Foreign Students Guide to Moving to Tartu: Everything You Need to Know

Congratulations on choosing Tartu for your studies! As Estonia’s university town, Tartu offers academic excellence, vibrant student life, and affordable living. This guide covers the essentials for relocating to this charming Estonian city.

Why Choose Tartu?

Home to the University of Tartu (founded 1632), this city of 95,000 is perfect for international students:

Student-centric: 25% of residents are students
Affordable: Much cheaper than other European university cities
English-friendly: Young people and university staff speak excellent English
Beautiful: Medieval, Soviet, and modern Estonian architecture
Connected: Surrounded by forests, lakes, and hiking trails

Living Costs

Budget: €600-900 monthly for comfortable living. Estonia uses Euros, and card payments are universal.

Finding Accommodation

Student Dormitories

Cost: €100-200/month
Apply: University housing portal
Tip: Apply early - high demand

Private Options

Search platforms: KV.ee, City24.ee, Facebook groups Costs:

Shared apartment: €150-300/month
Studio: €300-500/month
One-bedroom: €400-650/month

Best areas: Supilinn (trendy, walkable), Karlova (affordable, central), City Center, Annelinn (good transport)

Remember: Add €50-100 for utilities, expect 1-2 months deposit.

Getting Around

Buses: €1/ride, 50% student discount with ID. Use Google Maps for route planning. Cycling: Very bike-friendly with extensive lanes. Second-hand bikes €50-150. Walking: Safe and compact - most areas within 2-3km.

Essential Services

Banking

Best for students: Swedbank, SEB, LHV Features: Excellent mobile banking, card payments everywhere

Digital Life

Essential apps: Google Maps (transport/navigation), Bolt (rides/food), Wolt (delivery)

Estonian Language Basics

While English works at university, learning Estonian enhances your experience significantly.

Essential phrases:

Tere! (Hello!)
Tänan! (Thank you!)
Vabandage! (Excuse me!)
Kas te räägite inglise keelt? (Do you speak English?)

University terms:

Ülikool (University)
Loeng (Lecture)
Tudeng (Student)

Learning Estonian opens doors to deeper cultural integration, better job prospects, and practical advantages in daily life.

Want to start learning Estonian before you arrive? elang.ee offers interactive Estonian lessons designed specifically for English speakers. Get a head start on essential phrases and university vocabulary to make your first weeks in Tartu smoother.

Cultural Integration

Estonian characteristics:

Reserved initially but loyal friends
Direct communication style
Love nature and saunas
Highly digital society

Make friends through:

University clubs and societies
Language exchange groups
Sports clubs
Cultural events

Important customs:

Remove shoes in homes
Accept sauna invitations
Be punctual
Respect personal space

Top Spots to Explore in Tartu

Must-visit places that showcase Tartu’s unique character:

University of Tartu Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens with diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and peaceful walking paths. Perfect for studying outdoors or relaxing between classes.

Genialistide Klubi - Iconic student pub and cultural venue in the heart of Supilinn. Great for meeting other students, enjoying live music, and experiencing authentic Estonian student nightlife.

Estonian National Museum (ERM) - Modern architectural marvel showcasing Estonian culture and history. The building itself is stunning, and the exhibitions help you understand your new home country.

Toomemägi Hill - Historic hill with university buildings, ruins of medieval cathedral, and beautiful park areas. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Tartu Town Hall Square - Central meeting point surrounded by colorful historic buildings, cafés, and shops. Regular events and markets make it the social heart of the city.

Practical Information

Monthly Budget

Basic (€600-700):

Accommodation: €150-250
Food: €150-200
Transport: €20-30
Personal: €100-150

Comfortable (€800-900):

Private accommodation: €300-400
Food: €200-300
Entertainment: €100-150

Academic Calendar

Autumn: September-December
Spring: February-June
Exams: January, June-July

Weather Preparation

Estonia has four distinct seasons. Pack waterproof clothing, warm winter gear, and layers for temperature changes.

Student Work

Popular student jobs include English tutoring (€10-15/hour), food service, and university assistantships. Learning Estonian significantly increases your job opportunities and earning potential.

Getting Started Timeline

First week:

Set up accommodation
Get local SIM card
Open bank account

First month:

Find permanent housing
Join clubs and societies
Start learning Estonian phrases
Explore Tartu’s cultural scene

First three months:

Establish routines and friendships
Serious Estonian language study
Explore Estonia
Consider part-time work

Conclusion

Moving to Tartu offers incredible opportunities for personal and academic growth. The supportive international community, excellent university, and unique Estonian culture create a rewarding experience. Integration takes time - be patient and stay open to new experiences.

Ready to Master Estonian?

Living in Tartu provides perfect immersion for learning Estonian. While English gets you by initially, Estonian transforms your experience and opens countless opportunities.

Ready to accelerate your Estonian learning? Try elang.ee - our interactive Estonian learning platform designed for English speakers. With personalized lessons, authentic Estonian content, and smart review systems, you’ll speak Estonian with confidence in no time. Perfect for busy students wanting full Estonian integration.