FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to the most common questions about student support and verified housing in Riga
About Riga Vibes & OISW
Who are you?
Riga Vibes is a student-oriented initiative powered by the Organisation for International Student Welfare (OISW) — a registered non-profit association in Latvia (Reg. No. 40008344970).
We provide verified housing, free legal support, and a safe community for international students studying in Riga.
Are you an agency?
No. We are a non-governmental organisation (NGO), not a real-estate agency.
Our mission is to protect students — not to charge commissions. All apartments are verified independently.
Why does OISW promote verified apartments online?
Advertising verified student housing is part of OISW’s mission to make safe and transparent accommodation easy to find.
Our NGO invests a portion of the donations and partnership funding we receive into raising awareness about verified, commission-free housing — helping students avoid scams and unsafe offers.
This outreach work supports our core goal: to ensure every international student in Latvia has access to reliable, legal, and affordable accommodation.
Why should I trust Riga Vibes?
Because our process is transparent and fully non-commercial.
We are supported by cooperation with the German Embassy in Riga, universities such as RSU, RISEBA, and LKA, and are in dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other embassies across Europe.
Do you charge students any fees?
No. Verification and legal guidance are free of charge.
Our NGO is funded through partnerships and sponsors, not through student payments.
Where is your office located?
Our coordination office is based in Riga, Valdemara 5 in Riga Congress Palae. In-person meetings are available by appointment.
All contact options are listed on the Contact page.
How is OISW funded if services are free for students?
OISW operates as a registered non-profit NGO.
Our activities are funded through:
partnerships with local businesses and institutions,
support from sponsors,
and upcoming EU and educational cooperation programs.
We never take money from students or landlords for our services — this independence guarantees objectivity and fairness.
Can I visit your office?
Yes — meetings are possible by prior appointment.
Accommodation & Housing
What kind of student housing is shown on this website?
The website publishes verified listings of student apartments in Riga (entire flats) and student rooms in Riga (rooms in shared flats). Verification by OISW covers ownership checks, contract review, and basic suitability for international students. OISW is not a broker and does not intermediate rental transactions.
Where can I view all available student apartments in Riga?
On the Housing page – use filters to explore verified apartments and student rooms across central Riga.
Are these verified listings near universities?
Many verified listings are located in the city centre or near public transport with convenient access to LU, RSU, RISEBA, LKA, RTU and other campuses. Each listing includes tags (e.g., “Near LU”, “Near transport”) so students can filter for proximity.
Are utilities and Wi-Fi included?
Each listing specifies it clearly. Some include all bills (“all-included rent”), others are billed separately based on consumption
How can I book or request an apartment?
Use the Request Apartment form directly under the listing.
Once submitted, our team will confirm availability and connect you with the verified landlord.
Do I pay through the website?
No. OISW never handles rent payments.
All payments go directly to the landlord after verification of the agreement.
Can I apply before arriving in Latvia?
Yes. We frequently assist students in securing accommodation safely before their arrival by checking the contract in advance.
Can I rent with friends?
Absolutely — many verified apartments have 2–4 bedrooms suitable for student groups.
Are apartments furnished?
Yes. All verified listings are fully furnished and equipped for everyday living (bed, desk, kitchen, washing machine, etc.).
What if I find an apartment elsewhere — can you check it?
Yes. Use our Verify Your Apartment form to submit the address and contract.
We’ll confirm ownership and legality free of charge.
Legal Help & Student Protection
What kind of legal help do you provide?
Our NGO offers free legal support for students in housing disputes – from deposits and unfair clauses to contract breaches or fraud suspicions.
I have a problem with my landlord — what should I do first?
Contact OISW immediately. We will review your contract, document the issue, and guide you to the best legal or mediation solution.
Who provides this legal help?
No. We are a non-governmental organisation (NGO), not a real-estate agency.
Our mission is to protect students — not to charge commissions. All apartments are verified independently.
In what languages can I get legal support?
We can provide help in English, Latvian, and Russian; in specific cases, translation can be arranged.
Do you represent students in court?
Our first goal is always to resolve issues peacefully.
If a legal case is required, our lawyers explain the next steps and guide you to the appropriate institutions.
Can I contact you before signing a contract?
Yes – that’s highly recommended. We can review the document to ensure your rights are protected before you commit.
Universities, Embassies & Institutional Cooperation
Which universities are you working with?
OISW collaborates with Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), RISEBA University of Applied Sciences, and the Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA), and is currently discussing partnership with the University of Latvia (LU).
Do you cooperate with embassies?
Yes. We are recognised as an information partner by the German Embassy in Riga and are developing cooperation with other European embassies, including Finland, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
How can embassies benefit from OISW cooperation?
Our legal and housing support helps prevent potential consular incidents and provides embassies with a clear, trustworthy contact for their citizens studying in Latvia.
Are you supported by the Latvian authorities?
We are in constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maintain transparent communication with public institutions regarding student welfare.
Universities, Embassies & Institutional Cooperation
Which universities are you working with?
OISW collaborates with Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), RISEBA University of Applied Sciences, and the Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA), and is currently discussing partnership with the University of Latvia (LU).
Do you cooperate with embassies?
Yes. We are recognised as an information partner by the German Embassy in Riga and are developing cooperation with other European embassies, including Finland, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
How can embassies benefit from OISW cooperation?
Our legal and housing support helps prevent potential consular incidents and provides embassies with a clear, trustworthy contact for their citizens studying in Latvia.
Are you supported by the Latvian authorities?
We are in constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maintain transparent communication with public institutions regarding student welfare.
Still have a question?
If you have any other queries, feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable team is here to help!