Italian canteen vs Finnish canteen

Vol 28,Issue 18,13th March 2026

For many students, the university canteen is an essential part of the day: a refreshing break between lectures, where you don’t have to worry about what to cook or wash up. Just choose what you want to eat, grab your tray and sit down.

During my Erasmus experience, I had the opportunity to compare two very different realities: the Italian and Finnish university canteens. This comparison is not only about food, but also about opening hours, the organisation of the service and some cultural habits related to mealtimes.

One of the first differences I noticed was the opening hours. In Italy, university canteens are generally open for lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and for dinner from 19:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday, with lunch also available on Sundays. In Finland, on the other hand, lunch is eaten much earlier, often around 11:00. At first, this habit surprised me, because in Italy many people are still having breakfast at that time.

The pricing system also has some differences. In Italy, for example in the ADSU Chieti-Pescara canteens, the cost of a meal varies according to income bracket, calculated using the ISEE. Students in the first bracket pay around €2 per meal, while those in the second bracket pay around €3.30. This system ensures that prices are very affordable for students.

From an organisational point of view, Italian canteens offer a rather different experience to their Finnish counterparts. In Italy, after scanning the QR code linked to your electronic wallet, you join the queue and the canteen staff serve the dishes chosen by the students directly.

The menu generally offers a wide variety of options. Students can choose from a selection of first courses that change daily, as well as meat, fish or vegetarian and vegan main courses. You can also add a side dish of vegetables and choose between fruit or dessert. Personally, during the winter I really enjoy traditional desserts such as ciambellone, while in summer I prefer ice cream or fresh fruit.

Italian canteens often offer other options such as cold dishes based on cheese, cold cuts or tuna, salads, sandwiches and slices of bread. In addition, a lot of attention is paid to local products and short supply chains.

In Finland, on the other hand, I have noticed that certain foods are more common, such as potatoes and rice, which accompany many dishes. After several months here, I can jokingly say that when I return to Italy, I will probably need a break from potatoes.

Another cultural difference that surprised me concerns beverages. In Finland, it is quite common to drink milk during lunch, while in Italy, milk is typically associated with breakfast and is not consumed at lunch or dinner. In the Italian canteen in Pescara, however, students can freely fill their glasses, choosing from a variety of drinks such as still water, sparkling water, Coca-Cola, Sprite, lemonade or fruit juices.

The end of the meal is also handled differently.

In Italy, once you have finished eating, you simply place your tray on a special trolley. In Finland, on the other hand, students have to separate the different items: empty any leftovers from their plates and separate glasses, cutlery and crockery.

This system requires a few more steps on the part of the students, but it helps to facilitate the work of the staff and encourages greater attention to waste management.

Last but not least, experiencing both of these realities during an Erasmus exchange means not only discovering new flavours, but also gaining a better understanding of the small cultural differences that make university life unique in each country.