How to Survive WINTER IN FINLAND like a PRO

If you are moving to Finland for your studies or for work, you might be wondering how Finnish people survive the cold and dark of the long winters. In this video I will share 5 insider tips on how to survive winter in Finland like a local!
5 things you MUST KNOW about Finland before moving here: • 5 Things You MUST KNOW...
How to survive winter in Finland like a pro:
0:00 How do Finnish people survive winter?
0:35 Pro tip on surviving during the cold winter
1:55 How do Finnish people dress during winter?
3:51 What clothes should you pack for Finland?
7:13 Where to buy winter clothes in Finland?
7:56 Sponsorship disclaimer
8:53 How do people survive the darkness in Finland?
11:54 How to enjoy winter in Finland?
Remember to join us on my weekly live stream every Thursday at 6:30pm (EEST)!
✍️ Thanks for Hoas for sponsoring this video! I've been living in a Hoas student apartment for the last 7 years and I couldn't be more satisfied. They offer great value with quality apartments with good locations while still keeping the rents at super affordable levels.
Apply for student apartments in the Helsinki area from Hoas: tinyurl.com/ydxaoue5
//Second-hand stores for winter clothes
UFF: uff.fi/in-english/
Kierrätyskeskus: www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_eng...
Fida: www.fida.fi/en/
//COME SAY HI!
Discord: / discord
LinkedIn: / oliverrotko
Instagram: / oliver.rotko
//CONTACT:
Subscribers, please use this email: [e-mail]
For business inquires only: [e-mail]
#studyinfinland #roadtofinnish

[@RoadtoFinnish]

WATCH NEXT: 5 things you MUST KNOW about Finland before moving here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnmYg4GLndubrMk

[@Baby1234Blue]

It IS pretty cold, yes :) Happy New Year, Oliver, I do hope we get to finally meet next year!

[@ullasofia9432]

You forgot to mention a very important point. Clothing and shoes must be at least one, if not two sizes larger than what you normally wear. I have housed hundreds of foreigners in my home for decades. The biggest problem is, that they have bought just the right size, i.e. practically too tight, outerwear or shoes to make airy layering possible.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

A great point! Thanks for sharing this 👍

[@chellybub]

First time I went to Finland it was in the middle of winter... Which means it was the middle of summer in Queensland, Australia. I went form +40°C to -15°C. The man that does the passports said I was mad lol 😂 Great video good advice for the cold weather clothing... I learned the hard way about layers hahaha!

[@suneel1875]

hahaha😄

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh jeez that must have been a bit of a shock stepping out of the airpot into the chill 🥶. Im sure it was an experience that you'll never forget.

[@lynnescherr2174]

Layering is such a good thing to do. Currently here in Saskatchewan, Canada where I live, it is -34, -47 with the windchill. I had to shovel the 20 centimeters of snow we got night before last and layered up, I was toasty warm. I am studying Finnish and plan to come to Finland to search for my ancestors sometime in the next two years! Thanks for your awesome videos!😊🥶💖

[@penttiperusinsinoori3037]

Here is many of different climates... south and west coast are warmest places and winter can be very easy. About +2 to -30°C ... if you going in land there is more dry air and it's colder. Allmost 50% of Finland is behind arctic circle and that is different story.. Winter is coming earlier and ends about just june starts. Every the weather condition is possible. When you think it's warm you get cold or other way😆.. So difficult to predict what is coming. Summer in south coast was +32°C and winter -32°C few days but about 4-5month 0 to -25°C . Lappland can be in summertime +28°C and winter 8month -5 to -50°C and anything between. Normally snow depth is 10cm to 1meter in southern part and 40cm to 1meter mid ... lappland 50cm to 1,5meter. Record is 2meter... it's alot if you think it's everywhere.

[@kimmoj2570]

@Lynne Scherr Yeah. Many people put high end winter jacket on top of 1 or 2 layers of cotton work clothes, and then wonder why they are freezing dry in inactivity, or freezing wet if active. Cotton is cold as hell when wet, and not much better when dry. You can put merino wool undergarments straight from washing machine on, and it will be warmer than bone dry cotton clothes. Be carefull not to rip wet wool...

[@ndeysanyang5760]

I like Finland. May God protect Finland

[@jenniferriggs1900]

My paternal grandmother's family came from around Ylitornio. Some migrated to Alta, Norway. I was born in the US and will likely never be able to afford to see Finland. I live vicariously through videos like yours.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

I have to say its super interesting to hear stories like these from people around the world - especially from the states. It seems that Finland saw quite a bit of emigration a couple of generations ago. It would be really cool for you to see Finland by visiting your roots at some point. Its a great country - even if we are a bit different from the US 👍

[@tulsiadhera754]

@@RoadtoFinnish hi , can you tell me that new rules will be pending on parliament for easy PR for international students... it's it? Can students get A permit during study as per new rules of apply?

