Finland After Two Months: Snow, Studies, and Self-Discovery

Vol 28, Issue 16, 20th February 2026

This article is a little different from the others. After two months in Finland, I feel it’s time to pause and reflect, on my feelings, on university life, and on how this experience compares to France. And of course, I will share two unforgettable trips: Tampere and Tallinn.

Living in Another World

When I first arrived, everything felt unreal. Now, two months later, I can say that I truly enjoy my life here.

I’m not afraid of the cold, the winter, or the early nights. In fact, I love it. The snow still feels magical. Sometimes I look outside and feel like I’m living inside a movie scene. The silence, the white landscapes, the frozen lakes, it’s peaceful in a way I’ve never experienced before.

Daily life is different from France. People eat earlier. Sauna culture is everywhere. Sports and nightlife are part of the lifestyle. What surprises me the most is how safe I feel. Even if I lost my bag, I don’t think I would panic. There is a level of trust here that is rare.

Step by step, I feel myself adapting , not only to the climate, but to the mentality.

Finnish people may seem reserved at first, but they are respectful, calm, and kind. In France, especially in Normandy, the weather is often grey and rainy. Here, even with the cold, I feel brighter inside. I also feel safer than I sometimes do in France.

And yes, even my outfits changed. In France, my nickname is “Le Fashion.” Here, when it’s -15°C, style becomes secondary to survival ( LOL ).

Studying in Finland: A Different Approach

University life is also very different.

Some subjects are similar to what I studied in France, digital marketing, brand management, management courses. But here, I feel we go deeper into practical application.

The relationship between teachers and students is closer and more informal. Classes are highly digital, and technology is used constantly.

Group work is essential. Almost every course includes team projects, usually in groups of four. Oral presentations are very important. Speaking, presenting, defending ideas, it’s part of the learning process.

Another difference is the learning diary. After each course, we reflect on:

What we learned
What we think about the course
Our favorite moments

In France, we don’t really have this reflective approach. I find it powerful because it forces us to think about our own growth.

An Unforgettable Trip: Tampere

Our first trip was to Tampere, one of the most famous cities in Finland, especially known for its nightlife.

I completely fell in love with this city. The energy is different. The main street is lively, full of shops and cafés. I found a vintage shop and bought several clothes — my “Le Fashion” identity survived the Finnish winter after all.

At 4 AM, the nightlife was still alive. People were still outside, still enjoying the night. I was shocked by the energy.

We also visited the Näsinneula tower. From the top, you can see the entire city and the surrounding lakes. The panoramic view was breathtaking. Seeing the frozen landscapes from above made the moment unforgettable.

Stepping Back in Time: Tallinn

Our second trip took us outside Finland, to Tallinn, where we stayed for two nights.

Tallinn feels like a medieval fairytale city. Walking through the Old Town is like stepping back in time.

We visited the KGB Prison Cells, which was powerful and emotional. Seeing the real prison cells and learning about Estonia’s past made the history feel very real.