University of Helsinki
Hi to all newcomers! I’m Maryna, an ex-exchange student from Ukraine, and I have been so nostalgic lately that I even decided to write this article. I studied in Helsinki last semester and it was literally the best time of my life with the loveliest people, studies and activities! I’m sure you already know that a lot of great things are waiting for you – otherwise you would not be here now. But I know what a culture shock it all might be for you, so in this article I will try to help you make your Finnish experience more Finnish.
1. Go to the Helsinki museum
Yes, it may seem weird that such a touristic place is the first in your local bucket list. But still, knowing the history makes you feel the city and understand it better. Exhibitions are very interactive so you’ll have all the opportunities to fully immerse yourself into the Finnish capital’s history and fall in love with this city!
2. One cappuccino, please!
Finns are world leaders in drinking coffee (according to different sources it’s 10-12 kg of coffee per person yearly – how about that?). So if you want to feel merged with locals, get ready to find your favorite spots. Of course you already know about Regatta and Robert’s coffee. However, there are places that are left unspoken but still worth visiting even more than others – so go exploring! My personal advice is Kahvila Siili – this will be your absolute favorite if you like to sit in cozy yard surrounded by nature and sip a cup of good coffee.
3. Go to saunas naked
Well, um.. there is nothing to explain here – nudity is an essential part of Finnish sauna culture. But yeah, you can skip this one.
4. Study in the libraries
Perhaps you are already used to do that. But there are reasons to keep on doing it in Helsinki. First of all, city libraries are modern and cozy at the same time. It’s a great choice if you like feeling comfy but still productive while studying. If you like silence (you’re right where you belong) I don’t recommend Oodi – it’s gorgeous but only suitable if you like some background noise: there are always a lot of tourists, families with kids and people who come there not to study. By the way, about that – this library is equipped with a lot of stuff: from musical instruments and PlayStations to 3D-printers. So you’ll always have something to do there!
At the end of the day, libraries are full of good literature and good people. The person who is telling you this started a conversation with a stranger in Kaisa-talo in February – and you know what? I went to her family cabin for the mid-summer holiday! What I want to say is that you may start a good friendship that will last longer than just a semester. I should admit though, talking to to Finnish people in a random place isn’t particularly “normal” behavior locally, but you can always be sure that shy Finns will excuse an international student breaking their private space a little bit – they are usually very curious about foreigners’ impressions of their motherland. And who knows – maybe you’ll fulfil all your friendship goals together!
5. Opi suomea Learn Finnish
Is the only way you practice Finnish saying “kiitos” to the cashier? Well, the country will never feel like home if you don’t know the language. Even though it’s impossible to become an advanced Finnish speaker during one semester (text me in half a year if you did, I’ll travel to your country and shake your hand), it still helps to get a hang of the culture + it’s always good to understand what others are talking about around you. Personally I attended one of the Language Center’s Finnish classes: homework was practically-oriented and classwork was actually useful and super fun! But if you don’t want to go that deep, I have a task for you: go to a new coffee shop this week (you remember the 2nd paragraph, right?), write down phrases you will need while ordering a drink, and practice them!
Note: it’s better to choose the most distant coffee shop so you’ll never ever see that barista again. Just in case.
6. Enjoy the snow
Because you have no other choice. It will follow you all the time wherever you go, even if it’s the laundry room in the building in front of you – so appreciate its support! In all seriousness, there is no bad weather – there is only a wrong attitude. No matter if you like it or not, Finnish winters are definitely something that makes this country special – so chill and make this experience a cool one! (yes, that’s me trying to be funny) And of course take advantage of Finnish silence – where else can you hear how snowflakes fall on your head?
7. Explore sisu
Sisu is a Finnish word that describes determination and courage, the ability to go through hard times even when you feel like you already reached your breaking point. The tough climate made Finnish culture full of tests of one’s limits – does ice diving mean something to you? You can start with something easier – for example, go hiking even if it’s damn freezing. There are a lot of national parks, right? A lot of people appreciate Finnish nature but only strong and brave ones do that in its coldest. It might be not the most comfortable time of the year to climb the slippery slopes that seem like they are trying to kill you, but as my Finnish friend said: don’t take it personally. And trust me – it’s worth it!
And of course, as an exchange student you’ll have a lot of cases where you’ll test your stamina as never before. Homesickness, new cultures, difficult classes in foreign language, making new friends and saying good-bye to them when you are as close as possible – all these take guts. But that is the most beautiful thing about being abroad – you develop and broaden your comfort zone so one day you feel you are comfortable with everything. Of course, that day won’t come easily: it takes a lot of time, many adventures and a good amount of sisu.
8. ..and explore CISSI!
And of course, such an experience as the one you’re going through at the moment is all about people. People who help you to adapt, people who experience the same struggles as you do, people who are ready to teach you new life lessons and take those from you – all these people are the biggest treasure you can find in Helsinki right now. And one of the reasons I joined CISSI half a year ago and strongly recommend you doing this is the fact that all these people are gathered here – in the organization whose blog you are reading. It is of immeasurable value not to just be a guest at events but actually to participate in organizing them – to be a part of a big international community that is based on the same values as yours. So if you want to make new friends and sometimes work with them, have fun and improve your professional skills and leave your own tiny mark in the host country – come on Election Day on September 19th (and say hello to the Board for me!)
Well, I think that’s it! Even though I really wanted this to be a top 10 list, I’m sure that in a semester (or two) you’ll be able to complete it with your own tips, memories and inside jokes. I wish you the best time in the North, and remember: this isn’t all about Finland – it’s more about yourself ❤️