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Author: Rimsha Noor Discover Spring in Tallinn: Must-Visit Places for experiencing spring on a Budget Tallinn, Estonia's captivating capital, offers abundant spring activities for local, international and Erasmus students at TalTech. As the city blossoms with vibrant colours and events, there's no better time to dive into Tallinn's rich cultural experiences. Here's a list of top budget-friendly spring activities in Tallinn to help you make the most of your international student experience: Free Museums date: At the end of each month, many museums in Tallinn offer free admission, giving you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Estonian history and culture. Be sure to check out the KUMU Art Museum, the Estonian History Museum, and the Estonian Maritime Museum, among others. Relax at Pirita or Stroomi Beach: As the weather warms, consider heading to Pirita or Stroomi Beach to unwind and soak up the sun. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea, or engage in beach activities with your fellow students. You can also enjoy painting, playing volleyball or just chilling with your friends at the beach. Picnic in Kadriorg Park: This expansive park is home to the stunning Kadriorg Palace, the KUMU Art Museum, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Spend a leisurely afternoon picnicking with friends, surrounded by nature, as you take in the tranquil scenery. Experience Tallinn Music Week: Typically held in spring, Tallinn Music Week is an annual festival celebrating music, art, and urban culture. Discover an eclectic mix of local and international talent through concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions hosted in various venues across Tallinn. There are a handful of concerts happening in Tallinn in spring, so grab a ticket and enjoy. Visit Lahemaa National Park: A short drive from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park provides a picturesque escape to Estonia's natural beauty. Hike through forests, explore coastal villages, and observe diverse wildlife, including a walk along the Viru Bog Trail – a must-see wetland experience. Water sports: Tallinn's coastline and nearby waterways provide excellent opportunities for kayaking. You can explore the city's shoreline, discover hidden coves, or paddle along the Pirita River. Several local companies offer guided tours or equipment rentals for kayaking. For adrenaline seekers, jet skiing is a thrilling way to enjoy the waters around Tallinn. Rent a jet ski and zip along the coastline, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the thrill of the ride. With its stunning coastline and diverse waterways, Tallinn offers numerous water-related activities for visitors. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful Baltic city. By incorporating these budget-friendly activities into your spring itinerary, you'll enrich your international student experience and create lasting memories during your time in Tallinn. Embrace Estonia's unique cultural offerings and seize the opportunity to explore all that Tallinn has to offer this spring without breaking the bank. You can also check out ESN TalTech IC’s official page to some fun and budget-friendly spring activities and get to meet the wholesome international community that TalTech has to offer. Don’t be shy; put yourself out there and have the best time of your life by making friends from all over the world!

In such a large organization as the University of Technology, when a problem arises, it can be confusing who it would be best to turn to. Below is a list of who does what and where, so that the picture is a little clearer and every concern can be resolved :) Lectures - All questions and problems related to the organization and evaluation of the course. Program manager - Issues related to the curriculum, such as the structure of the curriculum, choosing a major/specialization, thesis topic, further study opportunities in the chosen field, and assessing the suitability of subjects when studying abroad. Also, the program manager helps with problems that have not been solved directly with the lecturer. Dean's office, study consultants - All study organization issues, for example: study plan, declaring subjects, completing the study load, certificates, documents, applications, academic leave, internship, going to study abroad, changing the curriculum. Internship coordinator - Each internship subject has an internship coordinator who is an advisor and, if necessary, recommends internships, explains, and specifies the requirements for the internship and the field of activity. Sometimes a separate internship coordinator is appointed for all fields of study within the faculty. For more information on internship arrangements, you can ask your faculty's dean's office. Vice-dean of academic affairs – Academic issues across the faculty. Issues that have not been resolved by discussion with the program manager. Counselling center - Always there if you are not quite sure who to turn to! If the previous contacts were aimed at academic concerns, the counselling center can be contacted with personal concerns in addition to them. There are student advisors who advise students or, if necessary, find the right contact at the university to turn to. It is not necessary to book an appointment in advance to contact the counselling center, it is open Mon-Fri and you can quickly contact the counsellors via the chat application of the student portal (student.taltech.ee). In addition, the specialists of the counselling center offer various counselling services, which are free of charge for TalTech students: study and career counselling, counselling in mathematics and physics, psychological counselling, and counselling for students with special needs. It is also worth keeping an eye on the seminars organized by the counselling center (taltech.ee/seminarid). Tutors - The Counselling Center also has tutors who are senior year students who help younger students with university-related issues. If you have questions about the major or university life from the student's point of view, you can contact the tutor of your major! Student Union - If you feel that no one else is able to help with the problem, or if you don't dare to approach the university staff yourself, the Student Union is always there to help. If you need help with a problem that the university staff has already dealt with, but a solution has not yet been reached, it will be useful if things have been done in writing so that you can forward the correspondence to the Student Union. In addition, the Student Union can help if you feel there are problems with student representation or involvement on a topic. It is definitely worth contacting the Student Union if you have an exciting idea for a project aimed at students - SU can help you both with the implementation of the project and with the application for funding! Student Council of Faculty - If there are ideas that could be better in the faculty, what events related to the faculty could be held. IT helpdesk/user support - Provides support related to various IT solutions (including instructional materials, primary technical support, etc.). Library - library staff can assist with finding various sources and compiling research papers, and can also provide training on various research-related skills, such as academic writing or database usage. In addition, the library may offer spaces for group work or quiet studying. Please to not hesitate to reach out to these resources, as they are there to provide assistance and guidance. By taking advantage of these resources, students can improve their academic and personal experiences at the university.

On April 11, 2023, a meeting of the Student Parliament was held, during which the mental health statements of TalTech students were confirmed: Faculty members are aware of the impact of students' mental health on their studies and take it into consideration. At the beginning of each semester, faculty members provide students with a schedule of all deadlines. Faculty members regularly participate in seminars on mental health topics. The university ensures a balance between students' academic and work-life. The university provides flexible curricula and teaching methods. The university advocates for an increase in student study support. The university supports students' integration and the formation of friendships throughout the academic year. All students receive timely assistance in seeking psychological counseling. Communication on mental health topics is improved within the university. University information channels make it easy to find where to seek help for mental health problems. Useful evidence-based materials and case studies on mental health are shared through university information channels. The university regularly organizes events on mental health topics such as seminars, training, and information days. In order to improve the quality of psychological counseling, feedback on the counseling center's activities is regularly collected. The university develops a mental health action plan and conducts additional studies among both students and staff. The beginning of this process dates back to November 2021, when the TalTech Mental Health Working Group was created to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and draw the attention of the rectorate to the students' desire for the university to pay more attention to this issue. The working group was guided by the Mental Health Implementation Plan section of the Estonian Student Union "What Can Student Unions Do?" The task of the working group was to assess the mental health situation of students, analyze various variables that contribute to students' mental health, and gather recommendations in one document for both the university and the students themselves to help support students' mental health. To this end, a survey was conducted in October 2022, with 694 TalTech students participating. The survey put forward three hypotheses: mental health problems are a widely prevalent issue among students; mental health problems/conditions are associated with difficulties in academic progress; information on mental health and related services at the university is not easily accessible or sufficient for students. The first hypothesis was confirmed. Almost one-third of the respondents have been diagnosed with mental health problems, and almost two-thirds received a score higher than the threshold on the EEK-2 questionnaire indicating the risk of depression. The second hypothesis was confirmed based on the students' own assessments. About two-thirds of the respondents felt that their mental health had interfered with their studies, for example, by obtaining a lower grade or failing a course. 86.2% of respondents felt the negative impact of the learning environment on their mental health and identified academic pressure and the difficulty of balancing work and study as the main factors contributing to their mental health problems. The first half of the third hypothesis was confirmed: slightly more than half of the respondents (51%) either did not know or were not sure that free psychological counseling is offered at the university. A definite conclusion cannot be drawn about the second half of the hypothesis, but only 9.4% of the respondents had used the counseling service provided by the university. There were also some respondents who had contacted a psychologist but did not receive a response.

