We all know how important networking is for work and studies. We want to integrate and feel included, to be a part of a bigger community. We also simply want to have someone to share emotions and good moments with. So, a question that all students who plan to study abroad or have just arrived in a new environment ask themselves is how to make friends in a new country. You may think: “Oh, it is so difficult to start talking first. I need to get out of my comfort zone.” or “I just don’t want to have these boring ‘what’s your name’ and ‘what’s your favourite colour’ talks.” or even “I wish it was as easy as when I was 5 and talked to a random boy in the playground!”.
The truth is, most people share these thoughts, especially when it comes to changing their place of living, as we all have different personality traits, cultural backgrounds, and friendship habits. As an international student coming to study in Tartu, I want to share my tips and reassure you that finding your place in Tartu’s society is not as difficult as you might think, and you will actually enjoy it!
Most probably, during your first days in Tartu, you will find yourself in Raatuse 22 or one of the other dormitories of our University. If that’s the case, this is the perfect place to meet friends! Talk to your room-mate or flatmates. Find out if you share something you can talk about: maybe you two speak Italian or go to the gym on Thursdays, and next Thursday, you are actually running on a racetrack, practising your language skills with a new friend! Two beautiful girls – the first people I met in Tartu, were actually living in the next room in my dormitory and became my best friends! My personal recommendation is to try international cooking – it is very tasty and a lot of fun! It’s also a good chance for you find out a lot about the people you are interacting with, their culture and lifestyle back at home.
As soon as your studies start, you attend classes – here comes a new chance to meet incredible people! Based on my experience, in addition to regular lectures and seminars, you will have a huge amount of group work where you will be assigned to teams with different people. Our library and study buildings also offer lots of study areas where people not only study but also interact. If you are struggling with finding a topic to talk about, there is a tip for you to remember: you can always find something in common with the person you are next to, regardless of the situation.
Here, you definitely share at least one thing – you both are students at the University of Tartu! Figure out if you are studying in the same field, ask for help with a difficult study topic or offer help yourself. Once you start talking, you may find out there are other things you share – don’t be surprised if it is sharing the same floor in Raatuse 22! I met lots of amazing people both in my class and outside my programme, so I definitely recommend trying that. Also very applicable if you work in Tartu. Remember – you decided to work in the same company, that’s something to begin with!
Interactions may also come with extracurricular activities. First, sport. When I arrived, I started attending dance classes and the gym. You may meet people there or go with friends you meet in other places. It is worth mentioning that our university has its own gym that many students attend – so check it out! There are also groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms dedicated to various sports, such as volleyball and running. Some people are looking for team players to do group sports, or you can even start a group yourself. I believe sports connect people!
Next, student organisations. If you want to meet the international exchange students, there is ESN Tartu. Their events are constantly going on- every few days, you see a new one announced. There, you can dance, sing, play games, go partying, join language cafes, or visit a tea tasting, all together with internationals! If you would like to connect with the organisation members, join and help with event management. As an international student ambassador, I invite you to join our organisation as well – we work together, share experiences, and have lots of fun!
Our organisation is a place for people from all over the world who once came to study in Tartu and now want to contribute to the development of the potential of our University. Being an extrovert myself, and having introverts in a team, I can say this is a safe and friendly place for everybody! For other opportunities, search for the activities at the university and faculty levels. You will surely find something for you. From my experience, student organisations are always a good idea. You feel you are doing something you enjoy, something that brings joy and development to other students or society, and, most importantly, you share your vision and journey of realisation with others. The process of working will be interrupted by warm team-building events and lots of laughter!
Some other tips you may find useful: first, I have seen many social media groups dedicated to nationalities – search for them! If you feel like you miss speaking your native language or you would like to meet these people one day in your hometown, that is definitely a good option for you. Second, communicate with Estonians! They are modest, not too talkative, and quite cautious with new people, so it probably means you will have to take the initiative, but they are also very kind and warm by nature. It’s definitely worth it to try! Not only may they become your good friends, but also help you to explore local culture, learn the Estonian language, and integrate more quickly! Third, if you would like to meet new friends, consider continuing with hobbies you did back home here, in Tartu. Once you do what you like, you will meet like-minded people, and that’s an even greater pleasure to be involved together!
Finally, remember that Tartu is a student town, meaning it is full of students! It’s not very big in size, and everything is closely located, so very soon you will feel a part of its community. I find Tartu and its environment very comforting and truly favourable for making friends in student years. One day, you just walk in the city centre and see familiar faces, and it feels so warm and cosy. I wish you to find your people to share moments with, as the right people truly make it feel like home!
All images are author’s own unless otherwise specified.
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