Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT)

I already spoke english before i came here, so learning it or practicing it was never a factor. As for finnish, it is a very different language. The school offers a couple of Finnish for Foreigners courses, which are not bad. I took both courses just for learning something about the culture and the language but there is really no need for it, as most of the time you can get along fine with english, and also because most finns don't want to speak with you.

This is not the biggest town in the world and as such has its own limitations. Travel is good but a bit expensive. Do not miss the trip to Russia, it is well worth it. The international community is great. It is not too big but not too small so you will get to know a lot of people quite well.

Prepare yourself, there are many expenses to be paid when you arrive: first month of rent, security deposit, student union fee (which is mandatory, something like 40 euros for semester), student card... Health care is not a problem, there are medical facilities on campus so no need to go to the hospital.

The housing foundation (LOAS) has little regard for foreign students. THere is very little communication, most of the notices given are in Finnish, although the foreigh community is quite numerous. Complaints are not promptly addressed, and like i mentioned before, not all housing sites are good.

Well... they are not the best places in the world but there is really no other choice. Friday nights, Iltatähti is the place to be (near university) as most students are there. Saturdays you must go downtown to either Cannibals or Nite Train, but like i said the venues are not the best. If you are here during the autumn semester, DO NOT MISS FINNHITS PARTY, it is the BEST.