Exchange Report

The preparation phase for my exchange semester at Aalto University was generally well organized, but it required early planning and careful attention to detail. I would strongly recommend starting the application process as early as possible and double-checking all required documents, especially those requested by WU and Aalto. Talking to students who had already completed their exchange in Finland turned out to be extremely helpful, as they could share practical insights that are not always obvious from official guidelines, particularly regarding course selection and recognition. One of the most important lessons I learned during the preparation phase is that future exchange students should familiarize themselves with Aalto’s course catalogue as early as possible. While the range of courses is broad and interesting, some classes overlap in scheduling, which can complicate course planning. In addition, if you want to ensure smooth credit recognition at WU, it is crucial to compare course syllabi early on and clarify open questions with the International Office in advance. Careful planning is especially important if you want to cover specific study requirements during your exchange semester. In terms of general preparation, it is also essential to be ready for Finnish winter conditions. Even though the winter during my stay was relatively mild, temperatures can drop quickly and daylight hours become very limited as the semester progresses. Overall, good preparation, especially with regard to academics, made the start of my exchange much smoother and reduced unnecessary stress once the semester began.

I lived in a single student apartment provided by HOAS, which is one of the most common housing options for exchange students in the Helsinki area. Compared to shared apartments, single apartments are noticeably more expensive, but in my experience they were well maintained, clean, and offered a high level of privacy, which I personally appreciated. The application process for HOAS housing was straightforward, but I would still recommend having a backup plan, as accommodation offers are not guaranteed and response times can vary. One alternative backup option is accommodation in buildings managed by Aalto University Student Union (AYY), which also offers student housing in the Helsinki and Espoo area. Future exchange students should also be aware that some HOAS apartments are located relatively far from the university campus. However, even the more distant locations are usually well connected by public transport, especially the metro, which makes commuting to Aalto University convenient and reliable. Overall, although the location of HOAS housing can differ significantly, the apartments themselves are functional, safe, and reasonably priced compared to private housing options in Helsinki, making HOAS a solid and stress-free choice for exchange students.

Academic life at Aalto University was one of the highlights of my exchange semester. The campus is very large, modern, and exceptionally well equipped. It offers numerous open study spaces, libraries, gyms, cafeterias, restaurants, and even a supermarket, which makes everyday student life extremely convenient. One particularly practical aspect is the metro station located directly underneath the School of Business, allowing for easy and reliable commuting regardless of the weather. Compared to WU Vienna, the teaching style at Aalto felt noticeably more practical and interactive. Many courses were project-based and focused strongly on group work, case studies, and applied assignments rather than purely theoretical content. In most classes, around half of the final grade was based on continuous assessment, such as presentations, written reports, or the development of financial models, while the remaining portion was determined by a final exam. Group work was usually well organized, and students were often free to choose their own groups, which made collaboration easier. I personally appreciated this assessment structure, as it reduced the pressure of a single final exam and encouraged consistent engagement throughout the semester. The assignments were often closely linked to real-world business problems, which helped me develop practical skills that are highly relevant for future professional careers. Overall, the academic environment at Aalto University is challenging but fair, well structured, and very supportive, making it an excellent host university for exchange students.

Everyday life in Helsinki is calm, safe, and very well organized, yet at the same time fun and exciting as a student. Public transport is extremely reliable, although relatively expensive. While Helsinki is not a very large city, there is always something going on especially for students, so it never felt boring during my exchange. The beginning of the semester is packed with events organized by the university, student associations, and ESN, which makes it very easy to meet new people. In addition, there are plenty of student parties throughout the semester, especially those organized by different faculties and student organizations. These events played a major role in social life and helped me get to know other exchange students as well as local students very quickly. In general, I found the locals to be very friendly and open, and once you start talking to people, it is easy to build connections. Sauna culture quickly became one of my favorite aspects of Finnish life. Many student residences have their own saunas, and combining sauna sessions with ice bathing or swimming in the sea was a unique and unforgettable experience. There are also many opportunities to travel, such as trips to Lapland or Tallinn, often organized by student associations at reasonable prices. While Helsinki might not be widely known as a party-heavy destination, my personal experience was quite different. Throughout the semester, there were many student parties, especially at the beginning of the term but also regularly during the semester. In addition, Helsinki offers a good selection of bars and clubs, particularly near the city center, which provided enjoyable nightlife options alongside the organized student events. Overall, the combination of an active student scene, vibrant campus life, and a strong sense of community made everyday life in Helsinki both enjoyable and memorable.

My exchange semester at Aalto University was an unforgettable and deeply enriching experience, both personally and academically. Living in Finland allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, experience a completely new culture, and create friendships with people from all over the world that will last far beyond the semester. From spontaneous sauna nights and student parties to trips within Finland and abroad, the exchange was filled with memorable moments that made the time fly by. Although the long, dark winter days and the higher cost of living can be challenging at times, they were far outweighed by the positive aspects of life in Helsinki. The welcoming atmosphere, the strong student community, and the unique combination of nature, city life, and Finnish traditions made my exchange truly special. Looking back, I can say that this semester was one of the best experiences of my studies, and I would highly recommend an exchange at Aalto University to anyone looking for an exciting, international and life-changing experience.