Peer Support and Buddies
For international students we have two types of student support - Buddies and Peer Supporters. Buddies usually help new students during their first weeks of stay. They help international students settle in to the academic environment at the university and Tallinn in general. Peer Supporters' main target group is international student who is on a degree programme and stays in the university for a few years. They can support you throughout the studies.
Both Buddies and Peer Supporters are senior students whose experience enables them to support other students during their studies. The Peer Support community is part of the Student Support Centre and Buddies community is part of the Student Mobility Centre. Both communities are constantly evolving, as some students join while others move on. However, the experience gained within the community remains valuable.
If you are an Erasmus student who needs some help, find a Buddy > exchange@tlu.ee
If you are a degree student who needs some help, find a Peer Supporter > noustamiskeskus@tlu.ee or see the list below and reach out directly.
Don't worry, if can't figure out whom to reach out to, just send your email to noustamiskeskus@tlu.ee and we will help you!
Find yourself a Peer Supporter
 |
I'm Kersti, and I'm studying Anthropology. Becoming a Peer Supporter was a small, but meaningful addition to my everyday activities. Alongside my studies, I work as a Coordinator at the Tallinn Migration Centre, where my daily work involves advising and supporting clients. I see life as one big puzzle, where searching for and fitting together the right pieces—for both myself and the people I support—is both a great challenge and a genuinely exciting adventure. Being a Peer Supporter is one more piece of that puzzle. Having made plenty of mistakes myself and being far from the "perfect" student, I know that solutions are often just a conversation away. You are welcome to reach out to me if everything feels overwhelming, your brain seems to be in short circuit, or your motivation is starting to fade. Together, we can take small, manageable steps towards reducing study backlog, communicating with lecturers, improving time management, or tackling other challenges you may be facing. ÕIS and Moodle are my good friends, and I'll gladly encourage and support you in using them confidently. I believe that progress comes from taking steps that require effort but are still achievable. Peer Supporters are part of a supportive network, and if you have a question or concern that would be better addressed by someone else, I'll be happy to help you find the right person—with your agreement. Feel free to contact me at kersti.jarve@tlu.ee. My motto as a Peer Supporter: Don't hesitate to ask. The only silly question is the one that is never asked. |
 |
I'm Martha, and I'm studying for a Master's degree in Educational Sciences. My journey as a Peer Supporter began at the University of Tartu, where I supported students in the Literature and Cultural Studies programme for several academic years. I also work as a Librarian, so every day I meet people from all walks of life and help solve a wide variety of questions and challenges. During my own studies, I've faced my share of difficulties. Those experiences have given me the confidence to believe that every challenge has a solution—you just have to take the first step and reach out. Feel free to contact me if you need support with time management, requesting study accommodations, maintaining your mental well-being, studying abroad, or finding information (for example, using electronic databases). And if you'd simply like to talk with someone who has experienced both the highs and the lows of university life, I'm here for that too. You can reach me at martha.rattus@tlu.ee. My motto as a Peer Supporter: You don't have to figure everything out on your own. |
 |
I'm Annaliisa, and I'm studying English Language and Culture. I'm a curious, responsible, and enthusiastic learner who enjoys discovering new things. I like meeting and talking to different people, and I'm passionate about helping students settle into university life. I'm well organised and always try to find practical solutions. Through my involvement in several student organisations, I've gained valuable insight into student life and the university community as a whole. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about organizing your studies, choosing courses, finding your way around the university, student life, or adjusting to university in general. I'm also happy to help if you need advice on selecting courses, keeping up with your studies, or navigating the university's online systems. And of course, you're welcome to reach out with any other questions you may have! You can contact me at annaliisa.lipp@tlu.ee. My motto as a Peer Supporter: It's always better to ask than to worry on your own. |
 |
I'm Karoliina, and I'm studying to become a Primary School Teacher. I'm a Peer Supporter because I want to support other students in the same way I wish I had been supported when I first started university. Becoming a Peer Supporter felt like a natural step for me, as I enjoy listening to people, offering support, and working together to find solutions. You are welcome to contact me with any questions, whether they're about organizing your studies, choosing courses, formatting essays, or simply if you need someone neutral to talk to. I strive to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns. The topics I'm especially passionate about include mental well-being, effective study strategies, planning your coursework, and finding ways to manage your workload more effectively. You can reach me at karoliina.reose@tlu.ee. My motto as a Peer Supporter: I'm here so you don't have to go through it alone. |