Study in Tartu, Estonia
City of Good Thoughts
Photo by Alinozka, CC BY-SA 3.0, modified
Tartu, Estonia, has secured its reputation as a great place to be a student for many years. The second-largest city in the country, it is home to just under 100,000 people, more than 15,000 of which are students. The national university, the University of Tartu, belongs in the top 2% of universities in the world. Just down the road, the Estonian University of Life Sciences holds a place in the top 1% of most cited research facilities. Choosing to study in Tartu provides the comforting guarantee of attending one of the most highly regarded universities in Estonia. With five star academia and a top-notch social calendar, Tartu has become a haven for young intellectuals and creatives.
Because of the city centre’s compact design, Tartu has the quaint feel of an easily accessible town. Local and international students bustle and cycle throughout the city, making for a lively and youthful atmosphere. If you choose to study in Estonia, it’s definitely worth popping into the centre of the country to attend of the many great events that Tartu has to offer. Visitors are greeted by the famous “Kissing Students” statue in the town square, which is very close to local museums, restaurants, and nightlife. The buoyant vibe of the city means there is always something on, from theatre performances and live music in town to social study groups and guest lecture appearances. The Winter Music Festival is a guaranteed hit along with the Tasty Tartu Food Festival. Tartu’s proximity to the countryside provides students with the added bonus of being able to explore Estonia’s breathtaking nature with ease. Outdoor adventure clubs regularly plan activities to get outdoorsy folk some much needed nature time. The Tartu Spring Days Student Festival is also a fun and memorable highlight for students who study in Tartu, with various events occurring throughout the week.
Tartu is also an easy journey to and from the financial and political capital of Tallinn in the North. The capital can be reached by bus or train in less than three hours. It’s the perfect distance for a quick trip to the big city. The airport is also a similar distance, sitting just south of Tallinn and serving the international community.
