Union Trip to Finland
Thomas shares a recap of the experiences, activities, and memories made on the latest Union Trip to Finland!
News Steve
Wed 18 February 2026
From Saturday 24 January to Thursday 29 January, a group of students set off on an unforgettable Union Trip to Finland, getting to experience the snowy streets, Arctic temperatures, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The trip began in Helsinki, where students got their first taste of Finnish culture before boarding an overnight train to Rovaniemi, located in the centre of Lapland and the Arctic Circle. Wrapped up against temperatures as low as -22°C, the group spent three days exploring Rovaniemi – a truly picturesque setting filled with snow-covered streets and frozen lakes.
Trip Highlights
One of the standout experiences for many students was Northern Lights hunting, with the group lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis on two separate nights, including one unforgettable evening spent watching the lights from a frozen lake.
Other highlights included a visit to the iconic Santa Claus Village, where students officially crossed into the Arctic Circle and met Santa Claus! The group also got to experience husky sledding, racing through the forest and over more frozen lakes.
The group had the opportunity to try Finnish cuisine, including reindeer and salmon dishes. Several members tried different variations of salmon, including salmon soup and salmon fillet cooked over an open fire. The group also tried Glögi, a traditional Finnish spiced hot drink, which proved so popular that many students brought some home!
For some, the adventure went even further with a trip to a sauna followed by ice swimming, a shocking yet relaxing experience that gave them a taste of proper Finnish winter culture.
Amidst the freezing temperatures, the group remained in good spirits throughout, making the trip not just an opportunity to explore a different culture but also to build connections, try new things, and create shared memories that will last long after the snow has melted. Keep an eye out for our next Union Trip!
Student Reflections
Charlotte, Second Year Environmental and Sustainability Student
My favourite moments of the trip were the socials in the evenings! Whether it was chasing the northern lights in the snow or playing card games in the warm, I made such amazing friends and made incredible memories. I went with 1 friend and came back with 10!
Emily, Second Year Environmental and Sustainability Student
I'd 100% recommend going on a Union Trip. Having been on both the Iceland Trip last year and the Finland Trip, I have created some of the most unforgettable memories, whether it is meeting new people or experiencing different cultures. This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to visit other places while meeting amazing people.
Devon, Fourth Year Veterinary Medicine and Science Student
Trying food like reindeer and visiting places such as the Arktikum Museum helped me understand the history and lifestyle of the Arctic, making the experience feel more meaningful than just sightseeing. I’d definitely recommend Union Trips; this was my second one, and both have been amazing in different ways. They’ve really helped build my confidence during challenging times and are such a great mix of travel, new experiences, and meeting great people.
Gemma, Second Year Psychology Student
A highlight for me would have to be husky dog sledding. The whole group was together and taken further north. Not only did we meet the dogs and enjoy a ride through the snowy forest, but we also received a tour of the kennels. My favourite unplanned part of the trip was the second night in Lapland, when about 10 of us went searching for the northern lights. At the last minute, we decided to take some plastic sleds from the apartments with us; not only did we see the Aurora Borealis, but we also bonded as friends and played games in the evening, which wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
Ben, Second Year Aerospace Student
I’d definitely recommend going on a Union Trip, as it allowed me to tick off life experiences I’ve always wanted while exploring new places and cultures. Husky sledging was a standout moment for me, and experiencing the Finnish culture made meeting new people from the University even more enjoyable.
A Memorable Experience
Reflecting on the trip, Thomas, Communications Coordinator, shared:
Getting to spend time with students and seeing the Northern Lights, something I've always wanted to do, was truly magical. Trips like this give students the chance to experience new cultures, grow as people, and meet others they might not normally come across on campus, which often leads to lasting friendships. I came back having had an amazing time and memories I'll never forget.
Photos from the trip can be found in the gallery below.