More Than the Degree
Aalto Squad student ambassadors' blog. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!
You can also chat with our ambassadors via Unibuddy!
Blog posts
The Summer I… decided to move to Finland 🌿✨
The summer I decided to move to Finland didn’t start with a dramatic moment. There was no instant epiphany, no single turning point. Instead, it was a slow accumulation of thoughts, feelings, and what-ifs that finally tipped me over. In the summer when I turned 16, I visited Finland for the first time. It was a short 2-week trip to a sports center near Helsinki, where we went hiking, camping, kayaking, and even played disc golf. In general, a very Finnish summer experience.
Kicking off the semester with my old and new buddies
It was that time of the year again when campus lit up with the appearance of new faces. For our Sustainable Entrepreneurship Master's program, that meant meeting the second cohort. We, the second-years, decided that nothing can compete with fun games and free dinners for the best bonding experience.
🎓 Orientation Week at Aalto University
Orientation week at Aalto University isn’t just about lectures and schedules, it’s the real start of your life in Finland. Having gone through it twice, I can say it’s intense, exciting, and sometimes a little overwhelming… but also one of the best parts of the whole experience.
What I’ve learned in 2 years in and about Aalto
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. I moved to Finland 2 years ago In these two years I was pretty active, I was in the board of TOKYO, the student association for all ARTS students. I got to plan a workshop in Ateneum (Finnish National Gallery), plan events, and welcome new students.
Few tips for moving to Finland
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. I moved to Finland 2 years ago. I would like to share a few tips that would have been a for me when I moved.
Letter to My First-Year Self
By Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero
Final-year master's student in Water and Environmental Engineering
Time has flown. I am now in the final semester of my master’s degree, writing my thesis, wrapping up academic life, and working full time. These final months have offered more than just closure; they have brought perspective, not only about what I have learned, but about everything I needed to hear at the very beginning.
Why Practical Experience is Just as Important as Coursework?
By Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero
When I began my master’s program, I was excited about diving into new subjects, climate models, hydrology, GIS tools, water treatment, and environmental governance. I was ready to learn, to listen, to analyze. And I did. But somewhere along the way, I realized that what we learn in the classroom only becomes meaningful when we test it in the real world.
How to Turn Your Passion into a Career in Development?
By Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero
Final-year master's student in Water and Environmental Engineering
When people ask me how I started working in development, I rarely know where to begin.
My Master's Thesis Process at Aalto
Hi! I am Elisa Pöyry, a student at Aalto University School of Business majoring in marketing. Currently, I am finalizing my master’s degree and writing my master’s thesis. Therefore, I thought I would discuss my research process so far including the different steps and milestones, and reflect on my journey in this blogpost. In addition, I will provide my personal tips for completing your thesis and managing the process successfully!
How to Spend Your Summer in Finland – Part 2
(Day trips to explore beyond Helsinki & Espoo)
Hey again! 👋
So, after soaking up all the amazing spots in Helsinki and Espoo, it’s time to hop on a train or bus and check out some of Finland’s other charming towns and small cities. These places are all close enough for a day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway.
🌞 How to Spend Your Summer in Finland – Part 1
Hey everyone!
I’m super excited to share this guide on how to make the most of your summer here in Finland. As a student ambassador, I get a lot of questions from new students and visitors about where to go and what to do when the days turn long and sunny.
✨ From Barcelona to Aalto: My Journey as an International Student in Finland
When I first set foot in Finland, everything seemed like a quiet whisper: the empty landscapes of lakes and forests, the soft-spoken people, even the minimalist language of design. Coming from Barcelona, a city overflowing with energy, color, and expressive architecture, I wasn't sure how I would adapt. But I arrived in Finland with curiosity, a mind full of ideas, and the hope of experiencing something radically different.