax +370 5 262 3092 E-mail: info@ambergallery.lt www.ambergallery.lt

Anastazija and Antanas Tamošaičiai Gallery “Židinys”

Domininkonų St. 15 Tel. +370 5 212 3233

Art Center of Baltic AmberŠv. Mykolo St. 12 Tel. +370 5 262 3092 E-mail: info@ambergallery.lt www.ambergallery.lt

Contemporary Art CentreVokiečių St. 2 Tel. +370 5 212 1945 E-mail: info@cac.lt www.cac.lt

Jonas Mekas Visual Arts CenterGynėjų St.14 (Vilniaus vartai Complex) E-mail: info@mekas.lt www.mekas.lt

National Gallery of ArtKonstitucijos Ave. 22 Tel. +370 5 219 5960 E-mail: info@ndg.lt www.ndg.lt

Pamėnkalnio GalleryPamėnkalnio St. 1/13 Tel. +370 5 262 4552 E-mail: info@galerija-lds.lt www.galerija-lds.lt

Savickas’ Picture GalleryVilniaus St. 14, Trakų St. 7 Tel.: +370 5 261 5078, +370 699 63522 E-mail: savickogalerija@centras.lt www.savickas.xxi.lt

The Gallery of Stasys JuškusBarboros Radvilaitės St. 6B Tel.: +370 5 212 66 11, +370 600 39999 E-mail: info@paintings.lt www.paintings.lt

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The Gallery of the Artists’ AssociationVokiečių St. 2 Tel. +370 5 261 9516 E-mail: info@galerija-lds.lt www.galerija-lds.lt

The Gallery XX2Jasinskio St. 7/Rotundo St. 7 Tel. +370 5 249 7103 E-mail: galerijaXX2@zebra.lt

The Gallery “Actus Magnus”Pilies 36 – 44 (entrance in the yard) Tel. +370 659 45722 E-mail: info@actusmagnus.com www.actusmagnus.com

The Gallery “Akademija”Pilies St. 44/Latako St. 2 Tel. +370 5 261 2094 E-mail: ramute.rachleviciute@vda.lt

The Gallery “Kairė-dešinė”Latako St. 3 Tel. +370 5 261 1995 E-mail: info@graphic.lt www.graphic.lt

The Gallery “Lietuvos aidas”Žemaitijos St. 11 Tel. +370 5 212 4727 E-mail: info@lagalerija.lt www.lagalerija.lt

The Gallery “Rotunda”A. Rotundo St. 3 Tel. +370 5 249 7516 E-mail: rotunda@takas.lt

The Gallery “Šv. Jono gatvės” (of St. John’s street)

Šv. Jono St. 11 Tel. +370 5 212 4154 E-mail: jonogalerija@yahoo.com www.artistsassociation.lt

The Gallery “Užupio”Užupio St. 3-1 Tel. +370 5 231 2318 E-mail: uzupiogalerija@mail.lt www.uzupiogalerija.lt

The Gallery “Vartai”Vilniaus St. 39 Tel. +370 5 212 2949 E-mail: galerija@galerijavartai.lt www.galerijavartai.lt

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The Gallery “Znad Wilii”Išganytojo St. 2/Bokšto St. 4 Tel. +370 5 212 3020 E-mail: galeriaznadwilii@gmail.com

The Old Town Art Gallery “Menų kiemas”

Barboros Radvilaitės St. 7/Maironio St. 2 Tel.: +370 5 262 0268, +370 6846 8612 E-mail: galerija@menukiemas.com www.menukiemas.com

The Old Town Art Gallery-StudioTotorių St. 22-4 Tel. +370 6860 6383 E-mail: onute@totgallery.lt,

migle@totgallery.lt www.totgallery.lt

The Russian Art GalleryIšganytojo St. 2/Bokšto St. 4 Tel. +370 5 212 3236 E-mail: rkc@post.5ci.lt www.rkc.lt/gallery

The Small GalleryLatvių St. 19A Tel. +370 5 272 2597 E-mail: info@smallgallery.net www.smallgallery.net

Vilnius Photography GalleryStiklių St. 4 (entrance from Didžioji St. 19) Tel. +370 5 261 1702

Vilnius Picture GalleryDidžioji St. 4 Tel.: +370 5 212 4258, +370 5 212 0841 E-mail: galerija@ldm.lt www.muziejai.lt

Venues

Vilnius is becoming well known for its rich cultural life. Every week a variety of cultural events are taking place: discern-ing culture lovers will find something on the long list of events to suit their tastes.