[@jenniferriggs1900]

@@RoadtoFinnish from my reading, it seems there was a famine around the 1860s, and then rising tensions between conservatives and socialists around the turn of the century, leading up to Finland's independence. My great-grandfather's family emigrated in 1902. My great-grandmother emigrated in 1914, at the age of 17, with no family. Finland gained independence a few years later. Sometimes I wonder if they ever regretted coming to the US. Things aren't great here, lol.

[@MDobri-sy1ce]

@@RoadtoFinnish I don't think it is to surprising though with all the immigration. During and after the Second World War, lost of countries were in disarray in Europe. For example my great grandfather was some baron in Ukraine or Russia but he was part of the nobility during the Russian Revolution so, he fled to France but the government thought he was conspiring with the Germans so, he fled France and came to Canada. Same, with my Italian grandpa. Basically, because of war and needed a job. One of my former teachers who is mostly Finn, her great grandparents left Finland because of war.

[@loislewis5229]

I’m also born in America with Finnish heritage. I’ve been there once and also like to watch videos about my “homeland”. My family is from the islands between Sweden and Finland. They didn’t regret moving to the States as there was more work for the men. The immigrants would live in the same neighborhoods for companionship. Mine moved to a Scandinavian neighborhood in Brooklyn New York. My only regret is that I didn’t learn the language, but my grandparents insisted we speak English because we were in America now. The cousins I know in Sweden & Finland complain about the cold winters 😜

[@astronauticaI]

Hei from Indonesia! One of my univ lecturers did his PhD at the University of Oulu. He told us about the long, dark winters and his dissertation advisors, both of whom were named Pekka. At that time, Finland seemed to me like a very strange place on the other side of the world. XD Watching this video was nostalgic for me in the way that it reminds me of when I moved to the UK for my master's degree. Of course, nowhere as north as where you are, but it was still so different from living on the equator and I loved every moment of it. Thanks to Eurovision, I've fallen into a bit of a Finland rabbit hole and now I wish I had the opportunity to study or live in Finland long-term. It sounds like a beautiful place. Kiitos for the videos!

[@ButterFly-zh8ho]

The trap with clothes in winter in Finland is to cover yourself too much, this also happens to Finns, the risk is to sweat in your clothes, sweating is largely water that risks freezing on the skin, especially in parts such as the neck, this will cause serious burns due to the cold. So don't cover up too much, take off your clothes quickly if you go inside to avoid sweating, because otherwise the water will freeze and burn your body once you're back outside.

[@frankielee908]

Great content.. very useful and helpful. Thank you very much.

[@chrisoffersen]

“A relaxing evening of ice swimming”😂 love it. The more I learn about Finland the more I like it.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh its awesome! You need to try it 😅

[@ah3131]

Kiitos videosta!

[@MOTIVATE.AI01]

Thank you for your information, you are great man 🙏

[@timreza2889]

Thank you for sharing . Very helpful

[@kimmoj2570]

Finland is not even cold nowdays. In 80s it was common to have 20 to 30 degrees minus C for week on end. Layering is good advice. 1) base layer, always wool (NOT cotton!!), if even the super fine merino does not suit to you, a thin fleece, or even technical synthetic, like running shirt, 2) warming layer, fleece, wool, still avoid pure cotton layers, they dont keep warmth. You can use many outer layers of autumn/spring clothing as second layer 3) windproof layer, you can have simple cotton/PE parka if you use proper second layer. In extreme cold you need thick winter jacket. Second option in extreme cold is thick down or synthetic jacket, and 2 very thin layers of wool under it. In layering style of clothing it is easy to cool yourselve if active, while you are same time hardened to non-activity periods. You must prefer even undergarments that have half lenght front zip atleast. Full zip is better. Its balance to keep warm, but not overheat. Properly clothed person walks briskly chest bare in -30C. He/she stay dry, and will zip up when physical activity ends.

[@infoe.studio]

Thanks for the tips ! Will be there next december with my family ;)

[@jose_eh_eh]

Thanks man, you gave me the confidence to go visit this November.

[@musiclove5382]

Thanks a lot for letting us know the precautions for newcomers. Your channel is so informative and I have Subscribed.

[@a.s.w.9619]

Very important video. Thank you. ❤

[@poppywidiastuti6178]

Thx for the video So helpful for me. Wish coming soon to Helsinki

[@cazfloss1990]

My family and I were lucky enough to go to Lapland mid December. The coldest it got was -17, but the week before had been -36. I don’t think we could have coped with that. It certainly would have made the trip less enjoyable. Finland is absolutely beautiful!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh i think -17 is great! -36 would have been pretty much unbearable so you were kinda lucky to hit that middle ground 👍

[@finntasticfootprints]

Very well done. Keep it up. Finland is really one of the best place in Europe. :)

[@belentesfaye7572]

Palijon kiitoksia Oliver for delivering this video as promised. There isn't much content on KZbin regarding this subject. I admire your meticulousness. Keep up the great work. Question: I'm learning Finnish using pimsleur and Duolingo. Can you recommend other apps?

[@ozairakhtarcom]

Super cool.

[@daveski280]

Wow! These are a Very Good Tips You made of How to Survive Winter in Finland 🇫🇮 like a Pro. This will Make People who are in Finland 🇫🇮 Learn How to Cope with the Cold Weather in the country.

[@waterherralways]

Great video! Can you make a video on the best city for student life in Finland as well as the activities to do, and how to overall adapt to the general Finnish enviroment and culture as a student😅 and maybe also how to survive the darkest time of the year in Finland in regards to mental health and well-being..

[@lilmissmalone]

I'm heading from the Caribbean to Oulu for studies in a couple days, and what you addressed in this video covers exactly what I was worried most about. Kiitos paljon! 🙏🏾

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really cool to hear - its going to be a bit of a change for you so dont worry if you experience a bit of a culture/country shock 😅. Its totally normal when moving to a country that is so drastically different. Also, do let me know if there are any other topics or questions that youd like me to cover about winter 👍

[@jens1924]

This really was a good video. If I were you I would keep my eye out on the extreme weather one as well. I live in the Oulu region and weather here can change quickly. We have had weeks where it has been -5C, then -30C back to -5C in just a few days. Not a lot of snow right now and weather had been milder than it usually is. Also definitely invest in a wind proof jacket! It's always windy in here which makes it feel colder.

[@finnrissa4594]

I was in Finland for the past two weeks and I just got back to America today. I love actually feeling cold for once and layering worked for me. And having proper clothes was nice. ^^

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

im near seattle and im sick of the winds and freezing days

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh thats so nice! May i ask which places in Finland you visited?

[@finnrissa4594]

@@RoadtoFinnish 3rd visit to Finland in my lifetime and was my first winter there. Stayed in the Helsinki area for one week, and then went a bit west to Espoo for the rest of the travels. I was in Helsinki at around 2-3 am helping out with putting away stuff from the Christmas market and it started snowing. That point I haven’t felt or seen snow in so many years and it was nice From that day on it was all snow and I really enjoyed it. ^^

[@finnrissa4594]

@@RoadtoFinnish I wonder how the cold must feel a bit north in Oulu for example. That’s where I want to go next

[@finnrissa4594]

@@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129 The coldest day in Helsinki was one I didn’t prepare for. Temperatures were fine until the wind chill.

[@SiiriCressey]

Thanks for the reminder about reflectors. I live in Maine; those are very helpful here too.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh they are a necessity here especially during the last months of autumn and the first months of winter when we do not necessarily yet have any snow. This time in Helsinki is usually between September and late December.

[@shiyamganesh6925]

Nice Vlog and Useful information ! Loved it

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks a ton Shiyam! As alway, do let me know if you have any questions or ideas for future videos 👍

[@sanujidananjaya]

thank you! this is good explanation

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Youre most welcome!

[@sanujidananjaya]

@@RoadtoFinnish kee it up

[@jaijinendra1777]

March is the best time . We could see sun most parts we travelled. Just be careful not to skid on black ice. Have good grip underneath your shoes. Hand and leg warmers are superb. Do buy from any sports store in your country or buy in Euro in their markets.

[@vivienirsa7834]

Kiitos paljon! I'm moving within a week and I was pretty scared of the cold, although I love winter, we didn't had a real winter in my country in a long time... So thank you! That was really helpful! I think I'm gonna live on your videos :D

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats so cool to hear! Im glad if this helps you settle in. Winters in Finland are absolutely lovely if you have the right clothes to keep you warm. This is really well summarised by a Finnish term "varustekilpailu" which can be roughly translated to mean "equipment based competition". This term is usually used in contexts where the better your equipment/clothes are, the better you will be. It basically means "Don't skimp on the winter clothes or you will regret it later". 🥶

[@freddiemarquez5096]

kiitos paljon oliver😊😊

[@RoadtoFinnish]

You are most welcome!

[@ev721]

Thanks Oliver! Useful as usual. Finally going to move to Helsinki end of January 2022. Can't wait to freeze my butt off...

