Finding accommodation in Tartu
Finding suitable accommodation is a crucial aspect of student life, especially for those travelling to study abroad. When looking for accommodation, international students usually have two options: University of Tartu dormitories or private accommodation, such as an apartment or a room in a shared apartment. The decision often depends on students’ monthly budget and personal preferences. Our international students Cody and Elfi shared their experiences with different types of accommodation in Tartu on the “Tiksu to UniTartu” podcast episode.
Elfi is a second-year student from Azerbaijan, studying bachelor’s in Science and Technology. When she moved to Tartu, she opted for the university's dormitories. The University of Tartu dorms website offers a user-friendly accommodation section listing all available dorms, their locations, and room types. Elfi resides in Raatuse 22, where she shares a three-bedroom apartment with other students. She highlighted the straightforward process of selecting a dorm room and the flexibility to choose a randomly assigned roommate or the possibility of applying for a room with a friend. For Elfi, the fixed rent, which included utilities, made it a financially viable option, allowing her to focus on her studies without worrying about fluctuating expenses.
Getting a spot in the dorm can be a bit difficult due to limited places, so you have to follow the instructions sent to you by the university and apply as soon as possible. Once you are offered a place in one of the dorms, you need to pay the deposit. When you arrive, you will get your key from Raatuse 22* dormitory reception, which is open 24/7.
Cody is a second-year master's student from the United States, majoring in German language and literature on the curriculum of European Languages and Cultures. He chose to live off-campus in his own apartment. He found his housing through Facebook groups, which is a popular method among students in Estonia. Cody mentioned specific groups such as "Foreigners in Tartu", "Üürikorterid otse omanikult Tartus"**, and "Korterite üürimine Tartus"*** as excellent resources for finding rental listings. These groups are particularly beneficial as they feature posts in English, and you can rent an apartment directly from the owner, avoiding the realtor’s fees. Other websites that Estonians often use are KV.ee and rendin.ee. Viewing the apartment in person before signing a contract was a significant advantage for Cody, providing peace of mind and ensuring the accommodation met his needs.
Cost is a critical factor when choosing between dormitories and private apartments. Elfi's dormitory costs are fixed, covering utilities and laundry, thus providing stable and predictable expenses. The cost for one person in a two-person room in the Raatuse 22 dormitory is €159 per month (2024/25 academic year). In contrast, Cody's budget is around €400 per month for his apartment, accounting for rent and variable utility costs. The cost for private accommodation is definitely more expensive and can vary for one to two bedroom apartments between €400 and €700 per month (incl. utilities).
This difference reflects the trade-off between the dorms' convenience and social environment and the privacy and quiet of a personal apartment. Both students emphasised the importance of considering one's financial situation and lifestyle preferences when making housing decisions.
Privacy levels vary significantly between dormitory and private apartment living. Cody, who values a quiet environment for his work and studies, found dorm life challenging due to the shared spaces and differing schedules of roommates. On the contrary, Elfi enjoys the social interactions and communal aspects at her dormitory, although she acknowledges that privacy may depend on one's roommates and the dorm layout. Students usually have one roommate and share a kitchen and a bathroom with two or four other people in the apartment. The choice between these living arrangements ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
One thing that both Cody and Elfi liked was that Tartu is a small town, and getting anywhere is relatively easy. Usually, they either walk or take the bus. For example, Cody rarely needs to use public transport. On the other hand, Elfi relies a bit more on the bus schedule since most of her classes take place at the Institute of Technology, which is further away from the city centre. In her experience, buses are usually on time, and the nearest bus stop is next to her dormitory. Both students highlighted Tartu's walkability and efficient public transport, making it easy to navigate the city regardless of where one lives.
When choosing whether a dorm or an apartment would be the best fit for you, you should also consider the provided appliances, amenities, and potential additional purchases since dormitories and private apartments in Tartu offer different advantages. Elfi's dormitory provides basic furniture such as a bed, shelf, desk, and wardrobe, along with essential kitchen facilities, including a stovetop and fridge. However, additional appliances like kettles, microwaves, and ovens are not provided, leaving students to purchase or share these items with flatmates. Elfi noted the common practice of students selling or passing on appliances to incoming residents, creating a mini “second-hand market” of essential items.
In contrast, Cody's apartment had a more comprehensive set of amenities. While he needed to buy his bedsheets and a drying rack, his apartment included a fridge, oven, microwave, and a personal washing machine. Students should still note that apartments can come with very different amenities, and some apartments are not furnished at all, so when renting a new place, students should clarify with the owner what comes with the apartment.
Both dormitories and private accommodation have advantages and disadvantages, and one should consider different aspects when choosing what fits their personal needs and budget. Listen to the full episode about accommodation in Tartu on the “Tiksu to UniTartu” podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Safe travels, and welcome to Estonia!
* If you are studying at Narva College and are moving to Narva, you will get your key from the Kerese 14 dormitory reception (check opening hours from the website). If you are studying in Viljandi Culture Academy and are moving to Viljandi, you will get your keys from the Väike 6 dormitory reception (check opening hours from the website).
** Rental apartments directly from owners. Posts in this group are mostly in Estonian but you can use Google Translate for translating the posts about listings.
*** Apartments in Tartu. Posts in this group are mostly in Estonian but you can use Google Translate for translating the posts about listings.