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Concert halls:

Lithuanian National PhilharmonicAušros Vartų St. 5Tel.: +370 5 266 5233,

+370 5 266 5216, +370 698 52075

E-mail: bilietai@filharmonija.lt www.filharmonija.lt

Congress Concert HallVilniaus St. 6/16Tel. +370 5 261 87 07E-mail: kongresai@lvso.lt www.lvso.lt

Vilnius Teacher’s HouseVilniaus St. 39

St. Catherines ChurchVilniaus St. 30Tel. +370 5 212 2603E-mail: info@kultura.lt www.kultura.lt

Concert Hall PIANO.LTTrakų St. 9/1, VilniusTel. +370 5 203 2891E-mail: info@piano.ltwww.piano.lt

Ūkio banko teatro arena (Ūkio Bank Theatre Arena)

Olimpiečių St. 3, VilniusTel. +370 610 67873E-mail: valdas@teatroarena.lt www.teatroarena.lt

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Theatres:

Lithuanian National Drama TheatreGedimino ave 4Tel. +370 5 262 9771E-mail: info@teatras.lt www.teatras.lt

Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre

A. Vienuolio St. 1Tel./fax +370 5 262 0727,

+370 615 51 000E-mail: info@opera.lt www.opera.lt

State Small Theatre of VilniusGedimino ave 22Tel. +370 5 249 9869E-mail: ausra@vmt.lt www.vmt.lt

Lithuanian Russian Drama TheatreJono Basanavičiaus St. 13Tel. +370 5 262 0552E-mail: lrdt@takas.lt www.rusdrama.lt

Youth TheatreArklių St. 5Tel. +370 5 261 6126E-mail: info@jaunimoteatras.lt www.jaunimoteatras.lt

Oskaras Koršunovas TheatreT. Vrublevskio St. 4Tel. +370 5 212 2099E-mail: info@okt.lt www.okt.lt

Domino Theatre Savanorių ave 7Tel. +370 656 86383, +370 5 263 9570E-mail: info@dominoteatras.lt www.dominoteatras.lt

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Cinema:

Forum Cinemas AkropolisOzo St. 25Tel. 1567www.forumcinemas.lt

Forum Cinemas VingisSavanorių ave 7Tel. 1567www.forumcinemas.lt

SkalvijaA. Goštauto St. 2/A. Jakšto St. 15Tel. +370 5 261 0505E-mail: info@skalvija.lt www.skalvija.lt

Pasaka Šv. Ignoto St. 4/3 Tel. +370 5 261 1516 E-mail: pasaka@kinopasaka.lt www.kinopasaka.lt

By night

Tarantino Club, Trakų 2, mob. tel. +370 609 61 616, www.tarantinoclub.lt

Tarantino club concept is a little bit crazy, a little closed and a little nightly. There illuminates for repre-sentatives of the film world familiar and appreciable light. It radiates from bartenders faces, soft seating and imaginary spotlights pink filters. There sounds the best ever created and screens entertaining music. This is a place which is quiet enough for sweets sleep, loud enough for endless dances – here the synthesis

of laughing, twilight, shelter from the world and absolute life.Open 21:00–05:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, and Sun.

