Seasons of growth: a student's year in Oulu

The midnight sun made summer in Oulu magical. With almost 24/7 daylight, I spent time berry picking with friends and baking cakes from our harvest. Late-night barbecues under the never-setting sun created memories that felt too precious to end. I also bought my first bicycle and spent hours riding around the city, discovering its charm at my own pace. One unforgettable highlight was attending the Air Guitar World Championships, an event so unique and lively that it felt like stepping into a different world of fun and creativity.

The midnight sun is a reminder that some days are too beautiful to end.

Attending Finnish language classes during the summer added another layer to my experience. Learning a new language surrounded by such stunning nature felt challenging and rewarding. Summer taught me the importance of immersing myself in new experiences and finding joy in every step of the journey.

Autumn painted Oulu with fiery reds and yellows. The colourful trees I saw from my window looked like a stunning painting: a view that often left me in awe. It’s my favourite season, symbolizing a fresh start. The crisp air and falling leaves inspired me to refocus on my studies.

Autumn whispers, ‘Change is beautiful.

As I tackled advanced coursework, I embraced transitions and new challenges. Like trees shedding their leaves, I learned to let go of old habits and grow.

Winter taught me that even the darkest days have their light.

Winter felt like stepping into a snow globe. Everything was blanketed in white, and I embraced the season by sledging through the snowy landscapes. Though I haven’t yet mastered skiing or ice skating, buying my first pair of ice skates was a step toward trying something new.

Resilience is finding warmth in the coldest moments.

With the start of academic classes in winter, balancing my language studies alongside my coursework became a key challenge. It reminded me that perseverance and organization are essential to thriving in both personal and academic endeavours. Winter pushed me to adapt, embrace new rhythms, and find beauty and triumphs even in the busiest times.

I haven’t yet experienced spring in Oulu, but its promise lingers in every conversation I’ve had. People here talk about spring with a sparkle in their eyes, describing it as a time when the city wakes up, and nature bursts into life. I imagine the melting snow giving way to vibrant greenery and longer days bringing renewed energy.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘You made it.’

For me, spring represents hope- a chapter yet to be written. As I prepare for its arrival, I’m eager to see how it mirrors the next phase of my academic journey. If the other seasons have taught me anything, it’s that growth often comes after the challenges.

Seasons change, and so do we.

Studying in Finland, especially at the University of Oulu, blends nature’s beauty with academic excellence. These seasons taught me to embrace change, cherish the moment, and look forward to endless possibilities. For every student, Oulu’s seasons aren’t just about weather- they’re about growth and becoming the best version of yourself.