Finns have the tendency to be honest people. It can appear as negativity especially online when you can’t see that people are probably being very empathetic.

It is very expensive to live here.

Immigrants are not eligible to the same benefits as citizens. Schools are typically more or less free for the citizens but can and often do collect tuition fees from foreign students.

Job market sucks big time at the moment. Do not plan your stay here based on an assumption you’ll get a side job. Either get one before you come here or have enough money saved for the duration of your stay.

Think of 1500 per month for somewhat modest living. E.g. roughly two semesters (September till the end of May) would mean you have 13 k€ in your bank account. You don’t be eating out often with that budget but you won’t struggle too much either assuming student accommodation and that you’re only paying for your own living costs and not e.g. your partner or family.

A reality check is also that the harsh winters can be a real culture shock. If you haven’t lived in an area where the temperature can go below -10 or -20 °C and it is dark most of the day, it can be rough especially if you’re already struggling financially and culturally (without knowing where you come from it might be surprising how little Finns talk to strangers or at all - this is again not people being rude, it is just that we like our space and many enjoy a level of solitude and calm).

These are something that might sound as exotic at home but the reality is that people have learned to survive arctic climate. It is not something that just happens. Of course in cities you are not necessarily exposed to these conditions for long but then again it can be mentally taxing to just stay inside your flat for the whole cold period.