So, why doesn’t the University of Tartu have student cards?
This question that came to my mind when I had just arrived in Tartu. Many foreign students who come to Tartu are surprised to find out that they do not receive any ID cards when they start their studies. Since all the student accounts at the University of Tartu have long been electronic, we don’t have any magical paper we can present to the first person we meet to demonstrate that we are the students of a top university.
Indeed, student cards are not just for show. In today’s world, student status allows you to get discounts practically everywhere as long as you can prove that you are not working, but studying.
You’ve probably heard of “ISIC”, the International Student Identity Card, which can be issued to get discounts worldwide. The specific fact about Estonia is that here ISIC has practically replaced the student ID card.
If you sign up for ISIC, you can take advantage of this programme’s many discounts (a full list can be found on the website). The real lifehack is that in Estonia with an ISIC card, you can use absolutely any services that give discounts to students! This is because ISIC has become an official ID card for all types of students; from undergraduates to Ph.D. students.
How to get ISIC in Estonia?
It’s easier than you can imagine! Student ISIC in Estonia can almost always be issued with a bank card — almost every bank in Estonia will offer you this service.
You will receive a credit card designed as an ISIC (offers from SEB and Swedbank) or a virtual card – in the Internet bank (offers from LHV). For more details, see the links.
Transport:
Public transportation in Tartu — a student ticket
Trains elron.ee — 30% discount on a train ticket
Buses ecolines.ee — special tariffs for students
Buses FlixBus — 15% discount for a bus ticket
Museums:
Estonian National Museum (Tartu) — a student discount for all exhibitions
KUMU (Estonian Museum of Art) — 30% student discount for all exhibitions
Theaters:
Vanemuine Theatre (Tartu) — 20% student discount
National Opera House “Estonia” — 50% student discount
Entertainment:
Water park and sauna centre Aura Keskus — 30% student discount
Science centre AHHAA — 30% student discount
Bouldering and climbing centre Ronimistehas — discount for a one-time visit
Apollo Cinema — 10% student discount
Services:
Post services omniva.ee — 20% discount
Bookshop Rahva Raamat — 5% discount
This list is endless, with discounts at cafes, clothing shops, prom stores, hairdressers, health clinics and dental clinics, but it’s better to follow the link yourself and find what you like best. Every time you take out your wallet, remember to ask if you have discounts for students by waving your ISIC card for authenticity. Of course, remember that ISIC can be used abroad and when travelling.
