New to Estonia? Here’s what you need to know ✨

🎉 Dear international students, welcome to EBS! 

We’re so happy to have you join the EBS family here in Tallinn! We hope your first days have gone smoothly. To help you settle in, here are a few important things to take care of during your first month in Estonia. 

📝 Register your residence 

  • If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can stay in Estonia for up to 3 months without registering. If this is your first time in Estonia, you’ll need to register your residence and get your Estonian personal code first at the Tallinn District Administration. Make sure to also apply for an ID card within that time.  
  • If you’re from outside the EU, book an appointment with the Police and Border Guard Board to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). Make your appointment as soon as possible, prepare the documents listed in the Student Guide, and don’t forget to inform your EBS study consultant of your appointment date as we need to send them your invitation beforehand. 

🚌 Getting around Tallinn 

Once you’ve registered your residence and received your Estonian personal code (isikukood), you’re entitled to free public transport in Tallinn! 🎉 Just buy an Ühiskaart travel card from any R-Kiosk or Omniva post office, then personalise it online to activate the perk. Until then, you can buy an hourly ticket (€2) with a contactless card or look into weekly/monthly passes.  

The easiest way to navigate in Tallinn is by using a maps application of choice on your phone. You can check out the timetables and real-time departures on the Transport Tallinn website. 

🎓 Student cards & discounts 

Students in Estonia can enjoy plenty of discounts for transportation, eating out, museums, and more! 

  • International & Erasmus+ students can also purchase an ESN card via the Student Council for travel, accommodation, and cultural discounts. You can purchase the ESN card from the Student Council website.  

🍲 Food & cafés 

EBS has its own canteen in the basement with tasty lunches, plus vending and coffee machines around campus. Since we’re located right in the heart of Tallinn, you’ll also find dozens of cafés and restaurants nearby. Solaris, Viru Keskus, and Stockmann shopping centers are just a short walk away with plenty of food and grocery options. 

🩺 Healthcare
 
The healthcare system in Estonia may differ from what you are used to. Your first contact should always be your family doctor, so try to register with one early on (check if they speak English before booking). 

  • EU students: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 
  • non-EU students: make sure you have private health insurance. 

You can read more about Estonia’s healthcare in the introductory guide to Estonia’s healthcare system. 

💼 Working while studying 

Thinking of working in Estonia? The Work in Estonia portal is the best place to start. 

📘 Need more tips? 

The Study in Estonia Survival Guide is packed with practical info about daily life, services, culture, and fun things to do in Estonia. 

✨ Once again — welcome to EBS and to Tallinn! We’re excited to have you here and can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve.