student
Further information

Orientation course

The orientation course for the new international degree-seeking and exchange students is designed to make the start of university life as smooth as possible. You will find different sessions and events to help you settle in better.

The orientation course for the 2026/2027 autumn semester takes place on 26-28 August at the University of Tartu Delta Centre (Narva maantee 18, Tartu). Students are expected to arrive in Tartu on 24-25 August.

See the photo gallery of the Orientation course in autumn 2026 here!

Schedule

10.00

Opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year

The opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year of the University of Tartu takes place on Monday, 31 August at 10:00 in front of the university's main building.

The ceremony will have simultaneous interpretation into English. Please arrive early to pick up free headphones at the corner of the main building on Jakobi street, next to the UT gift shop tent.

22.00

Welcome party by ESN Tartu for all international students

Latin Passion Dance Studio terrace (Küütri 6). Tickets can be purchased from ESN during the Orientation Course or from their office.

University of Tartu library tours

Meeting point: University of Tartu Library (W. Struve 1) lobby

REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, 26 August at 15.15-16.00Group 1
Wednesday, 26 August at 16.15-17.00Group 2
Thursday, 27 August at 15.15-16.00Group 3
Thursday, 27 August at 16.15-17.00Group 4
Friday, 28 August at 13.15-14.00Group 5
Friday, 28 August at 14.15-15.00Group 6

Student-led Tartu city tours by International Student Ambassadors

Meeting point: The Kissing Students Fountain at the Main Square (Raekoja Plats)

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, 29 August at 12.00Group 1
Saturday, 29 August at 14.00Group 2
Sunday, 30 August at 13.00Group 3

UT Academic Sports Club tours

Meeting point: UT Academic Sports Club (Ujula 4) hall square

REGISTER HERE

Sunday, 30 August at 13.00Group 1
Sunday, 30 August at 14.00Group 2

University of Tartu museum tours

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, 3 October at 14.00University of Tartu Museum tour at the Tartu Cathedral (Lossi 25)
Saturday, 10 October at 14.00Old Observatory tour (Uppsala 8)
Saturday, 17 October at 14.00University of Tartu Art Museum tour (Ülikooli 18)
Other activities
Saturday, 29 August at 17.00City tour and mingle organized by ESN. Gathering at UT main building (Ülikooli 18)
Monday, 31 August at 19.00Introduction to Tartu Nightlife ("3 ECTS" - joke intended) organized in cooperation with GenKlubi, the University of Tartu Student Union (TÜÜE), ESN Tartu, Tartu Student Days, and the Estonian Medical Students' Association (EAÜS). See further information on the Facebook event.
Tuesday, 22 September at 17.00

Quiz night ‘Observatournament’ at Tartu Old Observatory. Observatournament is a traditional quiz night that brings together curious minds to explore the wonders of the universe and challenge their knowledge.

The event is part of the Tartu Student Days: Autumn 2026 festival.

REGISTER HERE

Orientation course topics and presentations

We have requested various speakers from different fields of expertise to share their knowledge and talk about different aspects related to settling down, living and studying in Tartu. In this section you can find recorded videos as well as slide presentations.

Please find answers to all kinds of practical questions about banking, housing, etc. on Tartu Welcome Centre's website.

The presentations are divided into four categories. Please find the presentations below:

Support services

See the presentations

Health care & leisure time

See the presentations

Safety and migration

See the presentations

Study related topics

See the presentations

Welcome bag

Tote bags
All new international students will receive a tote bag on the orientation course. Students staying in the University of Tartu colleges in other cities will get their bags there. Students who cannot attend the orientation course or arrive later can pick up their bags from the Tartu Welcome Centre on Ülikooli 17, across the street from the university's main building.









Photo: Helle Arop

See also:

Getting started: ABC for new international students