The Insider February 2019 issue

GENERAL PARTNER

PARTNERS

SPECIAL THANKS TO Morten Hansen, Insead, Gundega Tamane, L’Oreal, the SA board, Dana Supe, Matas Petronis, exchange students, and the snowman!

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CONTENTS 6

The Economics of Marriage

7

Working in Financial Advisory

8

Letter from the new SA board

10 L’Oréal Brandstorm 13 Career in Business Academia 14 First impressions of exchange students 20 Ideal SSER Tinder profile 22 A Christmas Fantasy 23 Farewell Insider Team 18’ 24 What to do after FE? 26 Self-love for single people

THE INSIDER TEAM

Daniela Gerda Baranova Editor-in-chief

Luiss Martins Rozentals Creative Director

Ieva Marija Vitolina Designer

Paula Liva Matuzevica Editor

Eriks Kasparenoks Editor

4 / THE INSIDER

D

ear readers, the 25th anniversary of SSER is not only the indication that our university has lasted greatly for a quarter of a century, but also indicates that we have some new people that have come to power both in the SA and the Insider. Letter from our new SA board will re-approve that they will not only continue the greatness of our previous beloved SA board, but will also bring some great changes and a fresh view to the table - more on that you can read in their letter. Just as the SA board, the Insider is also saying it’s goodbyes to the old team.

We love you guys and appreciate your input in the making of Insider, and more on that you can see in the goodbye letter to you! We have made some minor changes that we hope you will like and accept as this was a bold, but needed step towards growth.

As previous exchange students have gone away, we now welcome new exchange students, whose first impressions you can read in this issue. Don’t forget about the Brandstorm from L’Oreal, which is great opportunity to push your limits, and an exciting interview from Deloitte about financial advisory. For a great opportunity take a look at what Insead can offer you.

If you don’t have a date for Valentine’s day, go check out how to create the best SSER tinder profile, but if you want to be with yourself, the article about self love will give you great ideas too. Don’t get stuck in FE, plan your holidays in advance! But if you want to read something more controversial, the Christmas fantasy will take you aback.

We hope to see all of you in the Valentine’s day party!

With love, Your Insider

Hleb Birylau Senior Editor

Tereze Vitolina Senior Editor

Valeria Toncovidova Senior Editor

Oskars Ludbarzs Senior Editor

ASSOCIATES OF THE MONTH

Katrīna Ciniņa

Markus Remmet

Marija Mizinova

Event Committee

Event Committee

Event Committee

A fast, efficient and reliable team member who has proven her competence as communication team middle manager by successfully approaching people for the upcoming event.

Has shown a great deal of enthusiasm about organizing meetings, seeking and purchasing needed materials.

Has shown her ability to turn ideas into reality by combining visual decoration concepts with practicality.

Mareks Pielas

Diāna Heislere

Anastasija Grigorjeva

Education Committee

Education Committee

Business Committee

Came up with the longest list of ideas for course evaluation form improvements, expressing efforts to enhance student collaboration with the administration.

Sharing a strong vision of the committee’s possible development, took the initiative to create info material about electives and helped with organizing Exchange Experience Sharing

Rūdolfs Bergmanis

Indriķis Rusovs

Anton Sentukhouski

Sports Committee

PR Committee

IT Committee

Was not only the most enthusiastic associate in the Sports Com teambuilding but also helped with organizing the Winter Symposium.

Combining quality with high speed of delivery, created a splendid Winter Symposium video.

Overall MVP whose high participation has led to successful food raising and highest Business Committee score by a metric which is defined by the alignment of the stars above.

Has timely and accurately updated websites of the organizations.

THE INSIDER / 5

THE ECONOMICS OF MARRIAGE

By Morten Hansen

W

ell, that’s what The Insider wanted me to think about so here I go (they also suggested the economics of prostitution but I somehow think I should stay away from that…).

Their background was, that Valentine’s Day is approaching – a day that is in itself related to economics. Love and affection, you say?? Be real, it’s the economics of it that counts – demand for flowers, chocolate and restaurant visits go up; so does supply and possibly a little bit here and there, prices. Profits are definitely not hurt by Valentine’s!

