Your AISS Survival Kit
Your Ultimate Handbook to Conquering This Amazing Journey!
Hey Future AISS Superstar! 👋
Congratulations on being accepted! 🎉 You've made it so far and were chosen for your outstanding achievements. We can't wait to meet you and get to know you!
You're probably as excited as you are nervous - we totally get it! We've been in the same place before. When we started, we had SO many questions about visas, housing, what to pack, where to find things, and how life would be in general.
When we heard about your arrival, we thought "Why don't we give you the guidance and lifehacks we ourselves searched for?" So here it is!
This guide was made by students, for students. It's a collection of our personal experiences, tips, mistakes, and wins. Take what helps you, skip what doesn't, and don't hesitate to reach out!
Getting Started: The Acceptance Journey
You'll get your conditional acceptance around April (fun fact: one of us got it on April 1st - the perfect April Fool's gift! 😄). You'll need to accept or reject within a week or two.
Still in your final semester? You'll need to pressure your school for a quick diploma release since verification takes time.
No response after a month? Send that email! In some cases, you might need to attach your school's verification system if there are errors.
Once verified, you'll get your official acceptance from Tallinn University. You're IN!
Visa & Residence Permits: The Real Deal
Different Paths, Same Destination
🇧🇷 From Brazil or visa-free countries
No Estonian embassy in Latin America! You can enter as a tourist (up to 90 days), then schedule a residence permit appointment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board once you're in the country.
Pack ALL your documents when leaving the country!
🇰🇿 From Central Asia
Apply at least a month in advance. There's only ONE Estonian embassy for all of Central Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The building is hard to find (confusing maps!), and you'll need legal permission to stay in Kazakhstan during the process.
🇳🇬 From Nigeria or other visa required countries
You might need to travel to another country (like Egypt) to get your visa. Plan this travel in advance!
Same if you are from other countries without an Estonian embassy, start your research now.
The Finnish TRP Advantage
- Works for studying in Portugal too (just pay ~€30 at AIMA)
- 2 years post-study to find a job (vs 270 days with Estonian)
- Family can join you on a Finnish TRP
- No available appointments for Estonian TRP until December!
The catch? You need an acceptance letter from Tampere University, which typically comes 3 weeks after you're already in Tallinn. If you get lucky and receive it earlier, apply for Finnish TRP right away!
Visa Appointment Tips
- Fill in the application completely and attach all required documents
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early and calm your nerves
- Speak calmly and clearly to the visa officer
- Cross your fingers and hope everything goes well! 🤞
Finding Your Home Sweet Home
Tallinn Accommodation
🏢 University Dormitory (Karu 17)
The Good:
- Right next to campus!
- Weekly room cleaning + bed linen change
- Shared kitchen (8 people per kitchen)
- Laundry room available
- Affordable pricing
- Helpful and responsive staff
The Not-So-Good:
- Shared rooms (2 people, no singles)
- Living with a stranger can be tough (noise, cleanliness, habits)
🏘️ Private Apartment
The Good:
- More privacy!
- Your own space, your rules
- Can find places 5 mins from school
The Not-So-Good:
- More expensive (~€450/month)
- Apartments fill up FAST
Finding Apartments on Facebook
Facebook groups are your goldmine! Here are the best ones:
- Erasmus in Tallinn/accommodation (most affordable, direct landlord contact, no fees!)
- Expats in Tallinn/Estonia
- Study, work and live in Estonia
- Free English events Tallinn
- Flat sharing in Tallinn
Other Housing Websites
- Kinnisvara 24
- City 24
- Rendin
- Uusmaa
- Larsen (ESN Tallinn has discounts!)
Porto Accommodation
Okay, real talk - Porto is EXPENSIVE. 💸 Use the same Facebook group trick and check rental websites. Quick Google search will help you out!
Show Me The Money!
You'll need a bank account to receive your monthly scholarship. Popular options:
- Wise - Works great and many students use it!
- Revolut - Another solid digital option
- LHV - Local Estonian bank
Welcome to Tallinn! Getting Settled
Orientation Programs
You'll have TWO orientation programs:
Great chance to meet students outside your program, explore campus, meet clubs (sports club!), library tours, and enjoy student night! 🎉
3 days of awesomeness:
- Day 1: Tallinn University
- Day 2: Tampere University
- Day 3: Lusófona University
You'll create student accounts for all three universities and get familiar with the platforms!
The Multi-University Setup
Here's the wild part - you'll be taking courses from ALL THREE universities simultaneously! 🤯
🇪🇪 Tallinn
System: OIS
Format: In-person classes
🇫🇮 Tampere
System: Tuni
Format: Online classes
🇵🇹 Lusófona
System: Ensino
Format: Online classes
Plus, you'll use Moodle and Google Classroom for online lessons. That's:
- 3 university emails 📧📧📧
- 3+ different platforms
- Lots of juggling (but you'll get the hang of it!)
Getting Your Estonian ID Code (Isikukood)
Book an appointment at workinestonia.com with the International House.
The process takes less than 15 minutes! You'll need this for:
- Bank account
- Tallinn travel card (Ühiskaart)
- Pretty much everything in Estonia
Insurance
Good news! The program provides extensive coverage insurance through AON for all scholarship students.
Living Your Best Life in Tallinn
ESN Tallinn - Your Social Lifeline
ESN Tallinn works with ESN TalTech to organize tons of activities throughout the week!
- You love meeting new people
- You're social and outgoing
- You enjoy evening activities and events
Get these cards for amazing discounts:
- ESN Card - Discounts on flights, restaurants, hotels, activities across Europe!
- ISIC Card - International student discounts galore!
Building Your Community
Before you even arrive, connect with fellow students:
- Join the "Erasmus Students Tallinn - accommodation" Facebook group
- Check Reddit (yes, really!) - many accepted students post in EMJM subreddits
- Ask the study coordinator to share your contact with other accepted students