Studying at the University of Lapland? Be prepared...

As an International student, I did not know what to expect from the learning environments and student culture of Finnish universities. I studied in Germany and France before, but although Finland’s education has a very good reputation in those countries, I was not sure in which way this would affect my studies in Rovaniemi. After 3 semesters of studying TourCIM at the University of Lapland, I can tell that studying here is something you can look forward to. And here is why:

Be prepared, that...
… the arctic is not only where you live, but also what you study.

Located at the Arctic Circle, you can consider yourself studying in the Arctic at the University of Lapland. Not only when walking to the campus in -25 degrees, but also during your studies you will notice how strong the studies are related to the natural, political and sociocultural characteristics of the arctic. Since many course contents and even whole minor and study programmes focus on the arctic, you can observe how the theories learned during your studies are applied in real-life situations outside of the university.

… you will see many familiar faces at the campus.

Thanks to the rather small size of the University, you will most likely meet fellow students, teachers and staff when walking through the campus. Personally, I think that this makes a great contribution to the warm and welcoming community of the university students and staff.

… you are very free in choosing your studies.

Although it might be overwhelming at times, I perceive the freedom of choosing courses from a variety of elective studies as a very enriching part of my studies. It helps to either strenghten or even to find your personal study interest that you personally consider relevant for your future career.

… students call lecturers by their first name and vice versa.

Coming from a culture where you call only friends and family by their first name, I was very surprised to find out that this is different in Finnish universities. I often don’t even remember my lecturers’ last names, because I never use them. Personally, I think that this habit contributes to the friendly, open and supportive relation between students and staff.

… the student culture is very vivid.

Taking the initiative to organize events and contributing to the improvement of students’ university life is always appreciated – and it couldn’t be any easier than in Finland! The student culture is characterized by its long traditions and many possibilities to get active, for example by joining the student union’s board or student associations. The numerous events are also a great way to meet new people.

Vanessa