So, you’ve decided to study in Finland! Welcome to the land of saunas, endless forests, and some of the cleanest air and water in the world. As an exchange student, there’s so much to discover—whether it’s the unique culture, delicious food, or navigating life in student housing in Helsinki. Here’s everything you need to know about living in Finland and embracing the Finnish way of life.
Drinking tap water: pure and tasty
First things first—ditch the bottled water. Finland boasts some of the cleanest tap water on the planet, straight from the tap, free of charge! You can confidently drink tap water anywhere, from your student accommodation in Helsinki to the remotest part of Lapland. So, save yourself some money and invest in a reusable bottle.
Food: what to expect on your plate
Finnish food might surprise you with its simplicity and heartiness. Staples include rye bread, potatoes, and, of course, fish. You’ll want to try salmon soup (lohikeitto), and if you’re feeling adventurous, give karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty) a go—it’s a traditional pastry filled with rice and often topped with egg butter.
Craving something sweet? Try korvapuusti, Finland’s take on a cinnamon bun, perfect with a cup of coffee. Speaking of which, Finns are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world, so get ready to embrace the coffee culture!
Safety: no need to worry
Finland ranks among the safest countries globally, so you can feel at ease walking around, even late at night. Finns respect personal space, and people tend to keep to themselves, but don’t mistake that for unfriendliness. The sense of safety extends to public transportation, so whether you’re catching a tram, bus, or metro from your student accommodation in Helsinki, you’ll feel secure wherever you go.
Etiquette: silence is golden
One thing to get used to in Finland is the silence. Finns aren’t big on small talk, and public spaces can be eerily quiet, but this doesn’t mean people are unfriendly—they just respect your space! However, if you strike up a conversation, people are generally warm and welcoming, especially if you make the first move.
Pro tip: In Finland, it’s normal to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home, so remember that when visiting your new Finnish friends.
The sauna experience
No discussion of Finnish culture would be complete without mentioning saunas. Nearly every building, including our student housing in Helsinki, has a sauna. Don’t be shy—saunas are a way of life here! The experience is usually naked, but in our student accommodation, we have separate saunas for men and women, and you can come in as you wish. And don’t worry, after a while, it just feels natural.
Talking Finnish: helpful phrases
While most Finns speak excellent English, learning a few Finnish phrases can go a long way and show that you’re making an effort. Here are some basics:
- Moi! – Hi!
- Kiitos – Thank you
- Moi moi! – Bye bye!
- Mitä kuuluu? – How are you?
- Noni – Oh well (Finnish people use this after pretty much everything)
- Joo – Yes
- Ei – No
But don’t stress—Finns won’t expect you to be fluent. Just giving it a try will earn you extra points!
Finnish people: understanding their vibe
Finns are reserved, practical, and honest. Don’t expect too much small talk, but once you make a connection, it’s likely to be genuine. They value punctuality and reliability, so if you make plans, stick to them!
Pro tip: Always be on time – in Finland punctuality is a way of respecting other people’s time. If you are late for some reason (even 5 minutes), let the other person know right away.
While it might take a little longer to break the ice, Finns can be great friends—especially in a close-knit student community like the one at Antti Korppi Student House.
Living in a student community
Your experience in student accommodation in Helsinki isn’t just about having a place to sleep; it’s about becoming part of a vibrant, international community. Whether you’re using the shared kitchen, hitting the gym, or just hanging out in the common areas, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Living with fellow students means you’ll always have someone to share your experiences with, whether it’s the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.
What to eat and drink in Finland
Let’s get back to food—because it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture. Aside from the Finnish staples mentioned earlier, don’t forget to try:
- Mustikkapiirakka – Blueberry pie, a delicious dessert often served with vanilla sauce.
- Squeaky cheese – Officially called leipäjuusto, this Finnish cheese is often served with cloudberry jam.
- Mämmi – A traditional Easter dessert made from rye, often served with cream and sugar (an acquired taste, for sure!).
Final thoughts
Living in Finland is an adventure like no other. From drinking clean tap water to relaxing in saunas, and from learning quirky Finnish phrases to enjoying unique nordic dishes, there’s so much to experience. Your time here is more than just studying—it’s about becoming part of a community, soaking up the culture, and making lifelong memories.So whether you’re looking forward to trying out the sauna for the first time, mastering the art of silence, or exploring your new home in Helsinki, Antti Korppi Student House is the perfect place to start your Finnish adventure. While some of your studies may be conducted remotely, which can sometimes feel isolating, our warm and welcoming community will make your transition to a new country smooth and enjoyable.