Erasmus Experience in Tartu, Estonia by Paul

Source

Why did you choose to go to Tartu, Estonia?

Because it isn't a common destination and I wanted to discover something people don't know well.

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

The scholarship is about 4-5 months. I have only my parents' help because I didn't register for the university's help.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tartu?

It is a student city, so everyone is open-minded and doesn't hesitate to talk with other students.

We have light weeks of courses that allow us to go out every weekend.

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

I recommend it! Estonia is a nice country, cultural, technologic and the University of Tartu is a good one.

What is the food like?

There are classical fast foods, Italian restaurant or Sushi-like everywhere, but I hadn't the chance to taste some Estonian food specialty.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tartu?

I was lucky... I found a friend in my hostel during my first week in Tartu who was looking for a flatmate... It didn't cost me anything.

How much does it cost to live in Tartu?

The common way is to live in a student hostel. It is approximately 300 EUR/month. Then for the food and activities, 200 € are sufficient except if you want to visit the Baltic Sea Region.

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

The University proposes a huge amount of languages to learn. Estonian is one of those but very complicated for a French guy like me...

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

The Tartu-Tallinn bus and the plane.

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

In Tartu there are several night clubs with different music. Illusion is the most popular but if you just want to meet and talk with people, Moku is the pub you need to go.

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

I am crazy about pizza. The place I recommend is obviously an Italian restaurant: Dolce Vita.

Source

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The National Museum of Estonia is awesome.

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

The most important thing is to be sociable. You will find true friends and have fun most of the time.