Wencen Yan, Jin Peng (Nursing students)
Have you heard of Vappu? For many international students, it can be a big culture shock. In Finland, Vappu (May Day) is not just a one-day holiday. It is a massive student celebration that can actually last for weeks! For example, some universities start their events in mid-April and celebrate every day until the 1st of May.
Figure 1. SAMK-opiskelijaelamaa-Haalarit (SAMK Matkailu, 2026)
As international nursing students studying in Pori, we want to share some tips on how to enjoy this amazing time while taking care of your health and finding your place in the community.
Before we talk about health, let’s explain some Finnish student traditions:
- Haalarit: These are the colorful student overalls you see everywhere. Different colors mean different study fields.
- Sima: A sweet, traditional Finnish drink made for Vappu. It is very delicious!
- Munkki: These are sweet, deep-fried Finnish donuts covered in sugar. Eating a munkki with a glass of sima is a must-do Vappu tradition. They give you a great energy boost for the celebrations, but as nursing students, we remind you to enjoy them in moderation!
Figure 2. Vappu Munkki
Taking Concrete Action to Connect
When you move to a new country, it is easy to stay home, watch shows, and overthink. But Vappu is the perfect chance to take action! Step outside, meet local students, and immerse yourself in the community. You do not need to drink alcohol to participate; there are many fun, non-alcoholic events like picnics or café tours.
Choosing Positive Environments for Mental Well-being
Your mental and social health is just as important as your physical health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health not just as the absence of illness, but as a state of well-being where you can cope with the normal stresses of life and connect with your community (WHO, 2022).
During a long party season, the social atmosphere can sometimes get overwhelming. It is important to actively choose positive environments. Spend time with good friends who support you and make you feel safe. Studies show that strong social support lowers stress hormones and improves overall health. If an event feels too loud or uncomfortable, it is completely okay to leave. Protecting your personal peace is a great way to practice self-care.
A Nurse’s Evidence-Based Tips for Physical Health
As future healthcare professionals, we must remind you to take care of your body using evidence-based practices during the Vappu weeks:
- Protect Your Sleep: You cannot attend every single party. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night to maintain a strong immune system (CDC, 2022). Chronic lack of sleep makes your body much more likely to catch viruses.
- Hydration and Harm Reduction: If you choose to drink alcohol, remember that alcohol causes rapid dehydration. The WHO highlights that the harmful use of alcohol causes significant health issues (WHO, 2018). From a nursing perspective, ”harm reduction” is key: pace yourself, and always drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol. This keeps your kidneys functioning well and prevents severe hangovers.
- Dress Warmly: Spring in Finland is still very cold, especially at night. Medical research shows that physical exposure to cold temperatures can lower your respiratory tract’s immune defense, making it easier to get sick. Always wear warm, windproof layers under your haalarit.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). How Much Sleep Do I Need? https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
SAMK Matkailu. (2026). Matkailun koulutus ja hankkeet. https://matkailu.samk.fi/
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Global status report on alcohol and health 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Mental health: strengthening our response. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-responses