Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Atte

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

The city itself is pretty nice. The central area is fairly easy to learn, and it usually contains all the activities of a regular student. Living in Helsinki is pretty expensive, and reasonably priced apartments are either pretty small, or one has to know where they are located. Overall, the city is peaceful, even the more "notorious" areas are quite calm, even at nights. The public transport is, in my experience pretty reliable, and beats quite many cities in that matter. Purely in my opinion, the public transports allow people to live in Espoo or Vantaa, even if one wishes to spend most of their time in Helsinki. It is possible to avoid a lot of the costs related to studying in Helsinki, but pre-planning is the key.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

In Helsinki, most students do really enjoy parties and other activities a lot. A newcomer might soon see students walking around in weirdly coloured, all patched up overalls worn halfway on. Each area of study has their colour of overalls, and each patch on them represent the wearer to have partaken to some kind of student activity. It's kind of a student tradition.

Usually, even if students do go into parties, and get drunk, the regular lifestyle tends to be a bit more considering. What to use my money on? Should I go outside today, since it's cold? Money might be tight at times, but like in the previous part about "What is it like to live in Helsinki?", it's once again all about pre-planning.

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How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

Central area rents: Cheapest around +600€, regular ones 750-1000€

A bit further from the center: 600-700€

Further parts of Helsinki, as well as better situated parts of Espoo and Vantaa: 500€+

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

Well, if one has the money, it's pretty easy. However, it is a bit harder to find a cheap one. Student accommodation might be a bit cheaper. For example, if one goes to Aalto university, the student housing in Otaniemi is pretty cheap, the last I've heard, the cheapest rent being around 300€. So, I'd advice googling around and planning ahead, it can save a lot.

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

The food is pretty good, however, it depends on ones' expectations.

One might find it odd, that even though there are restaurants from cultures all over the world, there are only a handful of restaurants serving Finnish food.

The food in the academies' restaurants are pretty cheap, and is pretty good.

In the wintertime, I suggest getting familiar with porridge, for that is the most cost-efficient breakfast when it's cold.

For some tasting purposes, I definitely recommend sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes and cowberry jam.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Helsinki?

When it's above 10 degrees Celsius

- Suomenlinna Fortress via a ferry

- City of Porvoo via bus

- Linnanmäki amusement park if you're into that kind of stuff

When it's below 0 degrees

- Ice skating, for example the Ice rink next to the central railway station

- Skiing is pretty entertaining, I guess

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

Eating out really depends upon the budget.

Pretty much all decent looking restaurants serve food around 10€, but if it looks fancy, it probably goes up to a triple of that.

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

It is. Decent nightclubs with reasonable prices include Maxine and Capital. If one has some buck to spend, El Patron and Skohan are pretty fine too. However, If one wants to relax a bit, going to a pub like Kaisla is a pretty satisfying as well.

And I'll throw out a wildcard. Try out Steam Hellsinki. It's the most unique of the bunch.

What advice would you give future students heading to Helsinki?

Plan ahead. You're taking a leap of faith, and you'll adapt as you go, but planning your accommodation, and getting the public transport ticket sorted out beforehand saves you a lot of money.

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