Lappeenranta, a city of 72 000 residents located in the South-east Finland combines a cozy small-town atmosphere with full-scale urban comforts. Our local and international students consider Lappeenranta an excellent place to live and study – small enough to feel like home and large enough to be stimulating.
According to the International Student Barometer 2017, our international students are satisfied with their studies, study support services and accommodation in Lappeenranta.
It is easy to travel to and from Lappeenranta. The train ride to Helsinki takes only 2 hours, and St. Petersburg is a 1.5-hour train journey away. In addition to the railway connections, direct flights to Milan, Budapest and Berlin are available. In the summer, you can also fly to Athens and Thessaloniki.
One in ten residents is a student
In Lappeenranta, one in every ten residents is a student. The campus is located in a district called Skinnarila, and students refer to the strong sense of community on campus as the Skinnarila Spirit. The general idea behind it is that in Skinnarila, no one is ever left alone and students are always ready to help each other. Therefore, the team spirit on campus is without parallel.
There are a lot of restaurants and shops in Lappeenranta. Many of them offer student discounts, so you don’t have to worry about the prices. In addition to services, housing in Lappeenranta is also very inexpensive compared to larger Finnish cities. You can either live in a student house or find a home on the private market.
From swimming and running to ice skating and skiing
Lappeenranta is one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. It is surrounded by Lake Saimaa, and therefore, you will find many running and skiing trails along the shoreline. The harbour houses many restaurant ships where you can enjoy the views, whether it’s spring, summer or autumn. In the winter, you can go skating on the ice or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in a café that has been voted the best one in Finland in 2018 and 2020.
Lappeenranta, a forerunner in renewable energy and clean living environments, has been named the climate capital of Finland. The city is committed to energy-efficiency and sustainable development. This is supported by, for example, installing solar panels on the rooftops of new buildings and by encouraging people to use public transport or bikes to get around. For students, however, most services are within walking distance from the campus.
In conclusion; in Lappeenranta you will be surrounded by nature, services and most importantly a strong community of students. What is not to love?
You can read more about Lappeenranta from here.
