Hopefully finishing my PhD this year, I’ve been a student for most of my life, and a strict desk-and-chair setup has never been my preferred way to study. Either my room is too quiet, or the kitchen calls me to bake, or there is some laundry to do, and my concentration breaks. The lack of white noise, a warm cup of perfectly foamed cappuccino, and maybe even the lack of friends with the same goal of passing our exams somehow make studying less appealing.
Luckily, Tartu encompasses a feeling of cosiness and productivity while studying that’s like no other. Tartu also incorporates all my mentioned wishes, offering different spots that suit many tastes:
The University of Tartu Library:
Open from 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends, the library is probably the one place every student has visited at least once… and yes, it has a lot of books. What I find amazing about the university library is that it’s designed to fit many preferences. There’s a large common room with tables where I can chat about science, quiet spaces between bookshelves for no distractions, noise-isolated private study rooms that can be used for group work.
Additionally, the library has many accommodations such as beanbags on the floor for when you don’t feel comfortable sitting upright. It has a soundproof box for all the times I had a need to take a call. There is a small gym for fitness people and those who just want to unwind during their break, and a kitchenette with tables to eat and warm up food, perfect for staying there for as long as you want and need!
During exam periods, the University Library has an extended timetable that adds 3 hours onto the usual. This means that on weekdays the library is open till midnight and on weekends, it’s open till 21:00! Also, in order to help both studying and relax, or bring some peace, the UT library along with the Student Union of the University (UTSU) organise yoga sessions, an ice cream truck, and other events!
Studying at the University of Tartu Library
Local Cafés:
The city centre cafés (Werner, Reval, Krempel, Crepp, etc.)… For me, a warm cappuccino and a snack (especially a sweet one), are essentials when I’m studying. Plus, the company of friends always gives me a productivity boost. It also allows for a bit of venting about the workload, which can be great for overall morale.
Studying at Werner Café
Open-air Study Spots:
I love nature, I love trees, and I love beaches. If it’s not too cold, I often find myself on Toomemägi, sitting on a swing or bench. Or, if it’s sunny, I’ll find myself at Emajõe rand or Tartu Beach, gathering vitamin D along with knowledge. Maybe even a quick swim, too.
University Spaces:
All university buildings offer different study areas. Sadly, that does mean they operate on set schedules. Luckily, you can stay after hours in most of them (Just keep in mind that if you leave, the entrance will only re-open the next morning). The buildings that have inspired me during the long study hours and aided my success in exams are:
Biomedicum: it has a space with beanbags, along with a library upstairs and a vending machine for snacks . Recently, they added a new study area with a big glass wall that I have yet to visit!
Physicum: located on the same campus, this building has many study desks on multiple floors, as well as a student room, which is great for staying concentrated.
Oecologicum: this building is full of many green oases. The building itself is designed in a way so that it’s immersed in the trees, with windows overlooking the hill. It feels like you’re studying in a forest!
Delta: in my opinion, this is the most technologically advanced building. It also offers a variety of study spots: from desks and tables to beanbags, couches, and even an outdoor terrace overlooking the river.
Studying on a bean bag in Biomedicum
That’s all for now! Keep in mind that these were only some options. There are many more. Don’t forget, it just takes a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you!
Cover Photo Credit: Andero Kalju and Andrea Rotenberg
Images authors’ own unless otherwise noted.
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