I Ate from Trash Bins in Finland: What Every Nepali Student Must Know Before Studying Abroad
Living abroad isn’t always glamorous. For international students, especially those coming from South Asia, the high cost of living in Europe can be overwhelming. This is the story of how I—an international student from Nepal—accidentally discovered dumpster diving as a survival strategy in Finland, and what it taught me about sustainability, minimalism, and human dignity.
Minimalism and the Art of Finding Value in “Waste”
Minimalist living has become a lifestyle choice for many eco-conscious people around the world. What started as an environmental movement has evolved into a practical approach for survival. For me, dumpster diving wasn’t just about saving money—it was a powerful lesson in resourcefulness.
The Nordic Paradox: Clean Cities, Overflowing Dumpsters
Nordic countries are often seen as clean and efficient. Yet, consumerism thrives—especially in urban areas. People discard shocking amounts of usable goods. I witnessed this firsthand while living in Finland.
My First Step: Can and Bottle Collection
I began collecting drink cans and bottles from streets and alleyways. In Finland, these could be exchanged for coupons that work like cash at grocery stores. It wasn’t glamorous, but it helped me survive the financial crunch as a non-EU student.
Yes, I sometimes felt embarrassed. People stared. I felt judged. But I reminded myself: if more people did this, the world would have a much better recycling rate.
Discovering Dumpster Diving
I first heard the term “dumpster diving” from Katey (pseudonym), a classmate from my Master's program. She had been practicing it for years and even planned a university research project around it. Curious, I joined her on a few expeditions.
What We Found Was Eye-Opening
Edible food, sealed products, kitchenware, clothes, and even electronics. Once, I received a working computer mouse from her—retrieved straight from a dumpster. I actually needed one at the time. It felt surreal.
Each trip brought stories. We always checked expiration dates and used our eyes and noses to determine food quality. While it’s not without risk, dumpster diving revealed the sheer wastefulness of modern societies.
A Lesson in Courage and Conscious Living
Katey inspired us all. Her connection to nature and commitment to reducing waste was admirable. She didn’t just dive into dumpsters—she picked up litter wherever she went. Her courage made us reflect on our values and consumer habits.
Thanks to her, I now embrace a more minimalist lifestyle—wherever I live. It’s about conscious choices, not just survival.
Final Thoughts: What Dumpster Diving Taught Me
- 🌍 How much usable food and goods are wasted daily—even in rich countries
- 💰 The value of alternative living for budget survival
- 🌱 The power of community and sustainability practices
If you’re a student planning to study in Europe, don’t rely on assumptions. Prepare well. Budget wisely. Consider applying for scholarships and always have a safety net.