Arrival, Unpacking, and First Meetings 

Vol 28, issue 14, 6th February 2026.

January 8th. I arrive in Finland by plane.

The moment I step out of the aircraft, I’m hit by two things: snow everywhere and intense cold. For a second, I truly feel like I’m not on the same planet anymore. Everything is white, quiet, and completely different from what I know.

This first week was very exhausting but also exciting. Arriving alone in another country, meeting new people, and discovering a new culture all at once is a real challenge. On my first day, I met three French students who were very friendly, which helped me feel more comfortable right away. 

The next day, we visited the city center of Kouvola. At first glance, it’s simple, but also very different from France. Shops feel more open, and many community spaces are shared — cafés, Burger Kings, and restaurants often have large indoor seating areas where people stay and socialize.
Of course, I had to try Hesburger, the famous Finnish fast-food chain. It was really good, not too expensive, and I honestly recommend it if you come to Finland.

Life here feels totally different. The cold changes everything: the way people dress, the rhythm of the day, even technology. Seeing food-delivery robots in the streets was a real shock for me ! Also, the nights come very early, which gives the city a special atmosphere. 

One of my favorite moments was going with all the students to a lake near Kouvola called Käyrälampi. The landscape was beautiful — frozen water, snow-covered trees, and total calm. We had a snowball fight, built a snowman, and later ate together in a cozy restaurant. It was simple, but unforgettable. 

That week, I also experienced my first night out in Finland with other exchange students. We played card games and shared a lot of laughs. Later, my roommate arrived, and I finally got to meet him.
The first bar I went to was called Las Palmas, and it was very welcoming. I was especially surprised to discover a karaoke room, something very common in Finland but rare in France.

To finish, welcome to Insider Magazine. I hope you’re ready to follow my story — my advice, my opinions, and the landscapes of Finland.

Enjoy the read ! 🇫🇮❄️