Mes coups de cœur

Vol 28, Issue 20, 27th of March 2026

I didn’t know what to expect before arriving here in Finland. A new country, a new university, and no familiar faces. But in the end, what I found here was something I hadn’t anticipated. Unique moments, places, and people made this Erasmus an unforgettable experience. What I love here is discovering something new every week, in fact, I have many favorites from this Erasmus experience.

First, there are all my experiences related to Finland. For example, in September, at the very beginning of Erasmus, when summer was still in full swing, we spent an afternoon at Lake Käyrälampi. We set off by bike, with our swimsuits and towels. Once we arrived, we enjoyed the lake, some swam, others played volleyball in the sand, a beautiful moment that I hope to repeat in April when the good weather returns. In the same vein, there are also the barbecue evenings that have left a lasting impression on me. We all gather around a barbecue, with music and marshmallows, hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Speaking of the northern lights, that’s something unique to this country. Being able to see them from our balcony is something I never thought I’d experience. Sharing the excitement together makes it even more magical. My favorite things also include Finnish food: gravlax salmon, cinnamon rolls, and glögi during the Christmas season.

My travels are also a big part of my highlights. One of the most memorable for me was Stockholm, with its blend of architecture, from the old town to the more modern districts. I loved the grandeur of this capital city. It was one of my first trips in the first half of the year, which makes it an even more special moment. I’m lucky enough to be able to go back next weekend and I intend to make the most of it. I’ve also been able to visit Helsinki many times, as it’s only an hour and a half away by train. But one of my most memorable moments is when my family came to visit me for the holidays, and on the evening of December 31st, we went to Senate Square to watch all the fireworks. Another highlight of my trip was to Finnish Lapland in the middle of winter. I’ve already mentioned it in another article, but this trip was one of the most beautiful and exotic of my life, I recommend it to everyone.

So of course, the list is too long to mention them all, but I keep many memories in mind (and I’m still creating more), even if my main favorite remains Erasmus itself, the whole experience.