It has been two months since I arrived in France for my Erasmus+ exchange semester in Paris Pantheon 1 Sorbonne University. These two months have been full of excitement, and I’ve tried to make the most of every moment. I haven’t explored every corner of Paris yet, but each day brings something new – the city’s charm, its people, and of course, the most delicious croissants in the world.
Paris, bookstore Shakespeare and Co
But with every week that passes, I also notice more clearly what I miss about Estonia, especially about Tartu. And the more time I spend here, the more I understand how those little pieces of life in Tartu made it feel like home.
Paris, church Église Saint-Eustache
The first thing that comes to mind is the distance and transport. In Tartu, almost everything was just around the corner. It took me five minutes to get from my dorm to Delta, and I could get across town in fifteen. Here in France, my commute to university takes about an hour each way, and I’m already tired of spending so much time on the road. Suddenly, the compact size of Tartu feels like the biggest luxury I didn’t appreciate enough before.
I also miss the pace of life. In Tartu, life flowed more slowly and calmly. There was time to notice small details, to look at golden leaves on Toome Hill, have a quiet walk along the river, or just sit with a friend without rushing anywhere. In France, everything is louder, faster, and more crowded. Sometimes I catch myself wishing for that calm Estonian rhythm again. Strangely enough, I even miss the weather. Half a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed it, but now the grey skies and chilly mornings feel almost comforting compared to the constant busyness here.
On the left: Tartu, Toome Hill, autumn 2024.
On the right: A busy Sunday on Montmartre — everyone heading towards the view from Sacré-Cœur.
Then there are the familiar faces. Tartu is small enough that you bump into someone you know almost every day. Just walking through Raekoja plats or Ülikooli street, you’d meet your groupmates, neighbours, and sometimes even professors. Those accidental meetings gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t realise was so important. In France, surrounded by big crowds, it’s easy to disappear into the background, and sometimes that makes me feel invisible.
Tartu, Raekoja plats, The calmness of sunny days
The student community in Tartu is something I think about a lot. While the whole city of Tartu serves as the university campus, it makes it easier for you to feel connected and creates a real sense of belonging. Whether it’s study groups, casual coffee meetings, cultural evenings, sports, concerts, hobby clubs, or student parties, something is always happening. Every week felt full of activities, and you didn’t even have to look far to find it. I’m doing my exchange semester at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, where the campus buildings are spread across different parts of Paris. In contrast, Tartu feels like one big campus, where everything and everyone is close together. There are many opportunities here in France, but it’s harder to feel that same closeness and shared energy I had in Tartu.
On the left: My study place in Estonia – the University of Tartu, Delta Centre
On the right: A glimpse of my new study place – La Sorbonne, Paris
Erasmus+ exchange made me appreciate what I had before, and realise that Tartu became more than just a city where I studied but my second home. While I enjoy my life and studying in Paris, I can’t help but feel a bit of homesickness. A huge part of me will always be comparing and missing the closeness, the rhythm of Tartu. Above all, I miss its community – and I am already looking forward to be back in the winter.
Paris, at Eiffel Tower
All images are the author’s own.
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