CATCHING UP AND TIPS FOR EXCHANGE

Hello again!

It’s been a while now since I came back to Finland. Summertime was very emotional because of leaving the UK but also very boring since after coming back I've only been working. Although all the Finnish habits are slowly getting back to me and my everyday-life keeps me very busy most of the time. It has been a good thing since I keep missing Fraser and the UK all the time. I find it very difficult to deal with the Finnish university system again because I noticed that I learned more in 6 months than all the time studying in Finland.

I haven’t visited my family and friends as often as I want which breaks my heart. Times like these when you're trying balance focusing on your studies but also to spend time with the people you really want to, it's really hard . But as someone wise once said, “everything will be alright at the end”. I would just rather know where the end is already. Yes I'm impatient.

I also just signed as a volunteer to all the new Finnish exchange students to help them with their experience abroad and share my knowledge and tips about living in England. So here are some things I learned that was good to consider before arriving at your destination.

1. Get all your medical things such as medication etc. before exchange.

This may include birth control, allergy medication or anything that requires a prescription. It is so much easier to deal with all those things when you’re still in Finland.

2. Plan ahead what kind of things you need to buy for your new room in the student accommodation.

I found it so much easier to take an Uber to Ikea and buy all the things at the same time. I can also make a specific post about my room in exchange and what things you need to buy for your room?

3. Should you get a public transport card etc. in advance?

No. If you go to a different city than Newcastle you may need it but at least in Newcastle, you can walk to everywhere.

4. Buy an extension lead.

It was so much easier to buy an extension lead and just plug everything in that. You also need only one adapter when you use the extension lead!

5. DON’T PACK TOO MUCH WITH YOU.

You are going to buy a lot of things from there anyways and you would rather have your clothes back home than try to decide what leave to the exchange destination because everything won’t fit into your luggage. Also, start planning what you’re going to pack early enough so you have time to make final changes if needed.

6. Visit as many places as possible.

You probably won’t be going back there right away so I would suggest you to use the chance when you still have it.

7. Be social.

I made this mistake, I sort of forgot my other friends for a moment at some point which I realised later. You’ll make friends for a lifetime- use the time while you’re all still at the same country!

8. Take warm clothes with you.

When they say that it’s rainy and windy in England they’re not lying. You won’t see the sun too often in England so pack warm clothes just in case- I needed my wool socks many times when heating was broken.

9. Get some £££ in advance

There are still some places that don’t accept card, and it is also often faster to pay by cash than a card.

10. Be open to everything.

This is a good rule and a proper way to end this list. It is sometimes difficult for Finnish people to be open and full extroverts but if you even try you can find new amazing friends, even your true love and the country where you always want to return.

I’ll end this post with these happy words and say all of you Goodnight! I hope the new exchange students find this useful- don’t forget that you can always ask me more if you want, you’ll find my email from “Contact”-section!

See you soon!