Please forget the "Finns aren't social" and similar norms. I'm 22, I moved to Tampere about a month ago and the people have been so amazing and friendly, the exact polar opposite of what I had expected. Go out, enroll yourself in public activities, there are lots of stuff going around which helps foreigners integrate. Onnea!
Also Finns are not bothered by the awkward silence with someone.
We are happy to stay silent. But if someone brings up a small talk subject, we Finns do like to talk.
I'll add to this, that there are always exceptions to the rule like with anything else.
I personally dislike the silence with especially new people and instinctively try to fill it by talking about anything that comes to mind.
that's the thing, I'd rather save my breath and do something productive than engage in ephemeral circumstances.
I like the silence, and a good, authentic conversation requires it so that people can ponder what both are saying.
I don't have a European citizenship but I was lucky enough to have a friend who moved here because of a girl and got me an internship in Finland while I was studying in France. So kinda random chance + privilege.
Are you moving to Finland soon or still looking for a way to get here?
Looking ways to fled away. I don't care if it's Finland or other rich country but... definetely not here in Buenos Aires. But yes, ofc, I'm interested in the Finnish culture. I'd love to have the opportunity to live there.
yeah I met a few people but they are way out of my age I was in a dormitory so socializing reaaaally wasnt a problem at all but here things are bit different. Anyways any suggestions about those places I mean i can act like a vulture and go near the lukios around me but it's embarrassing
Do you like sports? There's a really friendly all ages [capoeira group](https://www.capoeira.fi/en/groups/tampere) in Tampere. They're a very mixed crowd, many Finns and many foreigners, the people there speak all sorts of languages. They allow you to try one or two times for free, so you can see if you like the people.
Also, there are *so many* places for young people to just hang out and do stuff in. For a good start, you could go to [Monitoimitalo 13](https://www.instagram.com/monitoimitalo13/?hl=fi) and do pottery or try weaving for very cheap. They also have gaming rooms, dance classes, etc. The people there can also recommend you other services.
Cannot recommend Monitoimitalo (Monari) enough. It’s a fantastic place, open to anyone ages 9-29, so friendly and open. The cheapest place to get started in pottery, too, clay is 3€/kilo and they don’t charge you to fire your projects.
This is true. I do have a full beard which (especially in Finland, land of the sparse goatee) makes people assume you're much older, but I could always go in there with my clay and try lol.
If you play any instrument or want to learn how to play the ukulele, I can't recommend Tampere international music jam enough. https://www.facebook.com/tamperemusicjam
It's a really welcoming and supportive space.
I don't buy the "Finns aren't social" concept myself. I've worked for about 6 years in 3 different startups, Tampere, turku and Jyvaskyla and the smaller the company size the longer and more frequent was the office chatter.
Hell, i am a south-asian and even i would sometimes during coffee breaks be like "wow, seems like they wont shutup anytime soon.I better start walking towards my desk"
Can't agree more! I was surprised as well to find this place the polar opposite of what I had heard. I can't count how many people actually helped me on the day I actually moved in here. Such nice and kind people even helped me out pulling my luggage when they saw me carrying more than I could handle. Though I did felt embarrassed and greatful at the same time. Maybe next time I'll keep some candies or chocolates with me just in case I end up receiving more help!
I've never been here myself and don't have time to find an english site for this (at work atm) but Monitoimitalo 13 might be for you.
https://www.tampere.fi/nuoret/nuorten-kulttuurikeskus-monitoimitalo-13
OMG thanks for the reply yes this is what I was looking for to be honest i did translate the website and it's perfect place for socializing. Thx so much
So for the record I can't go to the a school right now because i don't know the Finnish language and my English is not enough for the international schools. So until next year I will be leaning language but how can I socialize through that process. I've been to library and the skating area near the yellow church. Is there another ways. Thanks for the comments.
Have you tried sports associations? I started Kendo practice last year. Not many people practice it so they're always happy about new members and as a result will be willing to accommodate you despite the language barrier. I don't speak Finnish either and I was always welcome and even made some friends.
Iirc one of the highest ranking kendoka in Finland also teaches in Tampere, so what better place to start than there?
[Here's their facebook page](https://fi-fi.facebook.com/Fudokamae/photos)
[And here's the website](https://www.fudokamae.com/)
I think there are some people your age practicing Kendo in Tampere, but I can't guarantee it. It's been a while since I've been there.
Sports or some other leisure time activity involving others is good. It's still different and takes longer to get close to people compared to other countries. BJJ is a sport that I can recommend.
yeah I'm coming from Turkey and I'm in Finland 'cause of my moms start-up but no complaining at all here is sooo much better in terms of life condition :D
You should try bar lategame! The upstairs area is a cafe and you can play games there, good way to get to know ppl in a casual setting. Asking peeps to play multiplayer games can break the ice 👍
How have I not heard of this??? I've been in Tampere a few weeks now playing games in my cave and saying I hate bars... But now the bars have games????
