Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Student life in Finland is indeed life-changing! Though generally known for providing the best education system in the world, the country is constantly successful in balancing academics with leisure and social activities.
Let us introduce student life in Finland through the benefits of living in the happiest country in the world.
We also included interviews and tips from our past and current learners to make your experience in the country certainly memorable!
Quick Facts About Finland
Capital: Helsinki
Population: 5,568,637 as of 2023
Climate: December, January, and February are the country’s winter seasons. Generally, November and March also have chilly weather.
During the winter, the temperature routinely dips below zero degrees Celsius and occasionally reaches as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The temperature can drop to as low as -30 degrees Celsius in Northern Finland, which is considerably colder than Southern Finland.
Languages: The country’s official languages are specifically Finnish (spoken by 86.9% of the population) and Swedish (5.2%). Approximately 2,000 people, who are members of the indigenous Sámi people of northern Lapland, speak Sái as their first dialect.
Religion: Christianity, with approximately 1.1% Orthodox and 67.8% belonging to the Lutheran faith. In actuality, society has become predominantly secular.
Form of Government: Republic, parliamentary democracy
GDP: $299 Billion
GDP per capita: 45926.47 EURO as of 2022
Notable worldwide rankings
To further introduce student life in Finland, here are exciting facts courtesy you should know, courtesy of usnews.com:
Happiness: 100%
Quality of life: 90%
Social purpose: 95.4%
Progressive: 95%
Educated population: 95%
Not Bureaucratic: 99%
Not corrupt: 100%
Transparent government practices: 97%
Safety: 94%
Cares about human rights: 96%
Cares about the environment: 100%
Committed to climate goals: 100%
Gender equality: 91%
Trustworthy: 92%
Furthermore, the country specifically ranks highly as the best country for women (#3), raising a family (#4), starting a career (#13), and a comfortable retirement (#16).
Student life in Finland: The Privileges!
Now that you are familiar with the country, let us discuss the beautiful privileges of enrolling in Finland through the experiences of our past and present students.
Student Life in Finland: Education System
Finland generally revolves around equality, specifically in Education. The government equally provides educational benefits to its citizens, regardless of the family’s financial capability.
Your life in Finland is indeed fruitful, as you can specifically choose among the top universities offering the best, most modern, and most supportive learning facilities.
“Studying here. The Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Myllypuro campus is very modern and student-friendly. The view from the café on the 6th floor is beautiful. It is a privilege to study here. It is very pleasant. The food in the cafeteria is affordable and full-filling. Also, the teachers are professional.”
Bethanee, Philippines
“Subjects such as mathematics and economics are difficult for me. But as the lecturer provided us with the correct knowledge, guidance, relevant homework, and assignments, I understood the subjects in depth. “
Anupama, Sri Lanka
“Another thing is the learning experience; the way the teachers interact with us in class and even after the classes – I’ve never experienced that kind of thing before. Here in Africa, lectures are very one-sided, and the teachers just talk and talk, and that’s it, but here it’s so different”.
Maya, South Africa
“Studying at a Finnish university, students are given freedom and autonomy over many aspects: besides the mandatory modules, you can choose the extra courses you want. The lecturers and supervisors are friendly and easy to contact. I could just email them whenever I need support”.
Sophie, Vietnam
“Our class was very international. We have classmates from Finland, Germany, Pakistan, India, China, and Vietnam. I really enjoyed the multicultural environment. I made friends with many international students in our class, and we still keep in touch until now. After the program, all my classmates have better career paths. The study also helped me a lot in my work”.
Hang Do, Vietnam
Student life in Finland: Surprisingly affordable!
In contrast with first-world countries like Canada and Australia and European regions like Sweden and Germany, your cost of living in Finland is more affordable!
“It is quite affordable. [Finland] was named the happiest country in the world. The people are good, and they prefer cooperation instead of competition. Compared to other countries, the application process with Edunation was easy.”
Harshita N, Pathway to Finland student
To learn more about the living expenses in Finland, click here.
Student life in Finland: Nutritious food
Aside from being reasonably priced, you will surely enjoy healthy choices as the country offers the most nutritious food in the world.
“Of course, the traditional festive food was a treat for me as I saw delectable meals on the dinner table!”
“Finns enjoy various kinds of casseroles and pork ham over Christmas dinner. It included carrot, swede, potato, and liver casserole. Also, fish and herring salad are typically present along with the bread during the celebration”.
Trixy, Philippines
Moreover, the Finnish forest provides extra sustenance courtesy of oats, berries, and other edible, organic crops. These are open to the public, but take care not to disrupt the ecosystem.
Student Life in Finland: Clean Environment
Your student life in Finland will be extra special as you can experience a pristine environment considered among the greenest globally.
“Most remarkable moments have been taking walks in the morning. The sky is beautiful, and the snowflakes are falling. “
Noelle Francesca, Philippines
“When I came here in January, it was right during winter, so it was very snowy. And I’m from India, which is very hot compared to Finland”.
“So, when I came here, I struggled a lot to adjust to the weather. But now I really like the weather, and even today, it’s a beautiful summer day. I go outside every day in the city with my friends. All the seasons are very beautiful. I really like it here!”