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Helios Club, Didžioji 28, tel. +370 610 00 122, www.heliosclub.ltSituated in the heart of the capital – Town Hall Square – a night club has success-

fully operated the sixth season. During this time Helios became a popular nightlife attraction in Vilnius, held a number of spectacular events, shows, presentations, formed a special audience. With the constant circle or customers and waiting for new ones the club remains loyal for audience tastes – here is an ideal place to have fun, find the freshest music night life issues. Service staff ensures fast, pleasant and professional service. Club DJs, constantly interested in the musical life of Europe con-texts, are playing only the best music.

Open 22:00–06:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, and Sun.

Pacha Club, Gynėjų 14, tel. +370 5 241 3021, www.pachavilnius.lt“Pacha” Vilnius brings the real Ibiza spirit and it is considered the worldwide em-

bassy of the never-resting Spanish island. “Pacha” Vilnius invites Lithuanian and visit-ing clubbers for a ride. The stylish colorful Mediterranean interior is inspired with mosaic walls, sea like colors, flashing lights, dizzying sound system and some of the best showcase dancers. With the capacity of over 1200 people, “Pacha” Vilnius still retains a very cozy and intimate feel. Eight bars can offer you an astonishing range of drinks and a variety of snacks. Best international DJ`s, live shows and performances, diverse and friendly crowd – Pacha has got the perfect clubbing formula and is wait-ing for everyone to taste it!

Open 22:00–05:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu and Sun.

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Havana Social Club, Šermukšnių 4a, tel. 8 5 261 0812 , www.havanasocialclub.ltHavana – like a spice, but the basic philosophy lies in the words Social Club. Their

goal is to bring together various social groups and subcultures, which interact, de-velop and party. This aptly reflects the motto of the population of the Caribbean – El Caribe que nos une! – The Caribbean that unites us all! For convenience of visitors there are three bars equipped in the club, where bartenders are ready to mix the best Cuban cocktails. In a day Havana Social Club invites to relax and take rest in the cozy courtyard equipped terrace, surrounded by authentic pictures of everyday Cuban life.

Open 22:00–05:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu and Sun.

Woo Club, Vilniaus 22, tel. 8 5 212 7740, www.woo.ltBar – club, the best Mojito in Lithuania, Asia fusion quisine, 80 seats, can accom-

modate events for 300 guests, play music styles ranging from disco, Italo, indie rock, electro pop, synth pop, jazz, funk, house.

Open Mon–Wed 11:00–02:00, Thu 11:00–04:00, Fri 11:00–06:00, Sat 21:00–06:00. Closed Sun.

Universiteto Pub, Dominikonų 9, tel. 8 678 83 363, www.universitetopub.ltThe real English bar in the heart of the city. Unprepossessing exterior points out

about its rich history, traditions and spirit. Bar was founded in 1994. Since its opening it is delighted by residents and visitors. Even British show their sympathy especially evaluating the warm service and excellent food.

Open Thu–Wed 20:00–04:00, Thu 20:00–05:00, Fri–Sat 20:00–06:00. Closed Mon, Sun.

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AROUND LITHUANIA

Trakai

http://www.trakai.lt/index.php?583953362Lithuania’s ancient capital Trakai, just 28 km

west of Vilnius, is a charmingly small settle-ment, strategically placed in the middle of five large lakes. The town as well as its surround-ings started developing in the XIII century as a state centre. According to annals, Grand Duke Gediminas after a successful hunt found a beautiful place not far from the then capital Kernavė and decided to build His castle here. That is how a new castle was built in Senieji Trakai which at that time was called Trakai. Most of the town stands on a peninsula dotted with old wooden cottages, many of them built by the Karaites – a Judaist sect originating in Baghdad that adheres to the Law of Moses. The Karaites were brought to Trakai by Vytautas the Great around 1400 AD to serve as bodyguards, and about 150 of them still live here. The town of Trakai was first mentioned in German annals in 1337, which is regarded to be the official date of its foundation.

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Druskininkai

http://info.druskininkai.lt/en/ The word Druskininkai comes from the Lithuanian word for salt – druska. This re-

sort’s status stems from its mineral springs, which have been in demand for their curative powers since the 19th century. The largest and most famous spa town in Lithuania floods with visitors during the summer months. During the low season the town remains more or less empty, offer ing a relaxing out-of-season break.

