"The thing I like most about Tampere is the greenery around the city and its accessibility"-a student ambassador story
How long have you been in Tampere and what brought you here?
I have been living in Tampere since January 2020. I first came to this city in July 2017 to meet my friend. Since then I have been in love with the city. This led me to apply for an exchange programme in 2018-2019. I stayed in the city for a year. My association with Tampere is 3 years long.
What subject(s) do you study and what made you choose them?
I am a PhD researcher in media studies. I am researching on social media disinformation and fact checking in India. I have been passionate about media for a long time. A trolling incident on social media led me to choose my topic.
What do you like most about Tampere and Finland? What has been the most surprising or different thing about living here?
The thing I like most about Tampere is the greenery around the city and its accessibility. If you walk 3 km outside the city centre you are met with small forests. The thing I like about Finland most are its libraries. I am a book worm. The accessibility of libraries is one of the best aspects of living here. The most surprising or different thing about living here is snowing in winter. I am from the tropics, so I have not seen snowfall before in my life until I moved here.
What are your hobbies in Tampere? Have you tried out any new hobbies since coming here?
Reading books, going for long walks and travelling. The new hobby which I have picked up after moving here is rediscover my love for board games.
What kind of student activities have you participated in?
I am in ESN FINT board in the university. It is an international student organization which caters to the needs of both Finnish and international students. As part of this organization I have organized the city challenge and pub quiz. I have also participated in board games events of various organizations.
What would you say to someone who's trying to decide whether Tampere is the right place to come to study and live?
Tampere is one of the best places to live in Finland. The university gives you a great opportunity to realize your potential. There is lot of opportunities for recreation. The libraries allow you to enhance your knowledge. Being a university town you get a real good international experience and exposure.
What is your favourite thing about the student culture in Finland?
My favourite thing about the student culture is that it is a melting pot of ideas, experiences and knowledge. Followed by overalls, which I plan to get soon......