Shiva, India
In addition, the country ranks highly in Environmental Health (99.3%) and Air Quality (98.8%), explicitly ensuring a pleasant living environment.
Student Life in Finland: Meeting the locals
The country’s literacy rate is one of the highest in the world, ensuring your student life in Finland has meaningful encounters with its citizens.
“In 2017, we were on vacation in Helsinki, Finland. My wife and I thought the country was a great place to live! A couple of years later, in 2019, we lived with the whole family in the metropolitan area of Helsinki.”
“Also, the Finnish people are open and trustworthy citizens!”
Philip, USA
“Finnish people, due to this culture and the pandemic, are introverts! But, whenever you need help, they will always help you out”.
“They are very supportive! If I go to the mall and ask these guys where to find something, they go and show me where it is and even explain everything about it. So, they are so supportive. They are so helpful! But, they are still sometimes very private and introverted”.
Shiva, India
“Finnish people are very humble, based on my teachers, colleagues, and my classmates. They are all humble, but at first, they may seem shy. Once you get to know them, establish a close relationship, and earn their trust, they are able to open up and discuss more”.
“The characteristics of Finnish people make them stand out from other nationalities that I have encountered. Since I have also lived in other countries, I really have a drastic comparison between some other countries and nationalities.”
Joanna, Philippines
Student Life in Finland: Guaranteed Safety
Expect a secure and delightful experience in Finland, as the country is one of the safest nations globally.
“It’s safe here, and people mind their own business. People can leave their bikes outside without locking while going to the supermarket. If you forget your phone at a table at a bar, it will still be there after. It would not have been possible in Italy, for example”.
Buddhi, Sri Lanka
“I find it to be safe. The people in Finland are “rauhallinen,” meaning peaceful. I have had a peaceful neighbor for two years already that has lived with me in one “talo” = house. My community is very peaceful. I live in a happy environment with supportive neighbors, even though we don’t know each other that well. The capital of Finland, Helsinki, and other cities are generally speaking safe and really a good place to live”.
Joanna, Philippines
Student Life in Finland: Fun activities during school breaks!
Your student life in Finland will be equally full of incredible memories in and outside your preferred university.
“Finland changed my mindset a lot, and thanks to my experience living here, I became much more adventurous. Finland has transformed me into a new person”.
Sophie, Vietnam
The nature in my home country, Sri Lanka, is excellent, but I prefer the nature in Finland. I find nature in Finland much cleaner, and hiking in the local forests has become something I enjoy.
Buddhi, Sri Lanka
Tips for experiencing the best student life in Finland
Shiva, India
- If possible, and if you are planning on moving to Finland, try to learn the language! Learning the language can make adjusting easier.
- Try to adjust to the weather.
- You might feel lonely when you first come here, so try to prepare mentally and physically! If there are people coming from India, Finland is not nearly as crowded, so prepare to adjust to that change!
Trisha, Philippines
- Ask for guidance so you don’t need to figure everything out yourself. You can contact me, and I’m happy to help.
- Learn Finnish in advance, so adjusting would be easier.
- Take a package deal that includes airport pick-up, picking up the keys for your accommodation, showing you around the city, helping you through the first days, and getting you settled.
- Exchange currency before coming to Finland. When I arrived, money exchangers were closed due to the pandemic.
- Bring warm clothes and winter clothes. The weather is really different for me as I come from a tropical climate zone. Temperatures are different, and it can be cold even during summer.
“Be self-aware and patient, don’t give up, and be grateful”
Joanna, Philippines
“Apply early, look for opportunities well in advance, and go through all the documents clearly – follow instructions!”
Buddhi, Sri Lanka
“Be brave, independent, and proactive, and grab the opportunity!”
Hang Do, Vietnam
“Have no fear. Be adventurous. Make the best out of your time. Make new friends from different nationalities. Learn about Finland and its rich culture. Travel. Meet Santa. Try Glögi. Go to the sauna. Explore the forest. Take Vitamin D. And, of course, study hard and enjoy yourself as you are experiencing one of the best education systems in the world”
Sophie, Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an international student work part-time in Finland?
Yes, you are allowed to work 30 hours a week and earn 8 to 12 EUR per hour.
Is it required to learn Finnish to have a productive student life in Finland?
We generally recommend taking a Finnish language course before arriving to immerse fully in the country. Learning the dialect certainly allows you to build meaningful relationships beneficial for creating a professional network.
What is the best way to ensure acceptance into a Finnish university?
Pathway to Finland is a preparatory program that effectively assists you with admission to undergraduate studies in the country.
Your educational goals in Finland are indeed within reach after finishing this program!
Summing it up
Your student life in Finland is guaranteed to change you dramatically as you will develop your personal and academic credentials- equally needed to succeed!
Schedule a free counseling today, and let us start your fulfilling journey towards your educational goal in Finland!
Furthermore, we offer Arrival Packages for International Students, guaranteed to make your entry to the country smooth and easy.
Regularly visit our Blog Section to learn more about the privileges of studying in the country.
To read more personal experiences of our global learners, go to our Student Stories.
About the writer
Mark has been a professional content writer for four years. He is an expert in creating articles about education and studying abroad. His writings don’t only inform; he also wants to establish emotional connections with readers.
