Erasmus Experience in Oulu, Finland by Sirelin

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Why did you choose to go to Oulu, Finland?

I chose Oulu because of the different climate. I have been travelling a lot and mostly in Southern Europe. So I felt it was important to learn more about neighbours in the north.

Everyone also chooses a warmer or an exotic country to go, which was exactly what I didn`t want - go to a typical place.

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

Scholarship was meant for 4 months (the lenght of the semester). Every month I had about 500 euros to cover all the costs (living, bus tickets, food, etc. ). I also had my savings for extra but barely touched them, so you can manage with that money if you don`t want to travel that much and buy other things.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oulu?

Student lifestyle in Oulu was quite similar to Estonian so it is hard to describe it being different. People spend a lot of time in school, since there is so much to do there (many eating places like Subway, museums and innovatime areas).

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

Definitely. It is a great nordic experience. It gets really cold at some point but you can have so much fun in the snow. After the cold, it`s perfect to go to sauna with some beers and friends. Oulu is perfect for bikers, as bike roads are everywhere.

What is the food like?

Food is quite basic but delicious. You will learn how to make potatoes in 99 different ways, how to use beetroots more, etc. Food in schools is really cheap and also organic. They also have a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals which I really enjoyed.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Oulu?

To find it, it didn`t cost me anything. Most people get their housing through student housing PSOAS.

How much does it cost to live in Oulu?

As I said if you are not very demanding you can live with 500-600 per month.

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

Language is said to be one of the hardest, along with estonian. But since I am estonian, the language is much easier to learn. There are many languages you can choose from and finnish classes are pretty much every day, so you can choose a good time for you.

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

The best way to get there is by train (from Helsinki), 6 hours the shortest. Trains are really comfortable and relatively cheap, since you don`t have to pay for luggage. To get to Helsinki I took the ferry one time and have also taken a plane. If you want to save time that is the best option. The price difference between flights and trains or buses in not that big.

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

There are many pubs in the city: 45 special, Caio (a student place near University), Tivoli(best student place).

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

There is a burger place in Kauppuri 5, then Rooste, Hemingways, Amarillo, etc. Good coffe place is the coffee house although a bit expencive.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Just explore the city and see everthing. Visit the islands and beaches before its too cold to go there. Definitely go to Hailuoto island, it is hard to get there but totally worth it.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Oulu in the future?

Prepare for the cold and take part in many ESN and other student activities.

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