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats awesome to hear man! So happy to hear you have a date set - after all the processes and procedures 👊

[@LutWaChenLet11]

Thank you for the clothing info. we'll be in Rova by the end of January 2022! Am really worried about the extreme cold. 🙈

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really cool to hear! Im sure you are going to enjoy it 👍. Just remember that you can buy all the necessary winter stuff in Finland so dont stress about it too much. Just make sure that you dont fly to Finland in shorts so you need to still have some warm clothes just to survive to the shops.

[@jens1924]

My favourite part of winter is that one moment of the day, usually before dusk fully settles, blue hour (sininen hetki). Also thank you for mentioning reflectors. As I usually drive a car I tend to get regular heart attacks as people walk or bike in black clothes without, especially when there are no street lights and before snow. My recommendation for reflector would actually be gloves that has reflectors in them. If not put the reflector in place where a car can easily see them, ankles your waist or wrist. Note that these should be on the roadside so that they can be seen. Those little reflectors that you use safety pin don't really do anything since they're usually hidden somewhere among your clothes. Unless you put them on your pants so that they swimg against your leg. Generally the best place is about knee high. I have reflective beanie, vest, gloves and pants. 😂 I usually walk in a place with no street lights so it's kinda cheap way to potentially save my life.

[@MDobri-sy1ce]

I think, when it comes two winter clothes it is worth it to buy good quality and pay a bit more because it will last for many years. For example, one winter jacket I had since high school. The age is starting to show but it is still in relatively good condition. I just bought another one 2 years ago because that must smell is slowly, starting to creep in the one that does not really go away. Or my Baffin winter boots. I paid $320.00 I think. Expensive but worth it because can pretty much trek through anything! I think, I bought them in 2010 over a decade ago. Every few years I have to replace the liners but other than that they are in very good condition!

[@YuckTradingCo]

you know it's funny because my parents used to make fun of me for dressing in layers all the time. T-shirt, flannel, hoodie/jacket. It's one of the best combos.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh they had no idea :D.

[@MD-wh7ns]

Thank brother

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Youre welcome!

[@sparklingstars162]

Hey I am too travelling his December 2022 for my study further in Finland. Will be great to meet to personally. Your videos r super knowledgeable and helpful.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats great to hear! Would be fun to organise a subscriber meetup. Havent done those before but it would be cool to do something e.g. during autumn. Make sure to join our Discord server to see if/when we organise one. The link is in the description box 👍

[@keko4618]

I use leather boots in winter mostly, but on wet winterweather (over 0 C+) i use rubberboots with wool intercoating. Waterproof and warm. Heavy and nonfashional but practikal.

[@amreenvlog954]

Moi New subscriber here ! Kiitos

[@nemesis1970]

this was an easy winter

[@adeelbhatti2507]

Make some video on winter clothes jacket shoes. Which brand would you recommend to buy before coming Finland

[@ponteslivia]

Please help me to find your video about how to dress for the northern parts of Finland? Going to Lapland in early December with my family and am worried we will be super cold! We live in the uk, so used to cold winters and short days, but it’s not as cold as Finland for sure!😊Many thanks!!

[@williamdavidwallace3904]

We lived in Kulosaari in the winter of 73-74 and compared to Ottawa, where we were from, it just was not very cold. The biggest issue was how long it was wet and dark and you never touched on those issues.

[@mrcycloneofficial2922]

Love from India ❤️❤️

[@har_7988]

Thanks Oliver for the information.I am coming to Finland for my studies this january.Your videos help a lot in understanding finnish culture and language. Currently I am learning finnish language and knowing that their is no separate pronoun for men/women in finnish language indicates a truly gender equality in finnish culture.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

👍 oh you cant even imagine how much happiness it brings me to hear that you have the courage to tackle the Finnish language on your own. Its not the easiest of languages and will definitely take work to master. However, its going to give you a huge edge in the job markets if you are able to learn at least some basic day-to-day language. Also, its cool to hear how people see the language and its nuances. Ive never really thought about the gender equality this way but now that i think of it - you are totally right!

[@samizdat_]

Where are you going in Finland?

[@har_7988]

@@samizdat_ in hameenlinna, hame university of applied science

[@samizdat_]

@@har_7988 that’s great. For Masters?

