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Estonian weather is famous for its unpredictability, with locals humorously describing experiencing "four seasons in a day." Winters are long and frosty, while summers are short and mild. Spring and autumn bring various weather conditions, making it essential to stay prepared. Dressing for Estonian Weather: Layering is Key: Layering is your best defence against Estonia's capricious climate. A moisture-wicking base layer, insulation for warmth, and a waterproof, windproof outer layer are your go-to. Quality Outerwear: Invest in a high-quality winter coat that's warm and weather-resistant to combat the harsh winter temperatures. Footwear Matters: Opt for insulated, waterproof boots with excellent traction during winter and lightweight, breathable shoes for summer. Accessories: Don't forget gloves, scarves, and hats to keep warm during cold snaps. Be Ready for Rain: Be prepared for rain at any time, always carry an umbrella, and have a compact rain jacket or poncho on hand. Sun Protection: In summer, shield yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Vitamins: Amidst Tallinn's seasonal variations, don't forget to take your vitamins to boost your immune system and energy levels. You can find a range of vitamins and supplements at local pharmacies, health food stores, and supermarkets across Tallinn. Where to find what? Embracing sustainable shopping in Tallinn is a growing trend, and Humana is a notable thrift store championing this eco-friendly approach. From warm jackets to socks, you can find everything in there! What makes it even more exciting are Humana's monthly sales, where you can snag various items, from clothing to home goods, at unbelievably low prices, sometimes as little as 50 cents. Budget-Friendly Options Beyond Humana: While Humana is a popular choice for thrift shopping, Tallinn offers alternative options for budget-conscious shoppers, including Erasmus students. Paavli is a place to find affordable winter clothing to shield yourself from Estonian winters. This spot offers a budget-friendly selection of clothing items suitable for protecting against the cold. So, as you gear up to experience Tallinn's dynamic weather, remember to dress smartly and explore sustainable shopping options. Humana's monthly sales provide an economical way to revamp your wardrobe sustainably. Additionally, places like Pavli cater to students and those seeking cost-effective winter clothing solutions. Embrace the changing seasons, stay warm, and explore the vibrant city of Tallinn with confidence.

Getting sick in a foreign country without your friends or family nearby can be a nightmare, especially when you might not know the language or the culture. As an international student, the adventure of studying in a foreign country is incredibly exciting. But don't fret! This guide is here to help you find a family doctor in Estonia. It's about ensuring your health is in good hands so you can enjoy every moment of your journey. Choosing Your Family Doctor Explore the List: Visit this website to find a list of family doctors. Ensure they are within the same area or county as your address. You can find the list here: EHIF Doctors List. Language Flexibility: While English-speaking family doctors are available, not all of them speak English. Many do, but if you encounter one who doesn't, don't worry! You can choose another doctor or continue in Estonian, and it's an excellent chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Registering with Your Family Doctor Get the Application: To register, submit a signed application, known as "Avaldus perearsti nimistusse registreerimiseks.” You can usually find these forms in Estonian, but you can easily complete them with Google Translate. Submitting the Application: You can sign the forms digitally via the Digidoc4 client if you plan to send them via email to the doctor or clinic. Alternatively, you can submit them in person at the nearest clinic. However, acceptance depends on the availability of slots for that specific hospital. Approval Time: After submitting the application, you'll typically receive an approval email within 7-10 days. If you applied at a hospital, expect a phone call about your application status. Alternative Health Options While you wait, consider alternative online health options such as Salu.md, a subscription-based service for consultations in English, Estonian, and Russian. Private clinics like Qvalitas and Confido are also available. Note that these services are not covered by national health insurance and require payment. Emergency Services For emergencies, dial 112 or go to the nearest emergency room. You're all set! Don’t wait until the end to get a family doctor. Be proactive and smart, unlike me! :D

The purpose of this fund is to boost students' motivation to learn and support academic staff at Tallinn University of Technology. Graduates and research development workers with ambitious visions contribute significantly to the growth of the Estonian economy. You can apply for this scholarship twice a year, in spring and autumn. The deadline for applications this semester is October 24th. Here are some key points to remember when applying: Write a motivation letter for each scholarship, specifically addressing the company. When submitting your application and documents, make sure the files are named correctly. Digitally sign all documents when submitting your application. You can submit up to three different scholarship applications. Naatan Johannes Bender, who has successfully received this scholarship twice, shares a few tips based on his experience: Naatan Johannes Bender To all you students out there, here are five pieces of advice for your scholarship applications: Start the application process early. This gives you time to think about your essay topic and request your grade sheet and a letter of support from the dean's office. Remember, the letter of support doesn't have to come from a lecturer; a student organization president can write a great one too. Highlight your involvement in student life on your CV or in your motto. Being an active student is appealing to employers and can sometimes matter more than your GPA. Writing a cover letter can be challenging, but it's easier than most homework 😉. Share your work or internship experiences, involvement in student activities, workshops, and projects you've contributed to. Keep it concise. Most importantly, don't give up without trying! Choose a scholarship that aligns with your field or faculty and go for it. You can find more experience stories from scholarship sponsors and recipients on the Fund's website. The deadline for applications is October 24th. Check it out here!

