Preparing for your study abroad journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re moving to a new country like Lithuania! Whether you’ve already received your university offer or are still planning your move, a pre-departure checklist for Lithuania students ensures that you’re fully prepared. From travel documents and health insurance to housing arrangements and cultural essentials, this guide by Pumpkin Abroad Consulting will help you cover it all.
Documents to Prepare Before Departure
Before you book your flight, make sure your paperwork is in order. Lithuanian immigration and universities have specific requirements for international students. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1. Valid Passport – Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- 2. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) – Most non-EU students must apply for a TRP through the Lithuanian Migration Department. EU students usually only need to register their residence after arrival.
- 3. University Acceptance Letter – Keep both printed and digital copies. It may be requested at the point of entry, so just make sure you have it with you.
- 4. Health Insurance Certificate – Lithuania requires all students to have valid health coverage. Check if your policy meets visa requirements. It would be best to sort this one out when you apply for your TRP, simply because it means one less thing to worry about.
- 5. Financial Proof – Bank statements or scholarship letters to demonstrate you can cover tuition and living expenses. This again should have been vetted through the TRP application, but just bring it with you in case it may be requested by border control.
- 6. Flight Tickets & Accommodation Confirmation – Immigration officers may ask for these upon entry. Just have your dorm letter ready or whatever proof of accommodation you have.
- 7. Academic Certificates & Documents – Make sure you have your original copies as these will likely be requested by the university for student registration.
Pro Tip: Store scanned copies of all documents on your cloud drive or email for easy access in case of emergencies.
Housing and Accommodation Arrangements
Securing housing before arrival will save you a lot of stress. Lithuanian universities like Vilnius University, KTU, and VILNIUS TECH offer student dormitories, but places fill up fast. You may not find a spot, and the only alternative would be an apartment or co-living space.
Options for housing generally include:
- – University Dormitories – Affordable, furnished, and located near campus.
- – Private Apartments – Ideal for long-term stays, ranging from €350–€600 per month outside the city center. However, don’t make the mistake of paying for an apartment before you see it. This is where we can come in – we can help you find the right accommodation and also vet apartments for you.
- – Shared Flats – Great for meeting other international students and cutting costs.
Read more about student housing options in our guide: Student Accommodation in Lithuania: Affordable Housing Options.
Financial Preparation
Lithuania uses the Euro (€), so if your home currency differs, open a multi-currency account (like Revolut or Wise) before traveling. You should be able to do this once you have your TRP in hand so you’re prepared.
Budgeting Tips:
- * Expect monthly living costs of €700–€1,200 depending on your city and lifestyle.
- * Bring some cash (€200–€300) for initial expenses, in case you face issues with your cards for payment (although you can pay by card just about anywhere really).
- * Get a student discount card (ISIC or LSIC) for transportation, entertainment, and food savings.
We detail these benefits in our blog: Unlocking Student Discounts in Lithuania.
What to Pack for Lithuania
Packing can be tricky. Lithuania’s climate includes cold winters and mild summers. Use this pre-departure checklist for Lithuania students to avoid overpacking:
Essentials:
- * Warm winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots (if arriving in September, you could opt to buy these when here so you save space in your luggage for other special things from home).
- * Rainproof jacket (autumns can be wet)
- * Power adapter (Lithuania uses type F plugs, 230V)
- * Personal medicines and prescriptions
- * Copies of academic documents
- * Laptop, phone, and chargers
Optional but Useful:
- * Basic kitchen utensils for dorms (though you can buy these here, really)
- * Traditional snacks & food from home (for comfort or sharing!)
- * Memorabilia from home (for those days you are homesick)
Read our packing guide for more detail: What to Pack for Studying in Lithuania.
Stay Connected on Arrival
Don’t forget to plan how you’ll stay connected once you land. Lithuania has excellent internet coverage, and getting a local SIM card is easy. There are a couple of options, provided in the order we prefer honestly! 😅
Top providers include:
- – Telia (Ežys) – Best overall coverage
- – Tele2 (PILDYK) – Student-friendly prepaid options
- – Bitė (Labas) – Affordable data plans
Find the best plan for you in our post: SIM Card Options in Lithuania.
Health and Safety Preparation
Before departure, it’s important to take care of your health needs:
- – Visit your doctor for a medical check-up and any required vaccinations. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your local healthcare practitioner about moving to Europe. Some good vaccinations to have include Hepatitis A & B or possibly Flu shots.
- – Bring a small first-aid kit for personal use. Bandaids, some medicine you commonly use at home or other.
- – Know how to access healthcare in Lithuania. Public hospitals offer free or low-cost services for students with residence permits.
Travel and Arrival Tips
A smooth journey starts with proper planning. Here are some final pointers:
- * Check your airline’s baggage rules and avoid overweight fees.
- * Aim to arrive at least a week before orientation to settle in comfortably.Also, there’s usually welcome week celebrations at the universities. These are good to attend so you can meet new people and get a feel of university clubs and organizations.
- * Keep emergency contacts handy. University international office, embassy, and your accommodation manager are all important contacts to have. Your mentor if you have one assigned, that would be good too.
- * Download essential apps like Google Translate, Bolt (ride-hailing), and Žiogas for Kaunas and Trafi for Vilnius (public transport).
Cultural and Academic Preparation
Understanding Lithuania’s culture will make your adjustment easier:
- – Learn a few basic Lithuanian phrases like Hello – Labas, Thank you – Ačiū (pronounced ah-choo), locals appreciate the effort.
- – Familiarize yourself with academic norms, punctuality and participation are valued. And more importantly, you MUST attend classes.
- – Join international student groups for networking and support.
Check out our article on Student Life in Lithuania to get a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your study abroad journey doesn’t have to be stressful. With this pre-departure checklist for Lithuania students, you’re already a step ahead. From organizing documents to budgeting and packing, every detail matters in ensuring a smooth transition.
Need personalized help planning your study move? Pumpkin Abroad Consulting specializes in guiding students through university selection, visa applications, and relocation planning for Lithuania.
Contact us today to get your tailored pre-departure consultation and start your Lithuanian adventure fully prepared! We’re here to help you get your journey going.