Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Diogo

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

Finland has a great educational system, and Aalto University is on of the best in Europe.

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

I went for one semester, and recieved about 1200 euros.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

You have a lot to do, you have a lot free time and can go sight-seeing, and at night there is a lot of parties as well.

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

I would definitely recommend, The city is very nice, people are really polite and make you feel at home, and the teachers an school staff is very professional and competent.

What is the food like?

Coming from Portugal, where the food is amazing, Finish food didn't catch my interest that much.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

Not at all, i just did my subscription at AYY website, than waited for an answer, which didn't take long.

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

Its very expensive your day-to-day in Helsinki, but you can save money by choosing where to eat, buy a monthly bus pass, go to museums on free days.

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

Yes there are courses available, nut the language is very hard to grasp on.

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

I guess just regular flight, because of the luggage, if you have just a backpack than is cheaper to travel by Ryanair then train.

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

Nigh in Helsinki is amazing, anywhere near the center you will find lots of people and lot to do.

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

I would say try the typical restaurants to experience finish food, other than that i would stick to the in campus cafeterias witch are very good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The museums are great, and are free to enter at some designated day of the month, the architecture, although is recent is very interesting to see.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Helsinki in the future?

Don´t be afraid of the cold, if you come from a hot country, like i did. Helsinki its an amazing experience, asides for a bit expensive lifestyle, everything else is worthy. You will have a lot to see and to do, the people are extremely nice and you will feel welcome, just try to visit everything you can, specially try to go to the North.