On October 5th, on Teacher's Day, the TalTech Student Union, in cooperation with the student councils of the faculties, announced the selected teachers who have caught the eye of students. The basis for the recognition was the feedback questionnaire from graduates, input from the Education Quality Working Groups, and the 'Recognize a Teacher' survey. This year, six categories were chosen for recognizing teachers: Most Youthful Teacher - awarded to a teacher who understands the unique needs, interests, and challenges of young people and uses modern tools to make learning more understandable for them. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - awarded to a teacher with outstanding expertise in their field and the ability to effectively convey their knowledge to students. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - awarded to a teacher who provides comprehensive and constructive feedback to students regularly, motivating them to improve their academic performance. Inclusive Teacher - awarded to a teacher who can motivate students to actively participate in the learning process. Innovative Teacher - awarded to a teacher whose lectures and teaching materials are up-to-date and who employs innovative and effective teaching methods. Teacher of the Year - awarded to a teacher who excels in multiple categories and demonstrates exceptional dedication to teaching. We would like to sincerely thank you on behalf of the students for your dedication in imparting knowledge! Faculty of Natural Sciences Most Youthful Teacher - Rutt Hints Rutt Hints can clearly and in detail convey the subject matter, making lectures informative and enjoyable. She is always helpful and available to students. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Alar Leibak Alar Leibak has excellent command of the subjects he teaches. He employs various methods to engage students, ensuring that none of his lectures are boring. He can make even the most complex topics clear, and all questions receive answers. Most Inclusive Teacher - Riina Aav Riina Aav is a caring and inspiring teacher. She actively involves students in discussions, encouraging everyone to think more in class. She sparks interest in the subject matter and is very cheerful and helpful. Most Innovative Teacher - Maria Cecilia Sarmiento Guerin A highly motivating and knowledgeable teacher, whose classes always incorporate current information. She puts a lot of effort into finding relevant articles, presents topics effectively, and makes her lectures interesting. Teacher of the Year - Marju Laasik Marju Laasik is an excellent teacher who creates a safe learning environment. She is warm and attentive, always ready to answer any questions. Faculty of Engineering Most Youthful Teacher - Jüri Kurvits Jüri Kurvits always creates a positive atmosphere in class. His classes are well-prepared, assignments are engaging, and he is willing to review challenging topics, motivating students to put in more effort. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Margus Müür Margus Müür is a dedicated teacher who always prepares well and makes every lesson enjoyable. He encourages students to participate actively, ask questions, and expand their knowledge. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Priit Luhakooder Priit Luhakooder can quickly and effectively solve complex problems and has an excellent grasp of his field. He is approachable and explains even the most confusing methods clearly in student-friendly terms. His feedback is always prompt and relevant. Inclusive Teacher - Reeli Kuhi-Thalfeldt Reeli Kuhi-Thalfeldt skillfully motivates students to participate. Her classes involve lively discussions, with students taking an active role in acquiring new knowledge together. Innovative Teacher - Airi Noppel Airi Noppel makes every class captivating, and her flexible approach allows students to freely express their thoughts and ideas. She uses innovative and inclusive methods that make the subject matter engaging. Teamwork allows for quick feedback from fellow students in addition to the teacher. Teacher of the Year - Mart Saarna Mart Saarna is enthusiastic about sharing his extensive knowledge. His lectures are comprehensive and understandable, and his practical sessions are both educational and interesting, motivating students to learn. Faculty of Economics Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Raili Lahi Raili Lahi's feedback is always quick and thorough. She responds to students even late in the evening to encourage them to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Inclusive Teacher - Paavo Siimann Paavo Siimann is a teacher who captivates everyone in his class. His fantastic teaching methods are engaging, and students absorb knowledge almost effortlessly. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Kristjan Liivamägi Kristjan Liivamägi's knowledge knows no bounds, and he can answer any question without hesitation. His expertise inspires students to make the most of their learning. Most Youthful Teacher - Katrin Arvola Katrin Arvola seems to get younger with time. Her interactive teaching methods encourage students to get more involved. She is a true ambassador for her subjects, leaving no one unimpressed. Innovative Teacher - Kristo Krumm Kristo Krumm's energy warms up the entire classroom. He encourages students to participate actively and speak up. He also adapts his teaching to the changing world. Teacher of the Year - Pawan Kumar Dutt Pawan Kumar Dutt is always very passionate and inspires students from every faculty. He knows how to explain every topic and motivates students to take their education to the next level. Faculty of Information Technology Most Youthful Teacher - Andres Käver This teacher, always wearing sneakers, has more to offer in life than the scope and duration of his subjects allow. He is a master juggler, balancing work, school, and family life. Despite all this, he has time to chat with students after classes and share life advice. He has a great sense of humor that provides relief even in tense exam atmospheres. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Erki Eessaar Erki Eessaar is very dedicated and student-centered, valuing individualized learning. His teaching materials are structured, and knowledge flows seamlessly as if pieces of a puzzle. Students have also noticed his encouraging words during project presentations. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Kaido Kikkas Kaido can adapt well to individuals across the entire spectrum and tailor the teaching to their needs. As a lecturer, Kaido expects independent thinking from students, not blind agreement with his assessments. He values individual feedback, and due to his personal and enthusiastic approach, every student wants him as their supervisor. Inclusive Teacher - Innar Liiv Innar is a true professional in his field, and his enthusiasm for teaching is motivating for all students. The experienced mariner is very helpful and always finds logical and simple answers to even the most complex questions, inspiring students to learn and experiment with various solutions. Innovative Teacher - Kristiina Hakk She not only loves her job but does it with passion. She always has a great mood, and her ability to make a classroom of three hundred students laugh or be quiet is remarkable. She constantly invents new methods to engage students in independent learning and achieve better results. Teacher of the Year - Ago Luberg No matter who you ask, Ago is always described as a superstar in his field. This teacher stands out across the entire university with his inspiring speeches and innovative teaching methods. He always seeks ways to improve his subjects and broadens his students' horizons by organizing various outings. According to students, Ago is 'chill,' always accessible, and incredibly helpful. Estonian Maritime Academy Most Youthful Teacher - Loreida Timberg Loreida's lectures are exciting, interactive, and linked to real life, involving top experts in her field to inspire students. Unlike most teachers who provide feedback to students, she treats students as colleagues and constantly seeks the perspective of young people on how to make lessons even better and more memorable. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Yrjö Saarinen Yrjö Saarinen's extensive knowledge and experience surpass the entire Estonian Maritime Academy community. He not only shares nuggets of wisdom but also ensures that students understand the underlying processes, providing comprehensive answers to all questions. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Anna Saksa The teacher's feedback is always fast, concise, and relevant. When teaching, she approaches students according to their needs, even using multiple languages. In her classes, she not only creates a positive learning environment herself but is also accompanied by a little dog! Inclusive Teacher - Olev Tõnismaa Olev is a complete professional in his field, and his dedication to teaching is motivating for all students. The experienced seafarer is very helpful and always finds logical and simple answers to even the most complex questions, inspiring students to learn and experiment with various solutions. Innovative Teacher - Dan Heering Dan Heering's innovative and inclusive approach to the learning process encourages students to think broadly about their daily habits. Theoretical knowledge is supported by various practical tasks related to current events. He works with passion and creates a very open and pleasant communication environment for students during lectures. Teacher of the Year - Anatoli Alop Anatoli Alop is an extremely pleasant teacher who is highly regarded by both undergraduate and graduate students. This person can even make the driest cases and paragraphs exciting, and students hope to see more of him in their future studies!

