Erasmus Experience in Kokkola, Finland, by Vendula

Why did you choose to go to Kokkola, Finland?

I chose to go to Kokkola (better say Finland) because of my interest in pure nature and good behavior of local people. Moreover the Finnish education system has been considered as one of best in the world.

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

I received my scholarship from University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic, 488€ for each month. This amount of money is enough for paying the rent and food. Although if you want to travel (and you want), you need more - depends how often and where you want to travel.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Kokkola?

I studied in Kokkola 2 years ago (academic year 2011/2012) and I was really happy there. COU organized parties, meetings, sauna day and more. Also Finnish students are very nice, but seem bit shy (especially for Spanish and Italian people).

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

The city is not really big and there is not much to see or visit. It's very calm during the day. On the other hand, if I think about it more, there was nothing missing. There is supermarket, shopping center's, cinema, restaurants, clubs, pubs,...

University is not really hard comparing to university where I studied here in the Czech Republic. On the other hand, they always treat you in a good way and if you are interested in something everyone is very helpful.

What is the food like?

Even though I am not culinary, the food is not really great part. I especially didn't handle their love for sausages. Although, the berries come with summer - always good to eat some berries.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kokkola?

Since the beginning the COU send me contact where I can book my accomodation. No problems.

How much does it cost to live in Kokkola?

I paid about 200€ for room in three-rooms apartment. I shared the apartment with Spanish and French girls.

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

Courses are available at COU for basic or intermediated students although if you speak English, you will have no problems. Even old people speak good English. For whole stay it happened to me just once or twice that someone didn't speak English and I had to use some Finnish words to communicate.

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

As we don't have airport in Pilsen, I need to travel to Prague by car or bus and then take plane to Helsinki or Kokkola. If you have Finnish student card, it's cheaper to fly to Helsinki and then go to Kokkola by train. In case you don't have your student card yet, it's maybe almost the same to pay for flight to Kokkola.

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

There are some basic clubs in city center. Komia has been closed one year ago, we usually went there. I loved the atmosphere in West Cost. I can remember other like English pub, Calle, and other club next to Seurahone hotel (cannot remember the club's name).

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

I didn't go to much to restaurants, just twice I guess. There is one quite nice restaurant between the train station and city center but I cannot remember the name.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I don't want to ruin the face of Kokkola but there is not much to see. They say that the best cultural site is "The Old City". The point is that the old city is just place full of old wooden houses,...

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Kokkola?

Prepare that winter might be tough for you. Prepare that food is not the best you will try. Be the active one if you want to gain some Finnish friends.