Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, the Finland of Tomas

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

The idea of traveling to a Nordic country appealed to me, they are so different to Spain.

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How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive to help you with living costs?

It was from the 2nd of January to the 15th of June, I was paid €1264 in September of the following course.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

Despite the fact that the Finnish are somewhat closed in meeting foreigners, the environment is amazing, in just six months that I was there, I didn't see a single fight. You only see people wanting to have a good time and meet new people.

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

Absolutely: it was a completely enriching experience.

What is the food like there?

In this section I don't have a lot to say... Like one of my Finnish friends said, the typical Finnish food is McDonalds.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Helsinki?

Through Hoas, in agreement with you school, they will put you in the student area that is closest to your department.

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

Through the Hoas programme, I had to pay around €390 for the appartment with internet, water, electricity, heating.... The rest of the prices are considerably higher than in Spain, with the exception of alcohol which has an outrageous tax.

Is the language easy to get to grips with?

Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes, I attended a course, it is always good to know how to introduce yourself, say where you are from and things like that but it is impossible to hold a fluent conversation in Finnish, when you spend every day for six months speaking English.

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

I flew there and back from Madrid through LAN with a stop over in Amsterdam.

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

The nightlife is the most outstanding in the city. For example the clubs I would reccomend going to on a Sunday is Tiger (in the terrace of the shopping centre Kamppi), Tivoli, Tavastia,... If you are more into concerts Circus is always the best option; however if you choose club-bar, Molly Mallones, Aussy Bar or Amarillo (on Wednesday) there can be good options.

Is it good to eat out in Helsinki? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Nottingham?

Be careful of accidentally stumbling upon one of the, too many McDonalds that there are in the city. Although it is not exactly economic, you can always get a Lapona soup at the port market.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The two cathedrals are very different and super pretty at first sight, on the other side of the neighbourhood there is the Opera and the Science museum are together at the lake, it is very pretty. Although you cannot miss Suomenlinna in summer!

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What advice would you give future students heading to Helsinki?

Wrap up warm! And don't miss out on trips to Laponia (to see the northern lights is something special) and the cruise of Stockholm (... When you do it you will understand.

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