"I developed the skill of looking beyond the mundane and ordinary, of stopping to think "why?" or "how?" rather than accept a statement as fact"-a student ambassador story
Tell us about yourself and your studies
Hi there! My name is Dhanushi Srinivasan and I come from Sri Lanka. I'm a second year student studying Bachelor’s in Science and Engineering, with a specialization in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I chose Tampere University in particular as my study destination because I was intrigued by the course description and flexibility in choosing courses. During my first-year alone, I have taken courses in Biomedical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Programming in addition to my core content, and they have been just as diverse and invigorating as I imagined!
Did you develop any special skills while studying in Tampere?
In my high school, I was taught a very methodic approach to studying, where the focus was mainly on the grades achieved and formulas memorized. My first courses at Tampere took me by surprise because the professors and instructors focused more on the learning process and the knowledge gained. I learned how the lessons I learned in the classroom were implemented in the real world and that changed my perception of the world around me. I developed the skill of looking beyond the mundane and ordinary, of stopping to think "why" or "how" rather than accept a statement as fact.
What tips would you give to new students who are applying to study here?
My best advice would be to apply early and on time! The application process is quite straightforward but the application deadline, especially for Bachelor’s is usually a week or so, so don’t forget to apply on time! On a more whimsical note, my advice would be to give Tampere a go, it could change your whole life. Tampere University, and Tampere in general, gave me the opportunity to learn more, to discover the unknown. It gave me the chance to pursue my passions fearlessly, to celebrate my curiosity, and revel in my wonder. Most importantly, Tampere University showed me my potential, my “potential” to do the “unlimited”. I cannot wait to see how Tampere will help you find your “unlimited potential”!
How do you get around the city?
You can get to most places in Tampere by either tram or bus. My favourite place to hang out in Tampere is Keskustori. Located at the city centre and surrounded by businesses and shops, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the hustle and bustle of everyday life around you. People of all ages, genders, races and lives all walk past Keskustori at the same, united in that single moment by the shared common space of concrete and a fountain. I especially love it when the Christmas market is up during winter, with children running around, families drinking höt glogi, and people browsing through the handmade candles and crafts made by Tampere’s own citizens. It’s my favourite place because it is where people gather, at any time of the day (or night). From the tram, on a bike, or walking down the street, you get a glimpse into a stranger’s life, a routine that is so mundane but shared by everyone walking down Keskustori. To me, Keskustori is a place of joy and unity.
What is your favourite thing about the student culture in Finland?
I think the best thing about student culture is the aspect of overalls and patches. You may have heard it a thousand times or you may be hearing it about it now but student overalls is a core part of Finnish student culture. Colour-coded according to your study field, your overalls are your identity. Collecting patches from every event you go to, you sew them onto your overalls as a sign of pride and a memory of all the fun (and misery) you had. From attending a sitsit to eating at a hot wings challenge to visiting the student union TREY, all these memories and experiences will be woven into your overalls, all the threads of your university life combining to make art that is uniquely you.
Would you like to share something with us?
I think Finland is one of the best places to study and live because of the people and the places. Be it a serene lakeside to clear your thoughts, or lively game of Kyykkä in the snow to have some fun, there is always something for everyone at Tampere. It lives up to its name as the most student-friendly city with almost every shop having student discounts, easy transport routes, a vibrant culture and readily accessible help for anything a student may need.