University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki (UH) is Finland’s largest and oldest academic institution and an innovative center of science and thinking. Since 1640, UH has contributed to the establishment of a fair and equal society that is considered one of the best in the world nurturing some of the world’s brightest minds.
Today, UH’s multidisciplinary academic community solves problems that affect us all – with the power of knowledge, for the world. UH has been an integral part of the birth of the Finnish national identity and welfare state. UH’s academic community has grown into 40 000 people scattered into 11 faculties on four campuses. UH’s strategic plan currently emphasizes four research themes: wellbeing for humans and our environment, a humane and fair world, a sustainable future for our planet, and the possibilities that limitless curiosity opens up – a universe of ideas and opportunities.
The university offers a diverse range of degree programs across various fields, from humanities and social science to natural sciences, (veterinary) medicine, and technology
Main Campus
Located centrally in the heart of Helsinki, the Main Building of the University of Helsinki is easy to find. The Central Railway Station and the metro stop named after the University of Helsinki are just a short walk away (10 min).
The “old” part of the Main Building at Senate Square was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1832. It is part of an unique Empire style milieu, including Valtioneuvostonlinna (Government Palace), Helsinki Cathedral and the National Library of Finland. The Main Building suffered major damage in the bombing raid of 1944, leading to the destruction of, for example, the original murals in the Great Hall. The building was repaired after the war, with some changes also made to the facilities. Before the war in the 1930s, the Main Building had been expanded based on J. S. Sirén’s plans to encompass the whole city block. This “new” side is located on Fabianinkatu although the separation between the two parts of the building is difficult to see.