Accommodation in Tallinn- Dormitory Life
Relocating to a new country can be exciting, also life-changing while pursuing academic goals. However, there is one aspect of that process, which usually sparks feelings of skepticism and anxiety. Based on personal experiences and emails I have received from students, accommodation is the primary area that causes this type of reaction. Persons are usually concerned with knowing the condition of apartments and if the new environment will be comfortable. Let us be honest for a second; most of us have wondered if what we see will match what we will receive. To eliminate any worrisome questions for new students this upcoming semester, I will give you all the inside details of what I consider as the best accommodation for students, the dormitory.
1. Cost
As an international student, finding ways to save money is always a key priority. I decided to move from a privately owned apartment to the dormitory in September 2018, and since then, I have saved over 500 euros on accommodation. Currently, I am living in a single room apartment and sharing the common areas (kitchen and bathroom) with a pleasant flatmate. The price for a space in the dormitory can range from 80 euros to 200 euros, which includes water, electricity, the internet, and your living space. The price variation is dependent on whether you decide to have a roommate and the type of dormitory as some have been recently renovated than others. If you can save more on accommodation, it merely means more funds can be allocated to food, books, and recreational activities. Other apartments in Tallinn will not be as inexpensive as the dormitory, and if you want to save money, this is an excellent option to consider.
2. Proximity
Besides saving funds monthly, the majority of the dormitories are located a few minutes away from the University. In my case, it takes less than a minute to arrive at those early morning lectures we sometimes dread during the winter season. I can capitalize on using the 24 hours library and not having to rely on transportation afterward since it is only a minute away.
The dormitories located directly on campus are also close to bus stops that will lead towards the city and major shopping malls. I mean, in my book, this is a plus because I have the best of both worlds.
3. Living Condition
If one of your pet peeves is seeing an apartment that is poorly maintained then, not to worry, the management of the dormitory is on a top scale. Checks are carried out by the management team to ensure a good living standard is maintained. You can also make your living space feel more at home by adding your favourite items. It is allowed to be creative without damaging the property, of course. Also, you can find yourself being lucky as I was to have a friendly and sociable flatmate to share your living space. I get to taste Mexican cuisine while exchanging Antiguan cultural dishes. Did I mention this is for free?
It is essential to note the campus dorms are secured with surveillance cameras, and a security officer can be dispatched to the building via a phone call in cases of emergencies. Both internally and externally, you can feel secured with living in the dormitory.
I wrote this from the perspective of living directly on campus. Still, others such as my fellow student ambassador Roman says he prefers living in the dormitory outside of the University. As it is closer to the city area and the area is a bit quieter and newly renovated than the others here on campus.
You can see more information on the school’s website at www.taltech.ee/practical, and then your selection will be based on your preferences and interests. Application for the dormitory will be announced via DreamApply. I hope this helps you make a better decision before arriving to Tallinn.
I am looking forward to seeing you on campus!
