Sustainability and student exchange

Travelling to your exchange destination

University of Helsinki encourages you to choose a sustainable and environmental-friendly mode of transport when travelling to and from Finland. 

Trains are the most ecological option to travel inside of Europe, as there are considerable differences in the emissions of ships. So, if you want to reduce the carbon footprint of travelling, you should choose a ship with the lowest possible emissions and continue the journey by train. If you want to avoid ships and planes entirely, one option is Helsinki - Kemi - Haparanda - Stockholm train and bus connection. 

Flying is one of the most carbon-releasing activities of our time. Remember that the longer you stay at a place, the lower your carbon footprint is. If you must fly, you can offset the carbon. An example of a carbon offset website is myclimate.org . If you’re curious, you can read more about carbon offsetting in this How Airlines are Adopting Carbon Offsetting article. When flying, remember that direct flights are significantly more ecological than several connecting flights. 

Travelling during your exchange

Use public transportation, cycle, or walk to get around your city during the exchange. 

Helsinki's public transport is fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Journey Planner application delivers the best route in an instant for any trip inside the city, showing the travel times for different route options. In many cases, the options include different combinations of local train, bus, and tram routes. The handy service is available also in English. Due to the short distances, walking and cycling are also viable options. City bikes are a popular way to get around and complement public transit, especially in good weather.

When taking trips during your exchange, use public transportation such as train and buses, or even take a bike tour. Avoid flying, if possible.

Links and tips: 

• Trainline website helps you in finding train and bus connections in Europe
• In Finland you can find train routes and ticket prices from the webpage of the railway company VR. 
• For Finnish speaking students: "Maata pitkin" page helps you in finding train connections to European exchange destinations

University of Helsinki promotes the Green Erasmus+ initiative by the EU Commission which aims to support sustainable Erasmus projects and student mobility. 

If you are selected to Erasmus+ exchange period, you can get extra travel grant if you choose a more environmental mode of travel; namely train, bus, car-pooling and bicycle. Extra grant is 50 euros (one-time payment) and up to a maximum of 4 extra days of grant towards travel time. 

Outgoing students: If you are a University of Helsinki's degree student, you can find information on the extra grant in the article Funding for the student exchange. 

Incoming students: Contact international office of your home university and ask more information on the extra grant from there. 

As an incoming student to the University of Helsinki, there are plenty of sustainable choices to make. 

Course material on Helka

The library system Helka is available to all students at University of Helsinki. There are extensive digital resources, in addition to the physical copies found at the libraries, so you can avoid buying material for courses. It’s also possible to donate purchased books to the library, instead of throwing them away.

Student meals

UniCafé’s price for a student meal is under 3€. The vegan meal is always a bit cheaper than the non-vegan option, so the more sustainable choice is the easier one.  

Another tip for eating sustainably in Helsinki is the mobile application ResQClub, with several restaurants and food stores participating. On the app you can at a discount price buy portions that would otherwise become food waste. 

Traveling within the metropolitan area

Helsinki is one of the best cities in the world for sustainable public transit and urban mobility. Use the HSL application to navigate the city with trains, metros, buses, and even city bikes (April to October) – more information can be found higher on this page under travelling during your exchange. You can also get around the city with various companies’ electric scooters.

Buying short-term

When buying furniture and other necessities for your stay in Helsinki, consider buying second-hand, or borrowing instead of buying. 

Shop at bigger chain second-hand stores, such as Kierrätyskeskus, for furniture, and donate things back when you’re leaving if they are still I good shape. For clothes,  second-hand clothing stores such as UFF and Relove can be found all around the city. You can also look for items online or on social media, such as Facebook marketplace. As mentioned higher up on this page, in Helsinki city libraries also lend out much more than just books: games, sports equipment, tools and so on, so for temporary needs you can also look at the library.

Recycling-Friendly Residences

Recycling is one of the most direct ways to live sustainably. See this introductory guide on how to recycle and sort you waste while living in Finland. For a visual guide you can watch, “Thank you for sorting at home!” a short animated video by HSY (Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority). 

As a global citizen, you’ll be faced with many seemingly banal choices. Choose sustainably! Here are some basic aspects you’ll encounter while abroad. 

Accommodation

• Consider shared housing – it is also a good way to make friends during your exchange. Agree with your housemates on sustainable habits, such as turning the lights off when no one is using a room, lower temperature within the apartment, water saving when doing the dishes or taking a shower. 
• Find out how recycling works in your exchange destination. 
• If you need to buy pots and pans, furnishings, etc. try local recycling centres, second-hand shops, or local online recycling groups. For example, in Helsinki, city libraries lend out much more than just books: games, sports equipment, tools, etc.
• When you are leaving, sell or give away any items you no longer need – someone else might have a use for them!

Eating   

• Eat local: Strive to eat locally produced food and local recipes. Try to avoid multinational chains, whose money does not stay in the country you are visiting. 
• Eat seasonally: Pay attention to what fruits and vegetables are not only local but also seasonal and enjoy them when their time comes. This also applies to other imported goods. 
• Eat vegetarian: Consider incorporating at least one plant-based day in your time abroad like vegetarian Wednesdays or weekends. You may turn this into a friends’ challenge or your personal goal.

Getting around

• Make use of public transportation such as buses and trains, boats, and bikes. More tips and ideas on travelling can be found under travel.

Studies

• Readings: Avoid printing or buying new books
  • Try to find digital versions when possible.
  • Use library services: University libraries and local city libraries.
  • Try to locate a used copy of the book you need.

The University of Helsinki actively participates in many projects for advancing sustainability. Among them, HELSUS (Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science) is one of the most prominent institutes. Some of its projects include: 

Voices for sustainability is a university blog that builds on a vision of a sustainable future and society trough approachable science.

What the Urban focuses on multidisciplinary urban research, and it’s authored by Urbaria Community and KATUKO.

For information on sustainability as a field of study at the university see pages on Studying Sustainability, Bachelor’s Studies and/or Master’s programmes on Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) or Urban Studies and Planning. 

One of the strategic choices of the University of Helsinki is that we want to be a forerunner in responsibility and sustainability. We monitor and report on our sustainability and responsibility work. Sustainability and Responsibility Plan 2022-2024 of the University of Helsinki.

With the aim of becoming leaders in sustainable development, the University of Helsinki’s also committed to the sustainability theses established by the Finnish Council of University Rectors UNIFI. This model is a 12-aspect, 5-area statement that emphasizes a sustainable core of research, teaching, administration, societal cooperation, and preconditions for such sustainable cooperation.

We will cultivate our global responsibility and sustainable development by actively participating in international debates, projects and the drafting of research programmes and policies. As the knowledge generated by the University will support society in its path towards sustainability, we will be considered a knowledgeable and attractive partner. The SDG goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda will provide a framework for our sustainable development and responsible action.