But there is even more to marriage (I know from experience) in terms of economics (again flowers; food for people you had forgotten you were related to; clothes, some of which you use only that one day etc. etc.). You will not be surprised that I managed to make my own marriage into a rather small event, ahem….

6 / THE INSIDER

But there are also a lot of legal issues involved.

A marriage is actually a sort of company formation – who has the right to what (money, inheritance, house, kids) and should it go sour and the company – sorry, the marriage – needs to be dissolved (divorce, I think they call it) more economics is involved and even, EVEN! more legal stuff. If divorce did not exist, lawyers would invent it – this is how many of them make their comfortable living In short, Valentine’s is reasonably inexpensive and may not have longterm implications (for better or for worse) – thus enjoy it and have a great time. The serious stuff comes later.

Be aware!

WORKING IN FINANCIAL ADVISORY

IS IT SOMETHING I CAN SEE MYSELF DOING IN THE FUTURE? If you want to be certain that you’ve made the right choice regarding your profession, it’s good to know the pros and cons of it before making any decisions. Obviously it’s not an easy task, especially if you are a student with little or no experience in the profession. Which is why we turned to someone with 15 years of professional experience (7 of those in Cayman Islands) in several Big 4 companies in audit and advisory – Gundega Tamane, for help.

While studying in SSE Riga, did you know for sure that you wanted to work in the financial sector?

No, not at all! To be honest, I wanted to work in marketing! Ending up in Big 4 was just a coincidence.

How did that come about?

After the second year at the SSE we had to do mandatory internship. I wanted to use the opportunity and stay as a permanent employee after the internship. So I took the job interviewing process very seriously and aimed for two top ranked marketing companies.

I got to the 4th level of interviews in every company I went to, but couldn’t get past that, and ended up at the deadline of applying to an internship with no other chance left than to take what was offered – and it was an audit internship in one of the Big 4 companies (I was aware about the vacancy only because I had grabbed a bunch of leaflets during the career days).

If it was just a coincidence, what made you stay in the industry?

To be honest, I didn’t like the job assignments at the beginning while working as audit assistant, but I loved the work environment (and it has not changed since) – everyone was young, active, talented and energetic – it’s really inspiring to work among people who are young in age and spirit! And the tasks got better when I gained the experience – I wish I’d known that at the beginning. Also an international experience and opportunity to work with international

colleagues and travel for trainings or work projects was crucial for me.

Have you often taken the chance to travel for your work?

Yes, and not only on business trips!

When I felt experienced enough (obtained the international accounting qualification) and had tried out some European countries (for example projects in Ukraine for 3 months and Estonia), I decided that I would like to work someplace warm and exotic, so I moved to Cayman Islands where I spent nearly 7 years primarily working in Advisory.

And then you chose to return in Latvia?

At first I spent a year traveling the world, and after returning to Latvia I spent almost a year developing Forensic business line in Belarus – that was some experience, absolutely different business and work culture!

And what made you come back and not leave Latvia this time?

I wanted to settle down in my life – the work environment is more stable, more predictable and the people seem much more trustworthy. I have a chance to work with intelligent clients who know the specifics – it’s always nice to be around smart people. And of course the sentiment – I feel more included here, I feel the same mentality, and I want my children to grow up in Latvia where they have their grandparents.

And why Deloitte?

It’s people – everyone is so open-minded and young, the hierarchy is imperceptible and everyone is viewed as equal, the company’s culture is very vibrant.

Naturally the benefits and the opportunity to work with truly intelligent clients and to keep learning is important as well, but for me the leaders of the company made a great first impression and I can contribute to certain important developments and can consult with SMART people whenever it’s needed.

So people make the routine enjoyable?

There is no routine, that’s another bonus – each day is different than the previous, new challenges arise and I get really competitive when trying to solve something new.

To work in advisory people have to be adventurous and ready for changes, what else is required?

Willing to learn and to find the best solutions, intelligence and attention to detail are the main characteristics needed. You can’t gossip – we discover many interesting and exciting things but they are confidential, so it’s not a thing to brag about the clients at the dinner table.

