Experience in Pori, Finland by Johanna

What is it like to live in Pori? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Pori is a small town but because it's a student town there are lot of things that students can do. International students have many parties, sports events and other events they can join.

We have international tutors here to help international students to get to know everything. Tutors arrange parties and movie nights for the students. Or for example baking nights or cooking nights, in those we make traditional Finnish food or everyone makes something traditional from their own country. In Pori you can see the beautiful beach, old buildings, forest etc.

The city center is small but there are many shops and two shopping malls with lots of restaurants and shops. We have everything we need here. And more. The best thing about Pori is that all the students are united. We can party with different universities and everyone is welcome.

What is the student lifestyle like in Pori?

Our school is very good. Lectures are interesting and the teachers are relaxed. School is fun abd we have a lot of practical assignments and projects that we do instead of just listening teachers.

We have many parties, a small one every Wednesday and bigger ones like once in a month or sth like that. Students here speak good English and everyone wants to get to know exchange students.

How much does it cost to live in Pori?

It's cheaper than other bigger cities in Finland. Rent is about 350€-550€ per month. We have food for students in our school and it costs 2,10€ to eat there. That is cheap. You can eat as much as you want.

We also have these discounts for students with a student card that you can get here. You can get discounts from transportation, restaurants, clubs, pubs, movies, public services and so on.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Pori? Is there any advice you can give?

It's very easy. Usually our school arranges that for the exchange students. But if not, you can put a advertisement online for example on Facebook on some Pori group or on this website called www.tori.fi. write there that you are looking for an apartment.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Regular food. Finns eat everything. We eat lot of fish and beef, not that much pork. Veggie food is also very popular. At school we have different options were we can choose. My favourite dish is pasta with shrimps or lasagne, or vegetable puree soup.

What places would you recommend visiting in Pori?

Yyteri beach. City center. Kirjurinluoto which is a small "island" in the city center. Puuvilla shopping mall. Iso karhu shopping mall. Forests and lakes nearby. There are so many places.

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Is it good to eat out in Pori? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, we have many restaurants. My favourites are Nepalese restaurants and kebab/pizza places. Also we have Mexican and traditional Finnish restaurants too. And Spanish and Chinese and we have this awesome sushi place here too.

Is the nightlife good in Pori? Where is good to go?

It's good. Students party usually on Wednesdays and we have three clubs open then. On the weekend there are more people going out and more clubs and pubs open.

What advice would you give future students heading to Pori?

Don't worry, you will love it here. I've been an international tutor myself and the exchange students love it here. I've made some good friends and we will meet again.