New to Helsinki

Moi!

Hi everyone, I'm an American who will be in Finland for the summer. As I am doing this purely for pleasure (ie not with a study program or for work) and as the one person I know in Finland will be working full time, I am especially excited to find this forum. I have been told repeatedly that Finns are painfully shy, but I am eager to make friends and make the most of my time there!

Any tips (especially as an American) anyone has on what to expect? How to meet people? Nice places to hang out? An affordable place to take some Finnish classes?

ps- any other voluntary information/tips/suggestions/etc. you just might want to share is welcome, as are new friends!!!! :D