Finland
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How Studying in Finland had an Impact
By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland Learning about different cultures Through my social circle, I learned a lot about different cultures during my year abroad. In the first semester, my friendship group consisted of people from various countries, and so we hosted a ‘bring your own dish night’. I had the opportunity of trying French quiche, Dutch ‘Poffertjes’ and even a New Zealand ‘mousetrap’. Beyond food, I became aware of other cultural differences. For example, when listening to music with my friends, I was introduced to different genres, and now I have a more broadened taste in the arts. I learned about different structures of language, as my French…
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A must do Nordic trip – hiking in Lofoten
By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland The Lofoten Islands, a beautiful archipelago located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, was the most breathtaking and fulfilling trip of my study abroad in Helsinki… The Cabin in Kabelvaag My home for the trip was a cosy little cabin right by the sea, which was perfect for a trip of long and exhausting hikes. I shared the place with my good friend from the University of Helsinki, and three other exchange students that I did not know – my little family for the next week! Showering, cooking and resting in the cottage became the prize after each day of physically pushing ourselves…
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The Best Eats of Helsinki
By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland Sushi Buffet Something all tourists should do when visiting Helsinki is try a sushi buffet. There are several dotted around the city, and all are delicious. With fresh seafood from the Baltic Sea, and plenty of vegetarian options, it is the perfect tourist spot. The nature of Finland is that the country is very trusting, and sushi buffets are an excellent depiction of that: you can trust that everyone will be respectful and tidy up after themselves. Although many things in Helsinki can be expensive, in comparison to the UK, sushi is one thing that is loads more affordable in Finland – and…
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An Insider’s Guide to Activities in Finland
By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland Walks + Hikes Around Helsinki, there are plenty of scenic walks to go on. My favourite one was from the harbour by the Market Hall, and then along the rocky coast until the beach. During Winter, along this walk, you would come across outdoor ice-skating rinks and Christmas lights. I preferred Helsinki in Summer, watching the sunset from the coast, watching people play volleyball at the beach and seeing more happy faces about. Just outside Helsinki, in Vantaa, was Nuuksio Park – an expansive hiking spot. When friends and family from home came to visit me, I always took them to Nuuksio, an…
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Saariselkä, Lapland trip – spotting the northern lights three times!
By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland A must-do trip while studying at the University of Helsinki is to visit the beautiful northernmost region of Finland, Lapland. Experiencing the expansive snowy landscapes, Arctic wildlife, and cosiness of my cabin made the trip once in a lifetime, filled with joyful memories. 17 hours travelling… The journey there is one I’ll never forget. 17 long hours, tucked up in my thermals amongst a busy coach full of excited exchange students, waiting for the hours to pass and reach Lapland. Along the way, we made several stops at service stations, which all had that functional Nordic feel. Every station came with a massive…
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I spent a week with no sunlight: A December to Remember
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 don’t 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 it’s an organised package rip, meaning you’ve got little room for error and can’t 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 don’t do law or go to…
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A year in Helsinki…
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland As I write this, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. It’s 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, there’s not much I wouldn’t 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 didn’t 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 Here’s 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 Helsinki’s ports will have a couple ferries going to Tallinn which means you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to times and prices!
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Exams all year round? What’s up with the differences between UH and UOM
by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland Okay, so forget everything you’ve learned about exam season over the past two years, and get ready for exam year. Lucky for you, the grades you get here don’t count towards your final degree, so don’t stress, all you need is a pass. Unlucky for me, I’m 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 you’re 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, it’ll notify…
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Where to take your friends in Helsinki – impressing 101
By Chloé 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 – it’s quite small and not the most tourist attractive destination. This being said, over the past six months I’ve 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 you’d probably expect with any destination you’re 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…