And I would suggest not to worry if you are not a top student – you can grow to whoever you want to be through experience (I have to admit that I was only around 50th positon in the top but it has never held me back).

THE INSIDER / 7

LETTER FROM THE Dear All, A month has passed since we have started our work as the 25th Student Association board. During this time, we have been successfully going through the checklist of beginning the work of the SA by recruiting new associates for committees, selecting the new Chief Accountant and by initiating contact with other student associations. Moreover, we organised a hockey match, represented the SA at the Open Door Day, created a temporary committee for Financial Economics support – CofFE – and, perhaps most importantly, arranged some of the broken chairs in Soros being fixed.

Although a month is little to get to know an organisation, it has been enough for us to grasp the impact and the significance of the SA which lies upon the shoulders and minds of all our associates. Not only are we working on making the student life more enjoyable, but also on keeping the studies and the school environment in touch with the students. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for the faith put into us during the elections, and we are devoted to working our hardest throughout the coming year to justify this trust.

We have also developed a clearer vision of where we want to take the SA in 2019. Not only do we want to provide opportunities for student development via networking events, workshops and the possibility to engage in career-related activities within the SA, but also make sure that you, the students, are cherished with the SA standing up for your needs and views, and that you have some escape from the stress of studies in our events. We look forward to continuing the prosperity of the one-of-a-kind community here at SSE Riga, and we hope to see your involvement in the events and activities to come.

Yours truly, The Student Association board of 2019

8 / THE INSIDER

NEW SA BOARD

Lauris Zalva

Austėja Denisovaitė

Raivo Lismanis

President

Vice President

Business Committee Chairperson

Marija Dvorņikova

Matas Petronis

Samanta Mezmale

Education Committee Chairperson

PR Committee Chairperson

Event Committee Chairperson

Mārtiņš Pēteris Barkāns

Dana Supe

Sports Committee Chairperson

Information Committee Chairperson

Hleb Birylau

IT Committee Chairperson

Poļina Šapurova

Ispirs Haradžanjans

Chief Accountant

Alumni Coordinator

THE INSIDER / 9

10 / THE INSIDER

THE INSIDER / 11

12 / THE INSIDER

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and challenge their thinking?

THE INSIDER / 13

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EXCHANGE STUDENTS

By Daniela Gerda Baranova & Tereze Vitolina

A new semester has begun, our Y3’s have returned from exchange, and so have we accepted some new faces from many different countries.

To see what they think of us and the school, we asked them a few questions.

What were your first impressions when walking Did you have any stereotypes about SSER and into SSER? did they come true?

Welcoming parts are always important for me and SSER really welcomed me very well. I remember the first time when I entered the university. To ask where the reception is, I just randomly approached two girls and got the answer. I came to the reception and introduced myself (was trying to be formal).

The lady in the reception, her name was Ramona, came close to me with a big smile on her face, explained everything and hugged me at the end.

This made me feel sincere and motivated. So, my first impression was like “Helpful students, supportive community and motivational atmosphere! Nicee”

Of course I have been so many predictions about SSE Riga. A big part of this predictions were related to education system and they come true actually.

Since it really needs powerful sources or at least initial information about that course otherwise it is meaningless to study here.

I didn’t have any stereotypes but I expected more friendliness between the new students for example the Erasmus ones. For example in France during the amphitheater courses everybody talks to everybody, to become friends, but here it is not the case. And the teachers are very sensitive when you are late even for 5 minutes (whereas in France I was really impressed because the school is very everybody is late hahaha) so I didn’t expect that beautiful, the cafeteria is nice and Jekaterina the but it is understandable. coordinator is really present. It is a small school so it is very different from my school, which is very big.

Before applying for SSER, I searched a lot about the university. I was always keeping in touch with My first impression was a little bit different from the administration via email, directly asking my others. Since I have heard so strict rules about this questions and always receiving the answers. The university and in this small university how it can be only thing I was always thinking was the different possible - I thought about this theory. And I was educational system. I knew that it would take my admired by your university staff and teachers time to get used to new structure. So, I was ready because not like the students, they want to know for all and did not have any stereotypes. Everything our country, about us or about our aims just perfect. is as I expect and even better.

