Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by melanie

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

I choose HElsinki because it's in Europe and most of the people talk english. I wanted to learn more about Finnish Education so I made an internship in a kindergarten.

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

I've been there 6 weeks. Housing is the most expense, after is the transportation (32€/week no possibility to pay monthly)
My erasmus scholarship allow me to pay only the housing.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

I don't really know because I wasnt't with other student or any kind of university curse.

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

Yes it's a safe place, everybody are helpful and you can do a lot of cultural thing.

What is the food like?

european food, lot of vegetables, healthy food for vegetarian or with lactose free. Not so sugary.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

if you're lucky with airbnb you can find some flat with sauna. But if you're alon a flat cost 1000€/month at least.
SO expensive in the center city. You could find some place to share but the are rare to find

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

by month and if you are in AB zone with a 500€/month housing
Food: 250€
housing: 500€
transport : 160 €
leisure (museum, city trip) : 100€
Total = 1000€ by month at minimum

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

Finnish is super hard take curse if you can they are many of available curse at the university

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

I took a plane not much expensive (300€) but you can take a ferry from Sweden or Estonia to get there
From russia you can take a train or a bus or a ferry

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

DOnt't have sorry,
but you can go in a public sauna (some are open until 23:00)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Amos REX Musueum, BOtanic Musueum, Suomelina island, Porvoo city
national library,

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

GO in Lapland by bus it's cheaper :D
for somes souvenir the moomin shop next to the esplanadi (cloth to the port)