"I feel safe here" - student ambassador story

How long have you been in Tampere and what brought you here originally?

I have been living in Tampere since August of 2018. I am here for my bachelor’s degree. It’s also a great place for someone who is living on their own for the first time. Tampere is a great student city, not too big or too small, and still close enough to Helsinki so I can visit my dog.

What subject do you study and how did you choose it?

I’m currently studying in the Bachelor’s Degree programme for Media and Arts. I chose it because as a career I want to continue working in videography and media. On top of that, the Media and Arts programme offers many options and different minors, it was just a great match.

What do you like about Tampere and Finland the most?

I like a lot of things about Tampere and Finland as a whole. One thing would be transportation. As someone who grew up in the United States, I can see how much more efficient and thought-out the public transportation is here. Not only in Tampere, but nationwide, transportation is very easy to use and access. Even if you don’t know Finnish, everyone knows English, so it isn’t difficult to live here. In addition to transportation and language, I feel safe here. Finland is quite safe compared to other countries. I don’t feel the need to practice extreme caution when I go out.

Oh, also, sauna and nature. Basically, sums up Finland in two words.

What about your hobbies here in Tampere or in Finland?

Once a week, when I can, I go to drawing club, which is a nice way to catch up with friends in other courses and practice my drawing skills. I am a student ambassador, and a tutor for exchange students. I also create videos for YouTube. In addition to these, I work though I’m not sure if that counts as a hobby, but I enjoy it.

What would you say to someone deciding whether Tampere is the right place to come to study and live?

I definitely recommend Tampere for students, because it really is the most student friendly city in Finland. It is a great size where it accommodates all the students but doesn’t feel like a bubble of students. There's plenty of student friendly places, and things to do.
Tampere is beautifully set in between two lakes and surrounded by forest. It’s also not too far from other cities like Helsinki and Turku, so you can easily take weekend trips.

Photo: Saara Lehtonen

 

Read more: TAMK's Bachelor's Degree Programme in Media and Arts