Helsinki for Students

Helsinki is a wonderful, seaside city where it is fun to study. Here you can, besides choosing a high-quality education, also find what you really like among lots of activities, nature and culture. So take one step closer to your dream - study in Helsinki!

The capital of Finland with a population of approximately 500 000, Helsinki is big enough to have everything you may want or need, yet small enough to easily find your way. Helsinki is located on the Southern coast of Finland well connected ´by rail and sea to both Sweden, the Baltics and Russia.

The city has several universities and polytechnics, which contributes to a vibrant social scene for students. All universities have their own Student Unions offering plenty of extracurricular activities to students, affordable lunches in student restaurants, sports facilities, clubs and health care.

Helsinki, just as Finland in general, is considered a very clean and safe city. A city that has everything and yet just minutes away from nature. It is for a reason that Helsinki usually, if not tops the list, is one of the most liveable cities in the world!

Find out more about Helsinki:
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en
StudyHelsinki.fi
The Official Travel Site of Finland
Helsinki Tourist Information.

The City of Helsinki has exentsive information about health services etc.

Students' own tips:

"Been studying in the library all day and need to get outside during winter? Try out Brahe Ice Rink along Helsinginkatu. You can rent skates or bring your own and imagine yourself as a hockey player or figure skater. Careful though, pickup hockey happens fairly often so those dreams may become reality. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best ways to get outside enjoy the winter weather. Warm up with a coffee at nearby Sävy, a drink at Bar Molotow, or make a night of it with pizza and live music at Tenho."
– Jordan, 5th year student

”One of my favorite spots in Helsinki is Allas Sea Pool. There are different swimming pools outside with a beautiful view over Helsinki. You can choose to swim in the heated pool or if you dare you can try the ocean pool where the temperature is the same as in the ocean. In the summer it’s a nice place to cool off and in the winter it’s a unique experience when you can swim outside even when it’s really cold.”
– Alexia, 4th year student

"A must-do activity in Helsinki is exploring the beautiful nature of the Mustikkamaa island and then walking to the Helsinki Zoo where you'll find over 100 different animal species!"
– Joakim, 2nd year student

"One of my favorite places during the Summer months in Helsinki is Töölön lahti. It is really close to the city centre, but still quite peaceful. It is a good route for anyone who wants to go out for an evening run by the water. It is also a possible to go there with your friends and do some stand up paddling (SUP), they even offer a student discount. There is also a park next to the bay where you can sit an cool of with an ice cream during hot summer days.
– Andreas, 1st year Master’s student

" When in Helsinki I recommend walking by the seashore in the south of Helsinki. During colder weather it's especially cosy because there are a few cafes on the way ( like "Ursula", "Carusel") that you can visit and enjoy a warm coffee and a sweet treat with an amazing view!"
– Carolina, 2nd year student

“One of my favourite lunch spots in Helsinki is Hietalahden kauppahalli (a market hall). It’s especially nice during the summer as it’s close to the sea, and there’s a flea market right outside. In Hietalahden kauppahalli you can get a variety of different foods, from Ramen to traditional Finnish salmon soup. If you love a good burger, try the meat shop called Roslund! Best burger in town.”
– Saara, 1st year Master’s student

"In Helsinki (especially if the weather is nice), a trip to Suomenlinna with the ferryboat is a nice weekend activity. Visit some cute cafés, learn some historical facts at the museum, or just walk around and enjoy the scenery of the small island. I've been there more times than I can count... and I always come to the same conclusion that it's not the last time!"
– Jeanette, 4th year student

"There's this secluded spot next to Hietanniemi park that is wonderfully scenic. Recommended for small groups (especially couples!); the cliff overlooks the sea with splendid sights in summer and winter. The sunset is fully visible from here if you get the time right, and it's possible to climb down to the uncrowded beach as well. It's walking distance from Hanken as an added bonus!" Exact Co-ordinates: 60.168753, 24.911134 Or google link: https://goo.gl/maps/vYZa2PLf3kM2
– Nabeel, 2nd year Master's student