[@har_7988]

@@samizdat_ for bachelors in computer application

[@goju09alt9]

Don't commit my mistake, get something in which you can put your phone INSIDE your clothes, CLOSE to the body, so to keep it warm. No phone is made to keep up with temperatures below -15 for long time.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

This is way too true 😄. When Apple and Samsung are developing their new phones, they do not necessary design them to work in the cold of Alaska or northern Europe as much as the warmth of California. The funny thing is that many winter jackets designed in the last 5 years have a dedicated "phone pocket" which is specifically insulated to keep your phone warm while in there. What is even funnier is that some of these designs use aerogel (the worlds lightest solid) as an insulating material. This thing was designed to be used in space - not to keep our smartphones warm during the winter 😅

[@nadezhdagolovina5869]

Miten selviytyä talvella? Vain rakkautta ja tanssia! Kiitos kaikille!💓

[@Digitalhunny]

Um, so, do "one night stands" take, _two_ full nights in Finland? 😜 I mean removing _all_ those layers & _than,_ putting them _all_ back on again?! 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry, I'm Canadian & could NOT resist! 🤣 Only because of the way _you_ described it. We do it too! Cheers.🤗💕 Oh, btw _think_ I understand why you guys use & brag (lovingly) about saunas. Cold, wet cold freezes us to our bones! Sauna takes that chill out of us & energizes us. The sad thing is Canadians _would_ have it too. As apart of our heritage IF only we had listened to the Native's that were here, before us.😣 In the winter's here they still sauna & it's _wonderful!_

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 i guess one night stands would take a bit more effort here. Oh and you should definitely adopt the sauna culture in Canada. I really dont understand how you guys can live without them. Not only is sauna great in the winter (just as you described) but its also absolutely lovely in the summer especially if you have access to a body of water. I would think that this would be absolute gold if you had a place next to some of the great lakes that you guys have.

[@gangsterkhowai2811]

Really sorry for this big text but I would like to have your opinion about something as an ex student Like ik Aalto is a big name and i too want to be admitted there having lesser chance of admission i also have to look for alternative where by i saw Tampere UAS and Oulu UAS as good ones But there are some less heard UAS like Lapland and Novia and Arcada UAS but they are public unis Do you think these unis will be worth spending almost the same amount as Aalto and coming there as an international student

[@MDobri-sy1ce]

I heard the saying, "Their is not such thing as bad weather just not the right clothing." I think, the same thing could be said, for the part of Canada I live. 2 heavy winter jackets, 3 pairs of boots, 6 sweaters, 2, neck warmers, and 2 hats. And you can never heavy to many pairs of gloves!

[@marvinmartinez3818]

I think the phrase is Norwegian

[@pranabpal1489]

i would like to request yu to publish a video on KELA, HOW A INT . STUDENT USE IT IN PROBLEM.

[@sarmadali5905]

Kindly explain tax system , does tax deducted after time period like after every month or year or it deducted after getting every salary?

[@benjaminsagan5861]

Ugh.. I have such a great winter wardrobe that I almost never get to wear. I would do well in Helsinki.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Its currently simply gorgeous in especially the northern parts of Finland so you could put those clothes into good use as soon as you can book yourself a flight 😅

[@silentword9380]

❤❤❤

[@kaishwaryak]

Just two layers....damn you are a super human being 🥺

[@angelagatti4312]

Hi, thanks for all the information. There's one thing Finnish people take for granted, but is difficult (at least for me) when coming from warmer climates. It's the ice on the ground. Everyone walks around unbothered, even without spikes. It's a mistery how you can make it. Please explain in a new video... I'm desperate. :) (Meanwhile, I got spikes.)

[@penttiperusinsinoori3037]

You can buy a winter shoes with spikes... really. I don't have experience of those what spikes can do to inside house😆 ... sorry.. explain to mystery. It is balance.. yep. You just learn that. Older peoples can fall and that's bad but you live longer if you walk more.

[@XGD5layer]

It's a matter of training your sense of balance and adjusting your gait.

[@giovannifoppiani7526]

can you explain how the commute to work/university during the winter is? is it recommended to go to the university with super-winter stuff if inside there's an ambient regular temperature? how can we manage this? thank you

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh sure, this is actually rather simple 🙂. People commute to the uni in their normal (city) winter clothes which they change based on the weather each day. It should not be a problem to have e.g. long underpants under your jeans when inside. Sure, you might feel a bit more warm than normal but ive never seen it as an issue. On the other hand, since people use layering when dressing up, they can wear normal hoodies, t-shirts or what ever it is you like to wear normally underneath their winter jackets. To put this into simple terms - people commute to the uni in normal winter clothes. These depend on the weather and the person and it is also quite normal for people to have separate "city clothes" and outdoors clothes. Did this clarify the issue at all? 😅

[@MDobri-sy1ce]

I keep myself busy, C & D vitamins, plenty of hot drink coffee, and hot chocolate or baths with Epsom salts for sore muscles.

[@Beeeee961]

Is April a good time to visit??

[@user-li5un1wu9j]

What are your local brands (finish or swedish) to buy a hot clothes.