Writer Gerli Napritson and photos by Meelis Kobin Last week, on Friday, our school's student body celebrated a major event – the 103rd anniversary of the Student Union. The anniversary was attended by organizations, student council boards, student representatives, the school's management, guests from other universities, and their companions. This year, as well, our most outstanding students were recognized and awarded medals. But what is the TalTech Student Union Medal? The medals are the highest honors of the Student Union, created to acknowledge outstanding individuals who have contributed to the well-being of the Student Union and whose activities have had a significant positive impact. The medal is the Student Union's highest recognition for an individual. Medals are awarded in the following categories: The Golden Medal "FIDELIS STUDIOSUS" The highest honor of the TalTech Student Union, awarded to an outstanding individual who has set a strong example and has made exceptionally significant contributions to the TalTech Student Union. The award of the Golden Medal is decided unanimously by the commission's proposal to the representative assembly. The Silver Medal "FIDELIS STUDIOSUS" Awarded to an individual who has served as a role model for the TalTech Student Union through their actions or has made significant contributions to the TalTech Student Union in their field or organization. The Bronze Medal or Mission Medal "FIDELIS STUDIOSUS" Awarded to an individual who has made long-term contributions to the activities of the TalTech Student Union and has been a role model for others. Throughout the years, medals have been awarded as follows: The Grand Medal (gold) "Fidelis Studiosus" – awarded 16 times. The Medal (silver) "Fidelis Studiosus" – awarded 76 times. The Mission Medal (bronze) "Fidelis Studiosus" – awarded 88 times. You can see the medals and their recipients when you go to the student building. There's a display where each medal recipient can add their name. Whether the contribution is big or small, it certainly doesn't go unnoticed. At this point, I'd like to highlight a few examples of this year's brightest recipients: Taavi Tamm (2023, gold) - This young man has dedicated five years of his life to the Estonian Maritime Academy and TalTech, bringing tremendous value with his enthusiasm. He wasn't just a role model with his activism but also with his excellent academic achievements. It's worth noting that he graduated Cum Laude while juggling all his activities and responsibilities. During his student activism, he sailed on Admiral Bellingshausen's ship during the Arctic expedition and proudly represented TalTech on various occasions. He was also selected as TalTech's Student of the Year in 2021 and led the Estonian Maritime Academy Student Council, which was named the Student Organization of the Year in 2022. Additionally, he served as the Chair of TalTech's Representative Assembly and was a member of the Student Union's Audit Committee. It's also worth mentioning that he represented the Academy and TalTech at numerous events and marketing campaigns, which had a real impact on admissions. Many prospective students mentioned Taavi as one of the reasons they chose the maritime navigation program or the Academy itself. He was one of the founders of the national university quiz "Unimemory," and his determination and positivity have been an inspiration to many students in TalTech and across Estonia. Last season, he was also the fan coordinator for TalTech Sports Club and contributed to the success of the Rector's Cup. His work truly encapsulates the essence of being the second student in Estonian Maritime Academy's history to receive the Academy's highest recognition, the 44th medal, for outstanding contributions. Tom Erik Luoma-aho (2023, silver) - He has already received the medal for his years of student activism, but it's time to elevate this recognition. He has contributed to the development of TalTech's student life as an employee for over 10 years! During this time, he has hosted countless events, and at one point, his involvement was so extensive that people recognized him by his voice, not just his appearance. He has become an integral part of how TalTech is perceived and described because he and TalTech share similar values. He has made significant contributions as a host and commentator for various TalTech events, improved the visibility of the Estonian Association of Student Unions (EASL), elevated the level of fan support for the Sports Club, and made watching games much more enjoyable. Overall, he has contributed to the promotion of student sports. In 2022, he established a new student organization called "Juuliuse Jüngrid," aimed at connecting TalTech students, alumni, and staff. In the 2022-2023 academic year, he revitalized the Rektor's Cup competition so that it would continue even without his direct involvement. Naatan Johannes Bender (2023, bronze) - This medal goes to a young man who joined the university in 2019 and immediately embarked on a journey of student activism. He first joined BEST-Estonia, where he assisted with projects and, in the fall, became a member of the Enginaator (engineering competition) team, responsible for logistics. From there, he went on to become the chairman of BEST, Estonia. To observe what was happening at the university and contribute more broadly, he joined the Representative Assembly in the spring of 2021 and was also elected as the Julius of the Student Union. Furthermore, he was elected as the Senate