From September, the cost of a VMU (Vytautas Magnus University) dormitory room will jump to as much as €240 per month — €30 more than now. Vilnius Tech, Vilniaus kolegija and Kauno kolegija are raising their prices in a similar way, which means some students will start weighing up whether it still makes sense to keep paying for a room with a shared kitchen, or whether it's better to look for a flat with friends. This article is about how to move out of a dormitory sensibly and without extra stress before exam season.
In brief:
- From September, VMU dormitories will cost €60–240/month, depending on room type
- Vilnius University and Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences are not raising prices — differences depend on each dormitory's running costs
- Renting with 2–3 peers often costs about the same as a dormitory, but gives you more space
- The best time to move is between semesters or in summer, when moving services are cheaper and less busy
Why dormitories are getting more expensive and what it means for students
The news broke this week: from September, VMU is raising its accommodation fee by €1 per day, or around €30 per month. Depending on room type and condition, the final price will range from €60 to €240 per month. Similar decisions have already been confirmed by Vilnius Tech, Vilniaus kolegija and Kauno kolegija — all raising dormitory prices, citing increased utility and energy costs (source).
Interestingly, not all universities are going down the same road. Vilnius University and Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences have decided not to raise prices this year. Mykolas Romeris University hasn't yet made a decision. The differences arise because each dormitory has its own maintenance budget — some buildings are newer and more energy-efficient, while others require more funds for heating and repairs.
In practical terms, this means a student planning an annual budget suddenly has to find an extra €300–360 a year just for accommodation. For those already counting every euro from their stipend or wages, this could be the deciding factor in looking for an alternative.
Dormitory vs rented flat: what's worth knowing before deciding
After the price increase, a single dormitory room can cost about the same as a share of rent with peers in a bigger flat. A three-bedroom flat in Vilnius or Kaunas is often rented for €600–800 per month — split three ways, that works out to €200–270 per person. That's a similar figure to the most expensive dormitory room, but a flat offers more privacy and space.
On top of rent, you need to add utilities (€60–120/month for three people in winter), internet (€10–15/month), and transport costs to university if the flat isn't right in the centre. In a dormitory, utilities are usually already included in the price, and it's just a few minutes' walk to lectures.
Pros and cons of a dormitory
- Pro: everything included, close to university, quick move-in
- Con: less privacy, shared kitchen and bathroom, stricter rules
Pros and cons of a rented flat
- Pro: more space, you can live with friends of your choosing, your own pace
- Con: requires a deposit, separate utility bills, longer lease agreement
Moving into rented housing starts to make financial sense once the dormitory price approaches €200 per month, and you can find a group of 3–4 people willing to share housing for at least a year. For a shorter period, a dormitory is usually still the better deal.
How to properly plan your move during your studies
The best time to move is between semesters, at the end of June or the start of August, before exams and the new lecture schedule loom. It's easier to find time for the move itself then, with less stress from juggling it alongside studies.
If your budget is tight, it makes sense to review in advance what's actually worth bringing with you. The article what to get rid of before moving describes how to declutter before a move — this is especially relevant for students, since a dormitory room accumulates a lot of small items over the years that simply won't be needed in the new flat.
The furniture question often determines how complicated the move will be. If the rented flat already comes furnished, you'll only need to bring personal belongings — books, clothes, electronics. If the flat is unfurnished, you'll need to think about a bed, wardrobe, and desk — and that calls for a more serious item transport service, especially if the furniture is bulky and won't fit in a car.
When moving together with others — say, three peers who've found the same flat — the cost can be split evenly. A single booking with a van is often cheaper than three separate trips in personal cars with multiple runs.
Practical tips: how students can save money when moving
A minimum moving booking is 2 hours, starting from €130 excluding VAT (2 movers and a van at €65/hour). For a student room with a bed, wardrobe, desk and a few boxes, those two hours are usually enough. If there's more stuff, or an extra mover is needed for heavy furniture, the price rises by €30 per hour.
Moving on your own only pays off when you have few belongings and someone willing to lend you a car. But if you have to carry a wardrobe up to the third floor with no lift, hiring transport with experienced movers often costs about the same as fuel and time spent with friends — with far less risk of damaging furniture or hurting your back.
Timing also affects price: evenings and weekends carry a 1.5x higher rate. If possible, plan your move on a weekday during the daytime — that way you save real money without needing any discount codes.
Before moving out of the dormitory, it's worth getting rid of old furniture or broken appliances you don't want to drag to your new flat. That's what the old furniture removal service is for — quicker and tidier than trying to figure out where to dump an old mattress or a broken chair.
The easiest way to check the exact cost for your situation is through the price calculator — enter the addresses and an approximate volume of belongings, and the price is revealed within minutes, without calls or haggling.
Common mistakes when moving out of a dormitory
The most common mistake we see among students is starting the search for housing just two weeks before the dormitory move-out deadline. Good flats at reasonable prices in Vilnius or Kaunas disappear within days, and rushing makes it easy to grab the first option offered, even with too-high rent or a poor location.
The second risk is relying on a friend's car and a promise to "come by on Saturday." If that friend has other plans and the exam is only two days away, there's almost no room left to manoeuvre. Professional moving services let you book a specific time and know your belongings will be moved on the day you need — not whenever it's convenient for someone else.
A third common mistake is underestimating additional costs: a deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), agency or letting fees, and the first and last month's rent paid upfront. Together, these can add up to a one-off sum of €1,000–1,500 — something many students don't plan for in advance.
To avoid stress in the final week before exams, it's best to plan the entire moving process — from finding a flat to transporting your belongings — at least a month in advance. For more specific steps, see the article moving tips in Vilnius.
Frequently asked questions
How much will a dormitory room cost after the price increase?
At VMU dormitories, from September the price will range from €60 to €240 per month, depending on room type and condition. Other institutions that have raised prices — Vilnius Tech, Vilniaus kolegija, Kauno kolegija — show similar increases of around €30 per month.
Is it worth it for a student to hire a moving service, or is it better to move on your own?
If you have few belongings and a friend with a car, doing it yourself is often cheaper. But if you need to move furniture, climb stairs with no lift, or are short on time, a minimum 2-hour booking from €130 often works out cheaper than multiple trips and lost time.
What's the best time for a student to move to keep costs low?
Weekdays during the day, not in the evenings or on weekends — that way the 1.5x higher rate doesn't apply. Ideally, move between semesters, at the end of June or start of August, before the new lecture schedule approaches.
What should you do with furniture or belongings left in the dormitory?
Broken appliances, an old mattress, or unneeded furniture are easiest to hand over to a removal service rather than lugging them to your new flat. Before that, it's worth reviewing what you can actually get rid of — fewer items mean a cheaper and faster move.
Can you split the cost of moving with peers moving into the same flat?
Yes, this is a common practice — one van with movers can serve several people in a single booking, with the cost split proportionally to the volume of belongings. This is often cheaper than each person arranging separate transport.
If you already know when you're moving and how much you'll be bringing, check the price with the price calculator or go ahead and book your move online — you can find out more about flat moving services on a separate page.