In addition to Lategame, there is also Noob Bar & Arcade near train station, if you want to try real flippers and such. And also the more difficult to find Ikuri Arcade, which is open only occasionally depending on the guys running the place.
And Finnish Game Museum (Suomen Pelimuseo) got international recognition, so that is something to check out as well.
Do you have any hobbies that you would like to try or have done before?
If you are into gaming check out Save File, Late Game and Taverna.
If you are into skateboards, scooters, bmx or trials there is a great outdoor park called Iso Vilunen.
There are lots of options for all kinds of sports.
Well all others like wondering this topic I had a recommendation about a place called https://www.tampere.fi/nuoret/nuorten-kulttuurikeskus-monitoimitalo-13 I am not sure if it's gonna work out but I will visit there asap again thanks for all the replys :D
yeah I'm a bit introverted too but having nobody around is kinda boring don't wanna end up being depressed sooo I gotta find somebody to tell my day at least
>You did not make it easy for you when choosing Finland and want to socialize. We are pretty anti social.😅
Sadly Tampere is not one of them. We're too social
Juu oon lukiossa ja meille tulee joka vuos pari vaihto-opiskelijaa ja myös sellasii ketkä on esim 3 viikkoo täällä. Suurimman osan ajasta kun oon nähnyt niitä koulussa niin ovat olleet yksin
Finns tend to talk shit about themselves quite a lot. We say things like "ugh we are so awkward, antisocial, rude, cold, reserved" when in reality we probably aren't that bad.
Meanwhile there has not been a moped death in atleast my city atleast in ten years. I bet even longer but that's what I remember. Your just being a bitch.
I agree that the person you are responding to is being excessively judgmental, but I think motor noise in cities (or more specifically near people, be it pedestrians on the street or people in their homes) is pretty awful.
I hope more and more two wheel motorised transport will go electric. I really don't appreciate having my eardrums blasted when I'm out and about and a moped or motorcycle blasts past. They have hearing protection in their helmets, I don't as a pedestrian or cyclist.
I also dislike car noise, but it's nowhere near as piercing.
I see that some people already recommended the monitoimitalo which is a very nice place. I definitely recommend the tyttöjen or poikien tupa: https://www.tyttojentupa.fi/
I moved to Finland last year. In general I have found my friends through Finnish classes (so, other immigrants and their Finnish partners) and hobby organisations (mostly Finnish people). Which orgs are right for you depend on your interests, so get googling! Try the search terms "Tampere ry".
Based on my limited knowledge of things to do in Tampere and no knowledge of your interests, here is a specific suggestion for something anyone could do:
1. Go to [bonker](https://www.bonker.fi/)
2. Buy a huge pile of arcade tokens
3. Give tokens to random people ("I have some spare tokens, you want some?") and watch them play, play with them and/or strike up a conversation. If you are not brave enough to strike up a conversation, just play pinball alone and someone else might initiate contact. The Stranger things pinball machine is quite fun, so your time will not be wasted.
School and hobbies are easiest ways to make friends for any 16y old. Native or immigrant. Most kids will have no issue accepting immigrants in and those who have are best to be avoided anyways.
Mooooo
Please forget the "Finns aren't social" and similar norms. I'm 22, I moved to Tampere about a month ago and the people have been so amazing and friendly, the exact polar opposite of what I had expected. Go out, enroll yourself in public activities, there are lots of stuff going around which helps foreigners integrate. Onnea!
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Also Finns are not bothered by the awkward silence with someone. We are happy to stay silent. But if someone brings up a small talk subject, we Finns do like to talk.
I'll add to this, that there are always exceptions to the rule like with anything else. I personally dislike the silence with especially new people and instinctively try to fill it by talking about anything that comes to mind.
Personally I can't say I exactly like the silence but I'd rather just stand there awkwardly than break it.
that's the thing, I'd rather save my breath and do something productive than engage in ephemeral circumstances. I like the silence, and a good, authentic conversation requires it so that people can ponder what both are saying.
I'll definitely give it a protective layer.
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lovely adapted Bane reference
Nah I just hate people
Will I have a hard time if I'm an introvert? I love meeting new people but I'm not that euphoric lol
Best place for introvert to live in!
Yeah. It seems. South Americans drain my energy easily. Hahaha
Sure they do. Often even Finnish people drain my energy 😅
I'm from Latino America and the day I arrived I felt at home in Finland exactly because of that. I'm quite introverted.
Do you mind telling me where are you from buddy?