Druskininkai is in southern Lithuania, on the Nemunas river, not far from the bor-der with Belarus. The resort has direct bus connections with Vilnius.

Druskininkai is a few kilometres west of the fabulous Grūto parkas, which should not be missed if in the area.

Grūto parkas or Stalin World (officially the Soviet Sculpture Garden)

http://www.grutoparkas.lt/index-en.htm Several Stalins and loads of Lenins litter this bizarre, mildly controversial sculpture

park near the spa town of Druskininkai. The brainchild of local mushroom millionaire Viliumas Malinauskas, come and gaze upon row after row of retired communist sculp-tures, collected en mass from their former positions of importance throughout Lithuania. Find a small exhibition in memory of Lithuanians deported to Siberia after WWII.

Opening hours The park is open daily year round in winter 9.00–17.00 in season 9.00–22.00Address Grūtas, 66441 Druskininkai Tel. (370 313) 55 511 Mob. (370 682) 42 320 Fax (370 313) 47 451 E-mail: info@grutoparkas.lt

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Neringa

http://www.nerija.lt/en/Curonian Spit is a natural wonder cre-

ated by the sea, wind and man. It wasn’t by chance that the renowned German geogra-pher Wilhelm von Homboldt wrote in 1809 that “the Curonian Spit is so peculiar that if you don’t want your soul to be missing a

won derful impression, you really must see it...”There’s a magical air to this isolated 98km thread of sand, which is composed of

dunes and lush pine forests inhabited by elk, deer and wild boar. Here you can feel the typical Baltic coastal scent of mingled ozone and pine. This area is made up of four settlements – Juodkrantė, Pervalka, Preila and Nida – none of which are more than a couple of kilometres from the coast. To get to the Spit from Klaipėda it’s neces-sary to take a ferry across Curonian lagoon of fresh water.

Klaipėda

http://www.klaipeda.lt/klaipeda/index.jsp Klaipėda – the third largest city of Lithuania – is situated in the Western part of the

country. It is an ice-free port with favourable geographical position on the coast of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon, within close distance to other Baltic sea ports: Kaliningrad (Russia) and Riga (Latvia).

Klaipėda distinguishes from other cities with it’s old and rich history as well as its architecture characteristic of western European cities.

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Palanga

http://www.palanga.ltThis small city is quiet in winter, but in summer it’s transformed into Lithuania’s

premier seaside resort. It features a long, sandy beach backed by pine-covered dunes, a large botanical park with a rose garden, a hill thought to have been the site of a pagan shrine and an excellent Amber Museum. Palanga hosts a grand opening of the summer season on the first Saturday in June, the closing of the season – on the last Saturday in August, which are both marked by a massive street carnival, market, song festival and pop concert.

Some 50–60 million years ago the territory was covered by a conifer ous forest of what is now the Baltic Sea. Apparently, the resin from the trees was swept into the sea, forming deltaic deposits. Later, the sea started to wash little pieces of the fossil-ized resin from the deposits to the shore. This, of course, is purely scientific explana-tion of the renowned “Baltic gold” – amber. Legend sais that the amber stones are actually pieces of the Sea Goddess Juratė’s underwater palace, which was destroyed by Perkūnas, the God of Thunder, when he found out that Juratė had fallen in love with Kastytis, a mortal fisherman.

Palanga is 30 km north of Klaipėda and 18 km south of the Latvian border. Kretinga, the nearest train station, is served by daily trains from Klaipėda and Vilnius. Bus serv-ices abound. Motorists have to pay a small entrance fee to drive into Palanga.

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Ignalina

http://www.ignalina.lt/index.php?1077944441 Although excavations suggest Ignalina was one of the places to be seen during

the Stone Age, modern history places it as one of Lithuania’s newer townships. As a town, Ignalina offers an odd combination of trials, tests, sights and sounds. Ignalina can count as many as 209 lakes in its vicinity. Water slides, seasonal food huts and numerous water sports in cluding canoe and rowing boat rental make it the most developed lake area in Lithuania. It can get extremely crowded during the summer, but fortu nately the long stretches of sandy beaches make it easy to escape the mad-ding crowds.

