Aalto University's campus is right next to a nature conservation area. We accompanied an expert on an outing to learn what makes it unique – and what can be done about biodiversity loss.
Studying at the Aalto campus
Aalto University’s campus is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, close to both nature and the city buzz. The campus area offers an opportunity to live in a full-service campus setting: an environment for living, studying and leisure.
The Aalto campus is located in Otaniemi, in the city of Espoo. Otaniemi is home to a lively community, and it could be even described as a small town in itself with excellent services from study hubs to restaurants and cafes, stores and sports facilities. The location is a perfect balance of vivid city life and nature: hop on a metro and travel to the heart of Helsinki in less than 15 minutes or head to the neighbouring nature reserve to catch some fresh air.
Otaniemi is home to a wide variety of urban environments, districts, and buildings. The heart of the Aalto University campus with its iconic buildings is the design work of Alvar Aalto, but the campus area has other architectural gems, too. Read more about the campus architecture here.
Why Aalto campus is a fantastic place to study
- Stunning nature. The campus is located by the sea, right next to a nature conservation area.
- Public transport. Aalto has its own metro station along with bus and tram lines. A few metro stops from Helsinki city centre.
- Architectural gem. Buildings designed by architects such as Alvar Aalto, and Reima and Raili Pietilä.
- Excellent services. Restaurants, bars, grocery stores, second-hand stores, gyms, a pharmacy... everything you need for everyday living!
- Versatile study facilities. Workshops, studios, labs and group learning spaces, some of which are accessible around the clock.
Living and commuting
Being a student in Otaniemi is a holistic experience since it’s possible to live, study, work and spend your free time all in the same treasure trove – a unique ecosystem dedicated to students, academic life, recreation, and startup businesses. There’s even a term for never needing to leave Otaniemi – ‘otaantuminen’, becoming one with Otaniemi! When you need a change of scenery though, the metro, tram and bus lines are just around the corner.
Study spaces
On Aalto campus, students can use the various self-study and group work spaces, studios, labs and workshops. Some of the spaces are available for students around the clock. One of the students’ favourites must be the stunning Learning Centre, designed by architect Alvar Aalto, which offers library services, silent study areas, group work facilities, and a café, to name a few. In the fall 2024, we opened Marsio, a new meeting and event space open to everyone, located right at the heart of the campus. There are also various event venues on campus that can be rented.
Student community and hobbies
Friends, parties, fun traditions and much more! Hundreds of different associations operate within the Aalto University Student Union (AYY). These give you the opportunity to attend events, find new hobbies or become an active member of a smaller community within Aalto. The associations have different spaces available for students, such as guild rooms, party venues, band rooms, saunas and sport facilities.
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Nature and sport on campus
Being located by the seaside and right next to a nature reserve, Otaniemi is a fantastic environment for nature-loving people. In addition to the outdoor opportunities, Otaniemi Sports Park and a Unisport gym offer great fitness and sporting facilities. There are also various sport-related student associations within the AYY through which you can attend sporting events or find a fun hobby.
Along with a well-equipped gym and versatile exercise rooms, UniSport offers a wide selection of ball sports, group training classes as well as massage and personal training services. Student's best training buddy is the UniSport Training Card, which students can purchase at a lowered price.
Otaniemi sports park, one of Espoos sports parks, is situated on Otaniemi campus.
Campus services and development
Aalto’s main campus in Otaniemi boasts a wonderful mix of new and old – the foundation for the campus was laid decades ago, but even today, it is constantly transforming itself to fit the needs of the Aalto community as new facilities and services pop up. A range of services at Otaniemi are available for both students and the wider public. You can find Aalto University’s own shop, dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars, grocery stores, a pharmacy, a second-hand store, a hairdresser and much more.
Campus restaurants and cafés
For special hours, please check each restaurant's website.
Otaniemi campus to develop into a lively neighbourhood
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