representative for the Faculty of Engineering for the 2021/2022 academic year and a member of the Student Union's Funding Committee. He increasingly took part in events, trying his hand as a host at both university events and within BEST. He had the opportunity to represent the university at events such as "Lahe koolipäev," "StartUp Day" in Tartu, and open house days. In the 2022/2023 academic year, he served as the representative of EUROTEQ to promote foreign university courses to our TalTech students. But that's not all... he also worked on projects in INSÜK, such as "Õudusteöö." In the film club, he was the facilitator of "Tulpide lahing" and a host on two occasions. Additionally, he learned how to edit videos in the film club. Of course, he didn't let his student activism hinder his academic success and maintained an above-average academic record. In addition to these recipients, Mia Peterson received the silver medal, and Katriin Vinogradov, Erki Meinberg, Mari Leesmaa, Mihkel Külm, Henri Olavi Suomalainen, and Thea Nigol received bronze medals. Congratulations once again to all the medal recipients! The next nomination for medals will be in August 2024. If you have someone in mind you'd like to nominate, remember their name and don't forget to put it forward in August. Congratulations once again to all the medal recipients! Let's notice and recognize each other!

The new semester brings new opportunities and at the threshold, it would be wise to take a moment and think about the essence of learning. Learning, which is a complex and multifaceted process, can mean different things to people with different prerequisites and experiences. It is for this reason that we have written down the best practices of learning and teaching. Best practices are not a learning resource for daily guidance. Rather, they can be compared to a roadmap that, when reviewed from time to time, guides us to discover new paths and helps us to gain a deeper sense of learning and teaching. Best practices can also be like a bridge that facilitates dialogue between learners and the teaching staff, and helps to create a common understanding of the role we each play in the learning process. Although best practices are not strictly necessary for setting goals and understanding learning and teaching, they do give us the impetus and opportunity to do so on the basis of common grounds. As you embark on a new semester, take the time to (re)familiarise yourself with the best practices of learning and teaching and let them serve as a guide for you. We should all find an idea in the best practices to accompany us this semester and help to create an enriching learning environment together. BEST PRACTICES IN LEARNING AND TEACHING Good practice in learning and teaching is an agreement within the Tallinn University of Technology community with the aim of promoting and supporting learning and teaching. Following good practice in learning and teaching is a part of academic culture. It is based on the best practices in learning and teaching. In designing the learning process, the lecturer takes into account the functional needs of teaching the subject and relies on professional skills. The learner uses conscious learning methods in accordance with the lecturer's recommendations. Learner-Centeredness and Research-Based Teaching is based on research and evidence-based teaching methods that support learners in achieving learning outcomes and take into account the specifics of the subject. Effective learning methods are used to lead to deep learning. An essential part of learning is independent work by the learner. The lecturer supports the development of the learner's independent learning skills. The lecturer's responsibility is to create an environment that promotes learning and supports critical thinking among learners. Responsibility Learning and teaching are a continuous process involving a dialogue and regular feedback between the learner and the lecturer. For the process to work, it is necessary to have a shared understanding of learning by both the learner and the lecturer, based on modern learning theories. The lecturer is responsible for creating the conditions necessary for effective learning, while the learner takes responsibility for their learning. Sharing responsibility requires self-management and reflection from both parties. Collaboration Mutual respect and cooperation are the basis of learning. Collaboration takes place when setting learning objectives and making agreements regarding the teaching process, both in individual classes, the entire subject, and in the guidance process. Learners collaborate with each other, both voluntarily and under the guidance of the lecturer, to develop social and communicative skills. The goal of learners' collaboration is to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the subject. The lecturer considers the role of their subject within the curriculum. To achieve the learning outcomes of the curriculum and increase the cohesion between subjects, the lecturer collaborates with the program manager and other lecturers. Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Ethics All parties involved in the learning process understand that education is not only knowledge and skills but also values, attitudes, and ethical beliefs. Educational activities support and value learners' entrepreneurship, creative and innovative thinking, purposeful action, and solving complex real-life problems. Teaching and learning recognize the initiative and collaboration of all parties.

