23 Apr 2025
Imagine stepping outside at midnight and it still looks like daytime—no, it’s not a dream.
For many Zambian students studying in Finland, the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun is one of the most surprising and unforgettable experiences. Back home in Zambia, the sun rises and sets in predictable patterns all year. But in northern Finland, students often find themselves in the middle of summer with the sun shining brightly even at midnight. This 24-hour daylight is both a wonder and a challenge, and adjusting to it takes more than just curiosity—it takes preparation, flexibility, and a bit of resilience.
Whether you're in Finland for studies, work, or a short-term stay, the Midnight Sun is bound to leave a lasting impression.
To truly enjoy the beauty of midnight sun and not be terrified, it is important to understand the phenomenon.
The Midnight Sun is a natural event that occurs during summer months in places north of the Arctic Circle. During this time, the sun does not set, meaning daylight can last for 24 hours or more. This phenomenon happens because of the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. While most people are used to a normal cycle of day and night, in Finland's northern areas like Lapland, summer means never-ending daylight.
The further north you go, the more extreme the experience becomes. In areas like Utsjoki and Rovaniemi, this daylight can last for several weeks, creating a surreal environment where your body clock may struggle to keep up.
The Midnight Sun is visible from May to August, with June being the peak time. Northern Finland, especially above the Arctic Circle, experiences the full effect. In Rovaniemi, the official capital of Lapland and a popular destination for students and tourists alike, the sun remains above the horizon for several weeks straight.
During this period, you might notice locals adjusting their daily routines, enjoying outdoor activities at all hours, and celebrating cultural events that highlight the beauty of never-ending daylight.
Coming from a country like Zambia, located near the equator, this experience can be particularly shocking. Zambia enjoys roughly equal daylight and darkness throughout the year. There is no drastic change in sunrise or sunset times, which makes the consistent cycle easy to follow.
The Midnight Sun breaks all those familiar patterns. Students often report feeling disoriented when they realize it's bright outside, but their clock tells them it's bedtime. This unfamiliarity can affect daily routines, emotional stability, and even academic performance if not managed properly.
Most Zambian students describe their first encounter with the Midnight Sun as a mix of awe and confusion. It’s mesmerizing to walk outside at 1 a.m. and see people enjoying the sunlight, having picnics, or going for runs.
However, after the initial amazement, the lack of darkness can become overwhelming. Many students struggle with insomnia, fatigue, and a general sense of time distortion. Others feel a strange energy boost and use the extra daylight to explore and engage in local activities. Either way, it’s an emotional adjustment that requires patience and coping strategies.
Here are a few tips to cope with and embrace the midnight sun as a Zambian expat.
One of the first challenges students face is the disruption of sleep patterns. When it’s constantly bright outside, your brain struggles to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. That’s why blackout curtains and sleep masks are must-haves for every student living in northern Finland.
Some students also find sleep apps helpful, especially ones with built-in reminders or ambient noise features. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, even on weekends, can go a long way in ensuring restful sleep.
Setting boundaries for screen time, especially at night, also helps keep your body clock on track. A balanced sleep routine supports both academic performance and mental health during this bright season.
Living under the Midnight Sun affects more than just your sleep—it also influences your mood, eating habits, and energy levels. While some people feel more active, others may feel tired due to irregular sleep.
Here are a few ways to stay balanced:
Hydration and a good diet also contribute to mental clarity. Staying grounded through proper nutrition and rest is key to making the most of your time in Finland.
Dealing with the Midnight Sun may seem like a small thing, but it teaches valuable life lessons. Adapting to a new environment, managing your schedule, and maintaining emotional balance are all skills that contribute to your personal development.
Students often come out of the experience feeling more confident and capable. The challenge of thriving in a completely different climate and cultural setting helps build resilience and independence.
Moreover, time management under these conditions becomes a crucial skill—especially for those juggling studies, part-time jobs, and staying in touch with loved ones back in Zambia through money transfer from Finland to Zambia services.
Finnish people embrace the Midnight Sun fully. They celebrate Juhannus, or Midsummer Festival, with bonfires, traditional music, and outdoor feasts. For Zambian students, this is an excellent opportunity to blend in, learn about local customs, and make new friends.
People take advantage of the light to go hiking, fishing, swimming, and even camping—often at times you’d never expect to be awake back home. It’s a time for community bonding, outdoor fitness, and appreciating nature. Students who engage in these traditions often report a more positive adjustment experience. One of the most popular celebrations is Juhannus, the Finnish Midsummer Festival, where locals light bonfires and enjoy lakeside gatherings.
Exploring these activities can also be a good distraction from homesickness and helps you form a sense of belonging in your new environment.
The Midnight Sun is one of Finland’s most astonishing natural phenomena—and for Zambian students, it’s a culture shock in the best way possible. While it disrupts your normal sense of time, it also offers a rare opportunity to experience life from a new perspective.
With the right tools and mindset, students can turn this challenge into an enriching part of their study-abroad journey. So if you’re preparing to study or already living in Finland, make sure you plan ahead, stay grounded, and keep connections with home strong—especially when you need to send money to Zambia from Finland.
No, but it can disrupt your sleep and daily routine. Using blackout curtains and maintaining a structured schedule helps.
In Northern Finland, especially above the Arctic Circle, it can last for up to 70 days between May and August.
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, use sleep aids like eye masks, and limit screen time before bed.
Yes, the Midsummer Festival (Juhannus) is a major Finnish celebration that includes outdoor activities and bonfires.
Absolutely. You can make an online money transfer from Finland to Zambia anytime with ACE Money Transfer’s secure and user-friendly platform.
