PROS

• Sports, gastronomy, nature...
• Spectacular landscapes, breathtaking nature.
• Lappenranta is a small, very welcoming, and quiet town, with lots to see and do.

CONS

• Social distancing.
• The culture shock is significant, as its culture is very different from that of Spain.
• It's a bit difficult to socialize if you don't know anyone or don't speak Finnish.
• Because of their culture, they are distant, and that has a significant impact.

REGARDLESS ACCOMMODATION...

"In Finland, especially in Lappenranta, there's a company called LOAS. Google lists it as LOAS Finland. It has apartments in many locations. Since this is your first stay, you may only be eligible for shared apartments, although if you're traveling with more people, you can request a roommate (you'll always be with someone of your own gender)."

"They are very comfortable apartments, but they are always empty, and you have to buy everything: a mattress, a pot, a pan... The price is usually around €265/€400 per month, depending on the location and the size of the apartment."

"In Lappenranta, the offices are next to the university, and key collection is super fast. But in Finland, reception hours in most places start at 12 p.m., and this case is no exception. There's a drop box to return the key, so the reception doesn't matter."

"The apartment is large, and although you have to buy a lot of things, it is well-equipped and very comfortable. The common areas are spacious, and the room has an automatic lock (it can be removed if necessary)."

"For the washing machine, you have to book and go to the office, but they are free and usually convenient. Maintenance is very comprehensive through an app provided by LOAS. You can easily contact the company, and they handle most expenses for free."

"I looked for my accommodation through the agency LOAS, as they have student apartments all over the city and it's quite quick and easy to find. The accommodation cost me around 300 euros a month."

IF YOU GO TO FINLAND, YOU HAVE TO VISIT...

• Tallinn (Estonia). From Lappenranta, there's a direct train to Helsinki, and from there you can take a ferry for around 30 euros. You'll arrive in Tallinn in 2 hours. It's a very cool place with tons of things to see and do.
• A hockey game, one of the most popular sports in the country.
• The lakes.
• Go to the sauna, travel through the nearby towns—since the train is very cheap—and sign up for all the activities you can see during your month-long stay.

A GOOD PLACE TO EAT / DRINK IS...

• The most popular clubs/bars are Las Palmas and Lucky Monkeys.
• There are food stalls in downtown Lappenranta selling traditional food. The typical Lappenranta dish is called Vatu, a boiled egg sandwich with garlic mayonnaise, ham, and cucumber.
• Satamatie 6 (cafe).
• There aren't many affordable restaurants in the area, but a good place is the IsoKristiina shopping center, which has everything you need.

TIPS IF YOU GO TO FINLAND

• In Finland, help isn't offered, it's asked for.

• Erase all your ideas about Finland; in Spain, we idealize them.

• It's a very safe country, so there's no need to worry about that.

• They're very reserved and generally don't like to speak English. If you have a problem, just ask. Although they don't like to talk, they're very respectful and will help you whenever they can.

• From mid-May onwards, the snow usually stops and the sun begins to rise. So, also bring summer clothes because they're appreciated in June.

• Be patient and open-minded to take advantage of all the experiences and moments you'll have.

Useful links...