14 / THE INSIDER

What would you like to get from this whole exchange experience here at SSER? What are you looking forward to the most regarding your exchange?

I would like to get firstly good friends that will be always in communication with me even we have so many distances and then to learn something about economics that I will never forget and always use. Lastly, some information about your country and your culture to share my experiences in my homeland.

I want to improve my English and also to become friends with Latvian people because I want to discover the Latvian culture, which is very interesting.

I have a direct answer to the first question: lifelong friends, self-development and enriching my knowledge. I am the person who has passion for learning and sharing. In my time as an exchange student, I am looking forward to meet new smart and different people in order to discover new things and share.

THE INSIDER / 15

THE IN

II.20

NSIDER

019

IDEAL SSER TINDER PROFILE

By Hleb Birylau & Eriks Kasparenoks

Valentine’s Day. The best time of the year to think about changing your relationship status - if you are single, obviously; otherwise, it would be a tad unusual. Anyway, if thoughts of this kind frequently occupy your head, how should you approach the insurmountable challenge of locating and attracting this special someone who’d be ready to tolerate an SSE Rigan near them? As we have been made perfectly aware for so many times by so many people, our bloody generation can’t do a thing without smartphones - so why the hell not: today we’re diving in crafting a perfect tinder profile.

The only problem is that we honestly suck at stuff like that. As well as at many other things, but I’ve digressed. To be sure that you’ll be satisfied with the quality of advice given, we decided to ask our old and somewhat mystical friend Sserigo Rigan for his informed and invaluable assistance. You should definitely check out his facebook page to know more about this semilegendary figure - while we are starting to get our hands… clean and yield the floor to the guy himself.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to such an audience, dear imaginary conversation in the head of the author of this useless article. Today, I’m pleased to present the most efficient and effective, truly economical in the most intentional way of using this word, way of attracting girls, or guys, or, honestly, whomever, with a perfect tinder profile. In essence, there are only two items that will lead you to being an item: the picture and the short bio underneath - but there’s a whole lotta things you can mess up without due diligence and attention paid to the details.

The photo. First thing that makes people notice your profile is the picture, so you have to try your best to make it perfect and high-class. Before speaking about the contents of the photo, let’s elaborate on the way the picture is taken.

First of all, get a professional to shoot the photo - a wise investment will pay off. Never use any enhancing software – it shows that you’re genuine. If you look at my picture, you can see that it gives off a very professional vibe. We, SSE Rigans, can’t afford to damage the school’s reputation even in the dating scene.

If you don’t have enough courage or simply money to hire a professional, try getting into the SA. Whatever the actual workload or responsibilities, you’ll probably have a nice picture of yourself in no time.

You also have to think about a good background – glass buildings are perfect for this kind of photo. The façade of the school itself is also quite fitting, although the high risk - high reward solution preferred by the majority of iFund market analysts is posing with some pretty landscape behind your back. The dangers here are unstable lightning, weather conditions, and the general unpleasantness of rural area; but the benefits outweigh the costs

20 / THE INSIDER

most of the time. After all, such kind of picture will show that you actually are at least somewhat down to earth; and the nature is always just beautiful.

You probably already know which is your pretty side (left for me), so make it work. In addition, think about the right angle – I’ve found that snapping a picture from just below your face gives fantastic results.

Don’t look arrogant! Remember, arrogance is the single worst stereotype about SSER students, and you don’t need to perpetuate it. Seriously. Never be arrogant. Always be polite, and in case you didn’t understand it properly - hide your arrogance. Do it. Just do it.

And stop being arrogant. As you can see, even the author of this bullet point is being arrogant while writing it. So don’t be like him (like me), and don’t be arrogant.

Wear good clothes to show that you’re really successful, and do not forget to make your hair look flawless – I prefer cutting it ‘Morten short’. If you have a picture like mine, you will have no problems attracting a lot of right swipes.