Author: Rimsha Noor Once upon a time, in the vibrant city of Tallinn, a group of adventurous students embarked on a journey to discover the wonders of international experiences. They longed to immerse themselves in new cultures, broaden their horizons, and make unforgettable memories with friends worldwide. Little did they know that their quest was about to lead them to a magical event that would bring them closer to their dreams than they had ever imagined. This is where ESN Got Talent comes in, an event that embodies the spirit of multiculturalism, giving you a taste of the incredible international exposure you've been craving. Erasmus Got Talent is more than just a talent show. It's a melting pot of cultures where students from various backgrounds share their unique talents and stories. By attending this event, you'll not only witness a dazzling array of creative expressions but also develop a deeper appreciation for the richness of our global community. You'll also enjoy tasty snacks from generous sponsors like Prisma, DoDo Pizza, Taffel Snacks, and more. ESN Got Talent is open to all Erasmus, international, and local students, making it an excellent opportunity to network and forge new friendships. The supportive and lively atmosphere will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, share your own talents, or simply enjoy the diverse talents of your fellow students. Additionally, attending this event supports a great cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Estonian Animal Protection Association, meaning you'll contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying a fantastic evening of multicultural entertainment. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable international experience in Tallinn, don't miss out on ESN Got Talent. Come to perform or just watch, and let this amazing event expand your horizons, while making memories with friends from around the world. For more details, check Erasmus Got Talent

Clause 4.2 of the coalition agreement is higher education and research funding. The fact that higher education was included in the coalition agreement gives an idea that it was really talked about and the students' voice was heard, it was taken more seriously and discussed. However, we cannot be absolutely sure how and if these points will be fulfilled. The future Minister of Education and Science is Kristina Kallas, who has said that universities will have the opportunity to ask for money for Estonian-language education. The agreement supports free Estonian-language higher education, but universities may, in certain cases, establish tuition fees for Estonian-language studies as well. In other words, we will have free education in Estonian, but the universities can change it themselves. 4.2.4 brings the possibility to ask for tuition fees in doctor studies in exceptional cases - in a situation where the succession of researchers and academic staff in Estonia is in a rather difficult situation and the number of students entering doctoral studies has decreased by a third in the last ten years. In addition, it is promised to increase the operating support of higher education by 15% in the next three years and to increase the involvement of private money in order to increase the financing of higher education to 1.5% of GDP. Incentives are created for the growth of companies' higher education investments. To increase funding, the offer of paid learning opportunities will be expanded (for example, part-time studies, one-year master's programs). According to the EÜL, this has its dangers, it can open Pandora's box, where more one-year study programs are directed towards, where the cuts in study material can be quite large, and the process in general does not coincide with European trends to harmonize higher education with the 3+2 Bologna system (bachelor's + master's). The most important point for students is definitely 4.2.9, where it is promised to double the need-based study support. After 10 years of stagnation, we can finally hope that 75 euros could become 150 euros. Currently, it is 75, 135 or 220 euros, depending on the student's average monthly income per family member. The point is very general and at the moment it is not known when and under what conditions it will happen. The student unions also asked to change that the student is separated from his household income when the student is 21 years old, not like now, when it happens only at the age of 24, whether it will be changed in the following years, we don't know yet. 4.2.8 student loan reform is allowed, the tuition amount is increased by €6,000 and the repayment period is extended. However, a lot also depends on the interest rate and other terms of the contract that come with it. At the moment, there are not many students who would take a student loan, and this way of thinking should also be changed in such a case. At the moment, the coalition agreement seems good and supportive of higher education, but the conditions will become clear during the work, and because of this, one cannot sit completely still, but must monitor how all these points are implemented so that they support higher education.

