Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Anni-Sofia

What is it like to live in Helsinki? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Helsinki is peaceful, green and beautiful city. In winters, it can be cold (around 0 to -25 °C) and from January to March snow is also typical. There are a lot of nature areas, seaside, marketplaces and cafés. Public transport works well and the city is very safe.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

The student parties are normally during the week, taking place normally on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In all universities, there are computer rooms, student restaurants and society rooms of student organizations, in which you can relax and meet other students.

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How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

Shared apartment prices are around 300-500€/person in month.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Helsinki? Is there any advice you can give?

It is hard to get an apartment from private owners. However, HOAS is the large organization offering apartments to all students in Helsinki area and also for exchange students. More info and prices are here.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are many different restaurants and you can find sushi, Chinese food, Italian food, Mexican food, vegetable food and so on.

What places would you recommend visiting in Helsinki?

For example, fortress Suomenlinna, amusement park Linnanmäki, zoo Korkeasaari, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, different museums, Nuuksio National Park... This is a good tourism web.

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Is it good to eat out in Helsinki? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

For students, there are many Unicafes, which offer a lunch at the low price 2, 6€. In the lunchtime (around 11-14) restaurant prices are cheaper, but in the evening a dinner costs around 20-50 depending on a place. Zetor is cool restaurant and bar offering traditional Finnish foods and only Finnish music.

Is the nightlife good in Helsinki? Where is good to go?

There are a lot of different nightclubs and bars in the center, but the prices are pretty high, around 5-8€ for a beer. In student parties, there are often some discounts for drinks. Good Irish bar is Molly Mallone's and Kokomo makes the best mojitos in town!

What advice would you give future students heading to Helsinki?

With student card you get always -50% of train prices. There are also many other discounts for students available. In Helsinki, you survive with english almost in every shop and place. Welcome!