Why you should go to Finland, except to freeze your balls out

Why did you choose to go to Tampere, Finland?

It's my home-university who proposed different destinations, I chose Finland because it was for me the most unpredicted destination (I hesitated with Dublin and Bologna).

Without this opportunity, I would probably never have been to Finland, and to the north so soon... It's a must, they have very different culture and values.

Tampere is awesome for 1 point, there are 3 universities on a relatively small area, it means that there are shitloads of students and shitloads of Erasmus students by extension.

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

5 month, since mid-August to mid-December. I received around 1500€ as an Erasmus grant, around 1100€ for my scholar grant (I'm poor) and around 300€ per month from my parents. Plus I had some money on my bank account (around 1000€).

I came back with 100€... Alcohol will cost you a lot my poor friend.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tampere?

Depending on the university you'll be studying (there are 3 of them in Tampere! ) you'll have most of your time free. There are lots of parties and events organized by the different exchange students groups (ESN - CLINT - TAMY... ) but also in your dormitory or area there will be lots of dinners - pre parties - after parties...

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

It depends of what you expect from your Erasmus, I went to UTA, pedagogically speaking, I didn't learn anything (except some brief Finnish history... ).

But personally speaking, I learned a lot about myself and about the others, I discovered many different cultures and of course, now I've friends all over Europe...

What is the food like?

Expensive, and not varied mainly.

There are some exception and good places, like eating at the University restaurant (around 2, 50 for a big healthy meal with drinks, bread and salad), unlimited sushi for 15€, unlimited pizza buffet for 10€, student deals and other sort of good deals exist, but you'll have to look for them.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tampere?

No, because I got a Toas room. But I know that if you can't have one, it turns out to be really difficult to find something cheap. So don't be late!

How much does it cost to live in Tampere?

• If you have a Toas apartment it would cost around 200/300€ per month (if not it can go up to 500/600).
• Food, if you don't eat too much meat, eat at university most of the time and cook at home, around 70/80€ per month is doable. Fruits, vegetables and of course meat are really expensive.
• Bus card (if you not living in center town)costs 30€ per month.
• For alcohol, depends on you. For me it was kind a the half of my global budget (2000€ for 5 month).
• If you plan to go to Lapland, for a big week you'll need around 500€.
• For a baltic trip by bus (Talinn, Riga, Vilnius), for a big week around 500€ as well.

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

It's not that it's not easy, it's mission impossible. There are free classes though. Some basic knowledge could be useful (especially in grocery shopping).

Here's an example: http://anniilaugh.tumblr.com/

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

By plane... check the Ryanair flights from Frankfurt (the cheapest way I found) or from Belgium with SAS airlines.

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

Yes, if you like clubbing or heavy metal. There's not so much alternatives (or I didn't found them)... There's like 1 hip-hop party per month... Sometimes a bit of drum'n'bass or dubstep or techno.

Here's a list of places or event organizer:

• Tampereen Tivoli
• Bass System
• Club International
• Demola
• ESN INTO Tampere
• Funked up Friday
• Future Bass Tampere
• Futuristics
• Gimme the dance
• Ne Toiset Opiskelijabileet
• Groove bar
• Jam-A-Holics
• Moonfreeze
• Kahvila Kauppayhtiö
• Klubi Tampere
• Ravintola Puuma
• Soul Power
• Tamy - Tampereen
• Yo-talo

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

Nope, didn't try any. Not rich enough. Ravintola 931 looked nice though...

(If we are talking about gastronomic or typical food, I ate a kebab and 2 pizzas but I guess nobody cares)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Moomin museum there's a resort park open from May to October, lots of beautiful parks and forest!

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Nature is the most important thing, spend lot of time in the nature and be sure you'll see Northern Lights! Also, Saunas and public saunas are awesome.

For a movie, go to Finlayson.

For concerts or parties, refer to the list 2 questions above.

If you like second hand shops, go to the Kirppis, there's a list somewhere on the Internet, ask Google.

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

Be prepare for the cold, but you already know that.

More important, be prepare for darkness, practice sport, eat healthy, take extra vitamin D, go to a luminotherapy...

Or you'll be tired/depressed all the time, especially if you come from the south.