TalTech Student Parliament Elections took place March 1-22, 2023. All TalTech students had the opportunity to apply from February 6 to 22. There were a total of 23 candidates across the five faculties: 6 in the School of Engineering, 5 in Estonian Maritime Academy, 4 in the School of Science, 4 in the School of IT and 4 in the School of Business and Governance. There are 15 members in the Student Parliament, and the mandates were distributed among the faculties as follows: four mandates each for the School of Engineering and IT, three mandates for the School of Business and Governance, and two mandates each for the School of Science and the Estonian Maritime Academy. One of the candidates from the School of IT, Karoliina Rebane, gave up her place in the Student Parliament because she was elected as a member of the board of the student body in the field of education. Since the number of candidates in the School of IT was equal to the number of mandates, the replacement mandate was distributed based on a general ranking covering all faculties, and it went to a candidate from the School of Science. For the first time, the elections were held in the Student Portal. The elections were very successful in terms of voter turnout: this year’s voter turnout of 11% is the highest it's been for the last five years. This year's elections were remarkably successful for the Maritime Academy - they almost quadrupled last year's voter turnout. In addition to EMERA, the School of Engineering and the School of Business and Governance also had the highest voter turnout in the last five years. The new membership was announced on March 29, at the Student Parliament’s thank-you event. Members of the Student Parliament 2023/2024: Madis Hendrik Muru, School of Engineering Anet Marii Paumets, School of Engineering Birgit Russka, School of Engineering Kristiina Tammik, School of Engineering Eliise Marta Einpaul, School of Information Technologies Tsun Sing Jason Fong, School of Information Technologies Ragnar Kramm, School of Information Technologies Daniel Aasorg, School of Business and Governance Ana Koiava, School of Business and Governance Villy Tammer, School of Business and Governance Rudolf Bellen, Estonian Maritime Academy Helene Armilde Kudre, Estonian Maritime Academy Anna Jürissaar, School of Science Diana Maslova, School of Science Jan-Erik Vaher, School of Science On the first weekend of April, the new Student Parliament members went on a trip to Valgehobusemäe, where they got to know each other and learned more about their responsibilities. The first meeting of the new Student Parliament membership takes place on April 11 at 6 PM room U01-227/228. The agenda includes: I Reports 1. Regular report of the board of the student council 2. Overview of the Education Quality Working Group II Discussions 3. Second reading of TalTech student mental health views 4. Second reading of the amendments to the student life funding regulation 5. Discussions related to the position of the chairman of the student council Come as a free listener to find out what exciting things are being done in the representative assembly!

Tere, Tere! As an Erasmus or international student in Estonia, you've already had the chance to experience some of the country's beauty and charm. However, with spring just around the corner, there are many exciting cultural events and activities that you won't want to miss out on. This article will share local spots, hidden gems, and cultural recommendations to help you have a FULL Estonian experience and taste life like a local. Visit the National Museum of Estonia: The National Museum of Estonia is a must-visit spot for history lovers. Located in the heart of Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, the museum offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. Here, you'll find fascinating exhibits showcasing everything from prehistoric times to the present day. With interactive displays, educational programs, and guided tours, the National Museum of Estonia is an excellent way to learn more about the country's past and present. Explore the Kalamaja Neighborhood: The Kalamaja neighbourhood in Tallinn is a trendy and vibrant area favourite among locals. The neighbourhood features colourful wooden houses, trendy cafes, and boutique shops, making it the perfect afternoon to explore. Head to Telliskivi Creative City, a cultural hub located within the neighbourhood, for a taste of local art, music, and food. Don't forget to snap photos of the colourful street art and murals lining the neighbourhood's walls. Taste Estonian Cuisine: One of the best ways to experience Estonia like a local is to sample the country's delicious cuisine. Estonian cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, featuring ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Head to a traditional Estonian restaurant, like Olde Hansa in Tallinn, to try classic dishes like black bread, sauerkraut, and elk stew. If you're feeling adventurous, try lesser-known Estonian dishes like Verivorst or head cheese. Experience Estonian Saunas: Saunas are essential to Estonian culture and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating way to unwind. Estonian saunas differ from traditional saunas in that they are often heated with wood, and water is typically poured over the hot stones to create steam. For a truly authentic experience, head to a traditional Estonian sauna like the Saunamaa in Tallinn. You can also try a smoke sauna, which uses smoke from a wood fire to heat the sauna and provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Estonia has much to offer, from its rich history and culture to its beautiful natural scenery. By exploring local spots and hidden gems and trying Estonian cuisine and saunas, you can have a FULL Estonian experience and truly live like a local. So, take a break from your studies and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Estonia. You won't regret it! P.S To get a full Estonian experience, branch out and befriend the locals. Start a simple conversation and we are sure a simple Tere will go a long way! ESN (Erasmus Student Network) TalTech IC is a student-led organisation that provides support and social events for international students at TalTech. The organisation offers a range of activities, such as parties, trips, cultural events, and sports. Joining ESN TalTech IC is an excellent way to meet new people, explore Estonia, and maximise your study abroad experience. ESN TalTech IC also offers a mentorship program that pairs new international students with a local Estonian student, providing a support network and a source of valuable information. Authors: Rimsha Noor, Ayesha Noor

Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, especially when you're studying as an Erasmus student at TalTech in Estonia. After being in Estonia for more than a month, you may have already experienced the beauty of the country, its rich culture, and the welcoming atmosphere of the university. But what's next? Let’s learn how to maximise the memories and learn from this Erasmus experience. Spring in Estonia: Spring is a magical time in Estonia. After a long, dark winter, the country comes alive with trees and flowers blossoming. The weather starts warming up, and people spend more time outdoors. Several outdoor festivals and events occur during spring, including Tallinn Music Week and the Estonian Music Days. So, make sure you explore the city during the springtime to enjoy its beauty and vibrancy. But is spring already here? Let’s keep our fingers crossed! Learn Estonian: If you're studying abroad in Estonia, learning the language and meeting the locals is a good idea. While most people in Estonia speak English, learning Estonian can be an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and connect with the locals. Moreover, it will make your daily life easier, whether ordering food at a restaurant or shopping at a local store. TalTech offers Estonian language courses for international students, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language and enhance your cultural experience. Making Friends for Life: One of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and build friendships that can last a lifetime. As an Erasmus student at TalTech, you can connect with other international students and local Estonian students. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and start a conversation with someone new. Everyone is in the same boat, and most people want to make friends too. Joining clubs and societies and attending events is an excellent way to meet new people and build connections. Don’t forget to branch out of your comfort zone. Put Yourself Out There: Studying abroad is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Don't be afraid to try new foods, explore new places, and experience new cultures. TalTech offers many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports teams, cultural events, and student clubs. This is a great way to get to know people with similar interests. Additionally, Estonia is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors through hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to expand your horizons, learn new things, and make lifelong connections. While it can be challenging to adjust to a new environment, especially if you're far away from home, there are plenty of resources and opportunities available to help you make the most of your experience. So, put yourself out there, join clubs and attend events. Embrace the new culture, and you will undoubtedly come out of this experience with a new perspective on the world and some friends for life. Author: Rimsha Noor

The Student Parliament elections are in full swing! Until March 22, every TalTech student has the opportunity to vote for one of their faculty's candidates! With so many great candidates to choose from, making your decision is not easy. If you are still struggling to make a choice, here is a chance to learn more about all the candidates! Once you have decided who you’re going to vote for, the process is very simple: Log into the Student Portal with your uni-id Click on the blue button “Vote here” Now your ElectionBuddy ballot will open Select one of the candidates or “did not find a suitable candidate” Submit your ballot Done! NB! Once the ballot has been submitted, the vote cannot be changed. School of Engineering Iko-Eerik Uustalu: “I have studied Robotics, Physics, and Data Science. Now I am completing my master's in Industrial Engineering and Management so that I can put theory into practice. I have studied at three different universities, in three different cities, and in two different countries. In addition, I have travelled to the campuses of various top universities in the USA, visited lectures there, and gotten to learn about their academic and social lives. Through this, I have gained a comprehensive overview of different universities and my thoughts on my experiences have been published in Õpetajate Leht (https://opleht.ee/2021/02/piirideta-ulikool-eesti-parim-voimalus/).” Carolin Tõntsu: “I am a passionate and active student, who has been involved in making school life more interesting at different levels of education since 5th grade. In the one-and-a-half years since I started my university studies, I have contributed in many ways to various organizations and the Student Council of the School of Engineering (INSÜK). I have been a project manager at both ESTIEM and INSÜK and have actively contributed to the Culture Club as a project coordinator. I value teamwork and would like to contribute my experience and knowledge to make the work of the Student Parliament more visible to all students. Through the Student Parliament, I want to create an even playing field for all student activists and bring the students’ voices closer to decision-makers. I always do my work with an optimistic commitment. This is why I am