Exchange Report

I travelled to Helsinki on a direct flight from Vienna, which was the easiest and most convenient option. Before departure, I would recommend planning your semester thoroughly by looking at the course offerings, schedules, and possible alternatives in case changes occur. It is also worth checking the weather conditions and packing accordingly, as Finland can be significantly colder than Austria, especially during the winter months.

I stayed in a HOAS (student housing) shared apartment near Pasila with five other students and would highly recommend it. Although we only had one shower and two bathrooms, it turned out to be completely fine. HOAS also offers studio apartments, but they are generally more expensive. My rent was around €500 per month. The public transport connections from Pasila were excellent and made it easy to get to Hanken and around Helsinki. While the area (around Paila) sometimes felt a bit sketchy and there were often some unusual people around, I never felt unsafe and nobody bothered me. One of the biggest advantages of HOAS, especially in a shared apartment, is that you get to meet a lot of people and quickly build a social circle. My main tip would be to apply for HOAS accommodation as early as possible and pay close attention to the application deadlines.

Hanken has a much smaller and more personal atmosphere than WU, which gives it a somewhat school-like feeling in a positive way. With class sizes usually ranging from 20 to 30 students, you quickly get to know both your classmates and professors, and it is common to see familiar faces around campus. Compared to WU, there is a stronger focus on presentations, group work, and assignments throughout the semester, while exams generally play a less dominant role. Personally, I found the exams to be less challenging than those at WU. The professors were always approachable and easy to communicate with, which contributed to a very positive learning environment. The campus facilities were also excellent, and the student cafeteria was a highlight, offering lunch at student prices of around €2.

Everyday life in Helsinki was very comfortable, and I always felt safe, both during the day and at night. While some train stations occasionally felt a bit rougher than other areas, I never experienced any problems. Public transport is excellent and makes it easy to get around the city. Social life was one of the highlights of the exchange, with the Hanken Exchange Committee organizing numerous events and parties throughout the semester. They did a great job of making exchange students feel welcome and ensuring there was always something going on. Vappu was another highlight and is definitely something future exchange students should experience. For sports, there are affordable gym options available, such as the gym in Tripla, which cost around €30 per month. While the winter months can make outdoor activities more challenging due to the cold weather, Helsinki becomes especially enjoyable in spring, when spending time around the city or visiting places such as Café Regatta is a great way to enjoy everyday life in Finland.

My exchange at Hanken was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to meet people from all over the world while experiencing a completely different academic and student culture. The highlights were the welcoming atmosphere at Hanken, the many events organized throughout the semester, and unique experiences such as Vappu. Looking back, the people I met and the memories I made are what made the exchange truly special.