Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Florian

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

I always wanted to go to a northern country in Europe. I heard that the education was quite effective in Finland so I applied to go to Helsinki.

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

9 months. I have been here for 5 months so far and I still have 4 months ahead.

I have different scholarship grants from Erasmus+ (215€ per month), my region (1200€ for the whole year) and another grant that I get according to social criteria ( 100€ per month and 800€ for the whole year). Without this help I would not have been able to go in Erasmus.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

Like an average student life; the city is not that big so there are not so many places to go, even though some of them are quite funny. Of course the Erasmus atmosphere makes the student life very special, it is rather hard to describe it when you have not lived it.

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

Yes I recommend it!

But it depends on what they are looking for. The city is pleasant and the transport are very good. If you are seeking for a relaxing city quite calm then go ahead. If you are coming from a big city you might find Helsinki a little bit boring.

I am not studying in the University of Helsinki so I am not in position to give an opinion about it.

What is the food like?

There are some good typical Finnish meals but often the food is not that good, restaurants are tremendously expensive.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

No, Hoas found me a good apartment in Pasila, a very good location near from Helsinki city center.

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

I am paying 300€ of rent per month, which is awesome considering my location. Then it depends on how you are living. I have a mainstream student life and I am spending around 450€ per month without the travels. Food is quite expensive here as well as the alcohol.

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

Finnish language is a difficult language. I took some Finnish course in my University and I regret that choice. People here are speaking a very high level of English so you can manage well only by speaking English.

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

Train, tramway or bus.

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

Kaiku is the best nightclub if you like underground party. If you want to be with Erasmus student you can go to Tiger but the music is quite lame in my opinion. Then you have the Amarillo which offers cheap drinks on Wednesday etc.

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

I've never been to a restaurant so far, prices kept me away from them.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Nuuksio National Park is worth visiting as well as the Suomalinna Island. Then I let you discover Helsinki on your own!

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

Before coming here become aware of the standard of living which is quite high. I reckoned without it and I regret a little bit because when you are in Erasmus you want to enjoy as much as you can and not to keep a close eye on your wallet every time!

Enjoy your year/semester here, I am sure you will have a lot of fun!