Speaking about clothes - be very careful with fitness outfits. They can backfire.

Hopefully, with all these things in mind, you’ll be able to get yourself a decent pic.

What about the next step - bio? Well, guys and girls, there are countless ways of navigating through it. I’m giving you only the most reliable tactics - ones with the highest return on characters invested. Remember, you have very, very limited space (in sharp contrast to those memorable IAS essays), so here’s how to get the most out of it.

Say that you got roasted beyond any reason running for presidency. Or just fill the bio with FE readings.

Approach No. 1: a Catchy Pick-up line This one is intuitive. Show your wit, impress the person on the receiving end with your sharp humour - and enjoy the rewards. Here are some examples:

Last...

Hey, are you a library book? Cause I’m gonna keep you to myself.

...seminar on body language - the most appropriate time for such a thing imaginable

Hey, are you an accountant? Because you’re so dear to me.

Hey, are you teaching math? Because I follow you.

My micro report is the longest this year.

Approach No. 2: Achievement-based CV Remember? Your foot in the door. You’ve got so little place, so why not showoff? Let yourself brag by showcasing some achievements, so that people are interested in a productive relationship. I ain’t gonna hide that I’m proud Morten has given me a gift of salt once. I have also been very lucky because I’ve never written an exam in W32 (I’d rather fail, thank you very much). In addition, I support our community by filling out every survey Y3s send to us, so I probably am the karma point-richest person in SSE Riga at the moment.

If I had a high enough GPA, I would’ve posted it as well. As far as the number of fails is concerned, that’s already walking on very thin ice. The rule of thumb is never say that it’s zero otherwise you’re gonna scare away many people. At the same time, if you’ve passed the gap year criterion it might not be the best idea to shout about it.

Approach No. 3: Sympathy-based CV Basically, a complete reversal of the previous tactic. Broadcast your weaknesses to the world, show your vulnerability - and it may actually bear fruits. Don’t forget to mention your GPA and the number of re-exams.

Approach No. 4: Last/First The true classics of Tinder. But with being an SSE Rigan comes a great source of self-pitying but actually relatable potential entries. For example:

...time I left the School before 6pm - two weeks ago ...report for which I started preparing at least a week in advance - never

Approach No. 5: Reliable guy/girl List the values of the school - after all, they’re all about you, amiright? Warn the person reading your bio about the special circumstances which he or she will have to face at some point of your relationship. Don’t forget to mention that January till March you’re not available (hint, hint - FE); make sure that potential presence of your friend called Hektors is accounted for.

Create the impression that we here don’t just joke around. You’re a serious individual, and your potential partner will always be able to rely on you.

And that’s it, more or less. I’m not saying that now you are guaranteed to get the girl/guy you’ve been secretly admiring since the beginning of your studies (especially considering the low chances of them using Tinder), but you’re head and shoulders above competition in the field. There are, of course, other minor tips. One of them is to always use your real name, so that people could always contact you via the official school email.

But otherwise, feel free to enjoy the dating galore that is soon to happen. I wish you the warmest Valentine’s day, and hope to see you soon - and don’t you dare swipe in the wrong direction.

“If you don’t have enough courage or simply money to hire a professional, try getting into the SA. Whatever the actual workload or responsibilities, you’ll probably have a nice picture of yourself in no time.

THE INSIDER / 21

A Christmas fantasy

By Oskars Ludbarzs

S

had received unexpected attention from another male. As I approached him once more and grabbed his head in my palms, I could feel his neck muscles tense up in resistance.

I tightened up my hold on him. “Just go with it,” I said.

Claus, however, was very confused.

The naughty do not deserve gifts, but he decided to make an exception this time, as we had been exceptionally good. All the gifts in his large red sack took the form of drinks he had not yet indulged himself in.

