How to plan your arrival and travel to Estonia? A guide for international students starting their studies at the University of Tartu

This year, 400 new international students start their studies at the University of Tartu. This also means that most of them have to move to Estonia now. For some of our new students, the trip will last a couple of hours, but others may need a more extensive travel plan. To help our new students with the planning, our International Student Ambassador, Vincent, sat down with a fellow student from the USA, Nicholas, for an episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast. Together, they discussed how to prepare to move to Estonia, the best travel tips, and the best options for travelling within Estonia. 

Nick's journey to Estonia began with a growing fascination for studying abroad during his undergraduate years. He initially considered various countries in Europe. However, his curiosity about less familiar destinations led him to discover Estonia. He found the University of Tartu and its Semiotics programme through a Google search and ultimately chose it for its intellectual appeal and historical significance.

As Nick recounts, arriving in Estonia can be long and tiring. Nick describes his trip, 

"I was up for at least a day and a half. I flew from Kansas to New York and then to Frankfurt. Then you have one last trip that is like a two-hour flight to Tallinn, and then I was like, oh wait, Tallinn is not actually my final destination. I still have to take a bus to get to Tartu, and that is another two and a half hours. So it was quite a long trip.”

Travelling to Estonia typically involves at least one layover when flying to Tallinn or Tartu. If you fly to Tallinn, you will also need to take a bus to reach Tartu. Those travelling by train, bus, or boat will have multiple transportation changes along the way.

Despite the long travel time and exhaustion, Nick’s arrival was filled with the excitement of setting foot in Europe for the first time. Vincent, who travelled from Chicago, shares a similar experience, emphasising the importance of planning and preparation for such long-haul trips. Make sure your plane tickets, for example, include luggage and have your travel documents ready. 

Once in Estonia, getting around is relatively straightforward, with many options from bus companies and trains. Tallinn Airport has a bus stop from where Lux Express buses leave for Tartu almost every hour during the day, and the nearest train stop, Ülemiste, is a 15-minute walk away. Both Nick and Vincent highlight the convenience: buses are comfortable and affordable, and you can buy tickets online or at the airport. Public transport within cities also has the option to purchase tickets with contactless cards.

When discussing how to adjust to life in Estonia, Nick and Vincent noted that the winters could be particularly challenging, especially for those from warmer climates. They suggest purchasing a high-quality winter coat and boots upon arrival, as local options are better suited for the harsh conditions. Additionally, it is wise to bring essential items for personal well-being, such as contact lenses and medications, and to organise important documents beforehand. Nick advises carefully considering what to bring, as most daily necessities are available in Estonia.

Handling finances is another crucial aspect for new arrivals. Nick suggests using services like Wise for international transactions and setting up a local bank account to manage expenses efficiently. It is also wise to carry some cash, as some international cards might not always work. When arriving in Estonia, you may also need a new SIM card for your phone. You can buy them at the airport or supermarkets. Keeping all necessary documents organised, such as your passport, visa, etc., can save a lot of hassle.

Nick chose to stay in the dormitory of the University of Tartu and had quite a positive experience. He emphasised that it was nice and comfortable. The registration was straightforward: Nick needed to register and pay the deposit beforehand and get the key from the reception upon arrival. 

Moving to Estonia for your studies at the University of Tartu is an exciting journey. However, preparing for life in a new country always requires careful planning and an open mind. Listen to the full episode about travelling and planning your arrival of Tiksu to UniTartu podcast with Vincent and Nicholas on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. There, they share more personal stories about moving and adjusting to life in Estonia. 

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Listen to the "Planning your arrival and travelling" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast: