Information and tips for Erasmus students in Turku
Erasmus in Turku
| Apartments Turku | 19 | 1109/month |
Are you looking forward to doing your Erasmus in Turku? This Finnish city is an ideal destination for international students. Located on the south-west coast of the country, it’s the oldest city in Finland and one of the most important in terms of education, thanks to its prestigious universities such as the University of Turku (Turun yliopisto) and Åbo Akademi University.
The cost of living in Turku is higher compared to other Erasmus destinations, but it’s still more affordable than in Helsinki. Students often opt for university halls of residence or shared flats to reduce expenses.
Discover everything Turku has to offer!
Cost of living in Turku, Finland
The cost of living in Turku depends on each student's lifestyle, but in general, it’s possible to live on a tight budget if you plan your expenses well. Adding up accommodation, transport, food and leisure, a student can live in Turku on a budget of approximately €800-1100 per month.
Accommodation is usually the highest expense for students. Renting a room in a student residence costs between €230 and €500 per month, while a room in a shared flat costs around €600 to €900.
Transport in Turku is efficient. A monthly pass for students costs approximately €57 and allows unlimited travel by bus. Even so, many people prefer to cycle, as the city has good infrastructure for this mode of transport.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Turku
Turku is a university town with a very active social life. There are numerous bars, pubs and nightclubs that are popular with students, such as Forte Nightclub and Night Club Marilyn. In addition, student associations organise themed parties and cultural events throughout the year.
If you enjoy festivals, in summer you can enjoy Ruisrock, one of Finland's largest music festivals, featuring national and international artists. There are also events such as the Turku Music Festival and the Medieval Market, which transports the city back to medieval times.
For more peaceful plans, you can stroll along the Aura River, have a picnic in the Botanical Garden of the University of Turku, or visit the Finnish archipelago, one of the most impressive in the world.
Culture and gastronomy in Turku, Finland
This is Finland's oldest city and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. If you want to delve into local history, you should visit Turku Castle, an impressive medieval fortress. You can also visit Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko), considered the most important religious building in the country. In addition, the Turku History Museum (Turun historia museo) offers a detailed insight into the city's past.
As for gastronomy, in Turku you can try typical Finnish dishes such as "karjalanpiirakka" (rice pie), "lohikeitto" (salmon soup with cream and dill) or "mustamakkara" (black pudding served with lingonberry jam).
For affordable options, university canteens and restaurants such as Deliberi Hansakortteli, Ravintola Komppeli, or Taco Nito offer reasonably priced local and international cuisine.
Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Turku
Doing an exchange in Turku has some pros and cons that will influence your stay.
Advantages
- It’s a safe and quiet town, making it ideal for international students.
- The quality of education is excellent, with highly regarded universities at European level.
- Students receive discounts on transport, food and events, which helps to reduce the cost of living.
- The nature is breathtaking: rivers, forests and the stunning archipelago are all within easy reach.
- The international atmosphere is very lively, with many opportunities to meet people from different countries.
Disadvantages
- The climate can be challenging, with long, cold winters and little sunlight for several months.
- The cost of living is high compared to other Erasmus destinations, especially for accommodation and food.
- Even though most people speak English, Finnish language is difficult to learn,
- Turku is a small city, so nightlife and leisure activities may be less varied than in other European cities.
Cheap student accommodation in Turku, Finland
Do you need accommodation in Turku and don't know how to find it? At Erasmus Play, you can find the best flats, rooms and student residences in Turku.
FAQ about doing Erasmus in Turku
How much does it cost to live in Turku as a student?
The cost of living is around €800-1,100 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle.
What’s student life like in Turku?
It’s very lively, with many activities organised by universities and student associations. In addition, the city has bars, festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
How much does student accommodation cost in Turku?
A room in a hall of residence costs between €230 and €500 per month, while a room in a shared flat costs around €600 to €900 per month.
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Turku?
It depends on the country of origin and the university. It’s advisable to consult with the relevant institution.
What’s transport like in Turku for students?
Transport is efficient and students can obtain a monthly pass for approximately €57. However, many people prefer to get around by bicycle.