His large, rigid lips locked with mine without him being ready for it. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood up, accompanying A crimson figure appeared at the the sense of goosebumps at the tip gate. Santa Claus himself had of my fingers. My other hand gently arrived to bring cheer and joy. caressed his strong jawline, covered His speech was loud, but rather in tiny, coarse hairs. His strong, tan incoherent, as he had clearly had arms had begun to rise towards enough to drink himself, also evident mine to resist, but now instead they by his cheeks and nose, the color of fell to his sides, unable to stop the which seemed to resemble his outfit. increasing pleasure he was deriving from the experience. The strain Filled with excitement, I asked if I affecting his neck was now longcould receive a gift. I was met with gone – it felt as soft as the mane of a positive response – however, as a cat after spending a day working is tradition, I was to give some sort with rough wood. of performance – such as singing a My mind was racing – I felt song or citing a poem. connected, understood, and I Due to the absolute lack of talent wanted more of it. I admit that my of mine, I realized that I would thoughts perhaps wandered too have to think of a different kind far. The taste I was feeling was of performance. Something that hard to describe, if impossible. It caused remnants of the past to fill included not one, but two people. consciousness: the experience of So, I asked if I could kiss my friend, spending the first sunny spring day to which I received an enthusiastic by the sea under the shadowy cover “Okay”. My shyness was ever- of the pine trees, or a walk around present even in my drunken state, town in winter, with yellow, mellow so a small smooch on the cheek lights illuminating the snow that was was all I could muster, and this covering the pavement or peacefully obviously did not satisfy the man flying in the air. in red, as he loudly expressed his disappointment. I knew I had to go But that damned woman claimed these sensations from me by pulling in for the real deal. him away from me.

A clear look of confusion was decorating the face of my friend, as As we separated from each other, I he had not been paying attention to could see a subtle smile hiding in the what was happening and had just corner of his flushed cheeks. Santa

A look to the side revealed my friend vaping from a vape shaped in the form of an organ specific to males.

It is at this point I left the front-yard and crawled into a bed, hoping that this would somehow wake me up from this wild and vivid dream I was having.

hining bursts of light filled the night sky. Spirits were high everyone around was cheering for the fireworks that signaled the coming of the Year of the Pig. The cold did not bother the group of youngsters, as their intoxication was pushed even further by seemingly endless glasses of champagne.

New Year’s Eve was giving way to a new dawn.

22 / THE INSIDER

I did not wake up. I fell asleep, and experienced dreams of high intensity, full of lust and desire.

While these dreams I would swear to bring into my grave, I could not stop thinking to myself: perhaps ambiguity is not such a bad thing after all.

FAREWELL, INSIDER TEAM 18’ To my dear former editors

To my dear former designer

Should I tell you that I love you? Respect you? Admire you? Already miss you? Maybe. But I want to take a moment and give you a different shout-out today. Your published work is to be judged by readers, I want to talk about something different today, something that only us, insiders, know. Great articles and controversial gossips have seen the light this year, but let us talk about what was never published.

Design is everywhere around, yet few know how it’s done and why. Books, banners, menus, labels, tickets – you name it, design is everywhere. We are surrounded by it, but the majority of us has no idea how it came to life and how does one even evaluate design without being a pro. Looks beautiful or not really, guess that’s all we can check.

We only show the final product to our readers. The story of becoming behind each article remains a mystery for the reader, and only editors know the long and bumpy path each creation has to go through before finally landing on The Insider pages.

While we don’t know much about design’s deep dark secrets, we underestimate its importance. Design is here to bring beauty and order and harmonize daily things.

We may not think about it, but designers are huge contributors to our calmness and ability to focus. By bringing elegancy and order into the daily chaos good design allows us to catch and absorb the core ideas. An ugly font and clumsy infographics may become good joke material, but they will inevitably steal the attention from the words, distracting the reader and burying the good ideas. Design may remain a mystery to us, but let’s promise to appreciate what it gifts us as often as possible.

Dear editors, it is time to admit, you were strict and cruel to your creations. You threw away so many ideas.

The good ones, but not good enough. Not catchy, not unique, not quite the best. Ideas that could have filled pages, but were unlikely to fill someone’s heart. You deleted chapter after chapter, striving to let only the best ones alive. You paraphrased your thoughts over and So dear Daria, thank you for taking care of our ideas. over again, showing little to no mercy to weak words.

