The great city of Joensuu - Finland

Why did you choose to go to Joensuu, Finland?

I wanted to go to an english speaking country and because Finland was so unknown to me compared to England, for example.

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

I received 1200 euros for the semester (so about 300 euros per month). It is a good scholarship from my home university but you need to prepare some money by you own if you want to travel and visit the country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Joensuu?

Awesome! There is the great ESN society which organises a lot of parties, trips, etc... All the members are so nice, you will meet a lot of amazing people!

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

Yes, yes and yes! The University of Eastern Finland is nice and the programs are really interesting (I was in the history program). The place is pleasant to study and relax.

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What is the food like?

There is not that much special food in Finland buy you can find amazing things like Korvapuusti (a sort of cinnamon cake), Karjalan pirakka (typical pies of the region Karelia), and Salmiakki (perhaps you will not like it). In the city itself, you can find a lot of diverse restaurants and cosy cafés, so don't worry you will find what you like!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Joensuu?

I had some difficulties to find an accommodation because there is a lot of students. However, I found a really nice private flat in the city center with an amazing Finnish girl. I would advise to register in Elli's company for student flats (Peltolankatu and Noljakka are good ones).

How much does it cost to live in Joensuu?

It depends on what you do! If you want to travel, go out with friends... But it is not that expensive (except alcohol) and you can go to secondhand shops for your furniture for example.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Finnish language is not the easiest one! But again, don't worry, everyone there speaks English really well! And if you go to the university, I would recommend to take the "Survival Finnish" class which is really funny and it will give you some basics.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Joensuu from your city?

By bus. You can find really cheap buses to travel around Helsinki and other cities with Onibus or Savonlinja.

In the city itself, get a bike!

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Joensuu?

• Kerubi (if you go to ESN parties you will go there at least once)
• Ilona
• Bar play
• 60's palaver

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Joensuu?

• Local Bistro
• Hyva & Pahe (it is an amazing wok restaurant with a coffee downstairs)
• Rosso pizzeria
• Amarillo
• Rax Golden Buffet (it is not gastronomic food but you can eat whatever you want)
• Every cafeterias in universities where you can find really good meals for a good price.

And some cafés:

• Houkutus
• Coffee House

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Koli National Park (one hour by car or bus) at least once! It is awesome in Autumn as in Winter or Spring.
• The lake
• Karelia Museum
• Joensuun Kirkko
• Taitokortelli: the artisan's quarter
• The skating rink of Areena

You should also go to see a hockey game in Areena and visit every markets! There you will find typical food or souvenirs.

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

Go to Lapland! One of the best memories I have from my Erasmus in Joensuu was the ESN trip I did in Lapland where we saw wonderful Northern Lights and where we did Huskis and Reindeer Safaris!

Don't be scared of the winter, you will learn how to deal with the minus 20 degrees and you will enjoy the snow!

Sometimes, just take a walk in the forest alone and enjoy the view that nature offers.

Go and visit others cities like Turku.

Take a picture with Santa in the Santa Claus Village in Lapland.



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