Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Andreu

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

I've got family and friends living there.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I received no scholarship at all because I didn't really go with the Erasmus program; it's called a bilateral agreement. Overall I stayed 7 months and the cost was 3,000€ (rounded up)

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

Pretty neat!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Helsinki to other students?

100%

What is the food like?

It's great the 2,60€ deals per meal. Although it can get a bit boring. Try to avoid the sweet stuff as it's quite expensive compared to other southern EU countries.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

Nope! The University provides you with enough info to find your own place if you deal with it with due time!

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

I paid 250€/month, all expenses included.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available in the University?

There are language courses, and it's not an easy language to get used to. I am not the best one to reply to this comment as I could speak it already when I went, though.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Helsinki from your city?

Plane

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Helsinki?

Any bar will do as long as you meet with people!

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Helsinki?

Just go and find out!!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Church of the Rocks, Church of Silence, The Main Train Station, Suomelinna, The main Cathedral (Helsingin Tuomiokirkko), Töölonlahti is a great place to go running, so is Rajasaari. Then there's Linnanmäki, the theme park.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Helsinki?

Get used to the silence!