In the last post, I exposed a bit the uncertainty I felt when I first arrived and wrote the first three things to do as an exchange or international student.
However, those three actions are not enough to get all settle, that’s why I decided to write a second part:
4. Go to Föli.
The bus in Finland is not the cheapest, 3 euros for two hours of service (if you buy one ticket, you can use it as many times as needed within the next two hours) or 7.5 for 24 hours. As students, we have a discount, (36 euros per month with unlimited trips) but first you need to go to the Föli office and ask for an application, then you’ll need to take it to your university, since they have to fill out one part of it. After that, it’s necessary to go back to Föli and show the application. Only then you’ll get a card!
5. Learn the way from your house to the center.
You wanna go to IKEA? go to the center.
Wanna go to the mall? Go to the center.
Want to go out, have some fun? go to the center.
Want to go to school? go to the center.
Want to go anywhere in the city? go to the… well, you got the point
6. Get a library card.
Never crossed my mind to get a library card for the university libraries, so It caught me by surprise when someone actually advised me to do it. As soon as the classes began, I realized how useful was to get it on time.
7. Make friends!
It may sound obvious, but one of the best parts of studying abroad is to have the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world, so it’s better to start ASAP, because at the end of the exchange or the degree, we’ll feel like we didn’t have enough time to spend with these amazing people.
8. Take a deep breath.
After all the things we had to do to come to Finland, like going to the embassy, get all the documents together and travel for a long time, we might feel overwhelmed. Luckily, the air in Finland is incredibly fresh and clean, so take a moment for yourself, close your eyes and take a deep breath.
You made it.
