My journey in Finland began on the 15th of August when I arrived at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. My first impression of Finnish people formed very quickly after I met a girl on the train to Pori. She was just a passenger sitting next to me, but unexpectedly, we started talking and ended up chatting the entire trip. The hours passed as if they were only a few minutes. That was the moment I realized how special and unique people here are. I already knew then that I would make many friends and create remarkable memories in this country.
I didn’t expect Pori to be both calm and full of energy at the same time. But from the very first week, I discovered that this small Finnish city hides an unforgettable experience for every student who comes here. The combination of peaceful nature, friendly locals, and vibrant student life immediately made me feel at home.
The first week of studies in Pori was truly unforgettable. It began with the orientation week, and from the very first day, I found myself surrounded by students from all around the world, each bringing their own stories, and cultures. The days were filled with exciting events such as the Amazing Pori Race, the Baptizing Event, and the Pub Crawl, where we explored the city by completing fun challenges and visiting local bars. The week’s adventures even included paddling with kayaks and a party night at the student house.
One thing that really surprised me was the existence of a place like Saikku, the student house in Pori, where students organize events, play board games, sing karaoke, or relax in the sauna. Unfortunately, we don’t have anything quite like that in Georgia and I immediately loved the idea.
What I appreciate the most about Finnish universities and students is how genuinely welcoming they are. No matter where you come from, they make you feel at home. Finnish students are incredibly kind-hearted, nice, and always ready to help. That first week completely changed my perspective and went far beyond my expectations of what life in Finland would be like.
After the orientation week, our days in Pori continued to be filled with new experiences and friendships. We took part in our first traditional sitz party where I got to know Finnish culture better. Not long after, one of the most memorable events was the Get Together Day, where we visited a Finnish farm. We learned about local agriculture, fed the animals, made our own nails with a hammer, enjoyed a barbecue, tried smoke sauna, and paddled Finnish canoes. It was a perfect mix of learning, laughter, and teamwork.
Sports have also become a big part of my life here – football every Tuesday with both Finnish and exchange students, and volleyball, several times a week. Since I’ve been involved in sports my whole life, it is a true pleasure to have the opportunity here to do the things that I love.
One evening, my Georgian roommate and I decided to cook traditional Georgian dishes and invite other exchange students over. Sharing my country’s cuisine and culture and seeing everyone enjoy, was a heartwarming experience.
Beyond Pori, we’ve had the chance to discover more of Finland and its rich culture. Together with other Georgian exchange students, we visited Rauma, a charming town famous for its wooden architecture and fascinating museums. We went to local cafes and bars, art and history museums, and other cultural sights. Walking through the cobblestone streets and learning about local history was both educational and inspiring.
One of the most magical experiences for all of us was witnessing the northern lights for the first time. Another highlight was participating in the Oktoberfest celebration, where we enjoyed traditional food, music, and the joyful festival atmosphere.
Before coming to Finland, I didn’t know much about the country, and I certainly didn’t expect the kind of lifestyle that I found here.
Although I knew Finland has one of the world’s best educational systems, experiencing it firsthand has still been surprising and unusual for me. Back home in Georgia, students focus mainly on exams, as each semester is packed with midterms and finals. That makes it hard to relax and slow down. In Finland, however, education is not just about studying – it’s about learning through experiences, collaboration, creativity, and balancing academics with personal well-being. I was amazed to see how this approach creates a supportive and inspiring environment for everyone.
Experiencing Finnish student life has taught me that learning isn’t confined to the classroom – it’s in every conversation, every moment spent together, and every shared meal.
I’ve been more than impressed by this country and it has found a special place in my heart, especially Pori. There are still so many experiences ahead and I look forward to each of them. Pori has become my second home and I’m very happy to have found it.
Text: Ani Takidze
Pointti 3/25
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