It was 2020 when I submitted my application to the University of Tartu. I was full of excitement about the next stage of my life in this foreign place I had not heard about before, Estonia. Now, I am happy to call Tartu my second home. You will feel the same way, eventually! Whether you are already in Estonia or thinking about coming here, it might be challenging to leave your home country behind and move to a new place.
This blog post can serve as a helpful guide, not only with the process of applying, (remember, university staff can help you best!) but also with acclimating to what just might be your first time alone away from home.
Day 0:
Congratulations! You are accepted to study at the University of Tartu, now what? The next steps heavily depend on where you are coming from. If you are coming from an EU country then the moving process will be very different than for someone from a country with more visa requirements. Luckily, there’s a place where you can ask for help! You can send your visa-related questions to studentvisasupport@ut.ee.
Before arriving:
Now you have a set date to arrive in Estonia. One of the most important things to know before arriving is… accommodation! Since Tartu is a student city, there are several dormitories across town where you can live. These have all a student needs: cozy rooms, laundry machines and dryers, parking spaces and kitchen area, toilets and showers. Our ambassador Reina just posted a blog giving us an inside look at a UT dormitory, Raatuse 22, one of the dormitories where mostly international students are staying. There is also the option to live in a private flat or with roommates – you can check some options here.
Get your documents in order! (for non-EU residents)
You will need a Temporary Residence Permit if you plan to stay for more than a year. You can check the link to find more info, and don’t worry, it is a very simple process! Everything in Estonia regarding bureaucratic matters is as streamlined as possible and designed not to give you a hard time.
Get to know Tartu early!
If you are the impatient kind or like to be hyper-prepared for everything (you know who you are!), you can always take a stroll through Tartu in its digital form! Hop on to Google Maps Street View or a Virtual Tour and check out some of the places that might be the most relevant for your stay – from the dormitories through the Raekojaplats to the University Hall where you will have most of your classes (be it the Sciences complex or the Main Building). Also, be sure to take a look at VisitTartu as it is the official hub for some good suggestions. They also offer a great digital tour of some of the more famous places you’ll get to see!
Welcome to Estonia!
After you’ve landed and recovered from the trip, it’s a good time to start getting to know your new home. Tartu is a small and relaxed city, making it very friendly for pedestrians. Personally, I think taking a walk is the best way to get familiar with the environment and the city is very safe. You can walk on your own time, enjoy the abundant and beautiful nature of the city and get some fresh air. If you like a bit more structure, there is a handy walking route that will take you to the most emblematic places in the city. Remember to enjoy yourself, meet new people, get acquainted with your classmates, and have fun! This will help you feel more comfortable little by little.
Soon enough you will start developing habits. For example, I meet with friends by the Kissing Student’s fountain, I refuse to go anywhere besides my favorite coffee shop, I habitually go to the night library when midterms start, and I like to go to museums on the last Friday of the month – when the ticket is only one euro.
This doesn’t mean this process is going to be easy. You will face new challenges and might feel homesick for a while. Take care of yourself! We all have different ways of handling our anxieties, but it is so important that you use many of the university’s resources to help you during this process and you can trust me, it will pass and you will be ready to embrace Tartu as it embraced you.
Before you realize it, you’ll be the one helping someone else arrive in Tartu and embark on the latest chapter of their journey. You will know many more places to suggest, resources to use, and favorite spots to visit. With a bit of luck, you’ll be calling Tartu a home too!
