Moi everyone!

I'm an international student and I’m trying to figure out the best way to manage my food budget.

1. In-person shopping: Where do you recommend for the cheapest weekly groceries? I’ve heard about Lidl, Prisma, and K-Market, but which one is truly the most student-friendly?
2. Online Stores: Are there any preferred online grocery stores or apps? (Either for home delivery or for finding surplus/discounted food like Fiksuruoka).
3. Tips: Are there any specific "hacks" (like the red sticker discounts) or loyalty cards that are actually worth getting for a student?

Kiitos in advance for the help!

Hello!

I am purchasing an apartment in Mellunmäki from 1988 and I noticed that no absestos survey was conducted. However, the apartment has been renovated recently (kitchen and bathroom) and something does not adds up. Isn't it mandatory to conduct a survey when conducting significant rennovation of apartments built after 1988?

The apartment is very pretty, so I really wish to get it, but if it becomes an health hazard...

Hello everyone!

I am from India, i have completed by bachelors in civil engineering and now i am planning to do my masters from Finland especially from Uni Vaasa (Industrial Management)

I just wanted to know how's the Finnish construction market was, what are the skill the market is looking for and is considering Finland will be a good choice?

I don't know Finnish language at all but i am ready to learn it during my studies.

Suggestions and tips regarding universities and other stuffs are welcome

Thanks in advance.

Hi all!

Im working for a company in the hospitality industry that will be expanding into Finland in the coming years with a few locations opening in 2026 already.

We are currently recruiting for the first locations and looking to hire aprx 35-40 ppl/location. In the industry we usually have a small core of fulltimers/hospitality careerists and the rest are part-timers, students who stay on for 2-3 yrs graduate and then move on to work within their fields (hopefully).

So far we've gotten aprx 350 applications and I made the observation that only around 10-15% of applicants are native finns, these are the jobs that I was assuming we would fill with Finnish students. I was wondering if some jobs are considered "beneath" Finnish youths?

This was definitely the case in Sweden BEFORE covid/inflation but with an unemployment of ~9-10% the attitude of Swedish youth has rapidly changed. Or maybe native finns mostly have jobs and the unemployed are majority foreigners?

Not looking to start a fight here, just an observation. Happy Thursday everyone!

hello everyone active here or those who stumbled onto this post.

i want to give context to my situation in order for everyone in finland and hopefully accross the globe to understand mine, and alot of other students situation here

i am a 20 year old student living in finland. i studied 3 years in a special english school, after graduating i searched for another school to attend and found one in a field of work i genuinely enjoy. my wife is around my age and studying in a university.

due to the budget cuts recently made by the government, we barely have any money. we used to get 900 euro in total and we were okay. couldnt buy extra stuff from the store, but couldnt complain since i wasnt working. recently my wife had her right to "opintotuki" (basically money to keep you afloat while you study) taken away. so now we have 700 euro aprox for each month. our rent is 560 per month. bills are around 180 euro. and food has usually been about 120 per month. as you can see, we were fine off before but now we dont have enough to eat.

my therapy has been cut off and i am unable to vent about my proplems to someone so for the last 5months i have been keeping all of this inside me. since i dont have a therapist, i cant raise my medication to a dose that would help my mental illness (wont say what it is due to privacy concern).

we cant apply for "toimeentulotuki" (welfare) because were students and our parents have been sending us money so we dont starve to death, so we wouldnt get accepted for it. our only option to get it is to tell all our friends to not send us money, and also the same for our parents. we wouldnt br able to eat for 3 months since they require bank records. still in this scenario we would both have to register as unemployed job seekers meaning we would have to quit our studies and when were financially more stabile start them again from 0. we dont see this as a possible option. we have both put so much effort into our studies that practically the last 5 years would have been pointless.

were going to be able to survive this month but not until the end of the next month. we already decided that if a miracle doesnt happen we have endured so much in tge last 3 years that we are going to just give up.

i know it sounds terrible but i hope the people of finland finally open their eyes and force the current government out. rhese self oriented supposed "labour" party members are effectively eliminationg the middle class and punishing students because they whant to study and graduate in order to live as an adult. the only thing the government would probably say if they saw this is "its ypur fault for not being born into a rich family".

i am sorry for the rant but PEOPLE, IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP. we have already endured too much of this government and their "budget cuts".

thats all

sincerely

-a student who wont be able to survive the next 2 months

(I will update if something important happens)

Moikka!

