Erasmus Experience in Jyväskylä, Finland by Ozan

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Why did you choose to go to Jyväskylä, Finland?

It was the only suitable city in Finland. I wanted to be familiar with Finland :)

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

For my studies for 6 months I took 2400 euros.It means 400 euros per month. That money is too low for Finland. The rent just was 220 euros. Monthly transport card was 55 euros. Prepaid is 25 euros nearly. With 100 euros per month you can't do anything in Finland... You need minimum an extra 400 euros per month to live in that city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jyväskylä?

Fairly good...

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

In the summer periods. Maybe with the Erasmus internship programme. Weather, darkness and snow drive you crazy after a time...

What is the food like?

Generally fast food and cooking at home were styles. Because Finnish couisine is not so big...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Jyväskylä?

Yes of course... Finland is one of the most expensive countries in the Europe.

How much does it cost to live in Jyväskylä?

Minimum 800 euro per month... 200 - 250 accommodation, 55 bus card, 25 prepaid mobile. For meal 300 - 350 per month. And maybe other stuff for home cleaning etc...

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

I was in the JAMK. Not JYU. Yes in both universities there are languages courses for foreign students. However I didn't enroll. It was not necessary. English is enough here. Majority knows English...

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

Economical to Finland? Is it a joke? I came to Helsinki by plane. It's the easiest way. After that I went to Jyväskylä by train...

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

Bra, Jyvashovi, Old Brick's Inn, The New English Pub, Revolution. ..

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are lots of museums in the city. There are traditional merchant houses. Here is good to visit 19th century Jyväskylä and you can buy handicrafts there. Jyvaskyla is also populer for Aalvar Alto's designs... He is one of the most popular architects of the 20th Century. An Unesco World Heritage site Petajavasi Church is also in neighbourhood...

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

Here is really cold. It's snowing until May sometimes... Darkness was also a big depressed dilemma. I can understand after seeing that darkness, why metal is more popular here than classical rock... Prices are really high. But city and nature are really wonderful. There are lots of lakes, islands, rivers, parks etc... Technology and internet is also very good. There are just 135. 000 people here and that means it is peaceful; ) Surely I can visit here again maybe for holiday... But in summers.