Where to find help when it's emotionally challenging? University-level mathematics can be headache-inducing, and you can't manage it alone? You have a question but don't know where to find the answer? In room U04-104, you'll find the answers to all your questions because that's where the counseling center is located. In the counseling center, you'll meet professionals in their field, psychologists, and fellow students. During orientation week, you've already become familiar with your tutors, and you should ask them for help as soon as possible. But if the answer isn't sufficient or you want to talk to someone else, the counseling center has student counselors available every day to help with simpler questions. Furthermore, there is peer-to-peer tutoring available in mathematics and physics. The counseling service is intended for undergraduate and engineering students. Each student has their introduction and details about how they can help. Choose a suitable advisor and book an appointment. Counseling sessions last up to 45 minutes and can be conducted both in person and online. If you're unsure about your career path or if your chosen field of study is the right fit, you can book an appointment with a career counselor. You are the expert in setting your life and career goals and managing yourself. However, a TalTech career counselor can assist you in the process of career planning and development. To book a counseling session, please email careerguide@taltech.ee . The counseling center also psychologist Kadri. You can contact her if you have concerns such as uncertainty, excessive worrying, lack of motivation, communication and relationship problems, adjustment issues, difficulty coping with demands, unexpected life events (crisis, grief), difficulties in decision-making or time management. Psychologists ensure confidentiality and their services are free of charge. You can book an appointment via email, psychologist@taltech.ee. In addition to all of the above, there is also a counselor for students with special needs , and the counseling center's website contains many frequently asked questions. Be sure to keep an eye on the peaasi.ee website to support your mental health alongside your studies to the fullest. October is Mental Health Month, so keep your eyes and ears open as there will be many mental health events organized by the student council in cooperation with the counseling center.

