Experience in Jyväskylä, Finland by Min

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

Jyväskylä is a small city. The centre is built very compactly and everything is quite close. There are no big crowds and in general it is peaceful. Nonetheless is has a big soul. There might not be as much attractions as Helsinki and other bigger cities, but the cultural life is active.

Jyväskylä is also a good city for sports and outdoor activities. Like almost every city, Jyväskylä is at its best during summer, but winters are very nice because of winter sports. There are nice natural parks nearby and some near towns might be worth visiting too.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Jyväskylä?

There are a lot of students in Jyväskylä compared to its size, approx. every fifth or fourth passer by. It has been described as a real student city. This means there are a lot of activities, associations, clubs... Student discounts are usually good.

How much does it cost to live in Jyväskylä?

In Finland, most cities are quite expensive to live in. That is also the case in Jyväskylä, especially if you get your flat from the private market.

However there are university's student village in Kortepohja and KOAS (student housing foundation) that offers flats in reasonable price around the city. If you live in a student cell 3 km from the city centre, your rent might around 250 €250/month or less, but a studio in the centre might be over €450/month.

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

It is difficult to find accomodation in Autumn. I advice you to be early: send your application form as soon in the summer as you can and don't be too picky.

University provides temporary accomodation every Autumn for students who don't have a place to go.

In winter rooms and apartments are easier to find.

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

The food isn't anything special. There are couple of excellent restaurants, of course, but nothing you couldn't find in any other city.

University and university of applied science have good student cafeterias where you can get lunch for €2-6. They are open at least 6 days a week and I recommend every poor student to use that chance. There are 2-3 dishes every day and the lunch includes salads and bread.

What places would you recommend visiting in Jyväskylä?

There are several museums in Jyväskylä. Also Toivola Old Courtyard is a beautiful place. There are a few nice manors too.

Most of all I recommend you to visit out-door activity and winter sport attractions. In Lake Jyväsjärvi there is skating every winter, Laajavuori has a ski slope and hiking tracks and there are ski tracks around the city. There are a lot of lakes, go see them. If you like riding a bike or running, you can go around the whole Lake Jyväsjärvi.

There's Panda Chocolate Factory and outlet in Vaajakoski.

There are two room escape game places in Jyväskylä.

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

It is usually cheaper to make your own food, but certainly there are some nice restaurants worth a visit. Sohwi and Revolution are good bar/restaurants, Base Camp is an excellent Nepalese, Wilhelmiina is a good café, Teeleidi is a lovely tea house.

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

There are surprisingly many nightclubs and bars. Student associations arrange bar nights as well. I have no esperience in Jyväskylä's nightlife, so I can't recommend much, but just head to the centre and you'll find your way somewhere, and it's never a long way to a new bar.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jyväskylä?

I believe Jyväskylä is used to having students and exchange students around, so don't worry too much, everything should work out fine. Finns are friendly and helpful, although they not likely to be the one to make first move, and will be shy towards foreigners.

Don't expect a vivid metropolitan city, but enjoy the Finnish nature.

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