My Erasmus Experience in Helsinki, Finland - by Judit

Why did you choose to go to Helsinki, Finland?

After having done several week-long exchanges in northern countries, including Finland, I was pretty sure that I wanted to spend some time living in northern Europe since it's so different from life in the south. I wanted to go to a large city or to a capital, and the only option in the north was Helsinki, so since I already had a friend living there, it was a no brainer!

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How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

I wanted to go for a year, but thanks to the reforms brought in by Mr Wert, now you only get given money for five months, so I had to go from January to May. In Catalonia, you receive 350 euros per month from the EU and another 200 from Agaur. This is enough to pay your rent and your food shopping, but with all the travelling you end up doing, you don't have much left at the end of the month! In comparison with other nationalities, though, the Spanish get given a decent grant.

What's the student life like in Helsinki?

The student life is very strange in Finland! They love wearing patched jeans called overalls to parties, and throwing something called Sitz (which are dinners where they sing and get extremely drunk together). The atmosphere is great though, with loads of pre-drinks parties in the student halls of residences and there's a party every night from Wednesday to Sunday! There are lots of Erasmus students, especially Spanish ones. My advice though is to make friends with a group of people with all different nationalities, because then you'll have contacts for future trips and will really broaden your horizons. :)

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

Yes! I'm going to be honest here and say that Helsinki as a city and as the capital is a little bit anti-climactic, since there's no Old Town and therefore no atmospheric streets to wander down. In my opinion, the architecture isn't that nice either, and there's not much of a thriving atmosphere or mood in the streets. Despite this though, Helsinki does have charming areas, and there's a broad rang of shops and clubs. As I've said before, there are lots of Erasmus students and if you're looking for unique cafés, shops and bars, you're in the right place! So, although the city isn't the most impressive place in the world, it's a great place to do your Erasmus in - first because it's the people who are important, and not the place, and second because Finland is near to lots of other countries, so you can travel like mad!

I can't give much of an opinion on the university since I studied in Arcada.

What's the food like in Helsinki?

It's not that great. The only things I liked were cinnamon rolls, salmon from the supermarkets and Fazer chocolate. I didn't try the typical Finnish dishes and drinks, one of them involving licorice, because they didn't appeal to me...

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Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Helsinki?

Not at all! If you study in Arcada, you're lucky because the university reserves some flats nearby for you, in Majstranden. They're brilliant and very affordable!

I saw the places other Erasmus students lived in though, and from that I'd recommend looking for a flat on your own instead of living in HOAS or perhaps in Domus Academy, which is at the very least in the centre of town.

How expensive is everyday life in Helsinki?

Very expensive! This country is very expensive from a Spanish point of view. Coffee with milk, known as a Latte there, is 3. 50 euros. You'll learn quickly that everything you buy while out and about costs around two euros more than it would at home. The supermarkets are ridiculously expensive, so I recommend going to Lidl. The parties are cheap, and sometimes the only thing we had to pay for was the cloakroom - three euros. Alcohol is very expensive, so everyone goes to Tallin for it. Alcohol is only sold here in government-licensed shops known as 'Alko'.

In terms of rent, I paid 375 euros a month with bills included which is a good price for Finland, and 24 euros per month for the public transport.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

My university was a Swedish-speaking one, so I ended up learning Swedish instead of Finnish. Swedish is easier to learn as it's a little bit similar to German and to English. Finnish however is almost impossible since it's not similar to anything at all, and it sounds hilarious when people speak it, as they draw out the syllables a lot. For example, thank you is 'kitos', but they say 'kiiiiitos'!

What's the cheapest way of getting to Helsinki from your home city?

A flight with Norwegian Air or with Vueling costs around 110 to 150 euros with a suitcase.

What are the best places for partying in Helsinki?

• If you want to go somewhere cheap and with pop music (including the Macarena and La Gasolina from time to time! ) I'd recommend Amarillo and Tiger. I liked the latter better, since there's a room only open on Fridays and at the weekends where they play Hip Hop and RnB music.



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• For electro music, try Kaiku, Anivali, Siltainen and Kudes Linja. The best thing about these places is that they're refurbished factories, and this gives the clubs an alternative feel.



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• There's also a gay club called DTM which is pretty good. Tavastia is more expensive, and Casa Latina is good if you like salsa, although the parties there are sometimes held at a different location!

What about eating out in Helsinki? What are your favourite places?

Mine would be Vapiano, Zetor (very expensive but serves Finnish food) and the university cafés, which serve meals for 2. 60 euros to students.

What does Helsinki have to offer in terms of culture?

Café Regata beside the Sibelius monument, Café Úrsula in Kaivopuisto, the four churches and cathedrals, Seurasaari Island, Suomenlina Island, Esplandi, the port market, Senate Square, the beach reachable by bus number 24, the theme park and other places you'll have to discover for yourself.; )

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Helsinki?

You're going to have the time of your life here, so don't stay at home even if the weather's bad outside. Go out and explore the city, search out the cafés, bars, art galleries or whatever it is you're into.

• Visit neighbouring countries on the trips organised by ESN or by yourself... try everything!
• Find yourself a hobby. Mine was salsa dancing, but it can be anything you like - that way you'll get to know new people, especially locals.
• Party like there's no tomorrow!
• Find yourself international friends.
• Try out the language tandems, you'll meet some really interesting people there!

And finally, enjoy the experience - you'll see that once you've been on an Erasmus exchange you'll never lose your sense of adventure!