University of Helsinki
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Where to take your friends in Helsinki – impressing 101
By Chloé Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland Now I love Helsinki, I find the lifestyle amazing and the university has everything you need. But as a tourist and with visitors I found myself a little stuck the first time I had someone come over – it’s quite small and not the most tourist attractive destination. This being said, over the past six months I’ve curated a little bucket list of the sights, places and activities your friends or family would probably want to do.
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My first impressions of Helsinki!
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland My first two weeks in Helsinki. What a whirlwind. As you’d probably expect with any destination you’re going to, the first two weeks will be somewhat chaotic, but in an amazing way. From meeting a whole bunch of people from all corners of Europe to figuring out how the student registration system works, moving into a new flat, getting to grips with the Finnish language and taking in the beauty of the city – you will love it. As things are slowly settling down and classes are starting, I thought I could talk you through what you might expect and experience when moving…
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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 Life At The University of Bergen
As a Geography student at the University of Bergen, I have noticed several differences in the academic culture, compared to in Manchester. The main takeaway I think is to be organised at the beginning of the semester, and thoroughly research the timetabling of each modules and the assessments required.
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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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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…
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Homesickness
Moving to a different country to study and live abroad is an incredible experience. From meeting new people, trying new foods, visiting new places, new experiences and discovering the local culture but sometimes it’s not always sunshine and rainbows and THAT’S OK! A few weeks into my exchange I began to miss home as well as all my family/friends but do not worry it is completely natural and all part of the process of studying abroad. So here are some tips if you are ever feeling homesick on any point of your exchange. Stay in regular contact with friends/familyStaying in regular contact with your friends/family is the best way to…
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Top 5 FREE things to do in Helsinki
As a Nordic Country Finland is no doubt very expensive to live and so it can be costly to even socialise with your friends in your free time but there are things to do in Helsinki (believe it or not) that are free – disregarding the small transport fee needed to reach particular destinations. Visit the Cathedrals Helsinki CathedralThe Helsinki Cathedral is the most impressive landmark in the city, located along the northern side, the grand building dominates the Senate Square. With its white pillars, blue domes dotted with golden stars and statues of the twelve apostles along the roof, it is definitely the perfect selfie spot. Free of charge!…
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From Hull to Helsinki…
Knowing I was a late arrival tripled the expected feelings of nervousness and anxiousness. As well as the daunting experience of having to pack up and then set up a temporary new home all by myself. Not to mention, having to sort all the administration papers, course enrolment, applying for residence Finnish residence all by myself as I missed the introduction week. As well as circling the city centre multiple times a day to find my next lecture but it was helpful since I got to see more of the city and different landmarks despite getting lost! Having tackled this single handily along with the help of the friendly staff…
