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 here.
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.
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!
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.
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 puffer jacket will never let you down.
2. Layering is the new cool
I cannot overstate the importance of layering. It has been weeks since I wore jeans without leggings underneath or just one pair of socks. It has been longer since I have left the house without a scarf, gloves, and a hat.
I’d really recommend looking into a thermal liner jacket if you decide to come to Finland. For me, it’s been a lifesaver, and they’re very versatile! Before winter I wore mine by itself, and now it’s colder, it fits perfectly under my big coat and keeps me nice and warm. A win-win, if you will.
3. Walk off the chill
Though leaving your apartment might seem daunting when it’s so cold, but Helsinki is beautiful in winter in a way I doubt anywhere else is.
Whether it’s a walk around frozen Töölönlahti, or a personal favourite of mine along Ehrenströmintie and the coast in the south of the city, nothing is will make you feel as successful as braving the outside. My top tip would be to aim to get to the sea at around 3pm in December and hope for clear skies. The sun really does know how to put on a show.
Beware, however, glasses wearers like myself! My lenses have frozen over more than once on a walk. You can’t win everything, I suppose.
4. If all else fails: Glögi
Whether it be copious amounts of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cup of glögi, the traditional Finnish mulled wine, that you fancy, head to one of Helsinki’s many cafés, or from late November, the Christmas market, and behold. Nothing will warm you up quite like it.
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.
