Information and tips for international and Erasmus students in Tampere
Erasmus in Tampere
| Private rooms Tampere | 4 | 397/month |
| Apartments Tampere | 13 | 826/month |
Can you imagine doing your Erasmus exchange in Tampere? This Finnish city is an excellent choice for international students. It 's the third largest city in the country and has a large student community thanks to the University of Tampere (Tampereen yliopisto). Its university atmosphere, natural surroundings and quality of life make it a very attractive destination. It’s surrounded by lakes and forests, allowing you to enjoy many outdoor activities.
The cost of living in Tampere can be high compared to other Erasmus cities, but with good planning it’s possible to stick to a reasonable budget. Transport is efficient, although cycling is also a popular option among students. Discover everything Tampere has to offer!
Cost of living in Tampere, Finland
The cost of living in Tampere varies depending on each student's lifestyle, although living in Finland is generally quite expensive. Adding up accommodation, food, transport and some leisure activities, a student can spend between €800-1200 per month.
The biggest expense is usually accommodation. Rooms in shared flats cost from €350 per month, depending on the location and amenities. A room in a hall of residence costs between €200–600 per month.
Transport in the city is efficient, with a network of buses and trams connecting the entire city. A monthly transport pass costs around €45, although students are eligible for discounts. In addition, cycling is a popular option among students, especially in spring and summer.
As far as food is concerned, the cost can vary between €250-450 (the budget includes an expenditure of around €40-90 per week).
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Tampere
Tampere has a very active student life. Although it’s not as large as Helsinki, it has many bars and clubs where students often gather. Some of the most popular places are the Moro Sky Bar (a bar with beautiful views of the city at sunset), Bar IHKU Tampere (with karaoke), and Thrasherie Bar (with a more alternative atmosphere).
If you prefer quieter activities, there are many options for enjoying the city. You can stroll along Lake Näsijärvi, take a walk through Pyynikki, a park with a viewpoint from which you can see the entire city, or relax in Särkänniemi, an amusement park with a panoramic tower.
Tampere also hosts festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most important is the Tampere Film Festival, an international short film festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Culture and gastronomy in Tampere, Finland
Although it’s less well known than Helsinki, Tampere has plenty of cultural sites to visit. For example, if you’re interested in history, you can visit the Vapriikki Museum (Vapriikin museo), which has exhibitions on Finnish history, video games and nature. Another interesting option is the Milavida Museum, located in a 19th-century mansion and featuring exhibitions on local culture.
For nature lovers, Tampere offers many green spaces and hiking trails. For longer getaways, Seitseminen National Park (Seitseminen kansallispuisto) is an excellent option for those who want to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
As for gastronomy, there are several typical dishes you can try. One of the most popular is "mustamakkara" (a type of black pudding with blueberry jam), which is sold in local markets. Other traditional dishes include "kalakukko" (a fish and pork pie in rye bread) and "karjalanpiirakka" (a rice pastry).
Some affordable restaurants for students are Ullan Grilli Tammelantori or Tapola Tammelantori.
Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Tampere
Studying in Tampere has certain pros and cons that are worth considering when choosing it as an exchange destination.
Advantages
- The student atmosphere in Tampere is very lively thanks to the University of Tampere and its international community.
- The city’s safe and peaceful, making it ideal for focusing on your studies and enjoying the surroundings.
- If you enjoy nature, Tampere offers many lakes and forests where you can go hiking, skiing in winter, or even try a traditional Finnish sauna.
- Another advantage is its location. From Tampere, you can easily travel to Helsinki by train in less than two hours, and there are also cheap flights to other European countries from its airport.
Disadvantages
- The climate can be challenging, especially in winter, when temperatures can drop below -10°C and there is little sunlight.
- The cost of living is high compared to other Erasmus destinations, although with good organisation it’s possible to stay within budget.
- Although many people speak English, Finnish is the main language, which can make some procedures more complicated if you do not have prior knowledge.
- For those seeking a non-stop party destination, Tampere may not be the ideal destination.
Cheap student accommodation in Tampere, Finland
Do you need accommodation in Finnish city and don't know how to find it? On Erasmus Play you can find the best flats, rooms and student residences in Tampere.
FAQ about doing Erasmus in Tampere
How much does it cost to live in Tampere as a student?
The cost of living is between €800-1200 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle.
What’s student life like in Tampere?
The city has a very lively atmosphere, with many international students. In addition, there are festivals, bars, and outdoor activities throughout the year, such as the Tampere Film Festival.
How much does student accommodation cost in Tampere?
A room in a shared flat can cost from €600 per month, not including additional expenses such as electricity or heating. In halls of residence, they cost between €200 and €600 per month.
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Tampere?
It depends on the country of origin and the university of each student. It’s recommended to consult with the relevant institution for accurate information.
What’s transport like in Tampere for students?
A monthly travel pass costs around €45, but there are also discounts for students. In addition, many people cycle during the warmer months.
