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I spent a week with no sunlight: A December to RememberĀ
By Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland I went on an ESN trip to Northern Finnish Lapland, what an experience. Now just to state, you donāt have to go with ESN, you go via train and rent a car there, get a cabin and plan your own activities. I chose to go with ESN as itās an organised package rip, meaning youāve got little room for error and canāt get lost or stuck on your own in the freezing cold (which is always a bonus). I will add that the ESN trip was a lovely way to meet people on exchange in Finland that donāt do law or go to…
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A year in Helsinki…
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland As I write this, Iām filled with a mix of emotions. Itās hard to believe that a year ago, I had freshly arrived in Helsinki, and had not met all the lovely people I now call my friends. What a lucky girl I was, thereās not much I wouldnāt give to do it all over again. The year that has passed feels both fleeting and monumental, filled with experiences that have shaped me in ways I didnāt anticipate. Now, as I reflect on my time here, it feels like the perfect moment to write about what this year has meant to me.
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A day trip to Tallinn: What to do and see!
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland Hereās a fun fact: the closest capital to Helsinki is Tallinn (Estonia). The two are closely linked via the many ferries that go from Finland to Estonia daily. Most of Helsinkiās ports will have a couple ferries going to Tallinn which means youāve got plenty of choice when it comes to times and prices!
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Exams all year round? Whatās up with the differences between UH and UOM
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland Okay, so forget everything youāve learned about exam season over the past two years, and get ready for exam year. Lucky for you, the grades you get here donāt count towards your final degree, so donāt stress, all you need is a pass. Unlucky for me, Iām doing better here than I was in Manchester.
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Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland!
By Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland It truly is a breath-taking experience. You can see them all year round in Helsinki if youāre lucky, but if it’s a must on your bucket list it is worth going up North to Oulu or anywhere in Lapland. I was lucky enough to see the northern lights a few times this year in Finnish Lapland (December), in Oulu (February) and in Helsinki (May), but a lot of people saw them from Helsinki in September. If you are on the lookout you should be able to see them more often than that!To stay alert I would recommend the Aurora app, itāll notify…
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Where to take your friends in Helsinki – impressing 101
By ChloĆ© Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland Now I love Helsinki, I find the lifestyle amazing and the university has everything you need. But as a tourist and with visitors I found myself a little stuck the first time I had someone come over ā itās quite small and not the most tourist attractive destination. This being said, over the past six months Iāve curated a little bucket list of the sights, places and activities your friends or family would probably want to do.
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My first impressions of Helsinki!
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland My first two weeks in Helsinki. What a whirlwind. As youād probably expect with any destination youāre going to, the first two weeks will be somewhat chaotic, but in an amazing way. From meeting a whole bunch of people from all corners of Europe to figuring out how the student registration system works, moving into a new flat, getting to grips with the Finnish language and taking in the beauty of the city – you will love it. As things are slowly settling down and classes are starting, I thought I could talk you through what you might expect and experience when moving…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
