I did not plan to study medicine.
At least not seriously. In late 2024, my plan still was to apply for psychology in Finland and see where that would take me. Then, almost by accident, I applied to study medicine at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) in Latvia through the suggestion of my family member. Five days later, I was accepted. Two months later, I had moved to Riga. Now I am about to start my second year of medical school.
This post is not an advertisement for RSU. I am not affiliated with the university in any way. I am writing this because when I was applying, I would have wanted to read something honest, written by an actual student, not a recruitment page or an agent’s blog.
This is simply how it happened for me.
Who This Post Is For
This blog is primarily for people who are:
- Considering studying medicine abroad
- Looking specifically at RSU
- From countries like Finland, Sweden, Germany, or elsewhere in the EU (not excluding other countries, but your experience might differ in some ways)
- Recently graduated from high school, or have taken a few years off (same disclaimer as last point)
- Considering alternatives because getting into medical school at home is slow, competitive, or uncertain
If you are looking for guarantees, shortcuts, or promises that studying abroad is “easy”, this blog is not for you.
How I Applied (Very Late)
I am from Finland. I applied when I was 20 years old, during the winter 2024 application period. I applied extremely late — about one week before applications closed — and somewhat impulsively.
There was no entrance exam in my case. The application was based on:
- Finnish matriculation examination results (ylioppilastodistus)
- Upper secondary school diploma (lukion päättötodistus)
- Two recommendation letters
- A motivation letter
I applied directly, not through an agent.
I received my acceptance letter within five days. This fast turnaround was partly because I applied so late in the cycle, when decisions were made quickly.
I know many students apply to RSU because they do not want to spend years reapplying to medical school in their home country. That was not my original plan — but it became my reality very quickly.
If you want to read more in detail about the application process, check this blog post.
Why RSU?
The honest answer: timing and freedom.
I did not have a firm commitment to study in Finland. I was not tied to a specific city or program. When my dad suggested I apply to study medicine in Riga — where a family friend was already studying — I decided hey, there is little to lose.
I applied, and I got in.
At that point, the question was no longer “Should I study medicine?” but “Am I willing to move?”
Moving to Riga
I moved to Latvia in January 2025 and started my studies in February.
Riga is significantly cheaper than Finland, especially when it comes to rent and everyday expenses. That part was expected.
What surprised me was how utilities work.
In my apartment building:
Electricity, heating, and other utilities are not handled individually, like it would be in Finland.
I cannot choose my electricity provider.
Costs are not based on personal usage.
Total building usage is divided based on apartment size.
I live alone in a 43 m² apartment and use very little electricity. Still, during winter months, I have paid around 180€ per month in utilities because families with children in the same building use far more energy. This system is common in Latvia, but it was unfamiliar to me and something I wish I had known beforehand.
Lower cost of living does not always mean cheaper living. (sounds wrong, doesn't it?)
If you want to read more about finding an apartment in Riga, read this blog post.
One Important Reality Check
RSU is not for everyone.
One major difference compared to Finland is mandatory attendance. Attendance is strict. If you miss too many sessions, you can fail a course. If you are sick for an extended period, you may be required to repeat a semester.
This really affects how flexible your life can be and you need to plan ahead.
In Finland, medical studies are generally more flexible in this regard. At RSU, you are expected to show up, with some courses, always.
Why I’m Writing This Blog
When I started studies at RSU, I hated how unclear everything was. Everything felt 100x more difficult than it needed to be. I hope to clear some confusion with this blog for new students.
If you are considering studying medicine abroad and want a realistic picture, this blog is for you.
Future posts will cover academics, workload, exams, social life, and what studying medicine at RSU is actually like day to day.
If you have any questions, feel free to follow me on TikTok @laakislatvia and comment on my videos or DM!
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