Finland ranked the happiest country in the world – Centria’s students share their views
For the eighth year in a row, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. But what does this happiness look like in everyday life, especially for international students who have chosen to study here? At Centria, students from across the globe share their experiences of life, studies, and well-being in Finland.
Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world—an impressive eighth consecutive time – according to the latest World Happiness Report, released on March 20, 2025.
For international students, moving to a new country is always an adventure full of excitement, new opportunities, and, of course, challenges. But how does Finland’s happiness translate into student life? Centria’s international students share their experiences: What makes them happy in Finland? How has studying here shaped their perspective on well-being?
What makes Finland the happiest country?
The World Happiness Report has been published annually since 2012, led by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and other global experts. The ranking is based on surveys from 140 countries, where around 1,000 people per country rate their life satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10- with 10 representing the best possible life and 0 the worst. The final ranking is based on the average of responses from the past three years. This year, Finland’s score reached 7.736, securing its top position once again. [source: YLE]
So, what makes life in Finland so satisfying? Some key factors stand out:
- Trust and Freedom – Finnish society is built on trust, and people enjoy personal freedom in their daily lives. Finland ranks among the highest in gender equality, and education is free for citizens.
- Social Support and Security – Finland’s social security system ensures support when needed, contributing to a sense of stability.
- Healthcare – With a high life expectancy (71 for women, 69 for men, above the European average), Finland provides affordable and accessible healthcare for its residents.
- Economic Well-being – While Finland ranks 27th in the world in GDP per capita, the link between economic stability and happiness is clear.
- Nature and Outdoor Freedom – Nature is all around, and everyone has the right to explore forests, pick berries and mushrooms, and enjoy clean air and fresh waters.
- Safety – Crime rates are low, and trust in law enforcement is high.
- Work-Life Balance – In Finland, work is work, and personal time is respected. Employees are not expected to work beyond their hours, and generous paid holidays allow time for rest. Parental leave policies are among the best in the world, ensuring both parents have ample time to care for their children.
Read more about the happiness criterias from the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce’s Coastline article.
How do Centria’s students experience happiness in Finland?
Many of Centria’s international students came to Finland not just to earn a degree, but also to experience a new way of life.
Punam from Nepal and Aqib from Bangladesh both highlight how calm and peaceful Finland feels compared to the fast-paced rhythm of their home countries.
I can see why Finland is ranked as the happiest country. Life here is really comfortable, with good social support systems, quality education, and respect for personal freedom. It took me a little time to adjust to the quieter culture, but overall, I feel happy and comfortable here.
Aqib
Another key element of happiness? Finland’s deep connection to nature. Many students mention how experiencing the whimsical snowfalls of winter, fresh air, and peaceful forests has had a positive effect on their well-being.
People love to free themselves in nature – walking among the trees, relaxing in warm saunas, and enjoying the seaside.
Punam,
The Centria student experience: more than just studies
Beyond the natural beauty, the educational experience at Centria plays a big role in students’ happiness.
- Flexible and Relaxed Study Environment – The study pace is supportive rather than overwhelming, and teachers and staff are always ready to help.
- Seamless Digital Learning – Online platforms make studying more efficient, reducing stress for students.
- Engaging Student Activities – René from Germany shares how Centria’s social events have helped him feel more connected: “The way Centria organizes activities for international students is great! I’ve met people from all over the world, and we regularly meet in a big group.”
In the past month alone, Centria has organized:
- A campus visit from Santa Claus
- Career Days
- A Winter Activity Day by the seaside
Students also appreciate having easy access to study counselors, career advisors, and teachers whenever they need guidance -whether for their studies or future plans.
Challenges: what can be improved?
While Finland ranks high in happiness, there are areas that still need improvement – especially when it comes to language barriers and integration. “Finnish is quite difficult, so it was hard to communicate at first. I took language courses and practiced speaking whenever I could. I’m improving day by day,” Aqib shares.
Students advise newcomers to start learning Finnish early, but also to be patient with themselves and not get discouraged.
More Than Just Snow and Saunas
Life in Finland offers much more than picturesque winter landscapes and cozy saunas: it changes perspectives.
Living in Finland has made me think more about sustainability and education. Seeing how well Finland’s systems work has inspired me to focus on social development and making a positive impact in the world.
Aqib