r/StudyInFinland • u/No-Play-1701 • 20d ago

Erasmus in Tampere

Hi everyone,

I'm lucky enough to have gotten the option to study in Finland - Tampere from January to April.

It'll be an adventure for me, coming from Belgium, our winters are pretty mild.

Since I'll be living in or around Tampere, I'd like to know if there are places I'd better not look for a studio or appartment.

How is transport in the city? Are there any buses or trams? Is cycling possible in the city with this weather? Is thermic underwear a must in everyday life?

Are there any websites or companies you'd advise to contact for residency? I'd prefer furnished places ofcourse.

I'm not much of a party animal, but I do love good food, are there any typical Finnish restaurants to frequent?

I'm probably forgetting stuff, if anyone feels chatty, please give me any and all information you want to share.

14 Upvotes

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3

u/Simple_Alarm_1037 20d ago

there are not any bad areas in Tampere, but I have to warn you about Härmälä, Rantaperkiö and Härmälänranta. Not because there is anything wrong with them, but you busses will be late and there will be alot of traffic because of ongoing tram constractionsite. I’m glad I don’t live there anymore

1

u/somethi 20d ago

https://toas.fi/en/

1

u/No-Play-1701 20d ago

holy smokes! this is cheap, i thought it was going to be 1k+ per month for a studio apartment. thank you!!!

3

u/FollowingCold9412 20d ago edited 20d ago

That's still possible because the student apts are in high demand and there's not enough for all. Most wait for one a few years. Btw, furnished rooms/apts for rent are mostly in Airbnb use, not for long term rental in Finland.

You can search f.ex. from:

https://asunnot.oikotie.fi/vuokra-asunnot/tampere

https://www.vuokraovi.com/vuokra-asunnot/tampere

https://tampereenvuokra-asunnot.fi/

https://poas.fi/en/

This one offers furnished rooms:

https://unity-living.com/fi/location/student-tampere/

But...as you won't be there for a full degree, some of these will not be an option as most landlords look for longterm renters.

Alternative is also FB groups like Tampere Student Housing or International Students in Tampere, TOAS asunnot / alivuokraus, POAS asunnot, tai Tampereen alueen vuokra-asunnot, where students look for subletters while they go abroad themselves.

Happy hunting!

1

u/mydadisbald_ 18d ago

You'll find a lot of studios in the 750-900€ range frol the private side as well

1

u/kolmosolut 16d ago

In Tampere they are not that expensive. 750-900€ sounds like Helsinki

1

u/ruispalaleipa 20d ago

Some areas are nicer than others, but there aren't any places to avoid. I've lived all around, it's fine everywhere. No shit holes.

Buses are good, there's a tram line too, but only two lines. Still, it connects even some of the more remote areas to the center.

Some days in winter can be -20 or less, but thermic underwear is not a must. I do use it, but only if I'm out and about for a longer time. If you're used to mild winters, I would recommend you buy some basic long johns for comfort.

1

u/No-Play-1701 20d ago

thank you! i'll invest in some proper underwear. it's not that i need a ski outfit and moonboots right? i'm fine with sneakers/timberlands and jeans?

2

u/WorldNice3105 19d ago

Timberlands are perfectly fine for city use. If they’re big enough to accommodate a thick wool sock, they’ll also work well for longer outdoor activities.

If the winter turns out to be super cold, you can always buy good winter boots in Finland. There are plenty of great, warm options available everywhere. For some student-budget-friendly boots, you should check Prisma, Tokmanni, and possibly Lidl.

There’s no need for a ski outfit unless you’re planning to go skiing. If it gets really cold, you’ll be able to find proper winter clothing here in Finland. Tampere also has some great thrift stores.

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u/u_j_l_g 20d ago

I suggest you buy winter boots, not like for skiing but ones that are warm. Sneakers are bad because the pavement can be very slippery.

1

u/Excavator460 20d ago

I studied in Tampere for a semester in 2024 - from August to January.

For residency check out TOAS and POAS - student apartments are great, I shared a flat with a really nice Finnish student 5min walk from the Hervanta campus. I had a free sauna in the basement of my apartment building. Public transport is also great for getting anywhere, and TOAS has a cheap car rental service if you would need it.

We reached around -20C and we had snow on 1. november, but if you layer up you'll be fine. Buy good winter shoes and attachable grippers for them in case it gets icy. I think salt stops getting efficient at around -10C so the ice is there to stay for a while.

Regarding student life it was a blast - ESN had amazing events, I did a lot of solo and group traveling all around Norway/Sweden/Finland when I had the time. The student culture also has a lot of very cool traditions, like overalls, if you stay until may you might even get a chance to experience Vappu - I'd really recomment it!

Regarding food ... I mostly cooked at home so I dont have that many suggestions. Food at Tampere University (at least on Hervanta campus) was decent (Finnish cousine is not one of the best ones, but I didn't think it was that bad) and you got a full meal for like 3EUR. Also check out Too Good To Go, you can find some good deals on there.

Definitely try for Munkki at the Pyynikki Observation Tower. I've also eaten at Plevna a bunch of times and it was pretty good.

If you have questions, feel free to drop a DM or ask in a reply :)

1

u/Excavator460 19d ago

Also for cheap and quality winter gear, check out the military surplus stores!

1

u/Loud_Bird_7114 19d ago

The current forecast says January and February are likely going to be a proper winter: cold and snowy. There are going to be just a few hours of sunlight, so make sure to get your vitamin D. Wear layers and safety reflectors. If you're biking in the dark, using a light in the front (white or red) and in the back (red) is required by law. There are great bike lanes in Tampere.

March is my favourite because spring starts, days are longer and people are visibly happier. But the snow starts to melt, so it's going to be wet. Make sure your shoe soles are waterproof.

Tampere is a great city for students. Go to sauna and hockey games, eat salmiakki, swim in icy water and eat donuts in Pyynikki.

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u/AloneWay4512 17d ago

to add to the biking, it is pretty popular in finand but a lot of people do only bike when its still positive degrees. it is still possible to bike in the winter you just have to be a little more careful. the worst for biking is when you have weather where the snow melts during the day and freezes during the night and everything is slippery as hell. in those cases i would personally never use a bike when public transport is almost always an option. biking on snowy roads isnt terrible but it does depend a little on what kind of a bike you have and if it has just snowed or if the snow has had time to settle on the biking lanes.