Advice for students moving to Tartu

If you start your studies at the University of Tartu and move here from elsewhere, it is worth learning about the city and the university before you arrive.

New international degree-seeking and exchange students should attend the orientation course, designed to make the start of your journey at the University of Tartu as smooth as possible. There will be different sessions and events to help you settle in better. The orientation course for the 2025/2026 autumn semester takes place on 27-29 August at the Delta Centre. For more information, see the Orientation Course page.

Accommodation

There are eight student residences in Tartu. The residences have all the basic amenities such as wi-fi, kitchens, washrooms and communal areas. The student residences of the University of Tartu are managed by Tartu Üliõpilasküla (Tartu Student Village).

If you want to share a rental apartment with friends, instead, start your search early, as August is the busiest month for apartment hunters. Read more about finding accommodation in Tartu.

Getting around

Tartu is an increasingly cycling-friendly city. There are bicycle parking racks at all academic buildings. Tartu also has a bike share system, allowing you to rent electric and regular bicycles wherever and whenever you need them. Read more on the Tartu Smart Bike Share website.

Check the most convenient cycling route between the Maarjamõisa and Delta study buildings.

Alongside light traffic, Tartu also encourages the use of public buses. Many larger university buildings have bus stops in front or nearby. In Tartu, you can buy a ticket from the driver or use a bus card of Tartu, Tallinn or Pärnu, which you need to swipe at the validator when boarding.