[@md.masudhaider551]

Hey Oliver 😀. I got in Tampere for this autumn. I hope to come to Tampere in August. But I'm super terrified about the life threatening winter as I live in Bangladesh where its the complete opposite of Finnish weather 😑

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh man, huge congrats on being admitted! That is absolutely awesome to hear 🥂. I do understand that the seasons in Finland are quuuuite a bit different to Bangladesh but i would not worry about this too much. You will definitely get used to it and you will have plenty of time to prepare before winter. Btw, if you have not yet seen my videos on how to prepare for your first semester in Finland, do check them out next: 1. Most important things that you need to do after being admitted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5a8fox5oMqDrdk 2. How to prepare for your first semester in Finland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6TbaI16hqiXodk 3. Things that you have to do just before you fly to Finland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/norCnWuJaZKKrtU Cheers!

[@jenniferriggs1900]

It's about -1°C in my part of NW Oregon, USA. Cold for us! We have a few inches of snow. We only get this weather once every few years, and it only lasts a week or two. -10 is the coldest I've ever seen it here.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really interesting to hear! My understanding was that Oregon can be really cold in some parts. How does the climate differ in different parts of the state? Also, -10°C felt pretty much like summer this morning 😅. Me and my gf are spending new years in one of the skiing centres in the northern parts of Finland (a place called Levi) and the lowest temperature we measured on the way this morning was -28°C. I would say it was a bit nippy but that would be a bit of an understatement 🥶 Levi is approx 1000km (620 miles) north of Helsinki and approx 170km (100 miles) north from the Arctic Circle. Location on google maps if you are interested: www.google.com/maps/place/Levi/@67.7832866,24.8590739,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4680ce2e5780f06f:0xa804ff62e1779c94!8m2!3d67.7832872!4d24.8678286

[@jenniferriggs1900]

@@RoadtoFinnish Oregon's geography and climate vary widely. We have deserts that get extremely hot in daytime and freezing at night. We have two large mountain ranges running north-south. The Pacific Ocean up to the Coast Range mountains is mild and rainy year round, very different from the Willamette Valley, which is sandwiched between the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges. To the east of the Cascades there are lava fields (the mountains here are extinct volcanoes), deserts, and plateaus. The upper northeast portion of the state has beautiful grasslands and mountains. Because of the varying geography and elevation, you can drive one hour in any direction and feel the weather change, and see the difference in plant life. It's really a gorgeous place to live. My Finnish ancestors first settled in the US Midwest, North and South Dakota, but within a decade or so they moved west to southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. In Finland, from what I gather, they all lived in between Ylitornio and Sirkka. I see Sirkka is close to Levi. I hope to experience the polar night before I die. 🥰

[@tulsiadhera754]

@@jenniferriggs1900 Finland citizenship can move easyli in usa ?

[@arkan324]

Temperatures near 0C actually often feel more cold than -10 or so due to humidity. Freezing winds are of course worse.

[@jenniferriggs1900]

@@tulsiadhera754 I don't know anything about citizenship, I'm sorry.

[@ItzRobloxPlayzz]

Im from Finalnd

[@solomoncumquats776]

Do you think a leather biker jacket would be great with layers?

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

And wearing natural fibers like you do (cotton, wool) is always the best! Nowadays the majority of clothes are, for a large part, always made of nylon, polyester which is horrible!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh id say this depends quite a bit on the clothes and the use case. Polyester and other non-natural materials are great especially when it comes to wind and waterproofing fabrics and if you look at almost any lightweight outdoor jackets, pants etc... they are all made out of polyester or some kind of plastic based materials. This is naturally not ideal and there is already enough of plastics in the nature (dont even get me started on nanoplastics) but they are pretty much superior as materials for certain outdoors uses. Wool is always great but the problem for many is that wool can irritate ones skin quite badly. This is why merino wool (which is less irritable) has become so popular in the recent years. Id say each of these materials have their uses but i would also agree that we need to start using more natural fibers so that we could get rid of the damn plastics and especially the chemicals used to treat those non-natural materials..

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

@@RoadtoFinnish Absolutely! And you're right for outdoor use, some unnatural fibers are handy when it is wet weather.

[@hasibahmad3660]

How do you use your phone with gloved hands?

[@gametestermobilecoduser4525]

Can u make a video obmn the best university that offer fully funded scholarships for business management and accounting plz , thanks

[@ramitkumar4707]

Hey I am applying for Bachelors and it is asking for Graduation date and i am a high school student what des graduation mean here

[@Brown95P]

So, to put it _very_ basically, alongside the obvious winter equipment, you'll need 2 pairs of socks, 2 pants and 2 shirts on a daily winter basis; got it. Incidentally, do most Finnish people take vitamin D supplements throughout every winter as well, or is it just while you're new in the land?

