Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Daniel

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

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The education system and their society really struck my attention. What's more, their culture is very distinct to my own, that of the Spanish.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you receive as aid?

4 months. The scholarship from the Ministry of Education was a total of 1, 600.

How is student life in Helsinki?

Very pleasant in comparison to the Spanish. There are many societies and groups you can be a part of and the university parties are great. The new technologies are well implicated in the university system too.

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

Yes, the only bad thing is the climate and the prices.

How is the country's food?

Not very good... I ended up always resorting to restaurants with international or ordinary food.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Helsinki?

No, the university managed nearly everything (I only had to request accommodation from an organization affiliated with it).

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

This is the bad thing about the city: It's rather expensive and its prices are quite high. Bearing the parties, food and accommodation all in mind... it could easily amount to 600-700 a month.

How is the language? Did you go to any course in the University?

English is very useful. The majority of people (and above all students) speak it well (Finish isn't necessary). No, I already had a sufficient enough level based on my own individual training.

What is the most economical way of getting to Helsinki from your city?

By plane. The sooner you reserve your flights, the better.

Which places would you recommend to go out and party in Helsinki?

Amarillo, the legendary bar on Wednesdays and generally the bars or pubs where the people from university go to.

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And to go out to eat in Helsinki? Can you sit your favourite places?

Because of the prices, I always ate at university although there are many, many great places to eat in Kamppi.

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And for cultural visits?

On Saturday mornings there are free tours of the whole city, although it is most recommended to buy a guide and visit all that is interesting (as it is a small city, you could see practically all of it in just a few days).

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Any advice that you want to give to future students of Helsinki?

It's better to buy alcohol in Tallin.