What does the University of Tartu Student Union do, and how to join it?
The University of Tartu has a Student Union (UTSU) of nearly 140 members, which has been steadfastly standing for students’ rights and solving their concerns for years. Full of initiative, student representatives have brought numerous ideas to life within the university and drawn attention to various institutional shortcomings.
What does the UTSU do?
In short, UTSU represents the interests of all University of Tartu students. UTSU members belong to the senate, to the councils of faculties and institutes, and represent the university’s student body in the General Assembly of the Federation of Estonian Student Unions.
UTSU has several lines of activity. In addition to defending students’ interests and rights in general, it helps improve the quality of education and students’ living and learning conditions. Student representatives participate in the evaluation of academic staff and are involved in various working groups within UTSU, such as groups for doctoral researchers, equal treatment, and the development of artificial intelligence. UTSU’s development fund allows student organisations to apply for funding to organise training sessions and other initiatives. This fund has helped to organise the popular University of Tartu Spring Run, as well as various conferences, mentoring schemes, and study programmes.
The Student Union also collaborates with various student organisations and associations to represent students’ voices in Estonia and internationally. For example, UTSU is highly active in the ENLIGHT network of European universities, which has led to visits from student unions of foreign universities to exchange experiences and share concerns and successes. In cooperation with the Federation of Estonian Student Unions, UTSU has also advocated for preserving free higher education.
UTSU also organises various activities, events and campaigns that help build a sense of student community and promote well-being. Past initiatives have included the “UTSU Noodle House”, where students could have free noodles for lunch; the #sendidkaasa demonstration, where coins were jingled during the university’s opening ceremony to draw attention to the higher education crisis; and a cash giveaway, during which €4,000 was distributed to students in cash. Each spring and autumn, during exam periods, UTSU and the University of Tartu Library host the Night Library, keeping the library open longer than usual for four weeks. UTSU’s most prestigious event is undoubtedly the anniversary ball of Estonia’s national university, one of the most anticipated events of the year for students, alumni, and the entire academic community. Over the years, the ball has welcomed thousands of guests and featured performances by many beloved artists, including Anne Veski, Karl-Erik Taukar, Estraadiraadio with Ott Lepland and Kaire Vilgats, among others.
Why join the Student Union?
Besides the opportunity to stand up for student interests, joining the University of Tartu Student Union has several other benefits. Student representatives say that the experience has boosted their confidence in speaking up and expressing opinions, improved their ability to resolve conflicts, and strengthened their leadership skills. These skills are especially useful in institute and faculty councils, where effective collaboration is needed with both teaching staff and fellow students, some of whom may be less familiar.
Expanding one’s network and circle of friends and meeting people one might not otherwise encounter during university studies is also a major advantage. Since UTSU comprises active and enthusiastic people who have achieved – and will continue to achieve – great things, knowing them can be valuable in the future. Internal workshops, film nights, trips, and other events foster a sense of belonging.
The role of a student representative also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the university and a good understanding of how different processes work and what considerations go into decision-making.
How to join the Student Union?
Joining the University of Tartu Student Union is possible through elections held each spring. UTSU usually announces the elections in March and accepts applications until early April. All University of Tartu students can apply. They must provide their contact details and answer a few questions about their motivation and goals. The answers are published on the UTSU website, allowing students to make informed voting decisions. The election results are announced in early May, and the one-year mandate of student representatives begins on 1 July.
Students can apply to become a representative in the faculty or institute council – or both, if they wish to take on both roles simultaneously. More information about the differences between the two types of student representatives is available on the UTSU website.
The work of the Student Union and its representatives is coordinated by the UTSU board, which consists of a president and two vice presidents. The board is supported by an office made up of several advisers. The board is elected for a two-year term by the student parliament, which includes 20 student representatives from four faculties.
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