Culture and Everyday Life
Culture and Everyday Life
Warm at heart, cold by nature
Savonia is located in Eastern Finland where you can really experience the four seasons.
Life in Finland
Finland is known for its high quality of life, safety, and strong sense of trust. Everyday life is often calm, practical, and well organised. Cities are easy to navigate, services are accessible, and students benefit from a safe environment that supports both studying and personal wellbeing.
One of the things many international students appreciate most is the close connection to nature. Forests, lakes, parks, and outdoor routes are never far away, even in cities. In Kuopio and Varkaus, nature is an essential part of everyday life and offers countless opportunities for recreation, exercise, and relaxation throughout the year. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, skiing, or simply spending time outdoors, Finland makes it easy to stay active and find balance between studies and free time.
Finnish Culture and Social Customs
Finnish culture is often described as honest, equal, and trustworthy. People value reliability, respect personal space, and appreciate direct communication. While Finns may seem reserved at first, they are often friendly, dependable, and willing to help.
Many international students notice that silence is considered natural rather than uncomfortable. Punctuality is highly valued, and keeping promises is seen as a sign of respect. Finnish society is also relatively non-hierarchical.
A well-known Finnish joke says: “An introverted Finn looks at their shoes when talking to you, while an extroverted Finn looks at your shoes.” While stereotypes rarely tell the whole story, the joke reflects how Finns are often perceived. Sauna traditions, seasonal celebrations, and a close connection to nature remain important parts of Finnish culture today.
Learning Finnish
Finnish may seem like a challenging language at first, but learning even a few words can make everyday life easier and help you connect with people around you. Simple phrases such as hei (hello), kiitos (thank you), and moi (hi) are appreciated and can help you feel more confident in different situations.
While it is possible to study and live in Finland using English, learning Finnish can help you integrate into society, make local connections, and better understand Finnish culture. Many international students find that even basic language skills help them feel more at home and encourage meaningful interactions with local communities.
At Savonia, students have opportunities to learn Finnish during their studies, regardless of their starting level. The goal is not to become fluent overnight but to gain practical language skills that make everyday life, studying, and working in Finland easier.
Finding Your Community
Feeling at home in a new country takes time, but building connections can make the transition much easier. At Savonia, students have many opportunities to meet people, participate in events, join student activities, and become part of the campus community. Tutors, student organisations, and various social events help students make new friends and learn about life in Finland.
Integration is not only about learning how things work in a new country. It is also about finding your place in the community and creating a sense of belonging. Many international students discover that friendships, hobbies, volunteering, and everyday encounters play an important role in making Finland feel like home. Taking part in community life can enrich your student experience, create lasting friendships, and help you build meaningful networks for the future.
