Student Housing in Latvia: University Dormitories in Rīga and Beyond

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Most international students in Latvia start in a university dormitory, known locally as a student hotel or hostel (dienesta viesnīca). Each institution runs or arranges its own, so you apply to your institution once you are admitted. Everyone else rents privately.

Why it matters early

Non-EU students need an address before they arrive. The residence permit application includes proof of accommodation, and the invitation your institution sends to the migration office lists your address in Latvia. A dormitory place, confirmed by the institution, is the simplest way to provide it. See student visa for Latvia.

University dormitories: examples

University of Latvia. It has two student hotels, Prima on Mazā Lubānas iela and a building at Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 161, both about 20 minutes by public transport from the city centre. The prices above apply from 1 July 2026. International degree students and exchange students have priority, but can apply only after they are accepted. The minimum long-term stay is two months, and rent and deposit are paid on arrival, by card only.

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Rooms in its Jelgava dormitory are shared by two, each with its own bathroom and fridge. A refundable deposit of €150 is charged, and cleaning, electricity and laundry are extra. Non-EU degree students pay before arrival.

Daugavpils University. Prices depend on the building and the number of beds in the room. The first payment is two months' rent, one of which is kept as a security deposit. Bed linen and some appliances cost extra.

Riga Technical University has its own dormitories, handled by its accommodation office (accommodations@rtu.lv). It does not help students find private housing. Rīga Stradiņš University publishes a list of hotels it recommends to its students. Check your own institution's pages.

Renting privately

On the private market you rent a flat or a room in a shared flat. Riga Technical University says that its previous exchange students reported paying about €200–€500 a month.

Under the Residential Tenancy Law, in force since 2021:

• the landlord may ask for a deposit of no more than two months' rent;
• the unused deposit must be returned no later than the day you move out, unless the lease says otherwise;
• if the flat is sold, the new owner is bound by your lease only if it is recorded in the Land Register (zemesgrāmata); otherwise the lease can end with the sale.

Always sign a written lease, and check whether utilities and internet are included in the rent.

Scams

Riga Technical University warns students about rental fraud. Its advice:

• view the flat in person, or have someone you trust view it;
• pay only after signing a contract;
• avoid unusual payment methods;
• keep the original lease.

Read finding student housing in Europe without being scammed.

Tips

• Apply for a dormitory place the day you accept your offer.
• Ask the international office whether it will confirm your accommodation in writing for the residence permit.
• Smaller cities such as Jelgava and Daugavpils are cheaper than Rīga.
• If you arrive before your room is ready, book a short stay; the Jelgava dormitory, for example, charges students €25 a day.

Where to look next

• How much it costs to study in Latvia
• How to get into a university in Latvia
• Student visa for Latvia
• Document recognition for Latvia
• All programmes and cities in Latvia

Official sources

• University of Latvia: Accommodation
• Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies: Accommodation
• Daugavpils University: Dormitories
• Residential Tenancy Law: likumi.lv, in Latvian

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.