Opiskelijan Seinäjoki 2023

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Commercial cooperation
Learning
Memories in Lapland. Photo: Timetravels
Welcome to Finland, where the pace is set
by nature
TEXT: Hien Nguyen, Nicola Vähätalo, Saurav Lamichhane
PICTURE EDITOR: Silvija Venslavičiūtė
TIMETRAVELS | timetravels.com
Welcome to Finland, where the pace
is set by nature. To get into the Finnish
mindset, you should start with a sauna.
To towel or not to Towel: the greatest
Finnish discovery!
In a country of 5.5 million people, there is more
than 1 sauna for every 2 Finns! Thus, sauna is the
first Finnish word you read here.
Finns discovered the sauna as a part of bathing
and spiritual rituals. Therefore, today having a public
sauna is very common; there is one in almost every
town.
The best ones are next to a lake. A dip in the lake
after the sauna unwinds you to relaxed mode. In the
end, remember to rehydrate!
Perhaps, an elderly person shared a joke with
you in the sauna? This is the magic of the sauna:
It’s a way to socialise. No worries, most Finns speak
English too.
The language that broke Google
Translator
Did you know that Finnish is considered one of the
most difficult languages for non-native speakers? No
wonder non-natives joke that when translating the
Finnish language, it broke the Google translator…
Oops!
Despite the tough grammar, the reading part is
easy because you read as you write it. Everyone can
learn a few words!
Some will say the most important word is nonnih:
you will get through 90% of the conversations
(pun intended!)
BONUS: Remember the proper pronunciation of
”sauna” when speaking with a Finn.
Psst! If you get into it, you will find out that Finnish
is also perfect for music.
Dressing in your university’s overall
colours?
You arrived in Finland and on the same day, you
entered a public sauna, where everyone was naked,
because… this is the way. No worries! Outside sauna
dressing etiquette is very relaxed.
For summer in Finland, dress in light layers
that can be easily added or removed as the weather
changes;
Then, in winter it’s recommended to wear a
roomy winter jacket and pants or an overall, as
clothing that’s too tight may not trap enough air
to keep you warm. Wearing loose outer layers also
provides flexibility to add more layers underneath in
case the temperature drops unexpectedly.
To stay warm, natural woollen socks and gloves
are a must!
Finland is not very popular in clothing culture but
Finns invented the university overalls tradition. Each
colour represents a school or department and students
proudly wear it during events and festivities.
Interested in owning one? Don’t worry! Your
universities’ tutor will provide you with detailed
information!
Try pronouncing the vowels like Finns:
A - as “ah” in “father” U - as “oo” in “boot”
E - as “eh” in “get” Ä - as “ae” in “cat”
I - as “ee” in “feet” Ö - as “ea” in “learn”
O - as “oh” in “home” Y - as “ue” in “few”
Ice fishing in Lapland. Photo: Timetravels