Blog Posts

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Student breakfasts in Finland – by UTU ambassadors
Feast your eyes on what some of our UTU Ambassadors eat each morning!
Experiencing Spring in Turku for the first time
I had a pretty good idea about what to expect from winter before coming to Finland but I had doubts about spring. Is it going to be too cold still? When exactly will the snow melt? Can I go hiking in peace? Making plans turned out to be trickier than I have expected but here are some reasonable activities a student can do in Turku.
Opportunities for international students to participate actively in student life
Are you wondering what kind of activities student life can offer you? Anna Ryzhova has gathered different ways for you to get experience in something you are interested in and improve your skills during your study time!
The PhD experience: delving into doctoral studies with Mahdi Moghaddam
One of the current UTUGS candidates, Mahdi Moghaddam, moved to Finland to pursue a PhD in the field of electrochemistry. We sat down with Mahdi to find out what got him interested in his field of research, what is PhD student life at the University of Turku like for him and what kind of things he likes to do when he is not conducting experiments in labs.
Tour with Tolga: video series for new international students in Turku
Watch the video series produced by Tolga Karayel and learn more about course planning and the Peppi Study System, student accommodation, and food and student restaurants in Turku, Finland!
Polychronis Tatsis met a local Finn in the Friendship Programme
The social paradox in Finland: experience in the Friendship Programme
You probably have heard the stereotypes: it can take time to befriend a Finn. But what did Polychronis, a current UTU student, learn after signing up for the Friendship Programme?
Kristaps Kovalonoks has done it all, from being an international student to volunteering and working at the University of Turku
My story: how strategic volunteering paved the way to a career at the University of Turku
Interested in building a career in Finland? Learn about how our international alumni Kristaps Kovaļonoks built a career in Finnish higher education at his alma mater through persistent volunteering, networking, and more.
Applying to UTU – tips from an accepted student
Come study in Finland! Get inside tips on how to apply to the international degree programmes at UTU
Reindeers in Lapland
Feel the true spirit of Christmas!
You don't know what Christmas is unless you visit Finland! Dive into the Christmas spirit with Olha Nikolaienko's post about Finland as a Christmas destination.
Friends enjoying summer at a Finnish cottage.
Culture shocks when coming to Finland – round II
Originally from UK, Alexander Spicer has experienced quite many cultural shocks in Finland - so many that he needed two posts to share them all with us. Are you ready for round two?
A fully furnished student studio
Furnishing an apartment in Finland as a student
Relocating to another country to pursue studies often brings a lot of hassle and unknowns. Here's a few tips on where to turn to when furnishing an apartment in Turku.
Culture shocks when coming to Finland – round I
After moving to Finland, Alexander Spicer has experienced quite a few cultural shocks. Now he provides you with some entertaining insight into the peculiarities in the Finnish culture.
The coziest city in Finland
Why Turku is the coziest city in Finland? Olha Nikolaienko, Master degree student in Education and Learning, will tell you more about the reasons for that.
River Aura in summer sunset
Destination: Turku – a quick guide on what to expect after moving
A quick guide of what to expect when moving to Turku and Finland.
View along the riverside and harbor of Turku
Student city of Turku, I choose you!
Futures Studies student Anna Ryzhova shares why Turku is the best student city providing arguments from previous experience in Finland.
Student wearing a winter hat and a neck warmer pulled up over her nose. Only her eyes are visible.
The international student’s guide to surviving Winter in Finland
A crash course on how to survive - and even enjoy - winter in Finland.
Obada Alzqhool is a doctoral candidate at the University of Turku.
From Master’s degree studies to a career in research – Interview with doctoral candidate Obada Alzghool
International doctoral candidate Obada Alzghool answers our questions about his experiences as a researcher at the University of Turku.
Students get inspired by learning at the Feeniks library on the University Hill
7 stories about where inspiration can lead you in higher education
International students of the University of Turku share their sources of inspiration and their stories: What inspired them to apply to their study programme, what keeps them motivated during their studies, and what has been the greatest learning outcome for them so far?
10 key facts about the Education and Learning Master’s degree programme
What is it like to study in the Master's Degree Programme in Education and Learning at the University of Turku? Read my observations as a current student and learn if this programme would be the right one for you!
How to build your own path in Finland? – the power of communities
Moving to a new country is never easy; it requires you to be open to change, keep curious, and be proactive. Here are Kamilla Sultanova's tips for building your own community and career path in Finland!
Top 10 things to do in Turku!
Although life on campus at the University of Turku will keep you busy, the wider region has a lot to offer students as well. We encourage you to explore and make the most of your time in this wonderful city! Here are some recommendations to help you get started.
Student ambassador Yukie from Japan decided to start studying again, after several years in the working life.
When is it too late to start studying again?
About one year has passed since I submitted my application to one of the International Master’s Degree Programmes here at the University of Turku in Finland. I had been working for several years and made a career for myself, but one day I knew that I had to do something for myself, follow a dream of mine. I remember the feeling I had one year ago, when I clicked submit on my application.
社会人になってからの留学
About one year has passed since I submitted my application to one of the International Master’s Degree Programmes here at the University of Turku in Finland. I had been working for several years and made a career for myself, but one day I knew that I had to do something for myself, follow a dream of mine. I remember the feeling I had one year ago, when I clicked submit on my application.
Interested in exchange studies at the University of Turku?
Anastasiya Mun and Victoriya Ignatova, students of the Institute of Foreign Languages of PetrSU, spent the spring term of 2019 at the University of Turku as exchange students. Read their stories if you are curious to find out more what the life of international students in Turku is like - scroll down for information in Russian
Laura and her first aurora experience
A Colombian in Finnish wonderland: how Laura became a tutor for international students
Laura Moreno from Colombia first wanted to pursue a PhD. However, she later decided to apply for several Master’s Degree...
Tutoring in a nutshell and why should you get involved!
Tutors assist new students to adapt to the Finnish culture, giving insights about how Finnish educational system works, sharing our experiences about student life, familiarising them with UTU campus.
When plans change – how 2 years in Turku turned into 7 (and counting…)
Kalypso Filippou is originally from Cyprus and has spent the past 7 years studying and working at the University of...
Dua bersaudara mengejar mimpi di Finlandia
This time you get the story of siblings Ali and Alaa Benkherouf in Bahasa. Original article in English (Siblings pursuing...
Nonmanut Pongsakdi, Education and Learning
Nonmanut Pongsakdi about her time in Finland as an international student and researcher
Researcher Nonmanut Pongsakdi talks about her experience in studying a master's in Education and Learning, doing a Ph.D. and now postdoc.
Siblings Ali and Alaa during the interview
Siblings pursuing their academic careers at the University of Turku
Siblings Ali and Alaa Benkherouf from Algeria have decided to pursue their academic careers in Finland, at the University of Turku.