north2north stories: New perspectives to architecture

My exchange in London came as a surprise opportunity. I had not originally applied to this destination, but I was offered a place after another student withdrew. Looking back, it feels like a fortunate coincidence as London had always fascinated me as a large, historical, and multicultural city, and I had long dreamed of living in a major international metropolis. This exchange gave me the perfect chance to experience that for six months.

I normally study architecture in Finland, but at my host university, Royal College of Art, I was placed in a Design Practice program within the School of Architecture. The studies differed from what I was used to: instead of focusing on the concrete design of buildings, the courses explored broader themes such as construction policies, safety risks, and the societal aspects of architecture. While it was not exactly my main field, I found it refreshing and inspiring to approach architecture from a new perspective. The teaching style was also different: our class was small, and sessions often took the form of relaxed discussions, where students and teachers interacted quite equally.

Adjusting to life in London required some independence. Finding accommodation was one of the biggest challenges, as the housing market moves extremely fast. I only secured a room less than a week before my departure. In the end, I lived in West Kensington, within walking distance of my university near Hyde Park. The location was ideal but living costs were high as rent alone was around £800 per month, and my total monthly expenses were approximately £2000. Public transport and daily activities added to the costs, as London is generally more expensive than Finland.

Socially, my experience was quite unique. I was the only exchange student the RCA had ever had, so there were no organized events or exchange networks. Arriving in the middle of the school year also made it slightly more difficult to connect with classmates, as nobody else was in the same situation as I was. However, I still met people through my courses, university events and groups, but the closest friends I made during my time in London I met outside school, through social apps and shared activities.

One of the most valuable aspects of my exchange was just experiencing London itself. Its diversity and multicultural environment allowed me to learn about different cultures in a very direct, everyday way. I spent my free time exploring neighbourhoods, parks, museums, and markets: there was always something new to discover. I had also quite many friends visiting me from Finland, and I travelled quite a lot inside and outside of the UK, as well.

Looking back, the exchange was above all a personal growth experience. Moving alone to another country made me more independent, adaptable, and confident. While the academic content may not directly define my career path, the broader perspectives I gained are highly valuable. Studying at such a globally recognized design institution may also open new opportunities in the future.

Although my exchange was not in a traditional northern or Arctic location, it still highlighted the importance of international mobility and openness. Coming from Finland, I could also reflect on the differences between northern and more global urban environments, especially in terms of lifestyle, pace, and cultural diversity. I would strongly encourage other students to take part in exchange opportunities, as they can challenge your assumptions, broaden your horizons, and become some of the most meaningful experiences of your life.