My Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Céline

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

I went to Helsinki because the city and the country both appealed to me, especially the Scandinavian culture. I do not regret my choice at all.

How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I was there for 5 months. As a student in a private university, I only received a grant of 1000 euros, which is of course not enough to live in Finland for 5 months.

What's the student vibe like in Helsinki?

The student atmosphere is really nice. The teachers are always there to listen to you, which is helpful because at the beginning, you're a bit lost! The standard number of hours a week in university is around 6 hours, so there's plenty of time for having fun!

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Yes, happily!

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What's Finland's food like?

It's a shame, but I have to say that it's horrible! I like to eat, and there, it's pretty limited. Also, produce is really really expensive which limits what you can buy!

Was it hard to find accommodation in Helsinki?

My university found me accommodation really close to university using HOAS, a service that helps students in the Helsinki area find accommodation. It's the simplest way to find a room.

What are living costs like in Helsinki?

It's 400 euros a month for a 23m² place! And it usually comes with a sauna in the residence! It's better to be in HOAS student residence or to house-share, which is around 300 euros a month.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

They mainly speak English in Helsinki. You can take a course to learn Finish at the university but I didn't.

What's the most economical way to get to Helsinki from your home town?

Travelling from Paris CDG to Helsinki by Easyjet, but take care with your baggage!

Where do you recommend to go out in Helsinki?

Aha! Well, we managed to put together a list of bars that had cheap nights on, every day of the week:

• Monday: Redrum
• Tuesday: Butterfly
• Wednesday: Amarillo
• Thursday: ESN night (Jenny Woo and Mootelet)
• Friday: Tiger
• Saturday: Circus
• Sunday: Onela!

Enjoooooy!

And to eat in Helsinki? What are your favourite places?

The university café aka the university restaurant is really good. Rex was also good for students. Restaurants however are far too expensive, and impossible for students to go to!

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And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

Tampere, Stockholm, Tallinn, and of course Russia! It's not actually that far!

Any advice for future students going to Helsinki?

Fully enjoy your Erasmus experience! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity! If at first you feel a bit lost, it's completely normal, but then you'll see just how quickly time passes! It's a really pretty city and it's close to everything. ESN,

Helsinki's Erasmus organisation, organise trips to Sweden, Estonia and Russia so don't put off taking part- especially on the trips to Lapland, which I didn't get a chance to do. Enjoy nights out and the Erasmus atmosphere which really is, unique!