Oulun Seudun Ammattikorkeakoulu

There are no really big clubs in Oulu but 45 Special is a really good rock club. Almost every other club plays the same commercial music, though Giggling Marlin is usually a good night out and you can avoid the cheesy techno that the Finns love so much ! Avoid Cuba and Loop. Oulu dosent attract many good live bands but has a number of good Jam sessions, notably in Never Grow Old and 45 Special.

The accomodation is cheap (120€ per month) but you need to share a small two bedroom flat with three other people. Finnish residents in accomodation will complain about any noise you make.

Alcohol is expensive, but you can make your own ! The polytechnic lunches are very good value and pizza in Oulu is cheap too.

When coming to Finland use Finnair to get a standby ticket to fly from Helsinki to Oulu. You need to be under 25 though. Put money aside to travel to Russia and Estonia. Dont worry about the weather. It does get to -30 at times but its not usually too bad ! Also, it really isnt dark all the time here in the winter, if you are from a northern European country it isnt too different. The sausages here are awful. Really awful.

Almost everyone in Finland speaks at least basic English. If you try to speak Finnish to a local you will usually get a reply in English. Not easy to learn the language but you dont really need to !