If you’ve just started your first year of University here at Helsinki or are a new exchange student, you might feel overwhelmed, confused and a bit lost. No need to fret! We here at Her Campus at Helsinki have been through that all – some of us more than once – and know just how strange and stressful it may all seem in the beginning. So here is everything you need to know to get through the first few weeks on campus and to make the transition to your new life at the University of Helsinki smoother!
Where to get your daily caffeine dose
If you can’t live without caffeine, coffee shops in and around campus are a must. They’re also great for anyone wanting to sit back and relax for a while. Have a nice cup of deliciously discounted coffee for 1,25 € from one of the Unicafe coffee shops located around campus to calm your nerves and get you through the party-induced sleep deprivation. Our personal favorite, Portaali, also has a good selection of teas, pastries and even specialty coffees. Located in the ‘tube’ connecting Aleksandria to Porthania, it’s also a handy spot for a quick take-away while running from the library to a lecture. You’re welcome!
Gaudeamus Kirja & Kahvi, located downstairs at the Kaisa library is also a bookstore (and a great one to boot!) and serves specialty coffees, too. They organize literature events monthly, so keep your eyes open for interesting guest speakers on various topics. If you really want to treat yourself, Fratello Torrefazione has a café just opposite Porthania. Granted, it’s not student priced, but their espressos are worth the occasional dent in your budget. If you’re looking for calm and serenity, head for the cozy Think Corner located on the corner of Fabianinkatu and Aleksanterinkatu, an oasis amidst the often hectic student life. Snatch yourself a seat by the window and people-watch passersby on the busy boulevard.
The Kaisa Library
To get the best reading spot in the library, it’s worth arriving early to beat the crowds. If you want to save a couple of euros and bring your own snacks instead of taking the lift down to the K-Market, there’s a well hidden student kitchen on the 3rd floor of the library where you can warm your lunch in the microwave or boil water for your tea. Kaisa has also one of the best views on campus: take a lift to the top floor and admire the scenery from the balcony overlooking the Senate Square. It’s also a great spot for reading when the weather permits!
Unicafés
If you’re living alone for the first time or just aren’t a master chef, Unicafé is a life-saver. For 2.60 € you can eat a wholesome lunch that will give you energy to last till the evening. Hint: the Unicafé on Ylioppilasaukio has a lavish salad bar and is also open on Saturdays! Those who prefer sandwiches, can head to Portaali café, which has a good selection for the same price as lunch. The K-Market downstairs from the library, on the other hand, caters to all your snack needs and also sells coffee for just one euro!
The University Main Building
If you’re a student in the city centre campus, you’ll probably have lectures in the University main building, most likely in the ‘newer’ side. Don’t forget to have a look in the old side of the building, facing the Senate Square. Walking on the marble floor amongst the old statues and busts is a reminder of the rich history of your new academic home. You’re a part of that history now, so make the most of it! You might also bump into some tourists admiring the old building.
Need to relax?
Sometimes you’ll just feel like the deadline is too close and the walls of the library are falling in on you. Take a quick walk to get some fresh air and clear your head. You’re just a stone’s throw away from the seaside and the beautiful harbor with sailboats. If you enjoy the atmosphere of bookstores, head for Sofia, the second-hand bookstore just next to the library. Their selection is largely influenced by the vicinity of the university, so you can find books on pretty much everything from politics to architecture, and maybe even some of your compulsory course reading!