Thank you for making this world less chaotic and more Thank you, dear editors. For the second, third, fourth beautiful, at least in the borders of this university. For the tries; for the doubt, for the patience; Thank you for the aesthetics brought into our messy days, for the creative courage to be harsh on your own ideas. For aspiring to elegancy – thank you; For all of your sleepless nights, for all of the last minute changes, for all of the times always give the best to your readers. when we went beyond the word count – thank you; For your time, for your patience, for your integrity – thank you. It was an intense fruitful year, and you were the one to make it beautiful for all of us.

THE INSIDER / 23

What to do after fe?

By Daniela Gerda Baranova

SSER can be devastatingly tiring (as we all know), but in the end Financial Economics will have worn out our beloved Y2’s as much as possible. For this reason we wanted to provide you with some ideas - what to do after FE? With bot cheap/expensive and small/large options for your free time.

One of the best ways is getting out physically and mentally of SSER and even Riga (and if you are feeling adventurous or just going home after this long time), or even Latvia.

And if you do not want to spend money, or you have spent it all on coffees’ and red bulls’ the cheapest deals for a small two-day-getaway you can find on Airbnb. If you want to relax, the best place where to go is near the sea, so I would suggest Liepāja or Ventspils (25-35 EUR on average per night). But if you want to stay close to Riga and you enjoy more luxurious restaurants and expensive(r) nightlife, then I would suggest Jurmala. If you want to go out of Latvia, then visiting our neighbouring countries would be my next suggestion - Klaipeda, Nida, Vilnius, Kaunas (Lithuania) and Parnu, Tallinn, Saaremaa (Estonia).

Changing your surroundings and your environment can help your mind to forget the university and other problems that you face.

But… if you really want some next level extra relaxation and need to be taken care of - the best place where to go is a SPA. Take you best friend/girlfriend/boyfriend (or don’t take anyone but a good book) and go on a SPA trip, enjoy some good food (maybe some drinks too) and just treat yourself because let’s be honest here - you all deserve it! A personal suggestion 24 / THE INSIDER

from my experience - Parnu & Saaremaa has one of the best SPA places in Estonia. In Lithuania there are great places in Nida, Palanga & Klapieda, but in both Estonia and Lithuania you can find some amazing places with great service, professional masseurs, saunas, pools etc. not only near the Baltic sea, but also in the countryside. One of the best SPA’s in Latvia, you can find in Riga and Jurmala (of course), but there are several places outside the city jungle, where you can enjoy the nature - Anna SPA, Johnatan SPA estate etc. You can often find great deals for such getaways on perkamkopa.lv . This kind of relaxation will be best if you really need to recharge your batteries and spend some time away from everyone and everything.

series (Harry Potter, Lord of the rings, or an extra cheeeesy romcom - f**k those who will judge), put your phone on mute and ignore everything and everyone. Enjoy the fact that you CAN take a day off for yourself.

Or you can meet an old friend, maybe your family that has seen you only in the early mornings/late evenings once or twice a week (or 2 months ago). Spending time with your loved ones will definitely make you feel better and will erase the 2 months of seeing almost no daylight .

A small road trip is a very good substitute for having too little budget for a trip or too little time/ determination to go anywhere. For this very good destinations are: Kemeru National Park, Ligatnes However, for those who are feeling Nature Trails, Cenas park (“tīrelis” adventurous and want to go does not translate well in english) somewhere further away from here, and many other places that can be you can always find the cheapest reached by a car or a bus. flights to a city you have always wanted to visit or go to a place Of course, you can put your “balls that is dear to you and you wish to to the wall” attitude on table, go all return. One of the best websites are: out and do something crazy like go skyscanner.net, travelfree.info. Both to Australia and visit the kangaroos of these are super easy to use and or to the mountains for heli skiing. they provide you with the best and The world is yours my friend. You will cheapest flights from anywhere to get past FE, so while you are doing anywhere, anytime. Going away for that, in the break, try to find the best a few days can bet the best choice getaway for yourself when all of this for some as discovering new places, comes to a long awaited end :) culture and just being surrounded with anything that does not in any sense remind you of SSER can be sooo helpful in your recharge/ relaxation process.

