7 reasons to choose the University of Helsinki

08 Nov 2016

Choosing the ‘perfect’ university could wind up to be the most important decision of your life. While there’s really no such thing as perfect, we find that the University of Helsinki comes pretty close as far as education goes.

While it may seem unconventional to choose Finland over say the U.S. or the UK to further your studies, it’s precisely for this reason that you would gain a new experience and dare we say, a fresh perspective that you simply wouldn’t find in any other country.

Interested to know more? Here are 7 reasons why the University of Helsinki is one of Europe’s best:

1. Finland is known as the ‘World’s Safest Country’

According to the World Economic Forum, Finland is the safest country to visit, beating the likes of Belgium, Australia and Germany. Aside from that reassuring factor, the country is known as one of the best to live in due to its excellent education system, quality of life and overall stability. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but you shouldn’t be afraid of any language barriers in this country, because Finns are among the best non-native English speakers in the world!

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2. The university is at the top of its research game

As the biggest university in Finland, Helsinki is the top multidisciplinary learning university with over 35,000 students currently enrolled. It boasts an alumnus of 180,000 people worldwide, including Finnish economist Bengt Holmström, who was granted the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Known for its first-class education, research and innovation, the University of Helsinki is one of the founding members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

The university has four doctoral schools, which offer a total of 32 programmes entirely taught in English. As of now, there are 4,700 students doing a PhD with one-fourth of them hailing from international roots. Besides leading the way through research and education, the University of Helsinki has created a meeting place for research, the public and wider society, known as Think Corner.

Built around scientific themes and individual events, the programme deals with current issues and research conducted at the University and best of all, everyone is welcome to join, learn and discuss ideas with each other.

3. It has Finn-tastic attractions

image courtesy of the University of Helsinki

The country represents the perfect blend of natural and urban landscapes, making it really great for students seeking a lively city with a hint of the great outdoors. And there’s so much to see, do and learn in this bustling metropolis! If you’re an outdoor person who hates being cooped up for too long, you’ll be happy to know there’s at least one public park in every part of the city.

Feeling a little tired? Take a peaceful stroll or for something more challenging, try out the scenic nature trails. Aside from that, you could spend the day visiting Helsinki’s most iconic buildings, including the Think Corner, the National Library, the Helsinki Observatory, The Finnish Museum of Natural History, the Botanic Gardens, and the new award-winning City Centre Campus Library.

4. A bright future

With strong degree programs, reputable teaching staff and world-class research facilities that include cutting-edge technology and laboratories, it’s no wonder the University of Helsinki is consistently ranked in the top 100 universities by the prestigious Times Higher Education. If you’re searching for a university that not only guarantees a good education, but also prospects after you graduate, this place could be the one.

Image courtesy of the University of Helsinki

According to CIMO, an organisation that provides services on international mobility and co-operation, the number of international students seeking higher education in Finland has rapidly increased over the years. This may be because the prospects for graduates seem more and more promising, with almost 50 percent of Finland’s foreign graduates who finding employment in the country.

5. Wide range of choices

With more than 40,000 students and staff members, the University of Helsinki is an international academic community. It operates on four campuses in the capital city and in nine other localities in the country.

The university poses 11 faculties, including: the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish School of Social Science. For more information on specific faculties and the admission process, you can contact the Admission services.

In addition to the faculties, the university also boasts several independent research-orientated institutes and multidisciplinary research networks on all four campuses.

6. A new experience

Finding a university to suit all your requirements can be difficult. Aside from a fantastic programme and reputable staff and facilities, students want to ensure they can have a great time too. Luckily for you, the University of Helsinki feels strongly about creating the best possible experience when you begin your tertiary education. The Helsinki Student Union (HYY) is culturally rich and diverse, hosting 250 student organisations to provide as many opportunities for students to meet new people and try out new activities.

Image courtesy of the University of Helsinki

7. Lights, city, action!

Beautiful, colourful and full of life, Helsinki is the cultural city you’d really like to get to know. With trendy cafes, food festivals and amazing Christmas markets, this city is anything but boring. But the capital isn’t the only thing that makes Finland special; it’s also one of the few places you can witness the breath-taking Northern Lights, ticking one of the boxes off your must-see travel list. But don’t just take our word for it – his Nordic seaside capital with four lovely seasons has been named the third best country for any keen global wanderer, making it the only European nation to make it into the top 10, according to the respected Lonely Planet Guide.

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