appreciated both professionally and by other students” Kristiina Tammik: “I have been a student activist for 4 years. It started in high school when I helped organize labs for kids and really enjoyed it. I have set myself the goal that I will finish all the activities I start and put my heart into them. I always do my best to get things done as thoroughly as possible. It doesn't matter if it's a field I'm familiar with or not, I always have new thoughts and ideas. I am very open to other people's ideas and happily listen to different thoughts on how to improve student life. With consistency, I will do my best to implement them.” Birgit Russka: “I am Birgit Russka, a 4th-year architecture student. My hobbies are orienteering and student activism. I got started with student activism already in the first year of my studies when I took part in the tutoring program. Now I have been working as a tutor for 3 years. However, just being a tutor was not enough for me, so in my second year I joined the Student Council of the School of Engineering - INSÜK. I thought that the best way to get started was to join a project organizing team. That is exactly what I did. At first, I joined the construction conference BuildIT organizational team and after that, I was a part of the “Inseneritudengid Soojakus” team for two years in a row. After that, I felt confident enough to take on the position of project manager for “Sport x Teadus” and “Insneride 5 Võistlus” events. My sporty lifestyle made me pick up the position of sports coordinator on the board of staff at INSÜK. A year later, I applied and got elected to the board as Vice-Chairman of External Events. After taking on the position, I understood how important support from the Student Union is for the project organizing teams of student organizations. I would like to run for Student Parliament to ensure that no project will remain undone simply due to the lack of funding” Anet Marii Paumets: I am a second-year student of electrical power engineering and mechatronics at the TalTech School of Engineering. I have been an active member of the student organization BEST-Estonia for two years now. I am also a member at the Student Council of the School of Engineering (INSÜK). I have organized and contributed to a wide variety of projects in both organizations. Also I have actively contributed to BEST-Estonia as a mentor. I would like to actively contribute to student life Through the Student Parliament. Contribute to the development of the university and the student body through innovative ideas. And to make sure that everyone feels like their interests are represented. Madis Hendrik Muru: “I am Madis Hendrik Muru and I am studying product development and robotics. I started with student activism as soon as I entered the university when I joined the Student Council of the School of Engineering. Within half a year, I was elected to the board, where I have been active for almost five months now. I am running for the Student Parliament because I want to understand the function of the body and convey it`s content to others. In my eyes, the Student Parliament must be a place where you can stand up for the opinions and well-being of students. Since I have been at the university for less than a year, old habits and customs are not set in stone yet, and I can see problems with fresh eyes. I am very active and full of energy to deal with the realisation of all the new proposed ideas.” School of Information Technologies Karoliina Rebane: “Education, mental health, and sustainable development are topics that hold the most significance to me. I have noticed areas for improvement at the university and I aspire to create more opportunities for students, ensuring a brighter future and promoting mental well-being. It is essential that we educate students to think for themselves. Unfortunately, current teaching methodologies do not always foster this skill. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for a higher standard of education and to attentively listen to the issues students are facing. I consider it the role of a student representative to give a voice to students' concerns and to ensure that their opinions are heard.” Ragnar Kramm: “Hi! I'm a student on the IT systems development curriculum, a full-time developer and a part-time basketball player. As a person, I am always optimistic and have a can-do attitude. When communicating, I am concrete and always consider the opinion of all parties when solving problems. I don't stick to my own opinions, but believe that the best solution can only be found through free discussion and unfiltered self-expression. I like to work in a team and I am also comfortable in a leadership role, should the need arise.” Eliise Marta Einpaul: “I am Eliise, a second-year business information technology bachelor’s student, and I consider myself to be an active person with a variety of interests. In addition to being a fan of IT and math, I am passionate about Estonian grammar, psychology and choir singing. I do yoga in the mornings, seize every opportunity to travel and am always on the lookout for new and interesting challenges to grow. Throughout my time at the university, I have also been active in student life: as a member of the Student Council of the School of IT, I have gained valuable experience in organising different projects, for example, I was the marketing manager of the IT career day last autumn. I have also been part of the Education Quality Working Group of TalTech Student Union for two semesters now, where we analyze feedback comments given by students in ÕIS and compose summaries of them for program managers and heads of institutes. The quality of education and feedback culture at TalTech have become topics close to my heart and my ideas related to their development and the desire to implement them motivated me to apply for the Student Parliament.” Tsun Sing Jason Fong: "Dear friends, One of the challenges we face is dealing