All you need to know about Tallinn, Estonia by Elizabete

Why did you choose to go to Tallinn, Estonia?

Well, to be honest Estonia wasn’t my dream destination for ERASMUS. However, as soon as I got here I changed my mind, although for me Estonia doesn’t seem way different than Latvia.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I didn’t live in the dorms, I was renting an apartment. Therefore, for me all the money went for the apartment rent. And I don’t think that Estonia should be in the lowest level for the scholarship, Tallinn is pretty expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tallinn?

I found my group of friends the first day that I attended the university. So finding a friend here is no problem.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Tallinn to other students?

I studied in TalTech and would recommend it to people who study a semester and than write the finals in their own universities. I study in a module system where i study for 6 weeks and write an exam. So for me this was quite hard and by the time of finals I have already forgotten things that I studied in the beginning of the year.

What is the food like?

For me, it seems almost the same as Latvian food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tallinn?

Yes.

How much does it cost to live in Tallinn?

Quite a lot. If you are planning to come to Tallinn and you think that it is cheap here. No, for me as a person who has lived all across the world and I come from the neighbor country Latvia. This is waaaay more expensive.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

In TalTech you can learn Estonian language. Learn it to a point where you can go into the coffee shop and ask for a specified order. I personally had the best language teacher you could wish for.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Tallinn from your city?

I live in Riga, for me Tallinn is 4 hours away by bus. An amazing opportunity to travel around the Baltics is taking Luxexpress bus - cheap and comfortable.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Tallinn?

Old Town is full of bars and clubs. Hollywood club is counted as one of the best clubs in Tallinn.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Tallinn?

The same as for the clubs, the old town is full of restaurants. Strating from traditional food, to european, to even middle eastern food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Viljandi, Rummu underwater prison, Pirita, Kadriorg, Rotermanni Kvartal, Kohtuosta viewing platform, Television tower, Raekoja plats. And I could go for hours listing the places to see.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Tallinn in the future?

Winters in here are cold and dark. Be ready for that if you come from a warm country. Otherwise, if Estonia is your next destination. I wish you the best of luck!