The Finnish Friendship Starter Pack
If I had to explain Finnish friendships in stages, it would look something like this:
- Stage 1: The silent nod in the corridor
- Stage 2: Sitting next to each other in class (still no talking)
- Stage 3: “Are you also taking this course?”
- Stage 4: Shared coffee
- Stage 5: Group project stress
- Stage 6: You suddenly realize you’ve found your people
Friendship here is not rushed. It unfolds naturally, through shared routines, mutual respect, and time. And honestly, that slowness is what makes it special.
At Tampere University, my friendships didn’t arrive all at once. They arrived one lecture, one course, one corridor conversation at a time.
Corridor Conversations That Change Everything
Some friendships begin in the most unexpected places.
I met Navindu during the welcome week of the Autumn semester in 2025, in a corridor at the Tietotalo building. He walked up and asked what was happening during welcome week and how I was planning my studies. That short conversation turned into daily encounters, shared courses, gym sessions, and eventually dinner at my place.
Navindu tried Bangladeshi food that evening and survived. That alone felt like a milestone in our friendship.
He’s positive, reliable, and someone I genuinely trust, whether it’s about coursework or life in general.
Finnish Classes and Shared Struggles
Language classes have a strange magic. They bring people together through confusion, laughter, and mutual survival.
I met Hamza in Finnish 1 class. He had joined a bit late and was worried about preparing his Personal Study Plan. We talked about it, then studied together, then worked on projects together. Somewhere along the way, he also ended up at my dinner table, trying Bangladeshi food and later, Bangladeshi chai with herbs.
That chai sparked long conversations. And just like that, friendship happened, slowly, naturally.
Friendship Through Coursework (and Coffee Breaks)
Some friendships start because of a course syllabus, and stay because of the people.
I met Antton through the Software Engineering Project course. From the beginning, he felt approachable and light-hearted, always engaged and active. What started as teamwork slowly turned into real conversations. Somewhere between deadlines and meetings, we crossed the invisible line from “course mates” to something more genuine.
That’s a very Finnish thing: friendship grows quietly, without announcements.
Ambassador Work and Unexpected Bonds
Not all friendships grow in classrooms.
I got to know Tuan through our Student Ambassador work. We collaborated on content together, including a reel, and I quickly noticed his energy and enthusiasm. Working together broke the ice faster than small talk ever could. After that, we didn’t just “know of” each other; we actually knew each other.
Sometimes, shared creativity builds bridges faster than words.
Quiet People, Strong Connections
Some of the strongest friendships are the quietest.
I met Lam and Nhat through Finnish classes and mutual friends. Lam is effortlessly smart, always smiling, and somehow always calm. We’ve had long discussions over chai at my place with other friends, and now we’re taking courses together.
Nhat, on the other hand, is quiet and maybe a bit shy, but observant, hardworking, and thoughtful. Finnish friendship culture gives space to people like that. Silence isn’t awkward here; it’s respected.
And that makes friendship feel safe.
Gentle Energy and Good Vibes
I met Hiruni through the Software Engineering Project course. She may be quiet and reserved, but she carries a calm, positive energy that makes working together comfortable and easy. In Finland, you learn that loudness isn’t a requirement for connection.
Sometimes, presence is enough.
What Friendship in Finland Taught Me
Friendship in Finland, and at Tampere University, has taught me a few important things:
- You don’t need to rush connections
- Silence doesn’t mean distance
- Shared routines matter more than grand gestures
- Trust builds slowly, but deeply
These friendships didn’t happen overnight. They happened through courses, corridors, chai cups, gym sessions, group projects, and quiet consistency.
As an international student, I came to Finland expecting to learn about data science, software engineering, academic life, and new systems of education. I didn’t expect to learn so much about human connection. But Tampere University gave me both.
And now, when I look around, I realize something beautiful:
I didn’t just come to Finland to study.
I came here and found my people.
About the Author
Moi! I’m Anas Uddin, a Student Ambassador at Tampere University, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science. Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, I previously worked as a software engineer. I’m passionate about technology, design, health & fitness, personal style, and continuous personal growth. Outside of studies, I love exploring nature and new places, spending time with friends, and meeting new people.
