Located at Europe’s northern peak, Finland is a country of intriguing quirks – so much so that there is even an official term coined to market the nation’s unique sense of the bizarre: Finnwacky.
While the Finnwacky stereotype doesn’t begin to do justice to the range of cultural and leisure pursuits that are on offer to those who study in Finland, it does describe one enticing aspect of Finnish culture – it’s a country with a real sense of fun.
Add to this the remote beauty of subarctic Lapland, the sophisticated design and chic scene of Helsinki, low or non-existent tuition fees (depending on if you’re from the EU or not) and Finland is a great place to spend your time studying abroad…
1. Visit Lapland, the home of Father Christmas
You may have grown up and stopped believing in Santa Claus long ago, but no period spent studying in Finland would be complete without a trip to Lapland, the mythical home of Father Christmas. A snow-coated wilderness populated by reindeer and elks, Lapland is the original winter wonderland. You could even study in Finland at the University of Lapland, which is located in the province’s capital, Rovaniemi, and is the most northern university in the European Union.
As well as stunning views of pristine snowy hills and the mysterious Northern Lights, Lapland offers a wide range of outdoor activities to help thaw you out – from skiing and tobogganing, to husky sleighing, snowmobiling and even (if you’re feeling brave) taking a dip in a frozen lake. When you’re finished, head to Kemi and check out the world’s largest snow castle.
Did you know?
Although Lapland is primarily famed for its frozen winter months, the region’s extreme northern longitude means it also experiences endless summer days – literally. For several weeks in June and July the sun never sets below the horizon, meaning there is daylight 24/7. The downside of this is that during the winter, the reverse happens – constant darkness for days on end. However, this does bring with it spectacular views of the famous Northern Lights.
2. Hang out in Helsinki
A maritime metropolis exuding Scandinavian chic, Helsinki is cool in more ways than one, and currently ranks as one of the best cities in the world for students in the QS Best Student Cities. While the darkness of the winter months brings an atmosphere of hibernation to the city, in the summer Helsinki’s young crowd explodes into life, packing the streets and squares and partying through the night as the city sees nearly 20 hours of sunlight per day.
If you’re based in Helsinki while studying in Finland, you won’t find too many language barriers – nearly 90 percent of Helsinki’s population speaks English. One perfect way to make friends with your new classmates could be Vappu – the annual Spring Festival. Traditionally a student event, Vappu in Helsinki is an all-night party culminating in a champagne brunch at Ullanlinna Park – at least for those who can handle the pace!
3. Turn up the temperature with a traditional Finnish sauna
If the party scene in Helsinki leaves you feeling in need of a detox, what better way than indulging in Finland’s traditional, national obsession, the sauna. Finland has over two million saunas – that’s about one for every three people – and taking a steam-bath is both a leisure activity and, for some, a fiercely competitive test of endurance.
With its endless summer days and endless winter nights, Finland is a nation of opposites, and the sauna is no exception – once you’ve baked in temperatures of over 80°C (176°F), the idea is to jump into a swimming pool – or, even better, an ice-cold lake. This is said to be good for blood circulation, but most people do it simply for the adrenalin rush.
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