From homesick to home: how I found my place in Oulu
In this blog, I will share about the small routines that helped me manage those feelings, support from the university that helped me stay positive, and the wonderful experiences that made Oulu start to feel like home.
Thankfully, the University of Oulu offered online sessions such as the Offer Holder Hub and Welcome Webinars, which helped me start integrating into university life even from miles away. Since the curriculum was flexible and customizable, I was able to complete some courses available online during my first semester and save the practical ones for later, when I could attend them in person. My tutor teacher was incredibly supportive and guided me in creating my personal study plan, while digital tools like Tuudo, Goin’, Peppi, and Moodle made it easy to stay organized, informed, and connected with my peers.
Stepping into a new world
I still remember stepping into Oulu for the first time. It was almost midnight when I arrived by train from Helsinki. Coming from a place where the temperature was +25°C to one where it was –14°C was the biggest shock I’d ever experienced.
As I stepped onto the snowy platform, I felt both excited and nervous — wondering if I had made the right choice to study in Finland. Could Oulu really become my home for the next two years?
But the first sight of snow somehow eased my worries. It felt like a gentle welcome from this winter wonderland.
Finding comfort in small things
Slowly, I started building routines that made me feel grounded. Warm saunas after long winter days, quiet walks surrounded by snow, and cycling around the city became small joys that helped me connect with Oulu.
Being a foodie, I explored local delicacies and cooked dishes from my home country with a Finnish twist using local produce. When nostalgia hit, video calls with my family brought comfort. I also found peace in visiting the nearby public library, where the services are completely free, and spending quiet evenings getting lost in novels.
Making Oulu my own
Building a life from scratch sounded scary at first, and living away from my family was a completely new experience. But there was a special kind of joy in setting up my apartment — buying furniture, decorating, and turning an empty space into my own home.
Volunteering and community events helped me feel more connected.
I joined as a volunteer in Oulu 2026, took part in hackathons, joined as a UniOulu Ambassador, and met people from all around the world. Through these experiences, I found a supportive and diverse community that made Oulu feel like more than just a study destination.
Winter in Oulu can be long, but it’s not all bad — it brings its own magic. I learned to enjoy it by layering up, taking part in winter activities like sledding, and chasing magical auroras. Over time, the worries I once had faded. I no longer felt like a visitor — I felt at home.
To anyone starting a new chapter in Oulu, remember that it’s okay to feel lost at first. The first weeks can be challenging, but you will adapt and grow in ways you never imagined. Oulu may be far from where you started, but one day you’ll look around and realize — you do belong.
About the author
Varsha is a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering from Sri Lanka. She’s crazy about baking, loves chasing sunsets, and is always romanticizing life.