[@RoadtoFinnish]

That pretty much sums it up, yes 👍. In terms of the vitamin D - most Finns take the supplements every winter. Its a problem for all the locals as well and the (potential) deficiency does not only impact you when moving in.

[@hippimamma]

It's better to wear only wool socks without regular socks, and it's best to wear wool against skin on your whole body to stay warm. Wool is warm even tought it gets wet, from any reason.

[@Brown95P]

@@RoadtoFinnish I see, that's good to know; thanks for the heads-up.

[@katvan5533]

Meriiiinoooo and d vitamin 😆😆😆

[@Beeeee961]

Hey hey, how is the weather in Finland like in April?? Is it winter?

[@gametestermobilecoduser4525]

Can u do a video on all the EU & EEA countries and territories i ask this cuz I’m 12 and planning to study and live in Finland but I don’t know if my country is a part of the EU , thanks

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey Sarah and thank so much for the great suggestion! This would make for a rather short video so its perhaps a bit easier for me to list out all the countries here 🙂: *EU countries* Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. *The European Economic Area (EEA)* The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member but is part of the single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and study in Finland as other EEA nationals. I hope this helps you get started 👍

[@gametestermobilecoduser4525]

@@RoadtoFinnish morning and thank you it helped a lot because I live on and island named St.Maarten which thankful is and EU country and territory so I will be studying in Finland for free

[@sarmadali5905]

As winter season is so rough does odd jobs decreases due to bad weather?

[@XGD5layer]

No.

[@MD-xc7pb]

Hello, what if a student has given IELTS test do they still need to give entrance exams?? Thank you!

[@XGD5layer]

If entrance exams are a requirement, then yes. Because entrance exams are separate from the need to prove your English skills.

[@soukainarahmoune5199]

What if I'm from Africa and my city's weather never drops below 7°C

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh dont worry. You will get used to the cold over time 🙂. And again, having proper clothing and the right mindset will carry you really far already.

[@samizdat_]

Hi I think you forgot to put the link for second hand clothes store

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh shoot im sorry! I updated the description to include the links. Thanks so much for reminding me about this 👍

[@Narpil]

Plot twist : the intro was recorded at 1PM

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😂 almost. It was at 9:30am just before sunrise.

[@Rx_VV]

İ like long cold dark winter ✋😁

[@RoadtoFinnish]

It does have its charm, i will grant you that 👌. I really love it if we have a proper amount of snow on the ground because the snow just makes everything more light and lovely. Takes the sting out of the darkness.

[@Rx_VV]

@@RoadtoFinnish therefore i m looking for a job to roll on beatiful snow in finland 😁✋

[@sarmadali5905]

Does Finnish Government gives any benefit like ,PR ,education medical or child allowance if children born in Finland?

[@ilarimappes5630]

I feel like a astronaut in Finland yeah...

[@RoadtoFinnish]

xD it felt like that this morning when the car indicated it was -28°C outside. We are spending new years in the north (Levi to be exact) and its been pretty cold here already for two weeks or so

[@ilarimappes5630]

@@RoadtoFinnish wow thats cold

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Yep 🥶

[@lancermitsubishi2179]

Did I hear you right? 1. First sauna 2. Swimming in the almost freezing lake? I do have a sauna and yes i know its benefits on skin during Brutal Canadian February weather... BUT.... If I attempt to swim in the lake...... Probably the rescuers would haul me frozen!! Conclusion: no post sauna swimming for me! Love your videos. The insights on Finnish life are eye openers!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

🥶 yep you heard that right. The extreme temperature changes really feel awesome and this is true especially when you get out of the water and back into the warm sauna. I really recommend it if you ever have access to a body of water when going to a sauna. However, i would also ask you not to do this alone the first time just in case you react to the cold water in an unpredictable way and you need someone to be there with you to keep an eye out on you. Unlikely but it has happened. Really cool to have these conversations with people so do let me know if there are any particular parts of the Finnish culture or life that you'd like to learn about 👍

[@lancermitsubishi2179]

@@RoadtoFinnish Lake Ontario is far from where I live so that makes jumping in ice water pretty much impossible unless I try the tub with salt water at my place where I would also have the sauna at arms length. Obviously cant jump in LOL but it should be doable. Probably I also risk arrest or hospitalization in a mental institution.....LOL The only time such dips are dared are on New Year's day also known as Polar Bear dip. Few dare devils attempt and it is usually in the news! Just imagine🤣

[@timotosijyrkka3352]

The sixth way is to learn the Wim Hof method 😎

[@RobertRod818]

Looks way too cold for me.

