What to bring to Finland when you first move here
Moving to a new country for studies can be both exciting and overwhelming. I remember when I first decided to come to Aalto, I was thrilled about the opportunity but also faced with the daunting task of preparing for this big move. Among the many things to consider, one of the most stressful aspects was figuring out what to pack for my new home in Finland. Unfortunately, I had to figure this out on my own, with some help from friends and family. But now, I’m here to make things easier for you by sharing a guide on what to pack for your move to Finland.
Clothing items
First things first—you need clothes (obviously 🙄). What I mean is that Finland is a very cold country. It stays chilly for most of the year, and from my experience, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C. I’ve even heard of cases where it falls below -20°C. While this might sound daunting, it’s actually manageable. Trust me, I came from a tropical country where it’s sunny all year round. Side note: Ethiopia, where I’m from, is even called the "country with the thirteenth month of sunshine"—but more on that another time. Let’s get back to Finland. If you can find a warm, windproof, and waterproof winter jacket, perfect! But in many tropical countries, these types of clothes aren’t even available. So, pack layers and simple warm clothing that you can wear indoors. For example, long-sleeve shirts, hats, woolen socks, and thermal wear will make a huge difference.
Food items
I know it might be disappointing that you won’t find all your favorite dishes from home in Finland, but you can still recreate some of them by packing a few key ingredients. Spices, sauces, and other non-perishable essentials can go a long way in bringing the taste of home with you. That said, adjusting to the food here won’t be too difficult—you can find almost everything in stores, and student cafeterias offer good meal options. But nothing quite compares to the taste of home. So, before you pack, make sure all the food items you’re bringing comply with airline regulations, and get ready to bring a little piece of home with you!
Essential documents
I can’t stress this enough—make sure to compile all the essential documents you’ll need for your stay in Finland and pack them carefully. The best way to do this is to start early. Some important documents include your passport, residence permit, educational certificates, and health insurance papers. Keep a dedicated folder for all your documents and add to it whenever you remember something before your flight. This way, you won’t have to scramble at the last minute!
Special items
Apart from the essentials, bringing a few special items can make your transition to Finland much smoother. If you take prescription medications, be sure to pack enough for the first few months. Some over-the-counter medicines you’re used to might not be readily available here, so it’s a good idea to bring a small supply. To make your new space feel like home, pack some small decorations or photos that bring you comfort.
Finally, always reach out to people and students abroad to check on what items you should bring and how you can prepare to the best of your ability. Hope this helps!
Show other posts from this blog
My Internship Experience: Bridging Engineering, International Development, and Academia
To all the students out there who, like me, have ever felt limited by the scope of their coursework or wondered why certain topics are not covered in their program; do not wait for the perfect curriculum! Sometimes the most meaningful learning experiences come from going out of your way to seek out opportunities that align with your interests. Whether through extracurriculars, internships, or online resources, the world is full of opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills you need.
Why are student associations a lifeline for international students?
Nearly a year and a half ago, I made a big move, I left South Korea, where I completed my bachelor's degree in biotechnology at Korea University, and relocated to Finland to pursue a master's in water and environmental engineering. Although this field is not directly related to my undergraduate studies, it had been in my mind for a long time. I wanted to broaden my horizons, challenge myself with something new, experience a different culture and way of thinking, and Finland offered exactly that.
Workshops at Aalto
Hey there! I’m Kata from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. Today I would like to introduce you to workshops at Aalto: how they operate and how you can use them.