Exchange Report

Before going on exchange, I had to organize two different aspects: transportation, accommodation. I signed up for the courses at Aalto University on their website shortly after arriving in Helsinki. Transport: It is very convenient to book a flight to Helsinki and the airport in Helsinki is one of the nicest and cleanest airports I have seen. From the airport you can take a direct train to the city center. I recommend downloading the HSL app for transportation. Accommodation: Regarding accommodation, you will find many opportunities on where to apply for housing on the Aalto website. I lived in the HOAS student dormitory in Jätkäsaari, a peninsula. Jätkäsaari is located between the city center and Aalto university which makes it a great location to reach both destinations quite easily by public transport. While some students live in student accommodation on campus, others live in the city center.

Accommodation: Regarding accommodation, you will find many opportunities on where to apply for housing on the Aalto website. A student who went on her own exchange officially subletted her room in Helsinki to me. Therefore, I did not have to apply for housing. I lived in the HOAS student dormitory in Jätkäsaari, a peninsula. Jätkäsaari is located between the city center and Aalto university which makes it a great location to reach both destinations quite easily by public transport. The tram to the city center leaves approx. 2min away from the HOAS building and the metro station is like 5-10min away from the HOAS residence. While some students live in student accommodation on campus, others live in the city center. The HOAS student dormitory was very clean. I lived in a shared appartment with two other students and we shared the bathroom, kitchen and the living space. Student dorms often have sauna included which is shared among all the residents. There was also a washing room (washing machine and dryers) included with no extra fee. The neigbourhood is very safe. I can only recommend living in Jätkäsaari as I enjoyed it a lot.

The academic as well as social life at Aalto University is amazing. Campus facilities: The campus is huge and there are many (more than 5) canteens around campus where you can get lunch or dinner (until 6pm) for three euros. You can choose between different dishes. The three euros include salad, main dish, water, milk and bread with butter. Academic culture: We often had to write personal reflections and do group projects. I really enjoyed the practical experience that I gained. Student culture: Every new student can buy one of the famous overalls. Throughout the semester you will then collect patches and sew them on your overall. Aalto offers many activities and events for students and exchange students. Teaching style: The teachers are very approachable and down-to-earth. They will lead discussions and ask the students to share their experiences. You can always text them via e-mail and they will try to help and support you. Course recommendations: I would recommend all the courses that I took, especially "Global Political Economy" and "Public Speaking".

Public transport: I recommend downloading the HSL app. During orientation week the university staff will explain you how to get your monthly ticket for public transport. You can buy a monthly ticket for each month or you can go to a counter and buy the public transport ticket for the whole stay. Safety situation: Helsinki is very safe and I never had the feeling of being in danger. Afterall, Finland is known for being the happiest country on Earth. Social/leisure activities: You can easily buy a membership card for different sports activities through Aalto university. You can go swimming in the cold sea and enjoy the sauna culture. Events: I would definitely recommend volunteering at Slush if you go on exchange in the fall semester. Slush is the biggest start-up and investor conference worldwide and it takes place every year in Helsinki in November. I volunteered at Slush and it was one of the highlights of my exchange. You get to know so many like-minded and motivated people (from Aalto and outside from Aalto, from Finland and internationals). If you want to volunteer, you should apply by the end of August (at least that is how it was when I went on exchange).

Studying at Aalto was one of the best student experiences during my master's program. I got to know the local culture, experience the unique student culture and make new friends from all over the world. Volunteering at Slush and travelling to Lappland were definitely the highlights of the exchange.