But if you do not really want to go anywhere far… marathon. No, no, not the running marathon, the one where you lock yourself in a room, with you favourite snacks and movie

“The world is yours my friend. You will get past FE, so while you are doing that, in the break, try to find the best getaway for yourself when all of this comes to a long awaited end

THE INSIDER / 25

Self love for single people

By Paula Liva Matuzevica & Ieva Marija Vitolina

V

alentine’s day is a wonderful time, full of love and happiness. At least for those annoying couples that only seem to gift each other teddy bears and red roses. But for others, the bystanders, it may feel like a day full of pure loneliness and slight anger.

However, pity yourself not, single pringle!

We encourage you to use this day as an invitation to acknowledge yourself as the amazing person you are. When was the last time you took yourself on a date or smiled back in the mirror? It is our thoughts about ourselves that dictate our reality. Keeping that in mind, further in the text you will find some offers on how to make this gloomy day into a true celebration.

Xoxo

One of the best ways to treat yourself is going on a date! Do not hesitate, get together with yourself and enjoy the company. We found some nice events for you to visit (or feel free to take your friends too).

Exhibition “PORTRAIT IN LATVIA. 20th CENTURY. Facial Expressions”- until February 24, you have the great opportunity to treat your eyes with one of the finest portraits of the whole century, taking place in the Great Hall of the LNMA main building, the ARSENĀLS Exhibition Hall, and Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum.

Hypnotic Session - if you are looking for something freaky and hypnotic, then the event on February 16 in Tallinas pagalms is just for you.

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Blackout / MAX LEVEL - February 15 in Autentika, the name says it all Concert by The Coco’nuts - when after all the raves and parties one finds a mood for a cozy and laid back evening, this concert will be the right fit. Takes place on February 21 in the Bar & Design Store M50 St. Valentine’s: Amore Mio - the place to be for singles and the taken ones. February 15 in SSER, but you already knew that

And if you are a real foodie, we found the best options for some great meals. Treat yourself and go out for some amazing food, sometimes that is all it takes to feel a bit better.

We understand that sometimes it is okay to let your emotions go, so in case you find yourself in a bad mood and in need for a good cry, we have some movie recommendations just for you!

So get ready to ball your eyes out (no worries, Foodbox - give yourself a romantic kebab date we found the best non-romantic options). and treat yourself to some falafel too - because you know you are worth it ;) Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) - this one will leave you on the ground sobbing and drowning in Street Fries Kitchen - if you’re feeling nasty, then your own tears (suggested for those who have a their waffles and burgers will be just the right fit reeeeeaaaaly strong spirit) for you Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Labietis - in case you want to enjoy a light Father (2008) - this documentary (do not let beverage or simply forget all and every (their that scare you) will give you a great cry and will craft beer named Kapracis) leave you thinking about it for weeks Innocent Cafe and Austra - both places are The Intouchables (2011) - PLEASE, do not great for brunch and especially friendly for confuse this one with the “remake” coming this student budgets. year. This is the real deal. Be prepared to see life from a different point of view Get all the feelings and emotions out with a private dance off! We offer you the classic Marley & Me (2008) - yes, we included two “goodies” together with some fresh finds. Put on movies about dogs. But can you blame us...? your party pants and dance the tears (ok, let’s not be dramatic - night) away!

The Green Mile (1999) - a classic about the injustice in the world ⩔ Daryl Hall & John Oates - You Make My Dreams My Sister’s Keeper (2009) - your head will hurt after crying about how much the family in this ⩔ Junior Senior - Move Your Feet one loves each other ⩔ The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back ⩔ The Isley Brothers - Twist And Shout ⩔ Kanye West - Gold Digger ⩔ Portugal - Feel It Still

Predestination (2014) - will absorb all your thoughts (Warning: DO NOT watch all of these in one go) We hope you enjoyed our Valentine’s day plan, have a great celebration! <3

⩔ Kodak Black - ZEZE ⩔ Joey Purp - Elastic ⩔ Monatik - Кружит

THE INSIDER / 27

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