You’ll hear a million of stories about how the town found its name, and each lo-cal has this own interpretation. The most important point is that in a distant time, Duke Budrys, the noble kingpin of the region, had a daughter called Lina who fell in love with a captive crusader called Ignas. Some claim the pagan god Perkūnas con-demned their union. In a fit of rage he sank Duke Budrys’ castle into what is now Ilgis Lake. Allegedly, it’s still possible to hear Lina’s distant wailing and taste her salty tears. Hence Ignalina was named in memory of the two star-crossed lovers. A sturdy five-metre sculpture portraying the episode now stands on the banks of Paplovinis Lake.

About 100 km northeast of Vilnius, Ignalina sees sev-en trains a day arrive from Vilnius, with a journey time of just under two hours.

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Šiauliai

http://www.siauliai.lt/informacija/index.php?lang=en Šiauliai is approximately 220km northwest of Vilnius, slightly northwest of the cen-

tre of the country. Lithuania’s efficient network of public transport makes it an easy target for the adventurous itinerant.

Siauliai is a historic city, and in the chronicles of the crusader Knights of the Sword (1236) it is variously referred to as Soule, Saulia and Saulen. 22 September 1236, the date of the battle of the Sun which took place nearby is now considered to be the date of the city’s foundation.

Its largely industrial landscape was twice obliterated last century during both world wars, yet it just keeps coming back. Despite being the fourth largest city in the country with a population in the region of 150,000, the centre has a distinctive towny feel, with a clump of interesting bars and restaurants, bizarre statues jumping out at you from every corner, leftover tale-tale signs of Communist urban idealism and a shockingly odd collection of museums and galleries, all within walking distance of each other.

Hill of Crosses

This two-humped hillock is covered in a forest of thousands upon thou sands of crosses - large and tiny, expensive and cheap, wooden and metal.

Some are devotional, to accompany prayers, others are memorial. It’s thought that the tradition of planting crosses here may have begun in the 14th century. It is consid-ered that there was a castle and it was burned by Sword bearers in 1348. In the Soviet era the crosses were bulldozed at least three times, only to spring up again.

The Hill of Crosses is 10 km north of Šiauliai, 2 km east of the road to Riga, the Latvian capital. Šiauliai is 140 km north of Kaunas and has good rail and bus connec-tions with both Kaunas and Vilnius.

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Map of Lithuania

71

USEFUL INFORMATION

SUBSISTENCE

Interested in the price of living in Lithuania? Here are the costs of things you can not do without.

(1 EURO=3,4528 LTL)

Accommodation:200–400 LTL (60–120 Eur) per month (Students House)500–1500 LTL (145–430 Eur) per month an apartment in town

Meals:15–40 LTL (5–12 Eur) per day

Other Costs:Cinema ticket 10–25 LTLTheatre ticket 20–150 LTL Club (entrance) 10–50 LTLTrain ticket (100 km) ~20 LTLLocal bus ticket 2 LTL 1 kg beef 25 LTL1 kg potatoes 3 LTL10 eggs 5 LTLA cup of coffee 3–5 LTLMars bar 2 LTLMcDonald’s Big Mac 7,30 LTLLoaf of white bread 2–4 LTLBottle of local bear (1/2 litre) 2–4 LTL20 Marlboros 9 LTL

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LANGUAGE

Pronunciation:Same as in English:B, D, F, H, K, L, M, N, P, T, V, ZA – as in scarfC – as in TsarČ – as in chipsE – as in smellĖ – as in airG – as in gownI – as in fitY – as in peepJ – as in youO – as in snoreR – as in rockŠ – as in shoutU – as in moveŽ – as in usual

CH – as inhighDŽ – as in GeorgeAI – as in byeEI – as in hayAU – as in cow

Ą, Ę, Į and Ų – are pronounced longer than A, E, I, U

Expressions:

