When moving from a country like Portugal which offers a warm climate and relatively low cost of living, Finland may seem like a massive change. However, I believe that one should experience it as it will help in appreciating the culture, places, and the different perspectives a lot more! In this article, I will be sharing some of my insights on what to expect as an international student moving from Portugal to Finland.
Weather
One of the first things that cross people’s minds when talking about Finland is the cold weather and lack of sun. Although these may seem disadvantageous when moving from sunny Portugal, there is beauty in the unique winters of Finland. Natural phenomena like the Northern Lights are visible from many regions in Finland, especially Lapland. During those months, the skies are coloured with beautiful hues that are truly unforgettable. At the same time, it is advisable to keep yourself active whilst taking vitamin supplements due to the lack of sunlight. Eating healthy food is also essential!
From education to cost-friendly housing
In terms of education, Finland has world-ranked universities, Aalto being one of them. Universities like Aalto provide platforms to grow your network and also improve career prospects. Learning opportunities are not limited to just students as there is something for everyone.
Healthcare is very accessible and affordable for residents and citizens of Finland. The services offered, are top-notch and rest assured, you will be well taken care of. Finland is known for having high taxes but most of the taxes are reserved for maintaining high-quality healthcare, free education and even the general maintenance and upkeep of public services in Finland which makes paying high taxes worth it.
Housing is also another key feature of Finland which is different from Portugal. Although rent is cheaper in Portugal, there is municipal housing offered in Finland which is cost-friendly.
Overall, Finland is known to be one of the safest countries with very low crime rates. The culture may seem different from that of the Portuguese, but once you get around and start making friends, it will be an experience which involves making lifelong friends.
By Sharon Santhosh, EIT InnoEnergy Master’s in Energy Storage Student
Virtual Open Day: Autumn edition
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