[@timothyorourke7116]

How can you ruin a down jacket

[@TJJewett]

I'm sorry, Ice swimming!? I need to know about this.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 what do you want to know?

[@TJJewett]

@@RoadtoFinnish do you actually get in the water and swim around while it's all icy? I think that needs its own video.

[@chrisoffersen]

Careful of that cotton there. I avoid it like the plague in the winter (in the Colorado Mountains)

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh yeah, i avoid cotton like the plague during winter 😅

[@sally88tan]

Hope you’ll catch the aurora borealis 👍🏻

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh i hope so! We are currently in lapland and there is one night this week during which skies should be clear enough to see them IF there is enough sun activity 👍

[@catherinetrinh3260]

How strange it is for public lighting to be turned off during dark periods of the day.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

I could not have planned that any better 😅.

[@Katirin89]

That's actually pretty light for us in the winter. The lights go off sometime in the morning (around 8am or 9am) when it gets light enough and turn on about 4pm~ish when it gets dark again. At least here in southern Finland.

[@catherinetrinh3260]

@@RoadtoFinnish Please bring in more cultural information to your blogs. I can't tell you how important it is as I am learning more about what my grampa meant when he reminded me that I have the map of Finland on my face. I am a life long resident of Michigan.

[@michaelromero7982]

Do you really ice swim?

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Weeeell i would not call it a swim. Its more like ice dipping. I basically made a huge hole in the ice and dipped myself in the water all the way. No room to swim though.

[@michaelromero7982]

@@RoadtoFinnish I understand, thanks for responding..

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

someone said use ends of panty hose then put on wool socks-dont know if it works...i walk 20 blocks in snow feet are frozen..im sick of it....you use rubber doctors gloves under regular glove?no brand names?.i got red wrists -sick of this

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh well, all of this sounds pretty peculiar. Never heard of either of these tips 🤪. I would never advice on using rubber gloves under regular gloves unless you are doing something like arctic exploration. Normal rubber gloves are way too tight to keep you warm in the cold temperatures. This is because even if they do not let any air escape, they also do not hold much warm air inside. So i would say they are pretty much useless especially considering how uncomfortable they are to use. Im sure you can buy nitrile gloves that are more spacious but i still think this is totally bonkers in normal day-to-day situations. Just buy proper silk or wool liners. They are much more comfortable and serve the same purpose much better. The best way to explain why tight rubber gloves are not a good idea is by using down jackets as an example. The reason why down is such an incredible insulator and a great material for super warm jackets is because of how well down feathers are able to trap air between them. However, there is one really big downside to down insulation - it is absolutely useless as a material if it gets wet or fully flattened. This is because both cases remove the downs ability to trap air between its fluffy fibres. This is actually the reason why down jackets and e.g. sleeping bags should never be stored (long-term) in tight bags. Most high-quality down products have their own storage bags that are big enough for the down to stay fluffy. In terms of your socks - just use a pair of normal cotton socks underneath a pair of wool socks. That should do it. However, please remember what i said above about how down works. The same principles apply to all clothes and materials as well. So even if you have two sets of warm socks, you will have cold feet if your shoes are too tight. This is because having tight shoes will flatten the socks, removing their insulating properties just as i described above.

[@LordPinky455]

Survive the cold winter, buy warm layers, go to a lake... take them off to go iceswimming. Weirdos ;-)

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Yep that about summarises it 😅

[@nordicson2835]

I live in Key West Florida. I met a beautiful, intelligent woman from Finland, she asked if l would spend a month with her... seeing this ?

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Well what would be more romantic than being tucked away in a warm cabin sitting by the fire while its snowing outside? 🥂

[@nordicson2835]

@@RoadtoFinnish A beach , 75 degrees , sunshine , warm water , steel drums gently playing , frosty margaritas ?

[@hassnainali2176]

"-10 is not that cold" come on😳

[@kimmoj2570]

You follow basic principles of keeping you warm, and above all: You look the weather forecast, or look outside in morning, before going out. Simple. Those Finns shivering in cold are stupid youths or people having issues life in general.

[@freddiemarquez5096]

Hei oliver.Mitä kuuluu?

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Kiitos minulle kuuluu ihan hyvää! Entäs sinulle?

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

Therefore tight jeans is not suitable. It is actually never a good idea to wear tight jeans/pants, because the skin cannot breathe.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Ach i cant really say anything about this. Not my style anyways 😄

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

@@RoadtoFinnish Very wise of you. I'm glad to hear!

[@tutsecret499]

Finland does something very cruel to the reindeers. It's very disturbing. And the reindeers know when the cruelty will happen.