Where to go for student exchange: Helsinki or Tampere?

[Martin85]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum, but I'm glad to have found it, looking for some adwise.
I'm planning to go to Finland as an exchange student, and there is the possibility either to go to Helsinki or to Tampere. Now that I've never been to one of these cities or to Finland in general (which is the reason that I'm going there ), I wondered which citiy would be the most interesting one for a foreign student who wants to get to know this country and its people. Until now, I tended to prefer Helsinki, as it's the capital city, and I thought one would meet the most students and people there. Also, there seems to be an active network for those students coming from abroad. But then again, I heard that everyone from my home university, who went to Finland for exchange, decided to go to Tampere (although I don't know why).
I thought there might be some people around here who already made some experience as an exchange student in Helsinki or Tampere and would like to share it. Or maybee some finnish students, who could give me some clues that I can base my decision on? Anyway, your information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Hank W.]

What are you studying?

[Salopian]

Some of these may help:

Tampere
Courses, etc - it's easier to find courses this way rather than searching the uni pages.
Student activities
Erasmus group, Tampere

Tampere's not too big or too small, and there would be plenty of fellow erasmus jokers and Finns, etc to have fun with. If you do decide to go there, apply to TOAS for a room early, or you'll end up in Lapinkaari, where you would be able to hear the person in next room breathing - if only the Spanish students in the kitchen would stop partying/fooking about with drums for long enough. And that's if you get a room

Helsinki is under two hours and €13 (each way with student card) away for visiting.

[Martin85]

Thanks fort the replies. To answer the first question: I'm studying computer science. Since I'll paticipate in the Erasmus programm, I can choose between the Tampere University of Technology and the University o Helsinki, but I don't see any problems regarding the available courses.
I was more interested in student life at those cities, possibilities and activities for international students, things like that, as it's difficult to figure it out without beeing there yourself or knowing someone who was. Thanks for the links Salopian, they will be helpful! So there's an active communitiy for international students in Tampere, right? At first I was a bit sceptical about Tampere regarding its size, but I think I was wrong.
Is there anyone who can give information about Helsinki, too?

[luckykitty]

Tampere's a bit smaller than Helsinki, in terms of how many people are there. Not that Helsinki is very big, but I think it has a more metropolitan 'feel', while Tampere is more laid back. The first time I came to Helsinki I thought it was very 'cold', like the surroundings, and people, but when you get used to it, Helsinki is quite nice to live in, its like not too big, not too small... i like it alot. But it really depends what type of person you are... actually also Tampere can be more sunny in the summer than Helsinki, but Helsinki is nice in the summer too. Anyway, there is a big theme park in Tampere http://www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/index.php?lang=en, if you're into that. You can get yearly themepark pass for the price of like 2 entry fees or something. Also the ryanair airport is in Tampere, if u ever get bored of Finland or Tampere, u can simply fly away for a quick break! . As for student life, I think they are pretty much equal, since Tampere is also big student town, like people around finland go there for university, similar to Helsinki. But u should maybe try to get in touch with some students and ask them about the student life . Have fun on ur exchange!

[Martin85]

Thanks for the info to all of you! I'll keep it in mind when I make my decision.

[Hank W.]

Yeah, as far as studies go, neither of the unis are that outstanding from each other that would weigh in, both are as good in comp.sci . Now Tampere is a more "concise" place, there is a distinct centre and it isn't quite as big of a sprawl as Helsinki that you can define several "city centres". And as it is surrounded by the lakes, it is maybe more of an experience of "Finland" and not so much "Civilization inside ring 3" - its easy to take a few hours trip and see places, Tampere is pretty well connected, and no doubt the Orgasmus group takes the students to Lapland and dips them into the ice and all that crap. Helsinki then again is trying to be a metropolis, so there is much to do - too much to do - and you can disappear into the party life.. what studies?

[Martin85]

Thanks again! Sounds like Tampere is the better place for me, as I definitely want to experience the country of Finland more than its party life (I can do that back in Germany, too )

[enk]

I've studied (minor) in CS in both Tampere and Helsinki and there's not
really any difference in the departments. As a city, I prefer Tampere
by far.

-enk

[Linda]

I was more interested in student life at those cities, possibilities and activities for international students, things like that, as it's difficult to figure it out without beeing there yourself or knowing someone who was.

There is also an active ESN section at the University of Helsinki, so there should be enough for you to do in Helsinki, too!

[dar1us]

I guess I'm a bit late but I wouldn't recommend Tampere. It is oversaturated with Erasmus students. You might as well go to Spain and leave with better thoughts about Spanish people

In HUT at least there aren't as much exchange students. The foreigners are mostly Asian and spend their time rather studying than vandalising student apartments

[Martin85]

I guess I'm a bit late

Indeed, but thanks for your reply anyway. By now, I have chosen to go to Tampere, and this decision is definite. Besides, meeting other international students should be interesting enough, so I'm looking forward to it

[ALIISA]

HeLLsinki RULES!!!

Helsinki is better...and more international...for foreign people!