New students explore TAMK during orientation weeks
It is time to begin the new academic year 2021–2022 with energy, determination, and a positive attitude. This concerns all of us, TAMK students and staff. However, the start of a new semester is even more exciting for the students joining TAMK and the Tampere Universities community for the first time.
“International students are excited to finally start their studies. At the same time the beginning can be overwhelming when there is so much new information, new environment, new language, new people, and so on,” comments Mirja Onduso, Social Counsellor for TAMK’s international students.
Many of our new students have just moved to Tampere from around Finland or from abroad. Luckily, the orientation weeks are organized to offer a warm welcome and a smooth transition to student life. The orientation weeks are mandatory for all first-year students offering a combination of social activities, introduction of people, premises and services as well as information about the upcoming studies.
“The orientation weeks are first and foremost a nice way to welcome the new students to the community. TAMK is a big institution, and it may be a bit scary to step into the Main Campus for the first time. Therefore, it is important that the new students – especially international students – find their own team and get to know whom they can trust to be there for them,” adds Taru Nurmala, Senior Lecturer in TAMK Proakatemia.
Watch a short video from TAMK orientation weeks 2021-2022
Return to campus
Following all Covid-19 related guidelines, TAMK campuses open their doors to welcome new students for the orientation weeks. With an effort to avoid crowds in and around the campus buildings, each degree programme follows its own schedule. As a result, different student groups begin their orientation sessions on different dates.
TAMK staff as well as the student tutors are committed to carry out the orientation weeks as planned, live on campus. This is important in order to give the new students a genuine experience of belonging. Also, it is easier to get an idea of the facilities and student services during the campus tours. Last but not least, the degree programmes gathering together is the perfect opportunity to meet new classmates.
“We also invite previous graduates of the degree programmes and let them share their experience. One question we typically ask from the alumni is what they wished someone had told them at the beginning of their studies. This often gives valuable insights for the newcomers and staff alike,” comments Sven Rassl, Senior Lecturer in International Business.
“We do it together”
Each year, the student tutors seem to do the trick, creating a great atmosphere for building new friendships. The social programme of the orientation weeks includes for example a city tour, outdoor activities in Tampere’s many parks, also games that help everyone open up.
”In universities of applied sciences, our approach to studying is practical and hands on. None of the work can be done on your own, you need to work with others. That’s why getting to know each other and creating trust right from the beginning is mighty important,” emphasizes Taru Owston, Student Counsellor for Forestry and Environmental Engineering degree programmes.
Text and photograph: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila
