Helsinki by Chryssa

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

Hey guys! I'm from Greece so I wanted to experience something very different when it comes to social structure, educational approach and of course... weather! I also wanted to be in a relatively small city but in a capital at the same time in order to have access to everything. Plus, I wanted to go to a place where I wouldn't easily go in my life. Helsinki was honestly the best option! Yeah you won't be in the center of Europe but the travel opportunities from Finland are simply AMAZING. I've seen some of the most beautiful sceneries in my life here! Lapland and Nothern lights are a once in a lifetime experience.

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

I was here for a semester, August-December and I received 500€/month. I spent all the money for the housing which was 550€. I was living alone in a very cute student apartment 20 min from the city center. Living here is extremely expensive. There are some kind of social provisions which help your bugdet, like public transpotration student card 27e/month and food in the uni cafe 2, 60€/meal. But travelling around and going out really needs money (=average beer 6€). There are always cheap solutions like some bars with 3, 50€ beer but in general your bank account will hurt.

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

Have you heard about this crazy erasmus lifestyle, where you have sex and alcochol all over the day? THAT'S NOT HELSINKI! If your goal is having the typical erasmus life, Helsinki is not the best option. I'm saying that in the sense that there aren't many parties going on and crazy social people.ESN organizes one party per month, of course you can party in nice places on Friday and Saturday night till 4. 00 and on Sundays there is the greatest party, Afroparty in Maxine.In general erasmus people here are mostly nature lovers, they organize a lot of hangouts but there is a more alternative-chilling student lifestyle.

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

Helsinki is absolutely lovable. Be careful! It's beauty is sometimes hidden and you have to explore it, but it exists. There is no hisotrical center, the architecture is more or less the same everywhere( scandinavian minimalism! ), but the post industrial style and the scattered architectural gems will make you fall in love with city. And also the fact that there is everywhere sea and lakes and nature gives a very nice sense. Finland's best thing in my point of view is the nature!

University of Helsinki is in the top 50 worldwide, as you may know. It is very well organized, everything is digitalized, library is great, a lots of seminars, research programs going on. I liked the university but I can't say that I got overexcited. Their holistic approach of education in any case is worth seeing. Remember to take into consideration that as an erasmus student you have to work as all the regural students do in the university but in general good grades are not that difficult to get.

What is the food like?

Nothing really special! You can taste korvapuusti, it's like a cinnamon roll, the famous karelian pies, reindeer with berries sauce and the mouthwatering salmon soup!

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

I had the best time ever here guys! If you like to explore, you love nature and being a developed and open minded society, this is your place! Don't forget that EVERYBODY speaks in English here very fluent which makes you feel like home from the very first moment!

And a notice about the weather cause people-especially from warmer countries- believe that Helsinki is frozen as hell. Finland is indeed a very cold and cloudy country, we experienced -30°C when we were in Nothern Lapland BUT Helsinki is totally ok! Helsinki during the winter is almost like every nothern european city. The temprature was basically 2-4 °C during December (the temprature spectrum was -5°C- +5°C), it snows every 2 weeks but nothing extreme and it drizzles very often. Totally managable I promise!

If you need any further information or you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!

[email protected]