Experience in Tartu, Estonia by Merilin

What is it like to live in Tartu? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Tartu is a good place for students. The city centre is historical with many restaurants and bars. Tartu isn't huge so you can get anywhere by foot.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tartu?

Entertainment is not hard to find. There are a lot of different events for erasmus students. Also every fall and spring an event is being held called Tartu Studentdays. It is a week filled with crazy events and parties and every student takes part of it.

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How much does it cost to live in Tartu?

It's relatively cheap in Tartu. You can find discounts in pretty much every food store and save money. There are also discounts for students in many restaurants.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tartu? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are an erasmus student I would recommend living in a dorm in Narva or Raatuse street. They are the most modern and also closest to the city centre (about 5 min by foot). If you share a room the monthly payment is roughly 100 euros.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

My favorite dishes are Seljanka soup (thick meat soup, no 1 cure for hangovers) and Kalev chocolates. Every student also eat Pelmeen'e, those could be compared to dumplings. Estonians also eat a lot of dairy and foodstores have a wide variety of dairy products. You should try Kohuke.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Tartu?

Estonian national museum, restaurant-bar Aparaat, and if you would like to have a true Tartu experience then the bar Zavood.

Is it good to eat out in Tartu? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are a lot of fast food places. For example Metro and Jamjam near the dorms. You can get a good amount of food for about 4 €. There are other restaurants, sushi and asian food places, burger spots and so much more.

Is the nightlife good in Tartu? Where is good to go?

Weekends usually start on wednesdays in club Illusion with a retro party. Club illusion also hosts a big ESN halloween party every year! Good places are also Trepp and Möku.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Tartu?

Be pacient with estonians! They will talk eventually.