A Big Night, New Bonds, and First Steps at University

Vol 28, Issue 15, 13^th February 2026

17 January : I’m getting settled in.

Finland feels like the right place for me. I feel good here — safe, calm, and focused on my goals. That week, there was a big party with a lot of people, and it was amazing. Everyone was kind and sociable, and we were also celebrating the birthdays of two people. I really enjoyed this moment.

I love sharing time with exchange students. You don’t think about anything, you talk about everything and nothing at the same time, and you discover new people and new mindsets. It also helps me improve my English. Party nights, karaoke nights, card game evenings, or even taco parties all create a feeling of freedom and safety that I really appreciate.

We also had a snowball fight, and it was very funny. Some people fought close, while others threw snowballs from far away like snipers. It felt like goingback to our childhood. Everyone was laughing and enjoying the moment.

I also went to the university for the first time for the welcoming day. I had the feeling that the university looks a bit like an English one — maybe because of the architecture and the colors. The university is called XAMK, and it is very different from French universities. I had my first classes, and the teachers explained everything clearly: topics, assignments, lectures, and expectations.

During the week, I tried the canteen, and honestly, it’s very good. Every day, I find something I like. There is also free bread, as much as you want, which is incredible because I love bread.

Thanks to the XAMK tutors, we also did a city tour. We visited a beautiful library, and they showed us many shops and interesting places around the city.