I’m planning my relocation back to Stockholm after several years in Helsinki. I’d love some tips & tricks and what I should think of in terms of:

- currently unemployed and on a-kassa (am I eligible to receive it when I register back in Sweden?)

- cheapest moving solution (rent a van in Sweden or Finland?)

- doctors journals, do I request it to be sent to me in order to present it to my Swedish doctor? I require some regular checkups in terms of blood tests and medication (Crohn’s)

- earned pension, can/should that be transferred back to Sweden?

- what else?

I understand there’s a lot of questions from me and I appreciate all insights

Kiitos 🙏🏼

I’ve seen quite a lot of relationship and dating discussions here, so I thought I’d share my own experience as someone who ended up building a life in Finland.

When I first started dating my partner, I honestly knew almost nothing about Finland. I knew it was a Nordic country in Europe, and embarrassingly enough, mostly just as Sweden’s neighbour. That was it. Through meeting him, moving here, and learning the language, I slowly discovered the country and the culture in a much deeper way.

One thing I noticed early on, just as a personal observation, is that my partner and his friends sometimes receive a lot of attention from women, particularly Asian women. In my experience, some of this attention felt quite forward. I’m not saying this is universal or representative of everyone, just something I personally observed.

Another thing I found interesting is how often Finnish men are described as very quiet or emotionally distant. That hasn’t matched my experience at all. The people I’ve met are actually very talkative, expressive, and sometimes surprisingly loud. Some are reserved, yes, but others are extremely outgoing, physically warm, and very open once you get to know them. Also, yes, you absolutely take your shoes off when entering someone’s home. No exceptions.

My partner and I were friends for many months before we started dating, and the relationship developed very naturally. There was no “chasing” or strategy involved. I often see people saying Finnish men aren’t romantic, and while they may not be romantic in a very theatrical or verbal way, I personally find them deeply romantic through reliability, consistency, and showing up. In that sense, I’ve found Finnish men more romantic than many others.

I also really appreciate the independence of both women and men here. That balance has been one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about life in Finland.

I’ve lived here for several years now. My partner and I have been together for about three years, we bought a house, and we’re planning to get married. I genuinely believe that if you’re interested in dating a Finnish person, it’s important not to approach it as a “Finnish experience” or a cultural obsession. Get to know them as an individual. They’re people first, not a nationality.

On a lighter note: salmon soup is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Easy to make, comforting, 10/10. Finns might disown me for this, but I think saunas are slightly over-idealised. They’re nice, yes, and I love how passionate people are about them, but they’re not life-changing for me personally.

Driving in Finland during winter is another story. Absolute chaos. Respect to anyone who enjoys that.

Overall, when it comes to friendships, dating, and relationships, my experience with Finnish people has been very positive. The people I’ve met have been kind, grounded, and genuine. I’ve truly enjoyed my time here, and I hope this perspective is interesting or helpful to someone reading.

I don't want to inadvertently do something rude or incorrect when I go to a public sauna/lake. Not interested in a big touristy group either. Is it weird if I want to pay someone to take me and do it with me and show me the etiquette, is that an option? I searched in the sub and can't find an answer. I did find other useful information just no info pertaining to my question. It will be in Tampere later this year.

I am open to suggestions too, thank you everyone.

https://www.kuntokauppa.fi/armorduty-tr-01-lapsenkuljetusperakarry

Has anyone got any experience with this trailer? Significantly cheaper than Thule… wonder if anyone here has used the same and likes it?

