This blog post was written by our student ambassador Cherep Dariia, who is a student of the International Business Administration programme at Taltech.
Being a student is often associated with sleepless nights, a diet of instant noodles, and endless parties. And while that stereotype might be partially true, it’s definitely not the full picture. In this blog, I want to share the other side of student life—how studying in Estonia can give you a fresh perspective on healthy living and show you how to balance intense studies with a fulfilling lifestyle.
Let’s start with the sport opportunities offered by Estonian universities. Studying at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), I was pleasantly surprised to discover that from the very first semester, the university actively encourages students to stay physically active. By enrolling in an elective course called Basic Movements, students get free access to the TalTech gym. And it’s not just the gym! According to the gym’s schedule, you can also join group classes like circuit training, strength and cardio workouts, and team sports such as basketball, volleyball, and even badminton.
As someone who was quite active before starting university, I honestly didn’t expect such easy and accessible ways to keep it going. Thanks to this, I’ve tried out various sports, and—quite by accident—I ended up in a yoga class. At first, it was more of an obligation just to fulfill course attendance requirements. But in my third year, I decided to try it again without any external academic pressure—and that’s when it really clicked for me. I fell in love with it. Yoga became one of my favorite hobbies: it's not only relaxing and refreshing, but also helps to reconnect with your body and notice positive changes, even during the busiest student weeks.
Another great advantage is the strong and welcoming sports community. Throughout the semester, you’ll find events like masterclasses and open yoga sessions that inspire you to stay active. For me, doing sports with friends adds an extra layer of joy—there’s something uplifting about sharing fitness goals and celebrating small wins together.
Recently, I fell victim—in the best way—to a university marketing campaign promoting the Rector’s Cup, and I set a personal goal to participate in the TalTech 10K Run. One of the student organizations even started a running club to help everyone prepare. Over the next month, I trained regularly, met inspiring people, and finally crossed the finish line—with a smile on my face and ice cream in hand, surrounded by the energy of an encouraging community.
If you want to train outside of university, that’s totally possible too—there’s a wide range of gyms in Tallinn, with monthly fees between €20 and €60.
Another hidden gem that helps keep you active here is Estonian nature. Living on campus, I’m surrounded by pine forests that naturally draw you in for a mental health walk or a light jog after classes. Just be careful—in Nõmme forest, you might bump into a bear (which could turn your light jog into a sprint:). Across Tallinn, you’ll also find outdoor gyms that might seem basic at first but are surprisingly practical. The city is also incredibly walkable and sport-friendly. I rarely use public transport in the city center and usually prefer walking or biking.
Tallinn also offers some truly scenic running routes. My personal favorites include the path from Rusalka beach to Pirita beach and the Nõmme–Harku health trails.
Of course, wellness isn’t just about physical activity—mental health matters just as much. Between moving to a new country, handling paperwork, balancing studies and working part-time, things can get overwhelming.
That’s why mental health support is more than important—it’s essential. At TalTech, students have access to free psychological counseling through the Office of Academic Affairs. You just need to book in advance.
There are also regular mental health initiatives organized by students. One of my favorites was the Mental Health Week, hosted by the student union. It included 15-minute massage sessions and ended with a Sauna Marathon, which honestly had the same effect on me as a therapy session! Another great event I recently joined was an anti-anxiety workshop hosted by ESN TalTech IC. Together with other international students, we learned about anxiety and learned practices to reduce it.
Nutrition is another essential piece of the wellness puzzle. While Estonia—as a northern country—might not have the widest selection of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, it offers other valuable and affordable nutritional treasures. In particular, the dairy products here are amazing. Estonian milk and yogurt are, in my opinion, among the best in Europe. With a wide variety and affordable prices, it’s easy for students to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
That’s not to say there’s no fresh produce! Tallinn has excellent local markets like the Baltic Station Market—called Balti Jaam in Estonian—where you can find fresh, locally grown food and handmade goods.
To wrap it all up, I truly believe that being a student in Estonia naturally encourages a balanced lifestyle. The combination of accessible sports facilities, supportive mental health services, and a nature-rich environment makes it easier to stay active, grounded, and well. If you make the effort to engage with what’s offered, Estonia truly supports you back.
And when the sunny days return in April, everything feels even more alive—the longer days and blooming surroundings gently push you to move more, smile more, and keep growing into the best version of yourself.
Stay tuned for my next blog!
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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