Experience in Turku, Finland by Niina

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

Turku is a small city in a south cost of Finland. Nature close to Turku is unique because of the archipelago. The city of Turku is beautiful and the river gives it unique feeling.

What is the student lifestyle like in Turku?

There are a lots of students because there are five universities in the city. Turku is also popular city going erasmus so there is international feeling as well. Students hang out in campuses and in their restaurants because it's cheap.

How much does it cost to live in Turku?

Costs depends about that where do you live and what you like to do. TYS-student apartments are pretty cheap. Also in Turku is very popular go everywhere by bike so it doesn't take much money. Students get good discounts of transport and food in student restaurants. Student parties are usually pretty cheap too.

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

It's pretty easy to find a student accommodation from TYS (Turun ylioppilaskyläsäätiö). Private accommodation might be more difficult because many times they want to do at least one year contract.

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

You can find many types of restaurants in Turku. In student restaurants there are many options daily. Usually food is potatoes, pasta, rice and some sauces. Soups and salads are also common. In Finland is popular to drink milk with lunch.

What places would you recommend visiting in Turku?

River sides are great places to hang out, especially during warm and light summer days and nights. Also Samppalinnan maauimala swimming pools are great. There are medieval castle and catedral in Turku. In the city center there is kauppatori and kauppahalli where you can find sweet and salty Finnish specialities to try. Ruissalo is an island with very nice nature, it's worth of visit!

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

There are a lots of nice cafeterias and restaurants in Turku. I recommend Tintå, Di Trevi, Sergios. My favorite cafeterias are Cafe Fontana and MBakery cafe.

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

There are many student parties in the town during the week. During weekend the best night to go out is Saturday. If you are in Turku during summer, you need to go to the river boats which are bars staying in the river sides. Atmosphere in these boats is great!

What advice would you give future students heading to Turku?

Finland is not very cheap but I recommend it because it's unique. I recommend to try all those Finnish activities and go to the same places where Finnish students go -- you will get more of your experience.

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