Erasmus Experience in Oulu, Finland by Luis Fernando

Why did you choose to go to Oulu, Finland?

I wanted to get to know a European culture radically different to that of the Spanish and I needed it to be a country where English was spoken by the majority of the population. I had also heard talk of the great Finish education system and I didn't want for my year abroad to mean losing an academic year.

How long is the scholarship for? How much money do you receive as aid?

10 months. I am a state scholar so the extra 105€ for being a scholar and the general travel grant.

How is student life in Oulu?

Good, especially on campus. Practically all of the faculties are grouped together in the same building, except the medicine and one of the technology. The student associations and cafeterias are concentrated inside this building.

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

Yes, but depending on the degree you would like to choose and on what you're expecting to find in the city. As a student of medicine, my experience was frankly disappointing. There, medicine is one of the few degrees in which the alumni don't have any courses in English. This meant that the Erasmus alumni in Medicine didn't interact with the Finish students in class, as we had very few classes and they were just for us.

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The city is good, although everything requires the use of bike or bus. You can often see plots of the woods between the blocks of buildings or residences and as a consequence, the population is very dispersed - the centre being the only truly urban area. On the other hand, the city is perfectly built for getting around by bike, with ample asphalt side-walks.

The leisure offers are original and varied, especially for it's culture based on the sauna and the snow-winter activities. The university extracurricular activity offers are also ample and affordable, although you should pay attention to the dates in order for the places not to fill up.

How is the country's food?

Different. Dairy products are more abundant than in our culture, with fresh milk distinguishing in all of the food. You can find many types of fresh milks and cheeses, with different degrees of fermentation. There are a great variety of breads coming from different grains. The typical fish is salmon. The most native meets are reindeer and elk.

Did you find it hard to find accommodation in Oulu?

No, I carried out the whole procedure through PSOAS. It's a sort of estate agent. I don't know if it's of the state but it works really well. It's most common to share a flat with other Erasmus students in a building completely dedicated to housing students. It's very important to manage it all as soon as they've given you the grant, so you can choose the area that most suits you. You can also get a flat with the same agency through the university but in doing so, the middle men charge extra.

How much does it cost to live in Oulu?

I would say 1. 5 times more than what life can cost you in a city such as Salamanca. There are a series of expenses that every student is going to have there: the buying and maintenance of a bike (they're generally second hand; bus ID (if you travel without it, it's much more expensive); food (in general, the cheapest is the LIDL, but it's worth going to others if you want to buy traditional things); going out (with the obligatory €2. 50 in all the clubs for the cloakroom) and travelling (extremely expensive from there).

How is the language? Did you go to any course at the University?

Finish is known for being one of the most difficult languages to learn. The University gives out free lessons for those students who want to learn it; this is completely insufficient to manage without another language such as English but it allows you to manage somewhat better in your day to day life. However, the university doesn't allow those alumni who want to learn the language more thoroughly to participate in it's following courses unless you're going to establish yourself as a resident there for over a year - Not even if you pay.

What's the most economic way of getting to Oulu from your city?

The bus to Madrid and then, by plane. The flight is very expensive but if you're lucky you can find a flight with Ryanair to Tampere and go from there. The aforementioned airport closes in Winter, so that combination only works for a part of the travelling.

Which places would you recommend to go out to party in Oulu?

Kaarle, Tivoli, Vänha Paloasema... and many more that I don't remember anymore.

And to eat in Oulu? Can you name your favourite places?

As a student, eating at the university is really cheap.

The normal menu is €2. 50. To eat in the centre: anywhere in the market square where they serve Keittolohi (salmon and potato soup with cream and dill) and the traditional dish of reindeer, mashed potatoes and blueberry jam.

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They have a traditional dish in Kaarle until 2PM, which is different every day.

And as a cultural visit?

The town hall (at the start of the course, they have an official reception with the major, for all of the international students), Valve (the house of culture. If you're interested in any aspect of this, don't hesitate to frequently visit it), the market square with it's fishmongers red houses, the city park with the dam (where the city's museum is located), the cathedral and the lakes which surround the city.

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Any advice that you'd like to give to future students in Oulu?

Bring thermal clothing and the desire to have an unforgettable year.