Sorry, late response here, I don't check the forum often:
I don't remember exactly but I don't think I got many increases (1-2 maybe) and they don't seem to be related with the performance either. Now it is around 2250e/ month (net) which I reckon very high for a PhD student. I think I got an increase after the first 3 years (~100-150e) and then when it was extended further I got another increase around ~300e. I don't know how the system works either.
About the flat:
I can't say it was hard to get the flat but I did something that the majority of people wouldn't do:
1. I went for a flat that had no photos
2. I tried to call the guy (apparently the owner, not a real estate agent) and at first he would try. I insisted though
3. When I saw the flat he insisted to answer within the next couple of days if I get it or not.
Based on what I have heard there are two types of flats / landlords:
1. These who don't want to bother about the flat at all and they are not in urgent need of money (usually older people). These don't care to put photos, to answer calls or to compete in the rents
2. The ones who are on the run, either through real estate agents or alone and try to get the most out of the flat
So give it a try by asking in random ads and asking random people if they know anything. Good luck with that!
Duality wrote:Thanks again to everybody sharing their experiences!
tanilas wrote:
Hello and welcome!
Personal experience:
I am a PhD student.
- At first I was getting something like 2200e/month gross. I'd get around 1800e net, the taxation is not very high yet in these stages.
- At first I was living with 2 flatmates in a 84 square meter flat in Pikku Huopalahti. Rent was 1450, a bit under 500e/ per person.
- Now I live in a 46 square meter paying 900e in the north border of Töölö. I consider myself lucky but I think you can find good offers every now and then.
- Spending 100 per week is possible but needs good programming (i.e. not getting in the first supermarket you find and buy whatever you might need some day). You need to know what to buy from where etc.
- I don't live a big life but I don't miss anything and I even put some money aside even though I drink quite much. Alcohol is expensive!
For flat-seeking I always like Oikotie since you can search on the map. I did a search for you:
The map is centered around Töölö with min-max rent 600-900 and min-max square meters 30-50. This will filter some random ads (communes and such garbage). You can use the link.
http://asunnot.oikotie.fi/kartta/vuokra ... 7741213027
P.S. As always the thread ended up to a fight. There many people who know everything here! Be careful!
As I understood it, the PhD salary in Helsinki gradually increases over time, but is also coupled to what is called "personal performance". Could you give me an idea of what this means in reality? How often does the salary level change and can it go up and down significantly within short periods of time? It is a wage system I'm not familiar with.
Was it difficult to get the flat in Töölö? A lot of competition? It seems like a very good deal for the size and location.