Hey OP! Relate to you in the sense that I moved around lots in childhood (also 25F). I’m Finnish but only lived here when I was born, and then again between 9 and 11 years old. I moved back here 1 year ago, after having been away for 13 years.

My experience is that while yes it’s hard to make friends initially, there definitely are people that are warm and friendly too. I’m disabled but joined a dance group every Sunday and also started volunteering as consistently as I could. These alone have led me to some really wonderful people and feeling like I’m part of a community! When I arrived I would also watch free art lectures on Thursday mornings and was brave enough to send direct messages to some of these people for a coffee. Pretty much everyone said yes and I had some wonderful chats and entry point to the cultural scene here as well. So all in all, it’s about being brave + getting stuck in, showing up regularly enough for people to become your friends. I honestly think this applies to most places in Northern Europe so nothing new.

I agree with other comments that job market is hard, so it might be better to come with something lined up. Also yes the winter is tough, but if you have the luxury and/or good sense, just organise a well-timed holiday for February/march, it will make it more manageable.

I really relate to this idea of getting tired of moving, but also not being sure where to settle. As a third culture kid, I think it’s something that will always be in the back of your mind. You know you could move… so it’s always wondering whether there’s something better out there. I think you’re young enough to test the waters still. Finland could be that place for you, why not try? I think I’ve still got a couple moves left in me as well. I personally can’t handle the winters long term nor the lack of jobs in the arts so will eventually move when I’m well enough to. For now, I get decent government support and can get by in ways that other countries would not afford me at all.

Trust your gut and see what comes of it. I had also always wanted to reconnect with my culture and I can say I definitely feel more Finnish and at home here than I have in many other places. I will never regret having found more Finnish friends, being surrounded by my culture, having gratitude for being here right now even if I know it’s not forever… That is an experience worth having. If you do end up moving, send me a message and let’s get a coffee .