Moving to Tallinn for your studies is exciting, but finding the right place to live can be stressful—especially if you don’t know the local rules, want to avoid massive broker fees, or are worried about winter heating bills.

Every semester, hundreds of Erasmus and international students arrive in Tallinn, all looking for accommodation at the same time. The competition is high, and the best rooms disappear in hours. So, how do you find student accommodation in Tallinn that is modern, safe, and budget-friendly?

Here are 5 practical tips to help you navigate the Estonian rental market and secure your ideal semester home.

1. Avoid Broker Fees – Rent Direct from Owner

In the standard Estonian rental market, “move-in costs” can be shockingly high. Landlords typically ask for three payments upfront: the first month’s rent, a security deposit, and a broker fee (commission), which is usually equal to one month’s rent + VAT (22%).

For a student staying only 5 months, paying hundreds of euros in commission is money wasted.

The Tip: Look specifically for “Direct from Owner” listings. This saves you a huge chunk of your budget that you can spend on travel or enjoying student life instead. At KoolRooms, all our apartments are rented directly from us—there are zero commission fees, ever.

2. Watch Out for Utility Costs (Fixed vs. Variable)

Estonian winters are beautiful but cold. In many older buildings, heating bills fluctuate wildly based on market prices. It is not uncommon for a “cheap” €400 apartment to come with a shock €300 utility bill in January.

The Risk: Variable bills make budgeting impossible for international students.

The Solution: Look for a rental agreement with Fixed Utility Bills. This is a core standard at KoolRooms. You pay one predictable monthly sum that covers everything—heating, electricity, water, and fast Wi-Fi. No surprises, no matter how cold it gets outside.

3. Location is Everything: City Centre vs. Suburbs

Should you rent a cheaper room in Mustamäe or a slightly nicer one in the City Centre (Kesklinn)? Think about your time. If your university (like EBS, Tallinn University, or the TalTech city campus) is central, living in the suburbs means spending 40+ minutes commuting every day.

Our apartments are located on strategic streets like Lauteri, Kentmanni, and Lembitu. This puts you in the heart of Tallinn, within walking distance of universities, the Old Town, and the best nightlife.

4. Private Studio or Shared Apartment?

Living alone offers privacy, but it can be lonely and expensive in a new country. Living in a shared student apartment is the top choice for Erasmus students because:

• It’s Cheaper: Sharing common costs lowers your monthly rent.
• Instant Social Circle: You get your own private bedroom for study and sleep, but you share a kitchen and living area with other international students. It’s the easiest way to make friends from day one.

5. Contract Flexibility (The “Erasmus Problem”)

Many private landlords in Tallinn prefer long-term tenants and will insist on a minimum 1-year contract. If you are an Erasmus student coming for just the Fall or Spring semester (5-6 months), this can be a dealbreaker.

The Fix: Don’t get stuck in a contract you can’t finish. Look for accommodation providers who specialize in students and offer semester-based contracts. We understand your academic calendar and align our leases to match your semester dates.

Summary: Secure Your Spot Early

Don’t leave your accommodation search until the last minute. If you find a renovated room offered directly by the owner with fixed bills, grab it.