My favourite study spots on campus
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. Today I would like to share my favorite study spots on Otaniemi Campus. There are a lot of different places upkept, for example, only your degree, only your school, which for me is the ARTS department as well as spaces for everyone. You can also book on the Aalto Spaces app!
So lets see my fav places:
Väre + Homebase
As an ARTS student Väre is my main building, and we have 24/7 access, which comes in handy. All the workshops are located here so when I have to use them it’s convenient to be close by. There is a main co-working space in the middle of the so-called “diamonds” while around it are bookable rooms: from one person rooms to classrooms. You can check their availability and book them (for free) on the Aalto Space App. This app is also good to check where your class is as campus has a lot of buildings and it can be pretty confusing sometimes, especially in the start. Another great thing is the homebases. Each degree program has its own dedicated room, which I often use to study or relax. There’s usually someone from my program around, and it’s nice to have some company.
TOKYO space
Another place I like is the room of TOKYO, the student association for all ARTS students. It is in the undergraduate center and is equipped with a kitchen (and free coffee!). It feels a lot less like a typical school setting as there are a lot of sofas, throw pillows, dimmed lights, and posters plastered all over the walls. The space evolves over time, posters changing, small notes appearing. We also use this space for group meetings and movie nights. It has it’s own door with an outside sitting area which is great for taking a break when it’s warm enough outside. Every guild and association get a room similar to this on campus. For example there is “Otaneum”, the space of Nude, which is the guild for the design students (so my guild), it has great vibes and always someone to chat with.
Design Factory
These days I’ve been spending more time at DF (Design Factory), an interdisciplinary space with several different studying areas. When I’m in Väre (in our main building) I only meet ARTS students while here I usually bump into my friends who are studying in other fields at Aalto. I also like that there are a lot of things to do while taking a break as I usually struggle to find a good way to unwind. You can find everything from Ping Pong and table football to skateboarding and piano. There is nice coffee for 1eur (yes, I have to mention it, this is crucial information). There is also a big community kitchen where we sometimes cook dinner together with my friends, as it’s very spacious and well-equipped.
Library
The library (also known as the Harald Herling Learning Centre) built by Alvar Aalto, has 3 levels and all have different functions. The top floor is silent; I go there when I seriously have to lock in. The middle floor is a semi-loud environment where food is allowed, and there is a café too (Their blueberry muffins always tempt me). The bottom floor is for collaboration and teamwork, and it also has bookable rooms. This is another place where I usually meet students from other fields, as it is a popular meeting place for all. There are also some places to sit outside the library where we occasionally get stuck once it gets warm and sunny.
Other spaces
There are tons of other spots around campus to study, whether you’re on your own or with a group. It’s great to have so many options, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. I also like going to Dipoli, the Business building, Marsio and the student hub in the Computer Science building -they all have completely different vibes.
If you are interested how the campus looks like there is a virtual campus tour (https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/). Another option is booking an in-person guided campus tour led by an Aalto student; you can find more info about it here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/visiting-aalto-university/in-person-guided-campus-tours
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