I had never been particularly curious about the Baltic states (especially Estonia) until the Championship of Intellectual Games, where I came across the following question:
In this European country, it is possible to vote online and even minibuses accept card payments. That is why the name of the country is sometimes written jokingly with a hyphen after the first letter. Which country are we talking about?
As you probably guessed, the answer is Estonia, and that’s what I had written on the answer sheet. But the actual answer was “E-stonia.” Yes, this is a possibility, because intellectual game needs an exact answer. Unfortunately, I lost this championship because of the point I missed on this question. Still, I gained an unforgettable experience and learned the name of a country that will change my life.
Two years after this incident, I was in the enrolment period, which took a lot of energy, passion, and effort. It’s a lot of work, studying to pass the school exams while preparing for university admissions in your own country. I was also searching for other countries to apply to, a process that my sister and her husband helped me with. Their spontaneous suggestion, “Why not Estonia?” surprised me. It instantly reminded me of that question from the game, and suddenly, Estonia was an opportunity in front of me. If that wasn’t a sign, what would’ve been?
Photo credits to Arsenii Degis-Groskops. Discussing “Why choose Estonia? with Mr. Bull from Tallinn
Between Life and Social Sciences
After extensive research, I decided to apply to four different programmes at three different universities in Estonia. I completed the application requirements and processes, including exams and interviews. At the end of May, I was accepted to all the universities I applied to. I never would’ve thought that choosing between them would be more challenging than applying. My dilemma laid here. At the other universities, I got accepted into the following programmes: International Business Administration, Politics and Governance, and Law. However, when I applied to the University of Tartu, I chose the Science and Technology programme.
By the time I finished high school, it was hard for me to choose between life sciences and social sciences. Mainly because I was equally enthusiastic about both. The Science and Technology programme at the University of Tartu was in a completely different field from the ones I had applied for, but I chose it because I have always been fascinated by how science and technology can solve real-world problems and create innovative solutions. Beyond the programme itself, I also fell in love with the city of Tartu on my first visit. From that moment, I knew the University of Tartu was the place where I truly belonged.
A Science and Technology Student’s view of campus after a rainy morning. The building of the Institute of Physics of the University of Tartu. You can enjoy a virtual tour of the place by clicking here.
From Home to Tartu
Once my plans were set, I booked my flight to Tallinn and continued by bus to Tartu. And while it seems to be a simple matter of packing your things into a suitcase and going to the airport, the reality is a bit different. Packing your entire life into a single bag is not easy. But it still doesn’t compare to saying farewell when you hug your family and friends, leaving them in the city where you grew up. That is the hardest part.
Last picture I took of Baku.
The moment I stepped into Tartu, I sensed that this city had its own heartbeat. It wasn’t loud or overwhelming. It was calm, steady, and full of youthful energy. The streets were clean and peaceful, yet somehow alive. Students were walking, cycling, laughing, and carrying their lives in backpacks. Everywhere I looked, I saw a mix of old and new. Historical buildings stood proudly beside modern architecture, and nature blended effortlessly with everyday life.
What surprised me the most was how safe and welcoming everything felt. Even though I had just arrived in a completely new country, Tartu made me feel like I wasn’t a stranger. The air was fresh, people were kind, and there was a quiet confidence in the atmosphere, as if the city gently whispered, “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it here.” In that moment, I understood why so many students choose Tartu. Moreover, I felt, deep inside, that I had chosen the right place too.
First Day in Tartu
You might think that my first stop in Tartu would’ve been the city centre or the main building of the University of Tartu. But I actually decided to start my journey at IKEA. Yes—IKEA. You read that right. I think most international students forget to mention it, but one of the first things we deal with is buying household items for the dorm. In a way, it’s a unique experience that can’t be repeated. Even though I was exhausted by the end of the day, Tartu surprised me with a breathtaking view of its natural beauty under the warm light of the sunset. That moment left a lasting impression on me, and it was when I truly fell in love with Tartu’s charm.
One of my first pictures in Tartu, 300 m away from Lõunakeskus.
How it’s Going in Tartu
The first thing that comes to mind is that I love my university! I truly enjoyed the opening ceremony and the orientation days organised by the University of Tartu. The university makes you feel completely at home, welcoming students with care, warmth, and attention. Beyond these events, I’m very happy to have met some precious people—my incredible friends, for example. I feel honoured to study alongside them. And if they are reading this blog, I want them to know that I truly love them and am thankful to have them in my life. Nothing is more precious than spending your university days with friends. It reminds me of the speech made by Kristina Kallas, from the Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia, at the opening ceremony of the University of Tartu:
“University life is not all about projects, exams, and courses. University is a place to acquire new experiences and build lifelong friendships. Soon enough, you will find yourselves at the door of your lecture hall, hesitating for a fraction of a second whether to go to a lecture or to go for a coffee—or even for a beer—with a friend. Both are important. I did both. Simply, you need to be clever enough to know when it is time for a coffee and when it is time for a lecture.”
Watch the full ceremony here.
The photo that I love most. In this photo, we were discovering Saardjärv lake at night with my lovely friends Bohdan and Anastasia. The friend who filmed us with a flashlight is Ali.
All in all, Estonia is more than just a country to me. It has taught me to notice life and enjoy the small moments that become special on their own. My time at university here has provided me with a great community and friends. From dedicated study sessions to enjoying time together over coffee, we share every part of university life.
Even if I lost all my memories someday, I know I would never regret starting my journey in Tartu. I am grateful to Estonia for being with me through every high and low. Most of all, I am truly happy to feel at home, even though I am 3,000 kilometres away from where I grew up. This experience has taught me that home is not just a place, it is the people, the experiences, and the moments that make life feel full. Estonia will always hold a special place in my heart, and my journey here is only just beginning.
All images are author’s own unless specified otherwise.
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