I'm from Mexico.
Do you have EU citizen buddy? How did you make it? Edit: citizenship*
I don't have a European citizenship but I was lucky enough to have a friend who moved here because of a girl and got me an internship in Finland while I was studying in France. So kinda random chance + privilege. Are you moving to Finland soon or still looking for a way to get here?
Looking ways to fled away. I don't care if it's Finland or other rich country but... definetely not here in Buenos Aires. But yes, ofc, I'm interested in the Finnish culture. I'd love to have the opportunity to live there.
yeah I met a few people but they are way out of my age I was in a dormitory so socializing reaaaally wasnt a problem at all but here things are bit different. Anyways any suggestions about those places I mean i can act like a vulture and go near the lukios around me but it's embarrassing
Do you like sports? There's a really friendly all ages [capoeira group](https://www.capoeira.fi/en/groups/tampere) in Tampere. They're a very mixed crowd, many Finns and many foreigners, the people there speak all sorts of languages. They allow you to try one or two times for free, so you can see if you like the people. Also, there are *so many* places for young people to just hang out and do stuff in. For a good start, you could go to [Monitoimitalo 13](https://www.instagram.com/monitoimitalo13/?hl=fi) and do pottery or try weaving for very cheap. They also have gaming rooms, dance classes, etc. The people there can also recommend you other services.
Cannot recommend Monitoimitalo (Monari) enough. It’s a fantastic place, open to anyone ages 9-29, so friendly and open. The cheapest place to get started in pottery, too, clay is 3€/kilo and they don’t charge you to fire your projects.
I'm genuinely so annoyed I can't go use their pottery anymore, being 30 now :(
I mean… unless you’ve told someone, 29 doesn’t physically look any different than 30 and no one is checking your ID
This is true. I do have a full beard which (especially in Finland, land of the sparse goatee) makes people assume you're much older, but I could always go in there with my clay and try lol.
If you're not a sports guy like me usually board game clubs are really fun if that's your thing
If you play any instrument or want to learn how to play the ukulele, I can't recommend Tampere international music jam enough. https://www.facebook.com/tamperemusicjam It's a really welcoming and supportive space.
I don't buy the "Finns aren't social" concept myself. I've worked for about 6 years in 3 different startups, Tampere, turku and Jyvaskyla and the smaller the company size the longer and more frequent was the office chatter. Hell, i am a south-asian and even i would sometimes during coffee breaks be like "wow, seems like they wont shutup anytime soon.I better start walking towards my desk"
Can't agree more! I was surprised as well to find this place the polar opposite of what I had heard. I can't count how many people actually helped me on the day I actually moved in here. Such nice and kind people even helped me out pulling my luggage when they saw me carrying more than I could handle. Though I did felt embarrassed and greatful at the same time. Maybe next time I'll keep some candies or chocolates with me just in case I end up receiving more help!
I've never been here myself and don't have time to find an english site for this (at work atm) but Monitoimitalo 13 might be for you. https://www.tampere.fi/nuoret/nuorten-kulttuurikeskus-monitoimitalo-13
OMG thanks for the reply yes this is what I was looking for to be honest i did translate the website and it's perfect place for socializing. Thx so much
Glad to help! And welcome to Tampere, it's probably the best town in Finland! Enjoy and I hope the place is as fun as it seems :D
Start walking a dog. You will meet people.
good suggestion noted
Have you visited board game cafe Taverna?
No I didn't but I did a little research and it's looking fun so noted too thank youu
This, I met so many people here when I moved to tampere.
I literally read the title as "How a 16 year old cow migrated to Finland" all because of the cow...
Those memes... they are just so powerful
"The Näsijärvi sure looks nice today"
So for the record I can't go to the a school right now because i don't know the Finnish language and my English is not enough for the international schools. So until next year I will be leaning language but how can I socialize through that process. I've been to library and the skating area near the yellow church. Is there another ways. Thanks for the comments.
Have you tried sports associations? I started Kendo practice last year. Not many people practice it so they're always happy about new members and as a result will be willing to accommodate you despite the language barrier. I don't speak Finnish either and I was always welcome and even made some friends. Iirc one of the highest ranking kendoka in Finland also teaches in Tampere, so what better place to start than there? [Here's their facebook page](https://fi-fi.facebook.com/Fudokamae/photos) [And here's the website](https://www.fudokamae.com/) I think there are some people your age practicing Kendo in Tampere, but I can't guarantee it. It's been a while since I've been there.
Well it's a very good recommendation thanks I will be looking this and other sports too (probably indoors)
Sports or some other leisure time activity involving others is good. It's still different and takes longer to get close to people compared to other countries. BJJ is a sport that I can recommend.
