Experience in Turku, Finland by Sofia

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

As a student Turku is such a wonderful place to live. The city of Turku is pretty compact and small. Actually, it does not mean it is a bad thing since everything is in a walking or biking distance. The campus of University of Turku is about five minutes away from the city center by walk and the campus of Åbo Academi is basically in the city center. Even thought Turku is kind of small it is still sixth largest city in Finland. Therefore there is an airport, a good public transportation and other buss and train connections to the other cities.

How much does it cost to live in Turku?

The truth is that Finland is expensive country so Turku is not the cheapest place in the earth. In the supermarkets food is expensive (but usually there is lower prices in the oriental markets!). Regular restaurants, cafeterias, movie theathers etc. are also pricey.

But luckily we have a lot of student prices and discounts. Lunch in the student restaurants are 2,70e, student housing is kind of cheap approx. 300-500 e/month and the drinks in the bars are pretty affordable approx. 3,5-6e.

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

In the beginning of the semesters it might be difficult to find student accommodation but there is always available accommodations in the private sector. Check the Vuokraovi.com and Tori.fi websites to find accomondations offered by the private landlords.

What places would you recommend visiting in Turku?

Visit the archipelago. You can do a day trip by buss but the best way to experience the archipelago is going by bicycle. There is a good roads for bicycling and route instructions. The full route is called Saariston rengastie (Archipelago circle road) and it will take about 5 days.

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

Try different student restaurants. Unica.fi and Karkafeerna.fi have a lot of restaurants around Turku. I recommend trying Kåren since the restaurant have a beautiful painting in the dining hall.

On Fridays they usually cater student priced pizza at Flavoria Medisiina D. Best student priced vegetarian restaurant is Kasviskeidas and on Fridays and Saturdays they cater lasagna. Kievi chicken dish is kind of a thing in Turku. There is even a website oispa.kievinkanaa.com that tracks if any student restaurant caters Kievi chicken.

What advice would you give future students heading to Turku?

If you are an exchange student then do not just go to ESN or other exchange student parties. Take part of your own or other student associations parties and events ass well if you want to meet local students.