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Things I wish I knew before moving to Finland
by Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland)
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A (relatively) comprehensive list of the best things I have done since moving to Helsinki
by Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland) With only just over a fortnight left before I move back to the UK after nine or so months in Finland, I thought I would look back at the top things I have done whilst living in Helsinki – and hopefully give you some ideas of what can be done while studying at UoH.
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Helsinki: 10 things on a budget
By Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland) Explore the Architecture From Nordic minimalism to neoclassicism and even Byzantine-Russian, Helsinki is formed by an amalgamation of architectural styles, which can be seen on a (free!) walk around the city. Try Senate Square and its star, Helsingin tuomiokirkko, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel for neoclassicism, and Lasipalatsi (“Glass Palace”), along with other buildings designed for the 1952 Olympic Games, for modernism. The capital also houses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe!
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Academic Culture in Finland
Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland) Unsurprisingly, university systems – the lectures, examination formats et cetera – differ throughout the world, and Finland is no exception. It was one thing I immediately noticed and found myself having to adapt to at the beginning of my first Semester in Helsinki.
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Coping with the Cold in Finland
by Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland) After a fortnight of the temperature persistently staying below -8°C, reaching eye-watering lows of -14°C (the Weather App helpfully told me this translated into “feels like -24°C”) and the Baltic Sea beginning to freeze over, I feel the time has come to impart some tips on how to stay warm during the Finnish winter. 1. A good coat goes a long way Most of my peers, me included, arrived in Finland with no “big coat.” Not only does this save on suitcase space when you first leave your home country, but it allows you to buy a coat suited to Finnish winter. A…
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Eat Out like a Finn (for less)
by Amber Musgrove-Benford (University of Helsinki, Finland) One of the first things anyone will realise post arrival in Finland – whether as a tourist or to study – is that eating out is expensive. Where once I was enjoying a hearty meal (and maybe even a drink) in the Northern Quarter for under £15, I was now in Kamppi, or Kluuvi, where prices can range from €15 to, at worst, €20 plus for food alone. But have no fear! The following will ensure you a chance of exploring the amazing food scene in Helsinki, all whilst not making too much of a dent in your student budget.
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Hölökyn Kölökyn to a Very Finnish Freshers
By Amber Musgrove-Benford (Finland, University of Helsinki) When I arrived in Finland, I had little expectation for Freshers. Made pessimistic due to the pandemic and the restrictions still in force in Helsinki, I expected nothing more than a few quiet drinks with other exchange students I met in my accommodation. Luckily, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Freshers at the University of Helsinki is a big deal. Fuksit (first year students) – or Phuksit for law students – take over what seems to be the whole city in a week or so of activities and orientation organised, at least for the School of Law, at both Faculty level and through…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