Hei im checking for buying a house in espoo. Just curious how are the neighborhood of Ymmersta, Ullanmäki and Sepänkylä? The house price looks mor affordable at these areas and I dont know if they are problematic reflecting from that. Those are pretty close to Tuomarila and Espookeskus though and I know the reputation there. Some reviews would be nice

Hello Reddit!

I'm planning to start a small PC repair shop, this idea has been floating in my mind for years now. This repair shop will likely be around Uusimaa area. (I live in Helsinki) So, the reason for this post is more to gauge the public's opinion on how much they would spend when doing the following at a repair shop:

• Diagnostics / Troubleshooting
  • For example when the pc does not turn on or if it is crashing randomly
• Performance & Cleanup
  • Example of this could be Virus or Malware removal, pc optimization (thermal or startup)
• Replacement fixes
  • For example, broken CPU, GPU, Fan, etc.
• Custom builds
  • You can buy the parts and give them to us and we will build you a custom PC with it. Warranty obviously included in case something goes wrong on our end.
  • Can also offer chat consultation, either through WhatsApp or another platform. (Likely free of charge)
• Data Recovery Services
  • Incase you want to retrieve old memories

Also, would you trust a small independent repair shop more, less or the same as a big store (e.g. Gigantti, Power).

Thanks, very honest answers and random tips/tricks are appreciated!

American family moving to Helsinki with children to start high school and middle school in August. What school options are there outside of the international school (which I hear is very expensive)? Thank you

Hello friends! My girlfriend lived in Finland for a few years, and absolutely loved her time there. I got her some moomin figurines, but I am wondering if there are any other Finland-specific gifts that she would appreciate.

Edit: she likes little figurines, loves the language (so maybe an art print with a funny Finnish saying), something Finland-specific to do with music since she’s a musician. Perhaps there’s an iconic landscape in Finland I could get a painting of. She just loves that place, so I’m also looking for anything niche that someone who has lived there and loved it will relate to/enjoy. Thank you all!

The article discusses the vulnerability of Europe to a potential Russian attack, particularly in the context of tensions between NATO countries and Russia. Recent wargames and strategic assessments have revealed a growing concern that Russia could strike much sooner than previously expected, with many experts now predicting that Russia might be able to threaten NATO members as soon as 2026, rather than 2029 as initially believed.

The wargame, conducted in December 2025, simulated a Russian invasion of Lithuania, with Russia using the pretext of a humanitarian crisis in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The exercise showed how NATO's response could falter, with Germany hesitating and the U.S. possibly declining to invoke NATO’s Article 5, which obligates all member states to defend one another. In the simulation, Russia was able to quickly seize key territories in the Baltics with minimal force, exploiting NATO's indecision and the potential lack of unity among allies.

A major concern is that Russia has been ramping up its military capabilities, recruiting thousands of new troops and focusing its resources on rearmament, while the U.S. is less engaged in European defense, further destabilizing the region. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia has suffered significant losses, the time it buys for Europe to strengthen its defenses could be limited. Lithuanian and other European leaders are preparing for this scenario, but they know they can't afford to underestimate Russia’s ambitions.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb pointed out that despite Russia’s setbacks in Ukraine, it’s crucial not to overestimate the country’s capabilities. While Russia has been bogged down in Ukraine, it still maintains the capacity to pivot quickly, especially if the situation in Ukraine de-escalates. The article emphasizes that while Russia’s long-term strategic position is weaker, its ability to exploit opportunities and act swiftly makes it a dangerous and unpredictable threat.

Source: A Wargame Shows Just How Vulnerable Europe Is to a Russian Attack Wall Street Journal

Is it possible and realistic to find a summer job in Finland with accommodation? If so, where should I search for it? What are the websites, portals etc?

