Experience in Jyväskylä, Finland by Lenoulou

Source

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

If I could, I would return to Jyväskylä the next minute! Ι would totally recommend it because it's a city full of students and with active student life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jyväskylä?

Students have a choice of a lot of bars and coffee shops to spend their leisure time, as well as sports activities organised by the ESN community, the university or random students. There are also, quite a few museums and galleries to visit. Every week there will be a great party organised for students in the student villages of Kortepohja or KOAS.

How much does it cost to live in Jyväskylä?

Although it's rather expensive to live in JKL as a student, I would say that it's worth it! In more details, student rent (in student villages) costs app 250-400 euros (all expenses included) and then you might need around 500 euros to spend the month (food, goods, entertainment etc)

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

There are 2 student villages, Kortephoja and KOAS that provide accommodation to Erasmus students. It's easier to find a flat at the beginning of the spring semester, however, finding a flat should not be difficult for the students. They just have to register at Kortepohja or KOAS website and choose the flat they want (studio, 1 roommate, 2 roommates, etc) and then the office makes the match and sends a suggestion to the student. You need to pay a deposit (usually as much as the rent costs) by the time you book the flat. When you leave, you have to clean the room/flat and register for the inspectors to come and see if it's in a good condition. If your apartment passes the inspection, you'll get the deposit back in full, otherwise, you'll get it reduced.

Source

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

The food is not the strongest part of the Finnish culture in general, however, it's a habit that you get used to day by day. And don't forget to taste reindeer and bear meet and salmon and all the traditional dishes that Finns make during the big celebrations: Easter, Christmas, Midsummer...

What places would you recommend visiting in Jyväskylä?

• The cathedral downtown is a great medieval monument of the past, standing in the middle of the city park.
• The central library, that has a great collection of books and newspapers from Finland and around the world.
• Alvar Aalto museum and Keski-Suomen museum are a must go to in order for you to get to know the Finnish culture.

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

Inside the campuses there are several student restaurants where students go and have their lunch. Downtown, there are several restaurants; in some of them you might be able to get a student discount as well. My favorite is inside SOKOS where you can make your own salad for a fair amount of price.

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

Nightlife in JKL is pretty vivid, most of the bars and pubs are located downtown but there are student parties organised in the Kortepohja and KOAS student villages every now and then.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jyväskylä?

• Live every moment because time flies!
• Stay open-minded and try various different activities or tastes!
• Make a lot of friends!
• Travel around- after all, Finland is a country of great natural beauty!
• And don't forget to study!

Source