This blog post was written by our student ambassador , who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
The famous white pillars of the main building stand as more than just an architectural landmark; they've become a symbol of Tartu’s intellect, where academic excellence has unfolded since 1632. As a new student walking these halls, I could not help but wonder if the university's reputation would translate into a worthwhile experience. In this post, I'll take you beyond what is advertised in the brochures and share my unfiltered first-semester experience.
Course
Choosing the felt like the logical decision at the time as it was one of the only places that ticked most of the requirements, I made for choosing a master's program while continuing to be the cheaper option. It was also a plus that this university is in a quiet town, which perfectly aligns with my reserved personality. Coming from a non-computer science background, I had expected the master’s program to be challenging. Based on the brochures, I expected professors who were experts in their field, modern facilities, and a high-quality education. And from the start, I'll have to say that what I encountered was more than I anticipated.
The semester started with orientation week, where we were introduced to the university, the town, and course structure. We were also assigned a peer tutor, a senior student who had been through the program. She was amazing as she not only answered countless questions about the course but also organized welcome events that helped break the ice with fellow students. Not everything went perfectly. Some of the courses were full when I decided to register which gave me a bit of anxiety but after speaking with the professors and natural class turnover, I eventually secured my spots.
I won't pretend the courses are easy, because they aren’t, and they shouldn't be. The academic structure here is intense with multiple deadlines and projects running simultaneously. I blinked and there was another due date approaching. I remember there were nights I would be up doing homework so I could hand it in by the midnight deadline and it was not fully because I was procrastinating but because of the load of the course work given. Most courses had exams or final projects with the latter being particularly rewarding as they integrate everything learned throughout the course.
While the Estonian grading system differs from what I was used to, professors are transparent about assessment criteria from day one. What stands out is the teaching approach. Lectures are surprisingly dynamic, and some professors even incorporate impromptu question sessions. One professor would randomly select students for questions which, though initially intimidating, turned into an effective learning tool as he would guide students toward the correct answer. Most courses include tutorial sessions with teaching assistants, where we can practise what we have learnt. All course materials are readily available on the course website, making it easy to follow along and review content.
What truly set this experience apart was the teaching style. They emphasise independent learning as you're expected to come prepared and dive deep into topics. We are expected to engage and push ourselves beyond surface-level understanding.
Campus Life
The University of Tartu's campus buildings are scattered throughout the city of Tartu, but they are all relatively easy to get to by walking. I spend most of my time at the Delta building. It is one of the more modern buildings with futuristic lecture halls, sleek study areas, and cutting-edge facilities. It offers dedicated study hubs that students can book. There is even a high-performance computing (HPC) system available for processing your projects.
The university atmosphere extends beyond regular classes. There are seminars that happen on campus where people from all over the world speak and have discussions. Additionally, there are many events like game jams and hackathons. I am yet to join any clubs or organisations, but I did do the university mentorship program which was quite an interesting experience, and I would encourage everyone to do it if you get a chance. Another plus is that the university libraries extend their hours until midnight during exam periods. This semester I didn't end up using the extended hours, but I think I will take advantage of its next semester. There is a gym where the students pay one fee for the semester. The gym has the basic equipment for a good workout and for the price it is worth it.
Living in the dormitory has made this transition to life in Estonia a bit easier. The dorms include all the basic amenities like washing machines, water, light and heat. While sharing space with strangers from different cultural backgrounds has been a unique learning experience, it has provided me with an unexpected opportunity for personal growth. A bonus is there is always a little corner to go to if you need some quiet time. The dorms also have common areas where you can relax, study or even hang out with friends. There is a WhatsApp group where you can interact with other dormmates. I remember there was one time a person asked to borrow a scale and there was someone promptly ready to lend it. It is small moments like this that makes the dorm feel less like a place to stay and more like a community.
Cost
The financial aspect was one of the major decisive factors in choosing Estonia for my studies. While Estonia has experienced rising costs of goods and services recently, it remains one of the more affordable studies abroad destinations compared to traditional options in my opinion.
There are many scholarships and tuition waivers that are offered by the university to help with your expenses while living here. The university also offers practical support through a laptop rental program, ensuring that students without a laptop can access one.
Living in student housing has been a smart financial choice for me since it offers an all-inclusive package with utilities included in the rent, simplifying my budget.
The actual cost of my groceries still fluctuates as I am yet to fully settle in. However, I cook most of my meals at home which reduces this bill. Having the supermarket's client card also helps me with saving.
One of Tartu's biggest advantages is its walkability, so I don't spend money on transportation since most university buildings are just 20 minutes’ walk from the dorms. This not only saves me money but also gives me the chance to enjoy Tartu's beautiful scenery along the way
Challenges
At first, identifying challenges was difficult because life here has been quite seamless. However, coming from a tropical climate with warm sunny weather, adapting to Estonia's winter has been my biggest adjustment. It gets cold and dark here. A plus is that it is only cold while you are outside. All the buildings that I have encountered have heaters making the winter more manageable. And for the darkness, there is hardly anything I can do however I have started to take vitamin D to combat any deficiency that may happen.
Another challenge I have faced is registering with a family doctor. In my opinion it takes a while to get accepted by a family doctor. I haven't overcome this hurdle yet as I am still working on it.
I thought the language would be a bigger barrier, but it is not. Most people speak English, especially the younger generation. I am still learning the Estonian language as I wish to interact with the older generation. They have the best stories!
Finding a job as an international student can be challenging, as the job search process works differently here than what I’m used to. Some students take upside jobs like delivery or dishwashing, while others find opportunities in their field. There are also sites where you can search for a job.
Then there is the delightful culture shock, like discovering Estonia's potato diversity. Coming from a place where I could only name two types of potatoes, I've entered a world where they come in seemingly endless varieties. As I thought I have memorised all the types of potatoes, I am told there are more!
While these challenges exist, they're more like interesting puzzles to solve rather than obstacles. Each one teaches me something new about myself and how I have adapted to different situations.
All in all, looking back on my first semester at the University of Tartu and my first few months in Estonia, I can say without a doubt it has been incredible. I have grown academically and as an individual. I've been challenged to think more critically and work more independently, while the international environment has broadened my perspective on the world. I have matured a lot relearning how to live with people of different cultures. So, I hope the second semester continues to exceed my expectations.
And for anyone considering the University of Tartu, I'd tell them to just come!
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