GreeteingsHello – Labas/Laba dienaGood morning – Labas rytasGood evening – Labas vakarasGoodnight – LabanaktGoodbye – Viso geroHi – Sveikas/LabasSee you – Iki

NicetiesHow are you? – Kaip sekasi? / Kaip

gyveni?Welcome – Sveiki atvykęThank you – AčiūExcuse me – AtsiprašauPlease – Prašau

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PracticalitiesYes – TaipNo – NeOK – GeraiWhen? – Kada?Where? – Kur?Who? – Kas?Why? – Kodėl?How much is…? – Kiek kainuoja…?Come in! – Prašau!I am Erasmus/Exchange student – Aš

esu Erasmus/mainų studentas (male)/studentė (female)

Out & AboutOpen – AtidarytaClosed – UždarytaFood shop – Maisto prekėsCafé – KavinėHotel – ViešbutisBus stop – stotelė

Days of the Week Monday – PirmadienisTuesday – AntradienisWednesday – TrečiadienisThursday – KetvirtadienisFriday – PenktadienisSaturday – ŠeštadienisSunday – Sekmadienis

Nubers0 – Nulis1 – Vienas2 – Du3 – Trys4 – Keturi5 – Penki6 – Šeši7 – Septyni8 – Aštuoni9 – Devyni10 – Dešimt100 – Šimtas1 000 – Tūkstantis1 000 000 – Milijonas

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ELECTRICITY

Lovely Lithuanian domestic electricity flows out the walls at 220 V, AC 50 Hz, and nearly all sockets are of the round two-pin European variety. Some thinner Russian sockets still exist, although if you push hard enough you should get the plug in. Travellers from non-socket-friendly societies should bring an appropriate adaptor, as they’re not available anywhere in Lithuania.

OFFICIAL DAYS IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2010–2011, WHEN MYKOLAS ROMERIS UNIVERSITY IS CLOSED:

November 1 – All Saints DayDecember 25 – Christmas DayDecember 26 – Christmas HolidayJanuary 1 – New Year’s DayFebruary 16 – Lithuania’s Independence DayMarch 11 – Day of the Restoration of Lithuania’s IndependenceApril 24 – EasterApril 25 – Easter MondayMay 1 – international Labour DayThe First Sunday of May – Mother’s DayJune 24 – All John’s DayJuly 6 – Day of Statehood (the Coronation of Lithuania’s King Mindaugas)August 15 – Assumption Day

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NEAREST EMBASSY OF YOUR COUNTRY

IRELAND (AIRIJA)Gedimino pr. 1, LT-01103 VilniusTel. 370 5 2629460, fax 370 5 262 9462E-mai: vilniusembassy@dfa.ieWeb page: http://www.embassyofireland.lt

AUSTRIA (AUSTRIJA)Gaono g. 6, LT-01131 VilniusTel. (370 5) 266 0580Fax (370 5) 279 1363E-mail: wilna-ob@bmeia.gv.atWeb page: http://www.bmeia.gv.at/wilna; www.aussenministerium.at/wilna

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BELGIUM (BELGIJA)Kalinausko g. 2B, LT-03107 VilniusTel. (370 5) 266 0820Fax (370 5) 212 6444E-mail: vilnius@diplobel.fed.beWeb page: http://www.diplomatie.be/vilnius

BULGARIA (BULGARIJA)Pylimo 8/ Palangos 2, LT-01118 VilniusTe. (370 5) 249 9274Fax (370 5) 261 9174E-mail: vilnius@bgembassy.lt

CZECH REPUBLIC (ČEKIJOS RESPUBLIKA)Birutės g. 16, LT-08117 VilniusTel. (370 5) 266 1040Fax (370 5) 266 1066E-mail: vilnius@embassy.mzv.cz; commerce_vilnius@mzv.czWeb page: http://www.mzv.cz/vilnius

