Incredible experience, the best until now!!

What do you think it is like to like in Tallinn? Would you recommend it? What's it like?

Tallinn is a very different city than what we are used to in Spain. One of the main reasons that I chose Tallinn as my Erasmus destination was that the culture is not like anything that I have seen in Spain, which made me curious.

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The city is tiny, cosy and has a very special charm, giving the feeling that you are living in the Middle Ages, with its medieval and rustic atmosphere.

I would recommend Tallinn 100%, I thought it was a beautiful city which I am sure I will go back to in the future. My Erasmus there has been amazing, making it feel like home and I would choose Tallinn again over any other destination.

In terms of the climate, Estonia is a very cold country. I was there from February to June, so I caught the cold that came from November to February which I had heard, has been one of the coldest. It got to -18º. I recommend a good coat, gloves, hat and thermal clothes! However, from May until the end of June I went to the beach a few times and the weather was great, so I recommend you also bring a bathing suit! The daylight hours are different too. During the first semester of the year it got dark at around 15:30 and it gets light early, but as it got closer to summer it got to the time that there was always a little bit of light, 24hours a day.

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What is student life like in Tallinn?

The atmosphere is amazing. Before arriving there I thought that there wouldn't be many Erasmus students there but I was very wrong. It seemed to me like a city that revolves a lot around the student environment. If you live in halls it is better to get to know people, but you end up knowing all the Erasmus students, so much from the flats like other halls because the city is small and you go out to the same places.

How much does it cost to live in Tallinn?

I was living in one of the halls offered by the university, (KARU, 17). I was paying €122 per month with bills, cable and WIFI in the shared room. If you want an individual room in this residency it is more experience, which is normal.

In regards to transport, if you get an Estonian ID, it costs around €25, you buy a transport card in any kiosk and public transport is free during your time there!

The price of food is similar to Spain, just a little bit more expensive, although there are more expensive foods, like meat and cheese for example. To travel is quite cheap and I recommend travelling by bus and using the company "National Express" which is very comfortable and economic. The nightlife is a lot cheaper than in Spain, apart from Madrid.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Tallinn? Can you give some advice?

Finding accommodation in Tallinn was no problem for me. The University (Tallinna Ülikool - TÜ) gave me one of theirs (KARU, 17). Other people that I knew there told me that on arrival in the first semester (August-September) they had problems, but during the second semester it was easier.

Personally I would recommend the halls of residency Karu, 17. It was a 10 min walk to the Old Town (5 min in tram) and 3 minute walk from the university (Tallinna Ülikool). Whenever we went out to party, we had a pre-party in the kitchen of the flats and people from other flats turned up to drink with us, there was a very good vibe. Also, every kitchen had its own terrace which we were very thankful of when there was so much people inside! On the other side, the shared bedrooms were very bright and spacious.

How is the food? What are your favourite dishes?

The food just didn't call my attention. They eat a lot of soup and meat with potatoes, although the supermarkets usually have everything that you need.

What places do you recommend visiting in Tallinn?

In Tallinn I recommend visiting the different beaches that they have, natural parks, slowly walk around the Old Town and take it in, visiting every corner, that all has its charm. I also recommend the Kadriorg Park, in hot or cold times, that has nothing to do with it!

I also recommend downloading the Aurora Boreal app and going the Pirita Beach at night, it is amazing.

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What trips do you recommend making?

Staying in Tallinn, I travelled to different countries. The prices are much cheaper than in Spain and so I think that you have to take advantage of it. I recommend travelling around the outskirts since all countries have their charm: Estonia (Tartu, Parnu, etc. ), Russia (St Petersburg and Moscow), Finland (Helsinki and Laponia), Latvia (Riga), Lithuania (Vilnius), Norway (Oslo).

Without a doubt my favourite trip was to Latvia. It is a unique and unforgettable experience!

Eating in Tallinn. Can you mention your favourite place?

There are a lot of different places to eat. My preferred places were the Kompressor (pancakes), Rataskaevu, Vapiano and Sushi restaurants such as the Sushi Panda and the Sushi square... very good!

What places do you recommend to go out to party in Tallinn?

To party there is a wide variety. From bars to take something like shots, you have Labor, etc, to discotheques where it doesn't stop! On Mondays go to Red Empreor, they do karaoke and it is very fun; on Wednesdays (the best day of the week by far) go to the Club Münt, where the entrance costs €5 with the cloakroom and ALL of the drinks are €1... VERY dangerous, let me tell you! and the other days usually always have events in Hollywood Club, Studio, Prive, etc.

Do you have an advice for future students in Tallinn?

Erasmus is a unique experience. You have to enjoy it by travelling, going out, getting to know people and not stopping for one minute!

Meet people and don't close yourself off, above all, in my opinion you should hang out with people from other countries that speak different languages, that have different cultures to get to know other places in the world better.

Remember that you will only live through this type of experience once and you have to remember it like it is one of the best, like I have!

Good luck in your experience, I hope it is as good as mine was!