Experience in Jyväskylä, Finland by Aurélien

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What is it like to live in Jyväskylä? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

First of all, I hate ratings, so I put 5/5 on everything so I won't have to do it thoroughly.

Jyväskylä is a sweet central-Finland city. I loved it, because I love the "Finnish way of life" I have trouble to describe. I also love snow and pine trees, that helps a lot.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jyväskylä?

Great. ESN is very active, there's a lot of things. There are many Erasmus students actually, and a lot more Finnish ones obviously.

How much does it cost to live in Jyväskylä?

Not cheap. It was somehow similar to my standards, living not so far away from Paris, so people in cheaper countries shall have some trouble. That said, the accommodation is OK.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Jyväskylä? Is there any advice you can give?

I had no problem thanks to KOAS and the incredibly well organised exchange service of the University. Go for Myllyjärvi, Röninmäki or Kortepohja, these are fine student dorms.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Finnish food is quite dull. A lot of potatoes, rye bread, melted cheese and sausages, plus tasteless beer. Everything is quite heavy, but can reveal tasty, like Pulla (a kind of sweet bread) or the Finnish chocolate, and reindeer if you are kinda wealthy.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Jyväskylä?

Churches, a bit aside from the centre. Laajavuori sauna, if it's still there, is excellent. The tower building. But really, the best places are natural, forests etc...

Take a bike. A bike is very valuable in Jyväskylä, it's a "bike city", very easy to bike there and enjoyable.

Is it good to eat out in Jyväskylä? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I haven't found any really good spots.

Is the nightlife good in Jyväskylä? Where is good to go?

Ruma is a nice bar. We used to hang around Karma. I don't really remember the other places.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jyväskylä?

As I said, take a bike. I haven't figured out how the bus system works in 5 months - well, I didn't bother that much, but still.

Talk to Finnish people. Really do it. Find any way. Don't be an ass and stick with exchange students - that's the stupidest thing to do, even if it's so easy.

If you see any activity including "snow", "nature", "sauna", go for it. By the way, get ready to go to the sauna naked, it's common and way more enjoyable. Jumping in an almost frozen lake after sauna is awesome, don't be afraid.

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