Tartu - city of good thoughts that feels like one big campus
Welcome to a unique university town of Tartu – a city full of young people where roughly one fifth of the 100,000 inhabitants are university students. In addition to the University of Tartu, the city is home to the Estonian Academy of Life Sciences, Baltic Defence College, Tartu Higher School of Art, Tartu Aviation College, the Tartu branch of the Estonian Academy of Music and several other educational institutions.
Tartu has been the home to the University of Tartu since the university's foundation in 1632. It always has been an international hub full of students, professors, researchers, and guests from all over Europe and the world. Tartu is one of Europe's oldest and most unique university towns, with student traditions going back centuries. The city center is very compact and walkable. Most study buildings are located within walking distance from the student residences and the main building of the University of Tartu, which is one Tartu's major landmarks. Tartu is graced with a beautiful river, numerous parks and bike paths.
Tartu is rich in possibilities for spending free time: students are invited to participate in an academic sports club, a number of choirs and many other student organizations. Spring and Autumn Students days are definite highlights of each semester, filled with fun and edifying events, competitions and festivals. Bustling student life can be experienced in Tartu like in no other place in Estonia. Visitors are welcomed at the UT's four museums and the Botanical Gardens. There is no better place for study, research and a relaxing vacation than Tartu.
The campus accommodation is organized by the MTÜ Tartu Üliõpilasküla (non-profit association Tartu Student Village). MTÜ Tartu Üliõpilasküla is in charge of the management of eight student residence halls. The Student Village has 3,200 places for housing in total. Most residence halls are located in the city centre, near university buildings, and have been recently renovated.
Most international students are accommodated in the newly constructed and centrally-located residence hall at Raatuse 22. The accommodation is arranged into flats consisting of three double study-bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom. Most rooms are shared by two persons. The monthly rent is around EEK 1400 (ca 100 EUR) for a place in a twin room. The rooms are furnished, but the students have to provide their own pillows and kitchen utensils.
How to apply for housing at the University of Tartu:
- Admitted students will recieve housing application form with their admission letter. Fill out and send your housing application form (follow instructions on the form).
- Students coming for autumn semester should apply for accommodation by 28 July at the latest. Students coming for spring semester should apply for accommodation by 20 December at the latest
- Upon arrival, pay a deposit of EEK 800, and sign the housing contract at the office of the Student Village at Narva mnt 25 (Phone +372 740 9955). The booking will be cancelled if the housing contract has not been signed by 14th of February (students coming for spring semester) or by 14th of September (students coming for autumn semester).
