Five survival tips for international students coming to Finland in 2026
If you are planning to move to Finland to study, you are surely both excited and nervous. Finland can feel very different from what you’re used to. But with proper preparation, it can also be a safe and rewarding place to study and live. Here are five survival tips to help you settle smoothly!
1. Adjust to live with Finland’s climate
Winter in Finland often sounds frightening, but the cold itself is not the hardest part. In Jyväskylä, temperatures can drop to around –20°C, but most winter days stay between –10°C and –15°C. What are really challenging are icy roads and long periods of darkness. Therefore, wearing a proper insulated jacket and other warm accessories, and taking vitamins are very important. In addition, exercising regularly and eating nutritious food can help make the long winter easier to get through. Walking to campus can be an important step for your well-being!
On the opposite, Finnish summer is much easier and better for most people. The temperature is cozy, and daylight hours are very long. However, because of the sunlight, some people may find it difficult to fall asleep. In this case, good curtains and keeping melatonin on hand can be helpful for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.
2. Learn to understand Finns
Finland’s culture is often described as quiet or reserved. These impressions are not completely wrong, but they do not tell the whole story.
Based on my experience and observation, it is true that many Finns are not very talkative to strangers. However, this does not mean they are unfriendly or indifferent. In fact, most people are actually very considerate and accommodating. They just need you to take the initiative and, perhaps, a little time to warm up.
Equality, trust, and respect for rules are also important parts of Finnish society. This applies not only to relationships between individuals, but also to broader social thinking: Universities and workplaces usually do not have a rigid hierarchy, and people are treated equally.
3. Take your Finnish classes
Even for students who do not plan to stay in Finland, learning basic Finnish is still useful. Simple greetings and survival phrases can make daily life easier and help you feel more connected to local society. Learning a new language also opens up the local culture.
Naturally, learning Finnish is especially important for international students who plan to stay in Finland after graduation. In many fields, a certain level of Finnish can greatly improve job opportunities.
At the University of Jyväskylä, international degree students are required to complete 5 credits of Finnish language courses. These courses provide a basic foundation for communication and understanding everyday situations. After finishing the required credits, students can freely choose from many additional Finnish courses based on their interests and learning goals.
4. Build a social network
Building social connections in Finland may take some time, especially at the beginning, but there is no need to worry. At the University of Jyväskylä, there are many opportunities for you to meet others, such as student clubs, international communities, campus events, and sports activities. Actively taking part in these activities is one of the most effective ways to make friends and make you feel included in university life.
Having a social network is important because it can provide emotional support and help reduce loneliness, especially in long and cold winters. And it makes it easier to adjust to a new environment. It also creates opportunities such as academic cooperation or even a job.
5. Be financially prepared
The cost of living in Finland is relatively high, but students can benefit from subsidized housing and student meals. At student cafeterias, a full meal usually costs around €2.95, which is very affordable. Student housing prices depend on location, size, and type. For example, a shared apartment in the city center costs around €300 per month, while a studio apartment is usually around €500 per month. Taking rent, food, transportation, phone bills, and daily expenses into account, it is recommended to have €800-€900 per month for one person’s living cost.
One very important thing is not to rely on part-time work to cover basic living expenses. While students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week on average, part-time jobs in Finland are currently not easy to find, especially for students who do not speak Finnish. For this reason, it is important to have enough financial support before coming.
To enjoy fully your student life, manage your expectations in advance
Overall, being realistic and well-prepared financially makes life in Finland much more stable and enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind before you move to Finland so that once you're here, you can focus on what matters most – enjoying your student life in Finland as a part of your journey!