with mental health on our own. The weight of these struggles can feel like a burden, and it can be difficult to find a way out of the darkness. As someone who supports people around me and has dealt with a fair share of mental health challenges, I know how important it is to prioritize our well-being. As your representative, I aim to build a program for mental health so that no one is left out and we can support each other. Vote for me and let's create an uplifting community on campus." School of Science Jan-Erik Vaher: "I’m a second-year bachelor`s student studying Earth systems, climate and technology and I’ve decided to take part in this year's Student Parliament elections. My goal is to represent the interests of all science department students. I have previous experience as a council member in a non-profit organization that would carry over to this position. I currently do advertising for the Earth systems, climate and technology programme and I try to take part in student life as much as I can. In the Student Parliament, I want to bring up the topics of increasing scholarships and creating a more coherent system of information sharing for students that are taking part in advertising their study programmes." Daniel Nurme: "I am a second-year student of applied physics. I love astronomy and do astrophotography as a hobby. I have made students' lives more colourful by enriching them with cultural events and conducted astronomy evenings where I introduced students to the night sky with a telescope." Diana Maslova: “I'm a third-year Applied Chemistry and Gene Technology student. In my first year, I specialised in Applied Chemistry and committed to the popularisation of chemistry. I am active in the Student Council of the School of Science of Tallinn University of Technology, where I am currently an active member and a member of the marketing team. I’m also a member of the Student Union, where I contribute to student life as a Coordinator of Marketing. I’m very open-minded and friendly, I also like to help younger students with school-related issues. I would like to be part of the Student Parliament because I want to contribute as much as possible to the student body and encourage others to do the same. I aim to support the School of Science, to speak out on various issues concerning the university and share my ideas and thoughts.” Anna Jürissaar: “My name is Anna Jürissaar and I am a 2nd-year student of Applied Chemistry, Food and Gene Technology. Student activism is close to my heart and I want to seize every opportunity to contribute to the development of myself and the university and make my time at university exciting. Thanks to various experiences, as a representative I can see the bigger picture and see things from different angles. I dare to express my opinion and stand up for the students of my faculty. I am very curious and open to new opinions and ideas. I want to contribute to making TalTech better and I want every student to feel valued, important and welcome.” School of Business and Governance Villy Tammer: “Hi! I'm Villy and I’m a freshman at Taltech. I am very active outside of school. I am an entrepreneur. Also, I do sports and have a lot of hobbies. I'm very open to new challenges. My motto is "If you don't try, you can't find out." I`m applying to the Student Parliament to gain new experiences in the students’ highest decision-making organization to learn to take on even more responsibility. I want to contribute to making life at the university even better for everyone.” Ana Koiava: “I am Ana Koiava from Georgia, currently studying in the Master's program in Law at TalTech. During my studies at Tbilisi State University, I was highly involved in different activities, such as law courses, public lectures, discussions, and summer schools. Since 2018, I have been an active member of the European Law Students` Association (ELSA) Georgia. Being part of the Student Parliament is a great honour, and responsibility as well. I desire to make our university a better place where students can not only care about their studies but also have a good university life, with a lot of opportunities and interesting events.” Johannes-Emmanuel Allas: “I'm a first-year student studying public administration and government. I am an active citizen who stands for a better future! In my first year, I managed to become a project leader and also run an event. In three words I am positive, cheerful and determined!” Daniel Aasorg: "I am an ambitious and active second-year student of the School of Business and Governance, who contributes to the activities of two student organizations on a daily basis. I would describe myself as an open communicator and an engaging and determined student activist. In my free time, I like to do sports, you can mainly see me in the gym, but I have also been involved in swimming and basketball in the past. Besides that, I like to learn new things from different fields and gain new experiences. I have been an active member of the Student Council of the School of Business and Governance since the beginning of my studies and I am also the chairman of the board of the Marketing Club. In addition, I contribute to several other projects of student organizations, because it is very interesting to me and it is always good to make new acquaintances." Estonian Maritime Academy Alex Mathias Vilberg: "I'm Alex Mathias, I'm 20 years old and I'm from Viljandi. I love my hometown very much and spend as much time there as possible. I moved to Tallinn only in the autumn of last year. Apart from school, I am constantly engaged in self-development in various ways. I find something new to learn everywhere. I love cooking and many of my friends know me as a big gourmet. For years I spent more time in the garage than at home. I am constantly looking for opportunities to do something new and interesting there. I am also a very social person and very happy to spend my free time with friends." Anette-Marie