Details

• Finland
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

During the application period, I got the impression that both your GPA and your personal connection to Finland and Finnish culture play an important role when applying to Aalto. Ideally, you should already have taken some time to familiarize yourself with Finnish culture and customs before preparing your application documents or attending your interview with a member of the International Office. Think about a genuine, personal, and well-founded reason for why you want to study at Aalto or in Finland in general. This could be based on friendships with Finnish people, experiences with exchange students in Vienna, an interest in Finland’s beautiful natural landscape, or a strong motivation related to environmental protection and sustainability—an area in which Aalto excels. Whatever your motivation may be, gather as many personal and academic reasons as possible for wanting to study at Aalto, and communicate them clearly throughout your application process.

2. Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation – and I cannot stress this enough – it is essential to start organising everything as early as possible. You should apply as soon as the application periods for exchange students open, as the allocation of student housing follows a strict first-come, first-served principle. For student housing at Aalto or in Finland in general, there are two key platforms you should be familiar with: **HOAS.fi** and **AYY.fi**, the latter being Aalto’s own student union. HOAS typically offers fully furnished shared apartments, whereas AYY accommodation is usually unfurnished (based on what I’ve heard). However, AYY does provide the option to rent furniture for their apartments. Regardless of your preferences, you should apply to both providers. I met several exchange students who did not receive any housing (neither from HOAS nor AYY) because they applied too late and ultimately had to rely on expensive private rentals. I was fortunate to receive an offer from HOAS for a shared apartment near Leppävaara, located about 15 minutes by tram from Aalto. I accepted the offer immediately, even though I had not yet received any response from AYY. Regarding safety, I would rate Helsinki and Espoo (where Aalto is located) as even safer than Vienna (which i didn't even think would be possible). All the streets are very bright and clean and the Metro is also very modern. During my exchange I never had an unpleasant encounter what so ever. All the people I talked to were helpful, understanding and not judgy at all.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus and its infrastructure were unlike anything I had experienced before. Everything is fully digital and easy to navigate. The facilities are modern, thoughtfully designed, and highly convenient—you can access nearly everything with your phone. There’s even a shopping mall inside the business center and a direct subway connection, so you don’t have to go outside in bad weather. There are numerous dining options catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. A highlight is the entirely vegan cafeteria run by the student society, where delicious meals cost around three euros, and students are welcome to visit as often as they like. The teaching style is open and inclusive, with a flat hierarchy where everyone is addressed by their first name. This fosters respectful, equal interaction and creates a safe environment where learning feels comfortable and collaborative. Professors are very supportive and strive to make every student feel included. Overall, the courses I attended were comparable to, or slightly easier than, those at WU. Exams were fair, and assignments always came with detailed feedback, which helped me understand how to further improve my skills and knowledge.

5. Every day life in the host country

As I mentioned under point 2, public transport in Helsinki was excellent, although relatively expensive. The city offers two metro lines and an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains. For those living outside the city center, the fastest way to reach downtown Helsinki is by train—services run every five minutes and all lines terminate at Helsinki Central Station. To travel from the city center to Aalto University, the metro is usually the most efficient option. Both Helsinki and Espoo are very safe cities. Security guards are present on campus, in major shopping centers, and even on public transport. Overall, I found Finnish people to be exceptionally friendly, helpful, and honest. It wouldn’t be surprising if a lost wallet found its way back to its owner—a reflection of the country’s strong culture of trust. Aalto University offers an impressive range of clubs and activities, catering to virtually every interest imaginable. There are clubs for tennis, running, and investing, among many others. The campus also features tennis and padel courts, two gyms, a full running track, and numerous saunas—often run by students or volunteers, making them affordable and accessible. When it comes to social life, there’s always something happening. Student societies organize a wide variety of events every week, from trips and competitions to parties and cultural activities. The level of enthusiasm and organization was truly remarkable. My personal highlights included the Levi/Lapland trip, the Mursulaiva day cruise to Tallinn, and the legendary Mursujaiset—a celebration that’s truly unforgettable.

6. Testimonial

My exchange experience at Aalto University truly broadened my horizons. I met people from all over the world and made lasting international friendships. Academically, I used the opportunity to advance my bachelor’s studies and complete all my free electives, while also taking several master’s-level courses. These gave me valuable first-hand insight into the expectations of European master’s programs. What made the exchange truly special, however, was Finland’s unique and vibrant student culture. I often found myself spending time at the university even on days without classes—the campus facilities, especially Aalto’s Design Factory, are so inspiring and welcoming. Whether playing table football or ping-pong, chatting with friends, or joining one of the countless student events, there was always something happening. The events organized by Aalto’s student societies were exceptional, and I would highly recommend participating in as many as possible. The strong sense of community and inclusivity, combined with Finland’s famous “dungaree culture,” made everyone feel genuinely welcome and part of something bigger.