A Day in the Life Living in the Campus
Hey! Welcome to a 'Day in the Life' here at Aalto University! For those of you who don't know me, I am Qiong, currently in my 2nd year in Interior Architecture here at Aalto, and today I will be taking you along in showing what a typical day looks like on campus.
This blend of creative and technical environments is the best when studying at Aalto. We have such a unique campus here in Otaniemi, with lots of modern buildings, cozy spots for studying, and even beautiful nature trails right by the water. Among classes, group projects, and time with friends, every day is a mix of learning, teamwork, and exploring Finnish culture.
8:00 AM – Morning Routine
I start my day around 8:00 AM with a quick morning routine. I like to get some fresh air, so I’ll often head out for a short walk around Otaniemi. The campus is beautiful, especially with all the green spaces and trails by the water. After my walk, I grab breakfast and some coffee—either something quick at home or at Espresso House if I’m in the mood to treat myself!
9:00 AM – First Class of the Day
My first class starts around 9:00 AM. Today, it’s a lecture in Conceptual Space in the School of Arts. I actually look forward to this class because it’s project-based, so we spend a lot of time collaborating with classmates. Aalto classes are really interactive; our professors encourage discussions, and we usually work in groups to solve real-world problems, which makes it way more engaging.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Friends
Lunchtime! I meet up with a few friends, and we go to Kipsari, one of the campus restaurants that offers student discounts (2.95€). Today, I’m going for the veggie option, which is surprisingly good. Lunch is a nice break to just catch up, hear what everyone else is working on, and share tips if we’re in similar courses. It’s also nice to hang out with friends from other programs since Aalto is so multidisciplinary.
1:30 PM – Printmaking Workshop Session
After lunch, I head over to the printmaking studio for a workshop session I booked in MyCourses. Today, I’m trying out the risograph printer to create some postcards for the Christmas market we hold at Aalto at the end of November. I’ve been wanting to experiment with riso printing for a while, and this workshop seemed like the perfect chance.
3:30 PM – Coffee Break
Around mid-afternoon, I’m definitely in need of a coffee break. I stop by R-kioski, which is a price-friendly for students for only 1.5€. I grab a coffee and a quick snack, and sometimes run into classmates or friends. Coffee culture is huge here in Finland, and it’s really part of student life at Aalto. It’s also a nice moment to just sit back and recharge.
5:30 PM – Gym or Yoga Session
After a full day of classes and projects, I like to squeeze in a quick workout. I head over to UniSport, student’s gym. I either do some cardio, lift weights, or join a yoga session. It feels great to move a bit after sitting and studying most of the day. Plus, student pricing makes it affordable, and it’s a nice way to blow off some steam with friends.
7:00 PM – Dinner and Hangout with Friends
By 7:00 PM, it’s time for dinner. Some nights, we go out to eat, but tonight, we’re cooking together in the shared kitchen of Design Factory. Cooking with friends is a fun (and budget-friendly) way to end the day, and it’s also a great time to connect. Tonight we tried to make pizzas since our friend is from Italy and he's super good at making them. But often, I get to try food from different countries since my friends are from all over the world!
10:00 PM – Wind Down
After heading back to my house, I take some time to wind down. I might read, scroll through some social media, or watch a bit of Netflix. I like to journal for a few minutes to keep track of what I accomplished today and set a couple of goals for tomorrow. It helps me stay organized and gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
11:00 PM – Bedtime
By around 11:00 PM, I’m ready to call it a night. I make sure everything’s set for the next day and then head to bed, so I’m recharged for another day on campus.
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