My experience in Oulu, the Finland of Miriam.

Why did you choose to go to Oulu, Finland?

I was looking for a completely different place than where I had visited. Being from Spain I think that I achieved my goal.

Another reason is that, as an education student, I wanted to know what the Finnish education system, that I have heard so much about, was like. There is nothing better than living in your own skin, which is the reality here.

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How long did the scholarship last?

How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Just enough, this course changed the scholarships so you have to choose between MoE (Ministry of Education) (government) and the Erasmus (Europe). Depending on the autonomous region and/or the university, you can get some other help. The MoE scholarship provides €400 per month The Erasmus provides €300. You are generally covered for 5 months. Normally it is a slow process.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oulu?

The student life is great. The city has a lot of universities. In the University of Oulu there are a lot of international students. There are also several attentive organisations for them (ESN y NISO). You can find all kinds of activities, from parties to language groups, trips and sports.

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

Yes, of course. I cannot speak for every degree and campus but it is a very different place. I am happy with my choice. It is important to think about going to a foreign university as an opportunity to learn. It is normal to feel insecure and uncomfortable at times, because you are not used to it and can miss home. But anyway, it is not going to be for your whole life, so it is important to make the most of it.

What is the food like?

Of course the food is different. They have a lot of boiled potatoes, salmon and deer. In general the food is a lot heavier than what we are used to in Spain. Having said that, take into account that you are going to a different country, which means: different food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Oulu?

Yes in my case, it cost me. There is a company (PSOAS) that deals with allocating university students apartments. However, they don't always assign you a place, in which case you have to look yourself. There is a Facebook group that can be interesting: Oulu Flat Sublease Point. Its important to take into account that most apartments to rent are without furniture. That means there are not even lamps. It is typical to go to a second hand shop or use the buy-sell" between students. Another Facebook group that could help: Oulu Sale Point.

How much does it cost to live in Oulu?

The biggest expense is renting a flat/apartments/house. According to what they give you, the cost of living in Oulu can vary significantly. Add food and other daily essentials to this.

Students get discount on meals. In the University of Oulu, it turns out as €2. 60. In Applied Sciences as €0. 80. In any case, it is an expensive place. A bus ticket works out as €3. 30. If you are thinking of using it, take out the card. You have two options: Unlimited monthly and a top-up card (the journeys work out cheaper). Take into account that from 11 at night, the price of a ticket goes up to €6. 60.

If you want to go out or travel, take into account that this will cost you a lot. There are added costs. Therefore, you should also take into account how you will get there and back (plane, train and bus tickets, etc. ).

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

The language is completely different. I took a course in the university. I think it is important to know some of the language. It will give you a wider view on what it is like to live there. It will give you the opportunity to know the culture better and involve yourself/ integrate yourself more into the place.

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

Don't be afraid of the difference. It is always enriching to know new places. Try to mingle with people from other countries. You are not going to spend your life there, that means: Take full advantage of it. You are going to come across many challenges and not everything will be easy, but that is the fun of it. Without those things it wouldn't be interesting. During the bad times, don't think about going home: home also has them. Smile and enjoy the adventure.

Other points of interest...

• I recommend that you buy a bike. Distances are deceiving because it is actually a very flat place. Most students travel by bike. In the second hand Facebook group, you can easily find them
• The universities, in Oulu, are in 3 different areas in the city: in the south (Applied sciences), in the centre (architecture) and in the north (the campus called Linnanmaa). The last place is where you will find the majority of studies.



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