Shivam is a master’s student from India, who is currently studying Mechatronic System Design at LUT University in Finland. He shares his experience as an international student studying in Finland.
What has your experience been like studying in Finland and at LUT?
I got into LUT last autumn, but I did my first semester from home because of this pandemic situation. I came to Finland this January 2021, but all of my courses are online. Right now I live here in Helsinki and I have only been to LUT for exams. But, the campus is good. And, my study experience has been really good. The professors, I think they are very good. They are very supportive!
“My study experience has been really good.”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FINLAND AS YOUR STUDY DESTINATION?
I chose LUT because I always want to study robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) and LUT offered this mechatronics system design. Also, a few of my friends were also at this university! Then, I thought this would also be good for me! Then I came here!
When I was doing my bachelor’s degree, I was already thinking about coming to Finland. Some states in India had implemented the Finnish education system. They were attracted towards the Finnish education system because as you know Finland has the best education system in the world. The second and most important reason I chose Finland is because Finland is regarded as the happiest country in the world! That made me want to research the people, the culture, the weather, things like that and that’s how I was attracted to Finland!
“The second and most important reason I chose Finland is because Finland is regarded as the happiest country in the world!”
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FINNISH LANGUAGE AND FINNISH PEOPLE?
I tried to learn Finnish on my own, but Finnish is quite a tough language. So, if you want to learn you have to put some effort into it and continue those efforts! But, I will still try to learn Finnish!
Check out some blog posts about the Finnish language and tips on learning it!
Finnish people, due to this culture and the pandemic are introverts! But, whenever you need help, they will always help you out. They are very supportive! If I go to the mall and ask these guys where to find something they go and show me where it is and even explain everything about it. So, they are so supportive, they are so helpful! But, they are still sometimes very private and introverted.
“Whenever you need help, they will always help you out. They are very supportive!”
HOW HAs STUDying in FInland BEEN SO FAR?
I haven’t experienced the campus life yet, but like I said the professors are always super helpful. Actually, the syllabuses for the courses are always super good, so that’s something that I have really liked. It makes learning enjoyable! Overall, my studies have been going very well!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT LIVING IN FINLAND?
When I came here in January, it was right during winter so it was very snowy. And, I’m from India, which is very hot compared to Finland. So, when I came here I struggled a lot to adjust with the weather. But, now I really like the weather and even today it’s a beautiful summer day. I go outside everyday in the city with my friends. All the seasons are very beautiful. I really like it here!
“All the seasons are very beautiful.”
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY LIFE LIKE AS A STUDENT studying IN FINLAND?
I am also working here part-time at Posti, so during the night I am working. So, I usually sleep until 2 PM! Then, when I wake up I do my courses. They record all the lectures, so I watch them while I cook. Then, I will usually watch some movies or something or go outside.
IF YOU HAD TO GIVE 3 TIpS TO AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WHO IS COMING TO STUDY IN FINLAND, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
I would say:
- If possible and if you are planning on moving to Finland try to learn the language! Learning the language can make adjusting easier.
- Try to adjust with the weather.
- You might feel lonely when you first come here, so try to prepare mentally and physically! If there are people coming from India, Finland is not nearly as crowded, so prepare to adjust to that change!
Thank you Shivam for sharing your journey so far in Finland!
If you want to read more about international student experiences in Finland check our blog! Learn more about master’s study programs or LUT from our website!
