Erasmus Experience in Oulu, Finland

Why did you choose to go to Oulu, Finland?

My university had a link with Oulu and it seemed to be the best option because it had the best conditions for doing an internship in my area of study (Clinical Analysis and Public Health).

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How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

The grant (depending on the university) lasts from 3 - 5 months maximum. I received 13650 for the 3 months I spent there in 2008. My sister did Erasmus this year, in Oulu as well, and she got the same for 5 months.

What's the student environment like in Oulu?

The student environment is magical!

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

To all students who like new experiences, making new friends, learning with a completely different culture, who appreciate a challenge... Oulu is highly recommended.

How's the country's food?

The food isn't very varied. The Finish season little and all the food has a base of potatoes. I recommend the reindeer meat, the korvapuusti and the potatoes with meat and blueberry sauce!

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How did you find accommodation?

Through the Polytechnic of Oulu.

How are the accommodation prices? And the prices in general?

The price of accommodation depends... if it's a student residence it varies from €190 to €300 (with water, electricity, internet bills included), if it's an apartment the prices are higher.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

The language is very difficult. I attended a Finnish Survival Course. The good news is that almost all the Finish people speak English.

What is the cheapest way to get to Oulu from your city?

There isn't a cheap way to get there. When I did Erasmus in 2008 I decided to take this route, in a moment of madness: Porto-Stockholm with Ryanair, Stockholm-Turku with a VikingLine boat, Turku-Oulu by train. I spent around €280 for a return. My sister took this route: Madeira-Lisbon with Easyjet, Lisbon-London with British Airways, London-Helsinki-Oulu with Finnair, returned Oulu-Helsinki-Riga, Riga-Lisbon and spent approximately €350.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Oulu?

There are lots of bars in Oulu: Karle, Cabaret, the old Onnela which is now called Tivoli, Amarillo, Heavymesta, etc.

And eating out in Oulu? Can you name your favourite places?

McDonalds (they have Mexican menus and everything), the restaurants scattered around the city represent almost all nationalities!

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And in terms of cultural visits?

Visit the statue of Bobby, better known as the Policeman, the city market, the regional library, etc.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Oulu?

Have a lot of fun! The Finish can seem very unfriendly at first... they're not used to kisses and hugs.. but I can say that when you make a Finnish friend, they're for life.