Tiksu to UniTartu - Podcast for International Students
Welcome to the University of Tartu!
As you begin this exciting journey, we're here to help you settle in and get a taste of the vibrant student life awaiting you.
Introducing our new podcast, Tiksu to UniTartu – Podcast for International Students. This is your go-to resource for insights and tips to help you thrive at our university.
But wait, what does "tiksu" mean? Tiksu is our university's beloved mascot (see more), but there's more to it. In Estonian, the verb "tiksuma*" means to tick like a clock, but it also captures the essence of relaxing and passing time in a laid-back way. Sometimes, it also means to spend time until something bigger happens. Essentially, we invite you to chill with us until your studies start.
We've developed this podcast with you in mind to help you feel like you are part of our vibrant community from the start. Topics include travelling to and within Estonia, accommodation, student organisations, health care, and more.
Join us as we explore the journey of international students, share stories and experiences, and create a friendly space for everyone to unwind and enjoy.
Find us on Spotify (click here) and Apple Podcasts (click here)!
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please e-mail us at intmarketing@ut.ee
*Note: "Tiksu" is in the imperative form of speech.
Latest episodes
In our final episode of season 1, we discuss the various student organisations at the University of Tartu that international students can join. Our guests are Marleen from the University of Tartu Student Union, Azhar, an International Student Ambassador, and Anton Prevost from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Tartu. They share what their organisations do, and how and when students can join.
Useful resources from the episode
- University of Tartu Student Union (see more)
- International Student Ambassadors (see more)
- Erasmus Student Network Tartu (see more)
Kadri Jurs from the UT Counselling Centre talks about working in Estonia. We cover balancing school and work-life balance, how to start applying for jobs, the job application process, and what to expect from the Estonian job market.
Useful resources from the episode:
- UT Counselling Centre career counselling service (see more)
- Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) (see more)
- Work in Estonia website (see more)
- Tartu Welcome Centre also provides info about working in Estonia (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
University of Tartu Academic Sports Club has something for everybody. Our guests are Kadri Kriisa, a staff member at the club, and Lea, a student from Germany who has taken classes there. They share what the sports club offers to international students and how students can join.
Useful resources from the episode:
- UT Academic Sports Club website (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
In this episode we focus on student mental health and the support available at the UT Counselling Centre. Our guest, Siim Andres, a Mental Health Advancement Coordinator at the centre, discusses how students can take care of their mental health during their studies. Siim also provides insights into the various services and support the UT Counselling Centre offers to help students succeed academically and personally.
Useful resources from the episode:
In this episode we delve into the topic of safety in Estonia with guest Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. Stefano shares his personal experiences and discusses factors that influence personal safety. We also explore international safety, Estonia's geopolitical position, and what contributes to the sense of security for those living in the country.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Our international student ambassador, Azar, has also written a blog post about this topic: “Navigating Safety Concerns: A Guide for International Students in Estonia” (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
Let's talk about student life! Tartu is known as the student capital of Estonia and for its diverse opportunities for students outside of the classroom. Our guest, Shailaja Mahara, an international student ambassador, shares her insights on what Tartu has to offer and highlights some of her favorite student activities.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Tartu 2024: the Europan Capital of Culture programme (see more)
- Tartu Student Days website (see more)
- International Student Ambassadors (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
Our guests are Kristi Liivamägi from the UT Study Abroad Centre and Anton Zaliznyi from Ukraine, who spent a semester in South Korea. Kristi provides an overview of the exchange programs and networks the University of Tartu is part of and explains how students can start planning their semester or year abroad from the beginning of their studies. Anton shares his personal experience and insights from his time in South Korea.
Useful resources:
- Planning you study abroad experience as a UT student (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
In this episode, we dive into the Estonian healthcare system with Sandra Mustasaar from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). Sandra provides an overview of the system, including family physicians (general practitioners) and emergency care. She also shares valuable tips on how to navigate the healthcare system when you need medical attention or even just some advice from a doctor.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) (see more)
- Finding a family physician (see more)
- Tartu Welcome Centre provides info about health care and safety (see more)
- Emergency number: 112
- The Medical Counselling Advice Line 1220 provides 24/7 medical advice
- State helpline 1247: The state helpline is an information number operating next to the emergency number 112, which offers information and advice in Estonian, Russian and English 24 hours a day in situations where life, health and property are not endangered.
- Poison Information Line 16662
In this episode, we welcome Jorge from Honduras, who shares insights into his daily life as a student at the University of Tartu. Jorge talks about his typical day, his adjustments, and his experiences adapting to life in Estonia.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Tartu Welcome Centre provides info about living in Tartu (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
In this episode, Vincent discusses accommodation options in Tartu with fellow students Elfi and Cody. Elfi shares her experiences living in a dorm, while Cody talks about his life in private accommodation. They cover each option's costs, pros, and cons and offer tips on where to start looking for information when searching for a place to live.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Student Village dormitories (see more)
- Tartu Welcome Centre provides info about finding housing (see more).
- Our International Student Ambassadors have also written blogs about this topic (see more).
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- Orientation course for new international students (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
Read the article about Accommodation in Tartu, based on this podcast episode, here.
In our third episode, Nicholas, a fellow student from the USA, joins Vincent. Together, they discuss essential tips for travelling to Estonia, what to pack, and key considerations for moving to Estonia. They also explore various travel options within the country.
Useful resources from the episode:
- Tartu Welcome Centre provides info about transportation, where to buy tickets and transportation schedules (see more).
- Getting started for international students (see more)
- University of Tartu Orientation course for new international students (see more)
- Arrival ABC (see more)
Read the article about Planning your arrival and travelling, based on this podcast episode, here.
Estonian language teachers Sälly and Gerli and Italian student Rodolfo, who has successfully learned Estonian, discuss the advantages of picking up the local language, share practical tips and tricks, and reveal how to make learning Estonian fun and attainable.
Useful resources from the episode:
- University of Tartu language learning hub (see more)
- Estonian Public Broadcasting free streaming service Jupiter, which features TV shows and movies with Estonian subtitles (see more)
Read the article about Speaking and Learning Estonian, based on this podcast episode, here.