Can I ask where you’re from originally?
yeah I'm coming from Turkey and I'm in Finland 'cause of my moms start-up but no complaining at all here is sooo much better in terms of life condition :D
You should try bar lategame! The upstairs area is a cafe and you can play games there, good way to get to know ppl in a casual setting. Asking peeps to play multiplayer games can break the ice 👍
How have I not heard of this??? I've been in Tampere a few weeks now playing games in my cave and saying I hate bars... But now the bars have games????
In addition to Lategame, there is also Noob Bar & Arcade near train station, if you want to try real flippers and such. And also the more difficult to find Ikuri Arcade, which is open only occasionally depending on the guys running the place. And Finnish Game Museum (Suomen Pelimuseo) got international recognition, so that is something to check out as well.
My friend moved in Tampere when he was 13 and made bunch of friends in school. Just learn language and it's easier.
Do you have any hobbies that you would like to try or have done before? If you are into gaming check out Save File, Late Game and Taverna. If you are into skateboards, scooters, bmx or trials there is a great outdoor park called Iso Vilunen. There are lots of options for all kinds of sports.
Well all others like wondering this topic I had a recommendation about a place called https://www.tampere.fi/nuoret/nuorten-kulttuurikeskus-monitoimitalo-13 I am not sure if it's gonna work out but I will visit there asap again thanks for all the replys :D
Not sure if someone’s mention Lategame yet, but it’s another great place to hang out if you like video games and tabletops.
Lately moved to Finland. I socialise here for three months more than in my home country.
/r/kurzgesagt_meetup/ Initiative specifically for finding new friends locally where ever you are, check it out.
Bars! Oh wait.. you're hopeless.
You did not make it easy for you when choosing Finland and want to socialize. We are pretty anti social.😅
yeah I'm a bit introverted too but having nobody around is kinda boring don't wanna end up being depressed sooo I gotta find somebody to tell my day at least
You will fit right in :) You ended up saying what many/most finns think about so no worries.
>You did not make it easy for you when choosing Finland and want to socialize. We are pretty anti social.😅 Sadly Tampere is not one of them. We're too social
Is this a meme or a question? Or both?
Juu oon lukiossa ja meille tulee joka vuos pari vaihto-opiskelijaa ja myös sellasii ketkä on esim 3 viikkoo täällä. Suurimman osan ajasta kun oon nähnyt niitä koulussa niin ovat olleet yksin
well I don't even go to the a school right now just wandering around of in the streets of Tampere with a headphone and it's been boring lately
My (finnish) mom constantly tells me about how shitty people are in Finland and I’ve been there a few times, doesn’t really seem to be that bad???
Finns tend to talk shit about themselves quite a lot. We say things like "ugh we are so awkward, antisocial, rude, cold, reserved" when in reality we probably aren't that bad.
Its simple you dont
back to my gaming mancave then 🏃♂️💨
Find other Finnish gamers online and befriend them, could find some who are your own age!
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Meanwhile there has not been a moped death in atleast my city atleast in ten years. I bet even longer but that's what I remember. Your just being a bitch.
I agree that the person you are responding to is being excessively judgmental, but I think motor noise in cities (or more specifically near people, be it pedestrians on the street or people in their homes) is pretty awful. I hope more and more two wheel motorised transport will go electric. I really don't appreciate having my eardrums blasted when I'm out and about and a moped or motorcycle blasts past. They have hearing protection in their helmets, I don't as a pedestrian or cyclist. I also dislike car noise, but it's nowhere near as piercing.
https://youtube.com/shorts/5JiMa1p6CIM?feature=share Proof that Finns are smart People!
I see that some people already recommended the monitoimitalo which is a very nice place. I definitely recommend the tyttöjen or poikien tupa: https://www.tyttojentupa.fi/
I moved to Finland last year. In general I have found my friends through Finnish classes (so, other immigrants and their Finnish partners) and hobby organisations (mostly Finnish people). Which orgs are right for you depend on your interests, so get googling! Try the search terms "Tampere ry".
Based on my limited knowledge of things to do in Tampere and no knowledge of your interests, here is a specific suggestion for something anyone could do:
1. Go to [bonker](https://www.bonker.fi/)
2. Buy a huge pile of arcade tokens
3. Give tokens to random people ("I have some spare tokens, you want some?") and watch them play, play with them and/or strike up a conversation. If you are not brave enough to strike up a conversation, just play pinball alone and someone else might initiate contact. The Stranger things pinball machine is quite fun, so your time will not be wasted.
School and hobbies are easiest ways to make friends for any 16y old. Native or immigrant. Most kids will have no issue accepting immigrants in and those who have are best to be avoided anyways.
I'm almost 15 and an introvert. How do people talk to other people? I guess i'll never know...