My first year at the University of Tartu: international students perspectives
Starting your studies at a new university in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging. In the 14th episode of the second season of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast (click here), titled “My First Year at UniTartu”, Vincent Arata speaks with two international students, Natavan Aliyeva and Elsa Hillis, about their experiences settling into life in Tartu, adjusting to the local culture, and navigating their academic programmes.
Natavan Aliyeva, a second-year BSc Science and Technology (see more about the programme here) student from Azerbaijan, shared her first experiences in Tartu. She chose UT for its strong laboratories and, overall, enjoys her programme, appreciating its flexibility and organisation. She recommends it to anyone unsure of their exact path but committed to a life in science.
Her first impression of Tartu was its small size, but she loved being able to reach anywhere in under 20 minutes. Part of living in a small town means you will see the same people multiple times, and both Natavan and Elsa related to this aspect of Tartu. Natavan found Estonians quieter than people back home but disagrees with the stereotype that they’re cold, saying she always felt welcome, which is a sentiment Vincent and Elsa shared.
Elsa is a first-year MA Folkloristics and Applied Heritage Studies (see more about the programme here) student from the USA. She admits she wasn’t familiar with Eastern European or Baltic culture before coming to Estonia, having only read a bit of history and Googling stereotypes such as Estonians being cold and hiding their emotions. However, she has found this isn’t always true, as people can be expressive despite claiming otherwise, suggesting it depends on the individual.
There are various cultural shocks that students from different countries might experience when moving to Estonia. Natavan described how quiet Estonian public spaces felt compared to other countries, where people talk more openly in buses, cafés, and restaurants. Vincent agreed, saying he enjoys the calm atmosphere. Elsa noted that this silence becomes most noticeable when someone is loud – something she realised when her family visited, and their conversations stood out among the soft-spoken locals. Elsa also recalled another moment of cultural difference during a class lunch. Arriving ten minutes late, she found all twelve classmates eating in complete silence. Used to chatting over meals, she was initially surprised before realising that, in Estonia, people simply prefer to focus on their food – a distinct approach to mealtime she’s come to appreciate.
Homesickness is another common challenge students face when adjusting to a new environment away from family and loved ones. It often means starting from scratch – building new friendships and creating a sense of belonging far from home. Natavan, who stays in daily contact with her family, said she rarely felt homesick but deeply missed the food from home, especially the taste of meat, which she found quite different in Estonia. Adjusting to life away from home can bring different challenges depending on prior experience. Natavan, who had moved frequently as a child, found living completely alone demanding, particularly managing daily tasks like cooking and laundry. Elsa, already accustomed to independent living from her studies in the USA, experienced homesickness more through missing familiar foods and sensory cues that evoked nostalgia. She also noted that her longing was often for people rather than a specific place, as many of her friends now live far away.
Adapting to the weather in Estonia might be challenging, but you can cope with it in many ways. Natavan said her experience of the Estonian winter mostly involved staying indoors and venturing out only when necessary. She enjoys the rainy season’s fresh smell and greenery but admits she misses the sun. For Elsa, the most challenging part of winter was adjusting to the limited daylight hours. Although she had faced similar cold in Massachusetts, the drastic changes in daylight hours were new to her. Natavan recommended the importance of good boots for winter, while Elsa suggested learning to “walk like a penguin” to stay steady on ice. Natavan admitted she initially resisted adapting her clothing to the cold – a mistake she wouldn’t repeat. Coming from Texas, Elsa recalled feeling trapped indoors at first, but later learned to embrace the season by trying winter sports and enjoying winter fashion. Vincent, who is from snowy Chicago, added that he loves sledging and admires the local custom of pulling children
Estonia is often appreciated for its safety, respect, and natural beauty. Elsa highlighted feeling safe and comfortable walking at night, particularly as a woman, and noted that this sense of security is rare compared to other countries she has lived in. She added that respect and trust are evident in everyday situations, like leaving coats on restaurant racks without worry. Natavan also pointed out Estonia’s greenery, long summer days, and overall safety, noting that these factors made her parents comfortable with her moving here alone. Safety, trust, and the country’s natural environment are among the most valued aspects of life in Estonia.
Natavan and Elsa also shared their favourite aspects about the University of Tartu. Natavan highlighted the university’s human-oriented approach, appreciating how approachable and understanding the professors and programme directors are. Vincent further stressed the University of Tartu’s high level of digital accessibility, while Elsa highlighted the faculty’s responsiveness and the professors’ passion. She also appreciated the university-town culture and activities, such as reading clubs that bring everyone together. Many people in Tartu are connected to the university, creating a supportive network that fosters openness and generosity. Though starting studies in Estonia with its dark, cold winters and unfamiliar faces may seem daunting at first, all can be easily overcome with openness and resilience, as shown by Natavan and Elsa.
Check out "My first year at UniTartu" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast:
