Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Noora

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

There are lots of things to do in Helsinki, but it is not cheap. Helsinki is a very nice city specially in the summer and springtime. Majority of people are friendly, helpful and open-minded.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

We have a lot of parties and different kind of events for students. Many student parties are during mon-thur when the drinks are a lot cheaper than usually. Normal bar night on the weekend can cost on average €40-€100. Mon-thur all bars and clubs are not open and they can be really empty (except student parties). It can be also difficult to get home at night if you don't live near the city center.

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How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

HOAS offers accommodation for students with lower prices. In the city center there are really few student apartments. Rent for a 23 m2 flat is about €550/month.

Room in Helsinki outside the city center cost €250-€500.

There are two cities (Espoo, Vantaa) near Helsinki (10-25 km) where the prices are lower: €200-€350.

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

Rooms are cheaper and easier to find than flats. I think HOAS is the best organisation offering accommodation for students. Other apartments are very expensive in Helsinki. For example a studio 15 km from Helsinki can cost €700-€2000/month. It is difficult to find a room/flat in the very city center. Most of the student apartments are located outside of the center.

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

At school is often served potatoes, for example with meat or fish and vegetables/salad. Finnish food is not spicy and food doesn't have strong flavours. School food is healthy and cheap and there are usually many different options to choose from. There is a wide selection of restaurants in Helsinki.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Helsinki?

• Suomenlinna: a fortress in an island, built in 1748. Suomenlinna is near Helsinki and you can get there with a ferry for €5.
• Seurasaari: island near Helsinki with old wooden buildings. You can get there with public transport (bus, tram).
• A lot of museums, cathedrals and monuments.
• Hakaniemi market hall.
• Linnanmäki amusement park.
• Boat trips to Estonia or Sweden. Tickets to Estonia are quite cheap, sometimes only €15 for a day trip.

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

There are a lot of nice restaurants in Helsinki but they are kind of pricey. Prices are a lot cheaper at lunch time. Brunch is also a good option.

• Starters: €4-10
• Main courses: usually €15-30
• Desserts: €5-10
• Soft drinks: €2-5
• Beer: €5-8
• Side: €5-8
• Wine bottle: €20-50

Good places:

• Restaurants: Sandro, Savotta, Ragu, Faro, Harald, Casa Largo, Primula, Oficina, Kaarna, Ravintola torni.
• Pubs: Rymy eetu, William K, Bar Böle, Public corner, Memphis, Vltava, Belge, Sports Academy, Pickwick, Stone's, Kappeli, Jyvänen, Rotterdam.

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

I think the bars and clubs are too similar in Helsinki. I recommend Kallio area, where is a little different kind of places than at the center of Helsinki.

• Nightclubs: Kaiku, Siltanen, Kuudes Linja, Tavastia, Erottaja Bar, LeBonk, Kaivohuone, Apollo, Kokomo, Uggla, Roska, Kellari.
• Bars/Pubs: Mbar, Siltanen, Baker's, Aussie bar, William K, Navy Jerry's, Rotterdam, O'Malley's, Juttutupa, Villi Wäinö, Corona bar and Biljard.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Helsinki?

Take enough money with you. Prepare for variable weather. All of my friends who stayed in Helsinki for exchange enjoyed it very much, some of them even moved here.