DENMARK (DANIJA)T. Kosciuškos g. 36, LT-01100 VilniusTel. (370 5) 264 8760Fax (370 5) 231 2300E-mail: vnoamb@um.dkWeb page: http://www.ambvilnius.um.dk

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UNITED KINGDOM (JUNGTINĖ KARALYSTĖ)Antakalnio g. 2, LT-10308 VilniusTel. (370 5) 246 2900Fax (370 5) 246 2901E-mail: be-vilnius@britain.ltWeb page: http://www.britain.lt

ESTONIA (ESTIJA)A. Mickevičiaus g. 4 A, LT-08119 VilniusTel. (370 5) 278 0200Fax (370 5) 278 0201E-mail: sekretar@estemb.ltWeb page: http://www.estemb.lt

GREECE (GRAIKIJA)Didžioji 33/Rūdininkų 2, VilniusTel.: (370 5) 261 0526, (370 5) 261 0527Fax (370 5) 261 0536E-mail: embassy@grembvil.w3.lt

SPAIN (ISPANIJA)Algirdo g. 4, LT-03220 VilniusTel. (370 5) 231 3961,Fax (370 5) 231 3962E-mail: emb.vilnius@mae.es

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ITALY (ITALIJA)Vytauto g. 1, LT-08118 VilniusTel. (370 5) 212 0620,Fax (370 5) 212 0405E-mail: ambasciata.vilnius@esteri.itWeb page: http://www.ambvilnius.esteri.it

CYPRUS (KIPRAS)ul. Pilicka 4, 02-629 Warsaw, PolandTel. (48 22) 844 4577Fax (48 22) 844 2558E-mail: ambasada@ambcypr.pl

LATVIA (LATVIJA)M. K. Čiurlionio g. 76, LT-03100 VilniusTel. (370 5) 213 1260,Fax (370 5) 213 1130E-mail: embassy.lithuania@mfa.gov.lvWeb page: http://www.latvia.lt

POLAND (LENKIJA)Smėlio g. 20 A, LT-10323 VilniusTel.: (370 5) 270 9001, (370 5) 270 9002Fax (370 5) 270 9007E-mail: ambpol@tdd.ltWeb page: http://www.wilno.polemb.net

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LUXEMBOURG (LIUKSEMBURGAS)ul. Sloneczna 15, 00-789 Warszawa, PolandTel. (48 22) 507 8650Fax (48 22) 507 8661E-mail: varsovie.amb@mae.etat.lu

MALTA (MALTA)Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Palazzo Parisio,Merchants Street,Valletta,MaltaTel. (356) 21 24 21 91,Fax (356) 21 24 00 83E-mail: lgrech@timesofmalta.com

THE NETHERLANDS (NYDERLADŲ KARALYSTĖ)Business Centre 2000, Floor 4Jogailos g. 4 / (Vilniaus g. 17), LT-01116 VilniusTel. (370 5) 269 0072Fax (370 5) 269 0073E-mail: vil@minbuza.nlWeb page: http://www.netherlandsembassy.lt

PORTUGAL (PORTUGALIJA)Gedimino pr. 5, LT-01103 VilniusTel.: (370 5) 262 0511, (370 5) 262 0509Fax: (370 5) 262 0512, (370 5) 262 0503E-mail: vilnius@embportugal.lt

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FRANCE (PRANCŪZIJA)Švarco g. 1, LT-01131 VilniusTel. (370 5) 219 9600,Fax (370 5) 219 9613E-mail: ambafrance.vilnius@diplomatie.gouv.frWeb page: http://www.ambafrance-lt.org

ROMANIA (RUMUNIJA)Vivulskio g. 19, LT-03115 VilniusTel. (370 5) 231 0557Fax (370 5) 231 0652E-mail: ambromania@romania.ltWeb page: http://www.romania.lt

SLOVAKIA (SLOVAKIJA)Smilšu iela 8, LV 1050 Riga, LatviaTel. (+371) 67 81 42 80,Fax (+371) 67 81 42 90,E-mail: emb.rigay@mzv.sk