In addition to leading in science, technology, and innovation, TalTech also offers a variety of sports opportunities for students. Being physically active provides a change from academic studies and enriches the overall university experience. Participating in sport events and competitions helps develop several skills such as teamwork, time management, and dealing with wins and losses. At TalTech's campus, students can use the basketball and volleyball courts. The outdoor gym with various equipment for training different muscles. Enthusiasts of running and walking can enjoy the pleasant forest trails in Sütiste-Nõmme-Harku. Moreover, students have an excellent opportunity to attend training sessions at the university's own sports club, located just a few minutes' walk from the main building. TalTech Sports Club offers a wide range of guided workouts as well as the opportunity to engage in independent sports. You can choose from activities like volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, badminton, table tennis, gym workouts, running tracks, and group exercises – continue with a familiar sport or try something completely new! To encourage and motivate students to use these sports facilities, TalTech Sports Club offers the opportunity to accumulate ECTS credits for participating in sports activities, and it's completely free! All you need to do is declare the course "Foundations of Physical Activities MK 3001 / MK 3002," which will earn you 3 ECTS credits in the open study module. By completing both the fall and spring courses, you can accumulate a total of 6 ECTS credits and, even more excitingly, get the chance to train at TalTech Sports Club for free throughout your studies! More information about the course can be found HERE. TalTech Student Union's sports team, in collaboration with TalTech Sports Club, brings students several exciting sports events every month! The biggest sports project is the revived Rector's Cup from the previous academic year. Historically, the Rector's Cup has been a very important and popular competition series that brought together students, staff, and alumni to engage in fierce battles in various sports while representing their faculties. Starting this year, TalTech is also launching a training evening project aimed at providing the opportunity to try different sports for complete beginners interested in fitness. All sports events are gathered on the fresh TalTech Student Sports Facebook page , which is worth keeping an eye on! For any questions, you can always contact the indoor sports coordinator at kristina.keerdo@tipikas.ee . Outside the familiar campus, the Estonian Academic Sports Federation (ESL) also organizes various sports events for students throughout the year. Notable among them are the YliSports Triple Series, in which students from different universities can compete against each other: YliPall, Student Winter Games, and Student Summer Games. This year, nearly 1500 students, including 450 from TalTech, participated in the event. The last Summer Games were special because, after a five-year drought, the victory returned to TalTech! More information about the sports trio can be found here . In addition, ESL hosts monthly student championships in both team and individual sports. More information about these can be found on the ESL website and from the sports coordinator at karolin.kormik@tipikas.ee . If you choose sports for relaxation and self-improvement during your studies, we'll definitely see you at practice or at one of the sports events soon! PS! Be sure to subscribe to the TalTech Student Sports newsletter, where we send monthly updates on upcoming events and other exciting sports news! JOIN HERE

Dear Rector, university employees, and fellow students It is a great honor for me to stand before you as we embark on a new academic year, setting forth on a journey of exploration and growth. Today marks the beginning of your journey - it will be exciting, challenging, and sometimes quite difficult. Remember, though, that nothing easy is worth doing. Let us cast aside the fear of attempting something difficult. What matters is taking one step at a time, and eventually, You'll end up with an amazing view from the heights of a mountain. Remember that You don't have to do it alone at all costs. You are surrounded by people who are ready to help You with advice and support whenever needed. A few years back I also sat in this hall for the first time. I thought I would only focus on my studies. I believed I came here only to read books and complete my assignments. I was sure that I was not the kind of person who wanted to meet a lot of people and participate in extracurricular activities. I could not have been more wrong. My university experience has exceeded all expectations I could have never dreamt that during my time at university, I would be leading a student organization, initiating projects, or getting involved in areas that are deeply important to me, such as student well-being and mental health. And if that sounds distant to you right know, believe me: I was once in your shoes. All these accomplishments emerged through the simple act of keeping an open mind and focusing to take one step after another, one step at a time. Throughout this week, you have heard repeatedly to join student organizations, make connections, and be part of Tallinn University of Technology's unique student life.But why is this emphasized so much? It's not only making friends for life, or having fun at parties, or even making school more manageable. However, there are many more reasons. Working together towards a common goal fosters strength and self- confidence, and provides you with new skills. It is a safety net that keeps you from falling off the track. I am here today because of the people who supported me. Only a few manage graduating university on their own and their university experience is much poorer for it. Most learning takes place outside the classroom. It happens during late evenings spent in student organizations, sharing experiences, collaborative efforts after lectures, or even in the creation of a startup with a coursemate during a hackathon. Such opportunities emerge only when we work together. Alone You will go fast, but together we can go further. You take the first step. Take a moment to think about what that first step will be. Could it be attending an introductory session for a student organization? Do you have the courage to start a conversation with the person next to you? Or perhaps you schedule a meeting with someone who stood out to you on campus? The choice is yours, but the important that you take the first step. Should the outcome not meet your expectations, do not lose hope — try again! I wish you courage and an open mind for the journey ahead. Have an amazing start to the academic year, and long live TalTech!

