“Living in a student residence is a great school of life—it teaches resilience, discipline, and motivation,” says Sigita Keiša, a fourth-year student at the Alfrēds Kalniņš Cēsis Music Secondary School.
The aspiring opera singer from Latgale has called the brightly coloured, modern student residence at 23 Saules Street in Cēsis her home for the past four years. The residence, renovated in 2017 with support from the European Regional Development Fund, is home to more than 150 young people from across Latvia.
Sigita was born and raised in Balvi and loves her hometown, but opportunities to pursue music studies there are limited.
“I want to build my future around music, which is why I chose to study in Cēsis. I was very happy that the school had a student residence because commuting simply isn’t possible for me—it takes four hours by bus to get home. Renting an apartment would be expensive, and then I would have to deal with all the risks myself, from rising utility costs to broken household appliances. I pay €30 per month for the residence, and the price never changes. I know there will always be heating, hot water, and a comfortable kitchen with a stove and refrigerator. I don’t have to worry about everyday practicalities and can focus all my energy on what matters most—my studies,” she explains.
If something breaks or needs fixing, the maintenance staff take care of it quickly.
Learning independence
What is it like to leave home and begin taking responsibility for your own life at the age of sixteen?
Sigita admits that the beginning was difficult. However, after four years in the residence, she feels she has gained invaluable life experience.
Laughing, she says that sometimes after school she would like nothing more than to fall into bed and do nothing. Yet residence life teaches self-discipline. Rooms must be kept tidy, residents must be considerate of their roommates, and they have to learn many practical life skills that previously seemed to happen automatically because parents took care of them.
For example, Wednesdays are designated as general cleaning days when every room must be cleaned thoroughly.
“At first the rules seem restrictive, but structure is very disciplining. I genuinely appreciate the organised environment and the rules that make it possible to study and relax peacefully. I have learned how to manage my time better and how to live with other people—skills that will be useful throughout my life,” Sigita says.
More than just accommodation
One of the things Sigita values most is the sense of community among the residents.
“We are like a family. I can always approach someone and talk. If I’m feeling sad or something isn’t going well, I know there will be someone willing to help. It’s much more than a warm room or modern facilities,” she says.
She also highlights the supportiveness of the residence staff and management.
Looking towards the future
When thinking about the future, Sigita plans to continue her studies at the Music Academy and is also considering studying abroad.
“Recently, I participated in an exchange programme in Palencia, Spain. For two weeks I studied singing, met new teachers, and experienced a completely different professional environment. It inspired me enormously and gave me new goals and ambitions,” she says.
A modern home for students from across Latvia
According to Valdis Sviķis, manager of the Cēsis Municipal Student Residence, the renovated building offers 178 beds. Occupancy remains consistently high, with approximately 150 to 165 residents aged between 15 and 20 each year.
Students come from several educational institutions, including Cēsis State Gymnasium, Draudzīgais Aicinājums Cēsis State Gymnasium, the Vidzeme Technology and Design Technical School, Cēsis Secondary School, and the Alfrēds Kalniņš Cēsis Music Secondary School.
Many residents come from Sigulda, Gulbene, Limbaži, Jēkabpils, Madona, Bauska, Balvi, and even Riga.
“Often, young people choose Cēsis because the educational programme they are interested in is not available where they live, or because they are looking for educational opportunities that do not exist in their home municipality,” explains Valdis Sviķis.
Designed for learning and personal growth
The residence is modern and well-equipped, and many parents are surprised by the quality of the facilities when they first visit.
Students live in rooms shared by two or three people. Each room includes beds, study space, wardrobes, and a refrigerator. Every floor of the four-storey building has two fully equipped kitchens where residents prepare their meals, while shared shower facilities are located in the corridors.
There is also a study room equipped with computers and a piano. Students from the music school often practise there, creating a unique atmosphere throughout the building.
Daily life in the residence follows clear rules. Official quiet hours begin at 11:00 p.m. Shared areas and kitchens are monitored by security cameras to ensure safety and maintain order. However, the manager emphasises that everyday life is largely based on mutual trust, which generally works very well.
In the evenings, duty supervisors are present to support students and help them resolve any issues that arise.
During the summer months, when schools are closed, the residence hosts young athletes attending floorball, basketball, volleyball, and other sports camps.
Investing in educational infrastructure
The Cēsis Municipality has implemented the European Regional Development Fund project “Modernisation of Educational Institutions in Cēsis Municipality.” The project's objective was to invest in educational infrastructure and create modern learning environments that support competency-based education.
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
