🏠 Housing
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
550
Where was it located?
Herttoniemi
How can someone find this place?
@tien.tracy
Would you recommend it?
It was nice and I think the location/area is great! It was a nice studio though not perfect but nothing extreme to complain about. It wasn't the most modern but was fine!
🍻 Social Life
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Voo(sse) Cruise to Stockholm: Honestly, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one. Go on a student cruise, yes! But not necessarily this particular one. It was mainly Finnish students who weren't really willing to interact with the internationals (there were only around 10 of us), and you're only in Stockholm for 6 hours, so the cruise atmosphere is quite important. If you can, either do the ESN trip or organise a trip with your friends yourself! Take the cruise and stay maybe one night in Stockholm to actually enjoy the city. Best bars: Camping (a bar with mini golf and karaoke!), SWENGI (but only on Saturdays in my opinion), Harju 8, Siiltanen, and Liberty & Death (for fancy cocktails, but they are pricey €15–17!). Best neighbourhoods: Kallio, Hakaniemi and Sörnainen. I'm a bit mixed about Sörnainen because whilst it has loads of cute cafés, restaurants, and bars, it can be a bit sketchy at times, so just be aware of your surroundings.
🎓 Uni life at Helsinki University
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I really recommend Nordic Societies and Cultures just to learn about the history of the region and Finland, it taught me so much!! Memory Laws in Europe and Politics of Rights were also super interesting and really worth it!
Do you have some tips?
Really liked that the campus was in the city centre! And yeah I'd for sure pick Helsinki again, the unicafé was great, I loved studying in the libraries or other study spots (such Think Corner) provided by the uni and will even miss some of it.
✈️ Travel
Best trips to do?
LAPLAND for sure!!! It was such an incredible trip even if it was obviously the priciest trip but otherwise Stockholm and Tallinn were also such nice trips and for sure worth it! In Finland itself I'd recommend Turku, Porvoo and Tampere!
🌆 Helsinki vibe
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Helsinki?
Get a student discount for public transport asap because regular prices is quite pricey! (and download the HSL app!)
💡 Other Tips
For some yummy cinnamon buns go to Way Bakery! Café Regatta is in my opinion overhyped...
Talk to Valérie
Need advice? Got questions?
