Student Experience in Lappeenranta, Finland

Kadamboy Khudayberganov

8 февр. 2026 г.

Studying in Finland

Moving to Finland, and specifically to Lappeenranta, to study has been a unique and eye-opening experience for me. As a student in computational science and artificial intelligence at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), I found Finland to be a country that strongly values education, technology, and personal independence.

Academic Life and Studies

Studying in Lappeenranta means being part of a highly structured but student-friendly education system. Courses are well organized, and learning is focused not only on exams but also on projects, assignments, and independent thinking. Professors expect students to take responsibility for their learning, which was challenging at first but extremely beneficial in the long run.

In technical fields such as programming, mathematics, and AI, practical work plays a major role. Group projects, coding tasks, and continuous assessment help students develop real problem-solving skills rather than memorizing theory. The atmosphere between students and professors is informal and respectful, making it easy to ask questions or request guidance.

Life in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta is a small but comfortable student city. Everything is close: the university, student housing, supermarkets, gyms, and libraries. This makes daily life simple and stress-free, especially for international students.

Public transportation works well, but many students prefer walking or cycling. Nature is a big part of life here: lakes, forests, and fresh air surround the city. Living close to nature helps maintain a good balance between studies and mental well-being.

Student Housing and Cost of Living

Student housing in Lappeenranta is relatively affordable compared to larger European cities. Many students live in shared apartments, which is a good way to meet people from different countries and cultures.

The cost of living can feel high at first, especially food prices, but student discounts help a lot. Universities, public transport, gyms, and even restaurants often offer reduced prices for students.

Culture and Social Life

Finnish culture values privacy, honesty, and equality. People may seem quiet at first, but they are friendly and helpful once you get to know them. In the university environment, everyone is treated equally regardless of background or nationality.

Social life often happens through student organizations, events, and clubs. These activities are important for building friendships and integrating into student life. Sauna culture is also a unique part of Finland, and experiencing it helped me understand local traditions better.

Challenges and Adaptation

One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the independent learning style. There is less strict supervision compared to some education systems, so time management is essential. Another challenge is the long winter and limited daylight, which requires mental adjustment and discipline.

Despite these challenges, Finland provides a safe, organized, and supportive environment. This makes it easier to focus on studies and personal development.

Personal Growth and Future Goals

Living and studying in Lappeenranta has helped me grow both academically and personally. I learned to manage my time, work independently, and collaborate in multicultural teams. Studying in Finland has strengthened my technical skills and prepared me for future opportunities in technology and research.

Studying in Lappeenranta, Finland, offers a high-quality education, a calm and safe living environment, and strong opportunities for personal growth. For students interested in technology, engineering, and AI, Finland provides not only knowledge but also the mindset needed for long-term success.

Admission to Finland Universities

This section is written by Globstudy mentors.

For international students planning to study in Finland, especially in technology-focused programs like Computational Science or AI, understanding the admission process early is extremely important. Finland has a centralized and transparent system, which makes the process clear but competitive.

1. Application System: Studyinfo.fi

All applications to Finnish universities are submitted through the national portal Studyinfo.fi. You do not apply directly to each university; instead, you:

Create an account
Choose up to 6 programs in one application round
Rank them in order of preference
Submit documents online

There are usually two main intakes:

Autumn intake (August/September start) – Main intake
Spring intake (January start) – Limited programs available

The main application period typically opens in January and closes by mid–late January.

Example

LUT is one of Finland’s leading technical universities, especially strong in:

Computational Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Energy Technology
Sustainability

For English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, admissions are competitive. LUT has rolling application until March 31 for Fall intake.

2. English Language Requirements

For English-taught programs, you must prove English proficiency. Accepted tests usually include:

IELTS Academic (typically 6.0–6.5 overall)
TOEFL iBT (usually 80–92+)
PTE Academic

Some universities accept high school education completed fully in English (depending on the country).

3. Academic Requirements

For Bachelor’s Programs:

Recognized high school diploma
Strong grades in mathematics (especially for technical programs)
Sometimes SAT/ACT (especially required by top universities)
Some universities use online entrance exams

Important Note for Uzbekistani applicants:
Finland universities do not require the completion of Foundation studies or Grade 12 for admission into Bachelor programs. Attestat (shahodatnoma) from Grade 11 is accepted as a entry requirement for Bachelor programs.