New and modern premises opened at the RSU student hostel in Āgenskalns

Another stage of renovation has just completed in the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Student Hostel in Āgenskalns (17 Mārupes iela). The students now have access to 14 newly renovated and equipped rooms, as well as a spacious room for meetings and other public events.

The hostel has a long history and traditions that have been built up over many decades. There are rumours that one or other revered professor might have used a window at the hostel for a quick escape during their student years. Life in these walls was buzzing, as befits students. What happened in Āgenskalns stayed in Āgenskalns…

Students become professors, times change, and the hostel gets older.

The premises are regularly and gradually renovated to bring them up to date and meet the requirements of modern life.

To take a look at the work that has been done, we visit the student hostel in Āgenskalns together with Dainis Zemešs, Director of the RSU Department of Infrastructure. As we enter the building, we pass through the recently renovated entrance area on the first floor, where we see the administrator's room and the hostel manager’s office immediately behind it. This layout makes it easier for residents to sign contracts and deal with other administrative matters.

On the other side of the first floor, we find the newly renovated student lounge. It can be used for studying, seminars, meetings, or relaxation.

The room has kitchen facilities with a coffee machine and a large interactive screen. It can be used by both students and staff and can be booked through the Booker tool on MyRSU. If the room has not been booked, residents can use the room without making an appointment. For example, students watched the Basketball World Cup and the Song and Dance Festival here.

Luīze Monta Remese, Chair of the Board of the RSU Student Union believes that

the new lounge and discussion room is an ideal place where students can not only study or take colloquia, but also meet friends, talk and spend time together. It has very comfortable furniture and a large TV.

This spacious room can also be used by the managers of the student hostels to organise get-togethers for the tenants. It is a great addition to the existing shared rooms, as it offers the possibility to organise meetings, working groups, and events in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

There is a renovated staircase next to the entrance. As you go upstairs and enter the renovated corridors, you can see the refurbished bathrooms rooms, which are equipped with modern plumbing fixtures. There are also laundry facilities with new washing machines and dryers. We move on to the student lounge, which has been freshly refurbished and is a great place to play table tennis, other games, spend time chatting or studying together. The hostel has simple and comfortable kitchens for students to prepare their meals. All in all, it has everything you need to live and study well.

Not everything is possible though. As we open the door to the adjoining staircase, we have the impression of being transported to another time. This staircase and the corridors are still awaiting renovation.

Dainis Zemešs explains that

RSU hostels should be self-financing. This means that their income has to cover expenses.

The renovation of the hotel is therefore being carried out gradually. Plans are made, money is collected from the revenue, and only then can work begin.

The increase in rental prices in the spring was painful but necessary. We are all aware that the cost of building materials and labour has risen significantly in the last few years. Without increasing rents, reconstruction would not have been possible. Moreover, inspecting the hostel premises in person gives a clear idea of how effectively and efficiently funds have been invested.

Rooms in the hostel are in high demand. Prices vary according to their renovation history. ‘The “fresh and new” rooms are more expensive, whereas, the less “shiny” ones are cheaper. Some rooms are doubles, which are usually used by visiting lecturers. These rooms have also been recently renovated.

The 14 newly renovated rooms will soon be occupied. Each room has modern furniture and a fridge. The colours are bright and pleasant.

The RSU Department of Infrastructure already has new plans in mind for how to continue renovating the student hostel in Āgenskalns.