SLOVENIA (SLOVĖNIJA)Amaliegade 6, 2nd fl.1256 Copenhagen KDenmarkTel. (45 33) 730 120Fax (45 33) 150 607E-mail: vkh@gov.siWeb page: http://www.gov.si/mzz-dkp/vkh

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FINLAND (SUOMIJA)K. Kalinausko g. 24, LT-03107 VilniusTel. (370 5) 266 8010Fax (370 5) 212 2441E-mail: sanomat.vil@formin.fiWeb page: http://www.finland.lt

SWEDEN (ŠVEDIJA)Didžioji g. 16, LT-01128 VilniusTel. (370 5) 268 5010,Fax (370 5) 268 5030E-mail: ambassaden.vilnius@foreign.ministry.seWeb page: http://www.swedenabroad.com/vilnius

HUNGARY (VENGRIJA)Jogailos g. 4, LT-01116 VilniusTel. (370 5) 269 0038, (370 5) 269 0041Fax (370 5) 269 0039E-mail: mission.vno@kum.hu

GERMANY (VOKIETIJA)Z. Sierakausko g. 24/8LT-03105 VilniusTel. (370 5) 210 6400Fax (370 5) 210 6446E-mail: info@wilna.diplo.deWeb page: http://www.wilna.diplo.de

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JAPAN (JAPONIJA)M. K. Čiurlionio g. 82 B, LT-03100 VilniusTel.: (370 5) 231 04 62, (370 5) 231 04 63Fax (370 5) 231 04 61

USA (JAV)Akmenų g. 6, LT-03106 VilniusTel. (370 5) 266 5500Fax (370 5) 266 5510E-mail: WebEmailVilnius@state.govWeb page: http://vilnius.usembassy.gov

KAZAKHSTAN (KAZAKSTANAS)Birutės g. 20A/35, LT-08117 VilniusTel.: (370 5) 212 2123, (370 5) 231 3040Fax (370 5) 231 3580E-mail: kazemb@iti.ltWeb page: http://kazakhstan.embassy.lt

CHINA (KINIJA)Algirdo g. 36, LT-03218 VilniusTel. (370 5) 216 2861, (370 5) 216 2862Fax (370 5) 216 26 82E-mail: chinaemb_lithuania@mfa.gov.cnWeb page: http://www.chinaembassy.lt

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REPUBLIC OF KOREA (KORĖJOS RESPUBLIKA)Svanemøllevej 1042900 Hellerup,CopenhagenDenmarkTel. (45 39) 46 04 00Fax (45 39) 46 04 22E-mail: korembdk@mofat.go.kr

KROATIA (KROATIJA)Engelbrektsplan 2114 34 StockholmSwedenTel. (46 8) 678 8310Fax (46 8) 678 8320E-mail: croemb.stockholm@mvp.hr

RUSSIA (RUSIJA)Latvių g. 53/54, LT-08113 VilniusTel. (370 5) 272 1763, (370 5) 272 3348Fax (370 5) 272 3877E-mail: post@rusemb.ltWeb page: http://www.rusemb.lt

BELORUSSIA (BALTARUSIJA)Mindaugo g. 13, LT-03225 VilniusTel.: (370 5) 266 2200, (370 5) 266 2211Fax (370 5) 266 2212E-mail: emb@belarus.ltWeb page: http://www.belarus.lt

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Information is taken from the following websites:

www.mruni.eu

www.google.lt

www.migracija.lt

www.urm.lt

www.tourism.lt

www.inyourpocket.lt

www.lonelyplanet.com

www.cust.lt

GUIDE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTSINFORMATION BOOKLET

Prepared and Edited by Academic Affairs Centre

International Exchange Unit

Photos by Vidūnas Gelumbauskas, Erasmus students and friends.

Cover by Romanas Tumėnas

Print by PLC „Baltijos kopija“© Mykolas Romeris University

Academic Affairs Centre

With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union

www.mruni.eu

Guidefor Foreign Students

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.