Sults: “I'm a third-year logistics student from the Maritime Academy (EMERA), who wants to take 100% of my university years and create awesome friendships and memories worth telling! In student organizations, I contribute to the EMERA student association, BEST-Estonia and the Culture Club, thanks to which I've gained invaluable experience in project management and how an organization works in general. I also represent the students of my faculty in the Student Council of EMERA and I belong to the Academic Committee of the current Student Parliament, where I'm still learning something new every day. I'd like to continue this journey to help improve the quality of education, raise important topics, and encourage others to step out of their comfort zone so their university experience would be more memorable too!” Helene-Armilde Kudre: "I study at the Estonian Maritime Academy (EMERA) and am a second-year student majoring in waterway and safety management. I belong to the EMERA student association and actively take part in the school's activities. I am also involved in representing the Maritime Academy and my major at educational fairs and visits to schools. By being elected to the TalTech Student Parliament, my main focus would be to improve the quality of education received. The goal is that lecturers can effectively pass on their knowledge and that students can receive it. Why should you vote for me? I care about EMERA students and want to be a voice that represents them. I am ready to listen, understand, talk along, and act on behalf of the interests of EMERA students." Karl Maarek Kokser: "I am Karl Maarek Kokser, 19 years old, ship mechanic cadet of the Estonian Maritime Academy, and member of the Student Council of the Maritime Academy. For most of my life, I have been involved in sports: football, basketball, wrestling, and strength training. Thanks to playing sports, I have good teamwork skills. I am interested in gaining knowledge and learning new skills, therefore I am constantly trying to learn new things and gain new experiences. By running for the Student Parliament, I hope to make my experience as well as that of my fellow cadets and students in this long period both memorable and useful in terms of gaining knowledge. For this, it is necessary to find and solve the problems that concern students the most. Everyone's well-being, thoughts and opinions are important, they must be listened to and taken into account - that's what I intend to do." Rudolf Bellen: “My name is Rudolf Bellen, a first-year student at Estonian Maritime Academy studying navigation. Since the first days of my studies, I have been involved in the school's Student Council, contributed to organising different events and evolved myself through it. As a member of the Student Parliament, I would be motivated to invest in the development of student life and finding solutions for problems. I wish to promote tutorism and pay attention to physical, as well as mental health. I will not give up until I have managed to bring to bring a sparkle to every student’s eyes and give them a positive attitude so that looking back on their student days after graduation it will bring back wonderful memories!”

In many organizations and in society, there is an ongoing discussion about efficient energy consumption. In his anniversary speech, TalTech rector Tiit Land already called for the university family to stay together, both literally and figuratively: "Staying together has a completely different side in the near future or even in the next few years. As a university, that means me and you as employees and students, we have to find the will and opportunities to survive economically and politically difficult times as painlessly as possible. Including saving up in the easiest way." He added: “Let’s always turn off the light when we don't need electric light at the moment. Let’s close the tap when the water does not need to flow. Let’s save energy intended for ventilation and room heating. No, of course we cannot work and study in dim light, stuffy air or with freezing fingers. But the university buildings have a lot of square meters, there are a lot of employees and students in these buildings. Every square meter counts, everyone's thought and deed counts." Real estate development director Riina Uska confirmed that the indoor temperature at the university was lowered by two degrees starting this fall. The temperature of the buildings is between 19 and 21 degrees. Since the buildings of the Technical University are different and some (old ones) are difficult to control, it is difficult to maintain the exact temperature. Regarding the air temperature of vivarium and other special rooms, distinctions are made according to the requirements of the room. Speaking about electricity, Uska emphasized that the external additional and decorative lighting of the Mustamäe campus has been turned off, and the interior lighting of the buildings is also regulated. "My message to our people is that we behave as frugally as we do at home. I believe that awareness of this will affect TalTech's energy cost savings," hopes Uska, adding that today the university is not planning to close buildings, nor remote work or learning. In the university, as in many other large organizations, this year the heating costs exceed the budgeted costs by 55%, i.e. by one million. This number could have been higher, but the university managed to save money on heating costs when we switched to the Utilitas central heating network in the spring. Before, TalTech's Mustamäe campus was heated by the university's own gas boiler house. The situation with electricity costs is even more serious - compared to what was planned in the budget, the cost overrun is 3 million euros, which is 150% higher than what was planned in the budget. The real estate department asks you to immediately report rooms where the air temperature may be below 19 degrees by writing to murekontor@taltech.ee.