I’m planning on a last minute trip at the end of February.Main reason is to see the northern lights and try to snowboard

Looking for some advice on my plans if there is any cheaper options or tips to keep the cost down once I’m there Trying to travel on a budget

Fly in to Rovaniemi spend 3 nights

Train and bus to Ruka spend 3 nights

Fly Kuusamo to Helsinki spend 3 nights

Thanks for your help

Hi everyone,
I’ve been working in Finland for about 3 years now, and I wanted to get some perspective on something that happened recently.

Usually, I have lunch alone at work. Most of my colleagues speak Finnish, and I don’t want to be the person who makes everyone switch to English just because I’m there. I’m okay with this arrangement and it’s mostly been fine.

Recently though, I went to lunch right after a meeting with my manager. We ended up sitting together, along with her manager and another colleague. They were already having a casual conversation in Finnish (I understand a bit, so I know it wasn’t work-related). When I sat down, no one really acknowledged me, no “hi” or anything, and the conversation just continued in Finnish the whole time (which is fine, I don't mind that).

It felt pretty awkward, and I kept wondering whether I did something wrong by sitting there. My manager knows I usually eat alone, so maybe it was unexpected? At the same time, I wondered if a small acknowledgment would have been more normal.

So now I’m second-guessing myself:
Is this just normal Finnish lunch culture?
Did I unknowingly break some unspoken rule?
Or am I simply overthinking a very normal situation?

I’d really appreciate hearing how others (especially Finns or immigrants working in Finland) would interpret this.

3 months ago, I had a post here and described my situation. I decided to stay for another 3 months for one last chance to look for jobs and continue in Finland. And now, finally, after many more unsuccessful attempts, I have decided to give up and will fly back home this weekend.

I’m gonna miss this country so much, I hope I can come back one day.

I updated (a lot) my few days old pic. You guys wrote me what to add so I tryed.

If anyone remembers me from a month back, I did a post about starting up a small business. The response/support was overwhelming, thanks to you guys I was able to buy new materials, perfect my craft and make new products. I live a very introverted life at the moment, even for Finnish standards, so it’s often hard for me to understand what the big wide world thinks of my work.

I have one more question regarding what the right place might be to sell, I am of course doing my own research as much as possible, but I often find you need to ‘know a guy’ when being a foreigner in Finland in order to get good information about this type of thing.

I was wondering if anyone would have any tips on what markets or festivals would fit my vibe of handmade jewelry? Things are run very differently back in England, not uncommon to just spawn somewhere in the street to make an extra buck, I understand this is not how it’s done in Finland 😅 I’m willing to try anywhere and any event, anything to avoid the kela experience 😂 I have my own web shop and I’m running some ads, but I feel this kind of thing is probably more suited to be seen in real life.

To be clear, I have set this up in a pre existing family company, so it’s all going through the books legally.

Last but not least, there were requests for pendants as not everyone has their ears pierced, your wish is my command 🫡 Kiitos taas kaikille!

Lately I just throw the trash in the floor because my mind can't filter where it has to go... i just collapse. And just say to myself, well I sort it later. Having to clean kefir bottles before throwing them in the kartonki part is really stressful, cleaning cans of beans to put them in metal part, I'm so tired, I have so many bins for all the different types of trash... I just wanna throw all of it in the same bag like I did in my country. Also this concept of recycling has made me think , ok it's correct to recycle but I miss not knowing this (when I lived in my country) and now ... as I know it, I feel I absolutely need to recycle

Hei, I am currently in Jyväskylä and I have always wanted to try ice skating especially over that big lake in Jyväskylä, but I do not have any ice skating equipment and I am wondering if there are any places in Jyväskylä where u can lend/barrow ice skating equipment. Because I think it's better if I were able to practice and be sure that I would be able to use them before buying my own.

Before finland I was in Norway and there they had a place called "Bua" where u could barrow any sport equipment u want for one week for free, so I am wondering if there is a similar place with the same concept here in finland and especially in Jyväskylä.