Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Matteo

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

Because I want to develop my english ability and enrich my CV.

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

I stay here for 3 months. My scholarship is 480EU. The cost of rent in a student's house is 520EU. Here the tenancy is really expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

The Univesities are very cool: good mood, nice organize and clean. You feel a peer-to-peer interaction also with professors.

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

Sure man! Come here! but prepare your self to the cold and the darkness. I don't try the coldest months like December and January but people say that is not easy living here during this period.

What is the food like?

Salmon and salt butter. Vey good and cheap!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

Yes, cost a lot of time nor cash! I found a little bit difficult to find home compared to my previous Erasmus in Spain.

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

I guess.. between 800 and 1000EU per months included the room tenency.

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

Finnish is impossible lenguage to learn in a small amount of time. There are a lot of classes in english.

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?

---

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

I should go here -- https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g189934-d1064110-Reviews-Konstan_Molja-Helsinki_Uusimaa.html

all-you-can-eat with Finnish tipical dishes at 20EU!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

- Suomenlinna: island with fortifications, it is symbol of the indipendece of the Helsinki from Sweden and Russia.
- White Chatedral
- Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
- Kuusijarvi: you can find a tipical smoked sauna and dive in a icy lake! Good luck ;)

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

Saunalathi is the cheaper telephone company and you can buy the sim at "R-kioski". There a many of these shops all around Heslinki.
Then, the bus trasportation is great: you have to go at the railway central station to buy your season ticket!
Hope to help you!