Campus
As a student of the University of Tartu, you will quickly lose your heart to the city. Tartu is famous for its cosy historic campus area intertwined with the city centre and parks. The first compact university campus was founded in the beginning of the 19th century during the Age of Enlightenment. This compelling complex of classical style buildings mixed with greenery still forms the core of the city
Along with the evolving needs of research and education, campus development in Tartu has been undergoing a transformation towards a contemporary well-integrated and connected university town that wisely, delicately, and innovatively combines the historic heritage with current needs. Modern and historical, but renovated study buildings with necessary labs and equipment provide a great study environment for our students in both the central and the Maarjamõisa campus. The latter, being located approximately 2–3 kilometres south-west from the downtown area, hosts natural and medical sciences together with the nationally leading university hospital.
As a student you will spend most of your study time in the historic study building at Vanemuise street 46, located in the central city, 15-minutes walk away from Town Hall Square. The building hosts the Department of Geography, the Department of Zoology, the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Natural History Museum.The museum affiliates zoological, botanical, mycological and geological collections and opened a new permanent exhibition ‘Earth.Life.Story’ in 2016. Access to the museum is free of charge for the students.
The study building includes free usage of the computer lab for our students. Computers are equipped with spatial analysis software and enable fulfilment of all assignments required during the studies. During your spare time at the study building, you are welcome to use the cosy coffee room of the Department of Geography.
The most recent landmark of the campus development is the newly opened university library. The renewed library provides various contemporary study options where access to academic literature in digital and traditional formats as well as provision of physical study spaces are its key services. Renewed library has 13 group rooms where you can study with a group of 4-15 persons. It also provides private work rooms which can be rented for private study or research work from one hour to one semester. University of Tartu offers a wireless internet service in most of its buildings, including the University of Tartu Library. Using of WiFi is free of charge for all users and visitors of the UT Library, the period of use is not limited. Located just between the Town Hall Square and our study building, you will certainly find your way to this academic hub of knowledge, people, and good thoughts.
Please explore the campuses of the University of Tartu via virtual tour.
Tartu
The University of Tartu together with other higher education institutions – the University of Life Sciences, Tartu Health Care College, the Estonian National Defence College, the Estonian Aviation Academy, Tartu Art College, and Tartu College of TalTech– commonly make up the image of Tartu as a university town. The employment of nearly half of the working-age population of Tartu is associated with higher education institutions.
Universities make Tartu a vivid and vibrant city that is filled with students. The students of the University of Tartu alone represent over 10% of the city’s population. There are always plenty of opportunities to be engaged with various social events and initiatives or become a member of student communities and associations.
Many sporting facilities, green corridor along the River Emajõgi, and good quality cycling routes help to keep students physically active. In addition, Tartu is a compact city where everything you need is in walking distance.
Tartu does not provide only physical, but also digital proximity to all the places and services you need! Public or university-related WiFi connections enable you to access Internet almost everywhere in the city. For example, you can easily chat with your family and friends back home over smartphone apps everywhere in the town. Estonia is well known for its technological development, digital services and platforms that make everyday life comfortable and time use efficient. Take a look on our e-Estonia digital society.
Tartu provides an affordable living environment that is a strong incentive to move to Tartu for your studies. Monthly living costs are approximately 450 € in Tartu. These include living expenses and health insurance but do not cover the tuition-fee. You can check the cost of living in Tartu here.
Glance at dormitories and living spaces for international students.
Get a sense of living in Tartu through the eyes of an international student, Anastasiia Popova. From the blog of our international student ambassadors you can find more helpful posts to get acquainted to the city and its surroundings.
The student community in Tartu helps you to start your study journey in our beautiful city. You can search around and ask for help in the following Facebook communities (the list is not definite):
- International Student Ambassadors – University of Tartu
- Erasmus & International students in Tartu
- Erasmus Student Network Tartu – ESN Tartu
- International students Tartu – Accommodation
Find answers to your questions also from the Welcome Web for our international students.