The student council of Tallinn University of Technology has the largest number of active members in Estonia. It consists of several bodies - the Representative Council, the Board of the Student Union and the staff. In addition to the student council, the student councils of the faculties and the revision committee also operate in the university. Although the picture may seem motley, each organ has its own specific task and purpose. Everything starts with the students - every year (February-March) all students of the University of Technology can vote for a candidate of their faculty in the elections of the Board of Representatives. What is the Representative Assembly? The Representative Council can be compared to the Riigikogu. It is a 15-member democratically elected supreme decision-making body of students. The representative council includes students from all faculties. What does the Representative Council do? The purpose of the representative body is to stand for the interests of students. To this end, the Representative Council adopts positions on important topics and directs projects that develop students' learning and action opportunities. For example, last school year, the Representative Council confirmed its position on mental health issues. The work of the representative body is very versatile. The duties of the members also include electing members of the student body's board and student representatives to the decision-making bodies, approving the student body's budget and much more. During their work, students who are part of the representative council gain valuable experience and a wide network of contacts. Regular meetings of the representative body are held once a month and every student can attend them. Meeting times, meeting agendas and minutes can be found on TalTech's website. Student Union Board The representative body elects the board of the student body. Board members are also, in a way, the face of TalTech's student council - they can be seen giving speeches at ceremonies and various student life events. The board represents the student body both at the University of Technology and among other higher education institutions, organizes the work of the student council, determines the development and operational directions of the organization. The board consists of three members: the chairman and members of the board in the field of education and student life. Currently, these positions are filled by Joosep Perandi, Karoliina Rebane and Anna Suzdalev, respectively. Members of the board are elected for two academic years. Student council staff Coordinator of student organizations, coordinator of the mascot Juulius Tipika, chairman of the funding committee, events coordinator, human resources manager... These are all positions in the staff of the student council. Staff positions are filled by active and enthusiastic students who are responsible for a specific field or activity. For example, thanks to the ÜE photographer, the events of student life are remembered with awesome photos, and thanks to the event coordinator, the student body's birthday takes place in September every year. There are various tasks and positions in the staff of the student council. You can usually join the staff in the spring, when a public competition is announced to fill vacant positions. However, it is worth keeping an eye on the announcements throughout the year, as vacancies may arise at other times as well, and project managers are often sought for various events. Information about vacant positions is shared both on the Facebook of the student union and on the TalTech website. Student assemblies of the faculty While the Representative Council represents all TalTech students, the student councils of the faculties represent the students of the respective faculty. The student councils of the faculties do not belong to the student council, but they are the bodies of the student body. On the TalTech website , you can find the contact details of the student associations of all faculties. Student associations not only do serious work, but also organize exciting student life events, cooperate with companies in the field, and offer students opportunities for self-development. Student associations also become a wide network of professional contacts. Student representatives in decision-making bodies As the name suggests, decision-making bodies deal with the adoption of decisions. Decision-making bodies are, for example, the TalTech senate, faculty councils, the general meeting of the NGO TTU Student Village. It is possible to discuss various drafts in decision-making bodies or to initiate them yourself. More important processes that affect the development of the faculty/university are also often introduced. All students can apply for decision-making bodies. Elections are usually held in the spring. Audit Committee All activities are monitored by the audit committee. The audit committee is an independent control body whose task is to check the conformity of the activities of the board, staff and representative body with the decisions of the student council, the correctness of accounting and the purposefulness and legality of the use of property and resources. Both students and alumni of the University of Technology can apply for the revision committee. Conclusion Every student can join the student body! Be it the Representative Council, the staff of the student council, the student council of the faculty or any other. The members of this awesome and active community stand for good quality education and a student life full of opportunities. They do their work with a great sense of mission and contribute to the advancement of student life and education at TalTech. In addition, with any student body, membership is not just about getting the job done. Members can take part in awesome motivational events and outings, develop themselves in many ways and work in a nice team. If the University of Technology is going well for you, keep an eye on Juulius Tipika's social media channels on Facebook and Instagram , come to the meeting of the Representative Council or let us know your ideas-concerns-proposals! In addition, keep your eyes and ears open so that you don't miss an announcement to join one of the student bodies!