Everyday life of a student in Tartu

When moving to a new place, you might be curious about what everyday life is like, especially after being admitted to the University of Tartu. To give you a better idea of what to expect, we invited Jorge, an international student from Honduras, to share his personal journey in the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast.

Tartu

The first impression of arriving in Tartu is that it is charming, cold, walkable and not overcrowded, with an efficient transportation system. “You can get basically everywhere in 30 minutes,” said Jorge. Apart from the winter, when everything turns almost entirely white with snow, the city bursts with colour. The transition of seasons makes Tartu look so magical. “The mixture of being able to see the transitions of the seasons, having a proper snowfall and having first snow fights is fascinating to me. Being able to go to different cities, explore nature, go to lakes or bogs, discover historical sites adds to the charm,” said Jorge.

Living costs

The living costs of students in Estonia can be found on the website of Study in Estonia, which accounts for different expenses.

Accommodation

Living in dormitories costs around 200 to 400 euros per month, depending on whether you live alone or share the room with another student. For example, the price for a twin room in the dormitory at Raatuse 22 is 159 euros per person and if you want to have the whole room for yourself, you would need to pay double. The rent for a shared or private flat can be up to 700 euros or more, including utilities.

Food and other expenses

Food costs around 300 euros per month, while entertainment and activities range from 50 and up, depending on your preferences and choices. For example, coffee costs from 3 euros, a theatre ticket is 40–60 euros, etc. You can also find lunch specials in the city on weekdays during specific hours, typically costing between 4 and 8 euros.

Transportation costs

A ticket for public transport within the city of Tartu and the entire Tartu county (Tartumaa) costs 1.5 euros. While Tartu is very walkable, students studying natural sciences who live in the city centre may need to get a monthly transportation card. The card costs 12.95 euros for youth (under 26) and 18.5 euros for regular users.

Going to places further away can vary depending on the destination, e.g. from 8 euros to Tallinn or 35 euros to Kuressaare on Saaremaa (the biggest island in Estonia). Buses in Estonia are quite comfortable, and you can book tickets through Lux Express or other similar companies.

Groceries

Tartu is home to several large shopping centres, including Tasku, Kvartal, and Kaubamaja. Near the dormitories, you will also find independent grocery stores such as Kivi Konsum and Ujula Konsum. While there are many other supermarkets in Tartu (like Rimi, Maxima, Coop, Selver, and Kaubamaja), the market offers a wide range of products at more affordable prices.

“It is quite cheap compared to other places,” Jorge explained and claimed that the market is one of the best choices. There are differences, of course, compared to other countries. Mangos are different and more expensive than in Honduras, but other products, especially the local ones, are cheaper. He also informed us that he can practise his Estonian there, as well as in restaurants. “Estonians seem happy to know that a foreigner is trying to use the language. I think Estonians really appreciate when you try to speak the language or at least put forth an effort.”

Sports and training

The University of Tartu Sports Centre offers a lot of gym and fitness activities at very good prices for students and non-students alike. Read more about sports activities at the sports club here. Tartu also offers numerous other activities. If you are interested, you can join Latin dances, aerial acrobatics, pole dancing (Flight Club, Pole Dance Studio), swing dance, and many more trainings.

History, nature and activities

Estonia is a country rich in experiences and shaped by diverse historical perspectives from its journey through time. From meteorites falling on its coast and nature accounting for 80% of its territory to the love of its people and folklore tales embodying different events.

Estonian nature offers forests and bogs, including a list of activities on its rivers and lakes, such as kayaking or rowing. Travelling from Tartu to Viljandi, the scenery changes in the structure of houses, and architecture going back in time. “The history is very visual there, because you can go and visit castle ruins, and it's really great,” said Jorge, having done this trip many times.

Hope you enjoy living in Tartu and discovering what the city and the nearby nature have to offer!

Listen to the "Everyday life of a University of Tartu Student" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast: