Tag: in english

Hi, 5 Failed Future Predictions

It was printed in Popular Mechanics 1949 that future computers would weigh less than 1.5 tons. Well, computers nowadays can be smaller than a coin. Other predictions have not come true, such as the following five.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

Hoverboards

Popularized in the 1989 film Back to the Future II, the iconic hoverboard has eluded us for almost 20 years. There have been prototypes such as the Hendo hoverboard, but sadly, they are not feasible for transportation. It is unlikely that we will ever get to see the kind of hoverboard that allows us to travel on any surface.

Flying cars

While we indeed have air transportation (see: planes), we might never get to have our own flying cars. The reason is not impossibility but logistics. We can barely manage with ground traffic, noise, accidents, and regulations. It would be highly dangerous to have two-ton machines of death flying above our heads.

Time Travel

Time travel was popularized by the 1895 novel The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Since then, we have dreamed of traveling to the past to correct mistakes or to obtain information. Sadly, although theoretically time travel to the future is possible (traveling at the speed of light), traveling to the past is not even theoretically possible. Even if traveling to the past were possible, we don’t have a frame of reference of how the universe moves, so even jumping one-second to the past could leave you floating somewhere in the orbit of Jupiter.

Human interstellar travel

This point is more about our mortality than our technology. We do have the technology to launch things to space and even have them move for a very long time. We have sent probes to Mars, and we may one day send humans as well.

However, the distances become astronomical very quickly. The center of our own galaxy Milky Way is about 26 thousand light-years away, to which we would have to travel at the speed of light for 26 thousand years to reach.

The end of the world

Every time someone has said the world would end, it didn’t. Make no mistake, the world will one day end. It’s just a matter of when and how. But don’t be discouraged, the Earth will most likely still be standing long after humanity has gone extinct.

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Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Marcelo Goldmann

Oulu Student Magazine’s print edition makes a comeback next year with four print issues

OYY’s Student Council decided in 2015 to cease the print edition. Since 2017, the magazine has been published online, except for one printed freshman issue in the Autumn. The print issues’ comeback was made possible by support from the University of Oulu. However, the decision does not mean that from now on there will only be print content – the online magazine will also continue as usual.

In English

TEKSTI Juho Karjalainen

KUVAT Anni Hyypiö

In Finnish.

The Student Council of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) decided that four printed issues of the Oulu Student Magazine shall be published in 2019. The decision was made in the Student Council meeting on December 3rd, during of the budget discussions.

The print edition ended because of a decision by OYY’s Student Council in 2015. Since 2017, the magazine has been published online, with the exception of one yearly print issue.

Financial support from the University of Oulu makes the comeback of the print issue possible.

“The university has promised to buy ad space from the print magazine for an agreed upon sum, and thus pay the extra expenses that are caused by printing four issues,” says Anni Hyypiö, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine.

Thus, the print issue will not cost the Student Union any extra, but instead the printed issues will make growing advertising revenue possible.

Print issue adds to campus development

The negotiations Jouko Niinimäki, the rector of the university, and Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö had during the Autumn are behind the print issues’ comeback.

“I remember Ylkkäri from when I was a student. It was an important medium and it was easy to grab an issue and read it in the office or while drinking coffee,” says Niinimäki.

”Printed magazine adds to campus development and well-being, especially as the University of Applied Sciences arrive here. One does not necessarily open and read the online version as often.”

Rector Niinimäki stresses that the university does not want to intervene in the magazine’s contents and journalistic choices of in any way.

“The magazine creates a connection between the students with the teachers. It is good to have a medium that follows the journalistic principles operating in the university community. It even has a certain watchdog journalism -feel, and one can read about the student’s side of things in the magazine. It helps with finding the right direction in developments.”

According to Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö, preserving the journalistic independence of the magazine has been a given to both parties from the get-go.

Print brings new opportunities

Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö is very pleased with the Student Council’s decision to bring back the print issues

“I see a lot of plus-sides and opportunities in the print issue. It will have a big impact on the visibility of the magazine. Although the online version has found its readership, some readers have expressed their hope for the return of the print issues. We want to serve all our readers as well as possible.”

“We see a lot of potential in the magazine. Where the last couple of years have seen cuts everywhere, this autumn there have been a lot of instances where the need for finding alternative sources of money has been expressed. This will be just that, as soon as we get the commercial cooperation up and running. Besides, a physical magazine is, well, physical. Even if the online news in the magazine can be found in, for example, Tuudo, it is a whole different experience to read a physical, printed magazine during e.g. a coffee break. Additionally, it has been a great joy to notice that this a force that brings the whole university community together, and it is not only read by the students but the members of the staff as well,” says Kalle Parviainen, the Chair of the Executive Board of OYY, commenting on the decision.

Publishing online will continue as usual alongside the print issue and the contents will support one another. Since the print version comes out only four times a year, its contents must withstand the wear of time.

“Naturally, you will be able to find quick news articles online, and the quality of both formats will remain high. The print issues are a great way to highlight the best stories even more and to reach as large a readership as possible,” says Hyypiö.

The plan is that the print issues will be distributed on the campuses, meaning that you will be able to get your hands on a magazine at Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas.

“The new print issues will be aesthetically pleasing magazines that are filled to the brim with sustainable and interesting journalistic content – so not just the familiar online magazine on paper,” says Hyypiö.

The preparation process for the print issues’ comeback began in earnest only after the Student Council’s decision was made, so many of the details will be made clearer only during the end of the year. However, Hyypiö dares to promise that the first print issue will come out in the beginning of next year.

Translation: Minna Pukari

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Juho Karjalainen

Oulun yliopiston alumni, joka on valmistunut tiedeviestinnästä filosofian maisteriksi.  

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Hi, 5 Finnish Holidays as Experienced by an International Student

One of the most interesting things about living and studying in a different country than that in which you were born is how you experience their holidays. Here are five Finnish holidays as experienced by yours truly, the author, a North American living in Northern Finland.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

Easter

Easter, also known as pääsiäinen in Finnish, is a national public holiday, which means we get to have some free days off work and school. As with most celebrations in Finland, there is special food that is only eaten during this time of the year.

The most interesting one is mämmi, a traditional Finnish dish made out of malted rye. During Easter season, you can find mämmi in every store. Mämmi does not look very appealing, having the texture of glue and sandpaper or thick raw petroleum. I would describe eating mämmi for the first time, with all due respect, as eating bitter jam with sand and warm beer. Since mämmi is traditionally served with cream (or vanilla cream), the combination of flavors becomes quite pleasing. In the past, I have ended up eating cream-with-mämmi instead of mämmi-with-cream, since I prefer the cream taste over the mämmi taste.

However, from personal experience, the acquired taste for mämmi develops over time as with salmiakki. Nowadays I look forward to eating it every year.   

 

May Day

The legendary May Day vappu (or wappu if you’re an engineering student) is perhaps the most eventful time of the year for students. The actual holiday is on the first of May, but for many Finnish students, the celebrations start two weeks before. There is a myriad of parties and events dedicated to student life and the coming-of-age of the freshmen (fuksit).

In Oulu, one of the most interesting vappu events takes place in Åström Park, where engineering freshmen are dipped in the cold spring water, where they come out as Engineering Students (teekkarit). For non-students, May Day is a national holiday during which they can wear their student caps or teekkari caps.

As a former engineering student, getting dipped in the cold water in front of hundreds of onlookers is scary. The water is maybe just a few degrees above zero and as soon as you are inside, the cold water feels like knives poking into your body. However,  luckily there’s normally a mobile sauna around to regain your heat with the other Finnish students. This was perhaps one of the moments when I felt the most integrated into Finnish student culture.

 

Midsummer

Known as juhannus, Midsummer is a national holiday celebrated every June on a Saturday between the 20th and 26th. For Finns, this holiday is all about going to cottage, grilling, going to sauna, and swimming in the lake. Many Finnish families have their own or a shared cottage to where they can escape civilization for a little while.

If you’re a foreigner and have good Finnish friends, you are likely to be invited to join them in their trip to their cottage. I was invited once to a cottage in Savonlinna where, as usual, I was the only foreigner in the group. I got to grill, make new friends, go to sauna, and wash myself in the cold lake.

Unlike during wappu, the lakes by June are much warmer, so swimming was much more pleasant. I even went fishing with my Finnish friend and I caught something called a “rubbish fish”, roskakala, which is not normally eaten.

 

Halloween

Even though not technically a “holiday”, Halloween has gained popularity over the years worldwide. In Oulu, Halloween was barely talked about in 2010. Back then I had to organize my own party and urge the guests to come in costumes.

A few years later, I finally got my wish of a party downtown in a club with Halloween theme. I was super excited and went crazy sourcing materials from all around the world to make my costume. I managed to win the costume contest, but sadly, at the time of writing this, I no longer remember what I won.

Over the last 8 years, Halloween has seen a rise in popularity in Oulu. This year, Halloween events were all over the place during October, particularly student parties. As a person who absolutely loves scary jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, critters, and costumes, I’m pleased about the rise in popularity of this great celebration.

 

Christmas

Christmas, known as joulu in Finnish, is perhaps the most amazing Finnish holiday. Interiors and exteriors are decorated with beautiful lights, elves, and Christmas trees. Compared to North American decorations, Finnish decorations tend to be more tasteful and less extreme. In my experience, Finns are not trying to have the brightest lights or the most exotic decorations, but rather bring the Christmas spirit to their homes.

One of the Christmas goodies is a warm drink called glögi. Glögi is a spicy and sweet drink which may or may not contain alcohol. You may also add some almonds and raisins to the drink. The first time I tried it, it reminded me of German glühwein, which is also a Christmas drink.

Another traditional food is rice porridge, riisipuuro. Traditionally, in a large pot of rice porridge, a single almond is hidden. It is said that whomever receives the almond in their plate will have great fortune.

After years in Oulu, I still don’t like rice porridge and I’ve never gotten the sneaky almond; perhaps that is why I don’t like it. I am used to sweet rice porridge like the one I would eat at home. In Finland, however, the rice porridge is not sweet and even has some salt. When eating porridge with my coworkers during Christmas season, I was the only one drowning the porridge in sugar to make it palatable to my taste.

As a foreigner you might have the chance to be invited to a friend’s Christmas dinner. But if you don’t, don’t feel bad, since Christmas in Finland is mostly about family getting together. You can also get together with other foreigners and make your own Christmas dinner.

However, if you happen to be in a relationship with a Finn, you will most likely be required to attend the family reunion where you will be treated as family. I feel fortunate to have been able to experience both a foreigner Christmas and a family Christmas in Finland.

 

Read more: Hi, 5 ways to survive the holidays while living abroad.

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Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Marcelo Goldmann

Student Culture, Four Seasons, Fantastic Finnish People, & Sauna: Life in Oulu as an International Student

This autumn, hundreds of international students from countries around the world came to study at the University of Oulu. For many, adjusting to life in a new country has brought about many challenges, surprises, and memorable moments. With the first month of classes drawing to an end, Morgan Neering interviewed some fellow international students, to get their honest opinion on life here in Oulu.

Ihmiset Ilmiöt In English

TEKSTI Morgan Neering

Rika Nakano, 22
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Primary Education & Japanese as a Second Language
Japan

“I think the University of Oulu has more liveliness and eagerness for learning or research compared to my home university.”

Why did you choose to come to Oulu?

What brought me to Finland and Oulu is its education system. I want to be a primary school teacher to be able to make a positive difference on the future of children. Studying in an environment so different from Japan helps me to expand my thinking and change my fixed beliefs that I have created throughout my own educational background. For me, this exchange study is a great challenge.

Has your view of Oulu changed during your time here?

Yes! People say that Finns are calm, polite and rarely enter into the conversation. But, people that I met in Oulu are friendly and helpful to foreigners. I’ve stayed in Oulu for just a month, but I already love the city and the Finnish people.

Do you feel welcome here? Do you find it easy to get to know local students?

I made friends easier than I imagined because there were a variety of welcome events for the exchange student. They were very nice. I have some local student friends like my Kummi and students coming to cafe lingua. But I want more opportunities to get to know local students and people in Oulu.

How does the University of Oulu compare to your home University?

I think the University of Oulu has more liveliness and eagerness for learning or research compared to my home university. Also, the systems like the student app and learning management system are well organized and easy to use, even for the exchange students.

What would you like to change in the University of Oulu?

The procedures were complicated so I wish there was a To-Do list for the exchange student.

 

Britta Bornhorn, 24
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Education with a focus on Math & Biology
Germany

“In terms of the people living in Finland, I am surprised over and over again with their unique peculiarities, such as visiting the sauna often or feeling comfortable when no one is talking.”

What was your first impression of Oulu?

My first impression of Oulu was – funnily enough – sun! I arrived at the end of August, and it was warm! You could sit in the sun, showing off your nice t-shirts and sunglasses. Well… if you had any. I had packed for four months of deep, dark cold winter. As if it was -35°C and zero hours of sun here in August. I should have had a closer look at the climate graphs.

Has your view of Finland changed during your time here?

Yes! So far the weather is better than I thought. I have also learned a lot about Finnish history and politics in some of my classes. Whereas I didn’t really have much of an opinion (to be honest, not even a lot of knowledge) about Finland before I came here, now I am impressed by how Finland has developed so differently after WWI than any other country I know. Even if I cannot really say what opinion of Finland I had before I came here, I can now say that I am impressed with the Finnish welfare state. I’m also impressed by the equality and high standards of living it has accomplished. In terms of the people living in Finland, I am surprised over and over again with their unique peculiarities, such as visiting the sauna often or feeling comfortable when no one is talking.

What has helped you adjust to your new life abroad?

Learning Finnish! … kidding. Finnish is just the hardest language. Eight, acht, huit, ocho … kahdeksan?! This project is going to cost some time. However, everyone speaks very good English. So that helps. In the short term (for which I am here) that’s more effective than me learning Finnish, I guess.

What has been your favorite memory so far?

Biking to Hailuoto. At this point, I do not want to brag about myself. I am aware that this must sound quite impressive. Chris Froom? Amateur. Also I don’t want to complain about how sore my legs were, or that the seat of the bike ripped a hole into my pants. I am a person that likes to keep this for themselves.

That said: it was a really great day! We went with a couple of exchange students, we had amazing weather and the Marjaniemi Lighthouse and the beach were just stunning.

 

Lindsay Jamerson, 20
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Peace & Conflict Studies and History, with a minor in Women & Gender Studies
USA

“All exchange students are coming in with the same open-mindedness, so take advantage of that during the first few weeks.”

What have been the challenges of living in Oulu?

One challenge I have found myself facing is the language barrier as I have dietary restrictions. Thankfully, I have been able to pick up on certain keywords that have allowed me to identify the foods that I can and cannot eat.

Another thing that has been difficult is acclimating to the new cultural norms. For example, one of my friends is from Germany, and I made the mistake of not taking my shoes off when I entered her apartment. She politely informed that what I was doing could come off as disrespectful, although she knew that that was not my intention. Since then, I have tried to pay more attention to other people’s behavior so that I can do my best to respect their cultural values. There are a lot of things that I never realized would be different between cultures.

How does the University of Oulu compare to your home university?

Demographically, they are the same, which is one of the reasons why I picked the University of Oulu. One thing I really like about Oulu is that the entire campus is connected, whereas at my home university, the buildings are all separate and house different departments. I also enjoy the food selection on campus in Oulu, because it is cheaper and tastier than that at my home institution.

What piece of advice would you give to new exchange students?

All exchange students are coming in with the same open-mindedness, so take advantage of that during the first few weeks. Everyone is in the same position and trying to make friends. Also, try to make friends with people who aren’t from your home country. It’s a lot easier to be with people who are familiar with your culture, but the purpose of studying abroad is to push yourself and experience new things.

What are some things in Oulu you’d like to take home with you?

Bio-waste. One of the things I appreciate most about Finland as a whole is their attitude towards environmental issues. I think that my home institution would not only be open to the idea of incorporating bio-waste facilities, they would wholeheartedly support it. ‘

 

Helerin Raikkerus, 30
Studying Medicine
Exchange Student
Estonia

“There is no such thing as bad weather, if you have the correct clothing.”

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

It is sometimes difficult to accept that everybody dies at some point. A doctor always wants to help his or her patients, but, for example, sometimes the patients have many diseases. When they get an acute, for example surgical problem, and might otherwise be saved by surgery, sometimes it can be even more risky to operate. As a student it is difficult to watch others making these kind of decisions, and it is probably harder for the real doctors to make them.

What are you most looking forward to during your time in Finland?

Hmm… I’ll answer about Oulu. I’m here for an internship at the University Hospital. I hope to learn a lot.

If you could give someone one tip before visiting Finland, what would it be?

Before coming, take a quick look at the weather forecast. The nature in Finland is beautiful and we have four seasons. There is no such thing as bad weather, if you have the correct clothing. Be prepared for hot sunny days during the summer, some rainy days and extremely cold weather during the winter months. Be prepared and have fun.

 

Zsuzsi Máthé, 31
Studying for a PhD in Cognitive Linguistics
Visiting Student doing research
Transilvania

“One aspect that stands out in Finland is the support that you get as a student or researcher, both from teachers and the system.”

Why did you choose to come to Oulu?

When I was in high school, one of my dreams was to go to Finland. In fact, I wanted to experience the real north, which is why I chose Oulu.

In Oulu, I feel like I am literally and metaphorically on the top of the world! Before coming to Finland I have travelled extensively. I’ve experienced different cultures and lands, mostly by doing volunteer work, which gives me a frame of reference and a sense of appreciation towards the unique traits of each culture and country. It also gives me the ability to see how Finland stands out.

What was your first impression of Oulu?

It was love at first sight. It is not easy to put into words the experiences of four months here, but at first I thought Oulu was special for three reasons: the people, the nature and the culture/education.

Nature here has many faces, and each can be enjoyed to the fullest; you just need a bit of courage. Whether it is summer and the sun never sets, or it is winter and dark and freezing, there is plenty to do and see around Oulu.  

The University building, although in some areas it reminds me of an airport, is cozy, well equipped and has a good vibe. There are people of all kinds and a variety that is really enjoyable. You can find everything you need, from numerous student restaurants and cafes to hangout rooms and even dark corners if you want to hang out alone.

In addition to all this, Finnish people are fantastic. Don’t believe the rumors that they are shy and cold. They make incredibly caring, thoughtful, helpful and loyal friends. I am forever grateful for the friendships I have formed here and the people that I met. They are truly special and more than I ever could have hoped for. I am looking forward to making new friends at the Festival of Cultures.

How does student life in Oulu compare to your home University or country?

I don’t really like making such comparisons; each country has its own charms. One aspect that stands out in Finland is the support that you get as a student or researcher, both from teachers and the system. It is a huge privilege and more than I could have hoped for. This is the type of support, which is much harder to come by at my home university.

What has been your favorite memory you’ve made so far in Oulu?

It’s hard to pick just one! So far I have enjoyed reindeer racing (although I only won second place), ice swimming on Valentines Day with sauna, seeing the northern lights on Toppilansaari, ice cycling, adventurous backcountry skiing in Lapland, snowmobiling, and meeting Santa Claus (the real one!). I strongly recommend everyone to try all of these.

What advice would you give to someone coming to Oulu?

My advice to Oulu students and visitors is not to stay inside. Go outside, even though it is dark and cold in the winter, and definitely enjoy the long summer days. Take advantage and enjoy to the fullest all that nature has to give up here in the north, which is really special and unique. Don’t be afraid to dive into the ice cold water in the winter and if the light is not letting you sleep on summer nights, go outside and watch how beautiful the sky is with the longest sunset you have ever seen. Get a bike and get lost on the city at least once, it’s the best way to find some of the most beautiful parks, lakes and neighborhoods that you wouldn’t come across otherwise. Help others if you can if they cannot adjust well to the darkness, get them outside into the awakening bright snow. Your time here is not only a great opportunity to get a good education; the experiences that you make here will always be with you and will shape you into your future self.

 

Interested in getting to know some exchange students? Meet some of these students, as well as other exchange students at the University of Oulu’s Festival of Cultures on October 3rd.

Read more: University in the USA vs University in Finland: An Honest Comparison

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Morgan Neering

An American exchange student trying to navigate a world in which buses are silent and where McDonald's offers a vegan burger. A firm believer in the idea that "we cannot become what we want by remaining what we are."

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Ihmiset Ilmiöt In English

Morgan Neering

University in the USA vs University in Finland: An Honest Comparison

No dorms, no formality, no costs – Morgan Neering lists five things that have surprised her about studying in Finland.

In English

TEKSTI Morgan Neering

KUVAT Antti Törmä

As a university student in the United States, you often hear about Finland and how incredible the school system is here. Headlines from across the globe compare the quality of education between these two countries, almost always ranking Finland higher than the United States.

Just typing the words “education in Finland” to Google results in a long list of articles explaining why Finland is so great.

“How the Finnish school system outshines U.S. education”

“How Finland beats America on education”

“Eight reasons Finland’s education system puts the U.S. model to shame”

And so on.

With so much emphasis placed on the Finnish education system, I was full of excitement upon my arrival here in August. Immediately, I began to notice a stark contrast between my home university and the University of Oulu. Life in the USA and life in Finland may be very different, but there are also many similarities. Here are five things I’ve noticed so far during my time here.

 

Student Housing: Where do students live?

At my home university, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, first-year students are required to live on campus in a dorm. Typically, two students share one room, which usually includes a bed, desk, wardrobe, and chair. The convenient part of the dorm-style rooms is that students don’t have to worry much about cleaning or cooking for themselves during their first year at Uni. Instead, most students have a meal plan through the school, where they can walk to the dining hall and eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You typically pay a set price for the entire year, which could be anywhere from 4000 to 7000 euro. Space is very limited and it takes a lot of time to adjust to sharing such a small space, which prompts many students to move out of the dorms after their first year, and into an apartment nearby. Our campus isn’t very big, so you can easily walk to and from your housing to any event or class that is taking place on campus.

Here in Oulu, I live in a PSOAS apartment. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and space of my apartment, which I share with two other exchange students. We have a kitchen, bathroom, shower, and dining room. My dorm room last year was the size of my kitchen now, so it has definitely been an improvement. My apartment here isn’t too expensive, somewhere around 270 euros per month. I expected the cost of living to be a lot more in Finland, but I’ve found that cooking at home and keeping a budget has helped me a lot.

I really enjoy the convenience of being able to walk to the store, or go places by bus. I never rode the bus at my home university, so it took a lot of getting lost to figure out the buses here in Oulu. However, I have gained a lot of confidence in myself through this process, and am happy to say that I haven’t gotten lost in a whole 3 weeks!

Student Life: What do students do?

I was very surprised by the student life here in Oulu. Back home, the school does not advertise or openly support on-campus parties. Most parties or events are thrown by the athletes or fraternities on campus, and our school discourages underage drinking at any school-related events. Keep in mind, the drinking age in the U.S. is 21, so that means a majority of our students are not legally allowed to consume alcohol.

However, in Oulu, there seem to be a lot of events for students, and something is always going on. Especially in the exchange student housing, there are events or parties almost every night. These student events are a really nice way for students to meet each other and connect with local students as well, which can sometimes be quite difficult otherwise.

Classes: Workload, meeting times, & tests

Classes in the USA are very different than here in Oulu. All of my classes back home begin in August, and last until early to mid-December. You meet at the same time each week, sometimes twice a week. After every class, you are likely to have some kind of homework assignment that needs to be done in time for the next class. There are frequent quizzes, which are usually taken once a week or so. There are also many tests and essays, depending on the course that you are taking. Many of my classes had three tests during the semester, and a final exam at the conclusion of the course. So, it was a very nice surprise to hear my professors in Oulu apologizing for such a heavy workload, when I was assigned to read a few articles and write a concluding essay.

I’m studying Primary Education, so I am taking a lot of ITE courses and some courses from the Scandinavian Studies program while I’m here. So far, they have been very interesting, and I actually enjoy attending class. I am getting credit back home for some of my classes here, but others I am taking simply because I am interested in the topic. Those classes have been my favorite, it’s a lot more calm and enjoyable to just take in information and learn new things that I can take back home with me.

Relationships to teachers: Informality & mutual respect

So far during my classes in Oulu, I have noticed that the relationship between students and teachers is much more informal than in the U.S. In the States, we would typically call our professors by their last name, or by their title, which could be something like Professor or Doctor. Depending on the style of class, there may or may not be opportunities to interact one-on-one with your teacher. It is a new concept for me to call my teachers here by their first name, and has definitely taken some getting used to. I really admire this system as I think it’s a great way for students to learn from their professors in a way that promotes mutual respect and appreciation.

Cost: Free education vs $20,000 a year

One of the biggest differences between the U.S. and Finland is the cost of attendance. Whereas Finnish education is free, American students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, which provide financial assistance to pay for school. They can also receive “Financial Aid,” based on the income of their parents.

However, many students do not receive much money, and pay around $20,000 (17000 euros) per year. Most students have to work while they are attending University, and graduate with a large amount of student debt. Seeing the impact of free education in Finland has really caused me to analyze the system in the U.S. Not having to pay for school relieves a big stress for many students, and encourages people to attain higher education.

 

Read more: Student Culture, Four Seasons, Fantastic Finnish People, & Sauna: Life in Oulu as an International Student.

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Morgan Neering

An American exchange student trying to navigate a world in which buses are silent and where McDonald's offers a vegan burger. A firm believer in the idea that "we cannot become what we want by remaining what we are."

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Morgan Neering

Hi, 5 Places to study other than the Pegasus Library

The Pegasus Library at the University of Oulu is one of the best places to study. It is quiet, comfortable, and you have access to everything you need. However, for many of us, the library atmosphere might actually feel overwhelming. In that case, we can try one or several of the following five alternative places.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

KUVAT Marko Heikkinen

Tellus Innovation Arena

If you don’t want to go very far from the Pegasus Library, there is the Tellus area where you can find a cozy place to study by yourself or with classmates. There are several open tables, covered areas, and even closed cabinets where you can study for your next exam. If you have a large group of classmates to study with, you can reserve one of the meeting rooms.

As an added bonus, you can rest in the Nest or even take a nap for a while to recover your energies. Moreover, you can easily get a small snack, coffee, or tea at the TellUs coffee shop. Try the espresso! And hey, the students of Kontinkangas campus: your very own Tellus Kontinkangas will be finished in the autumn of 2019!

 

Home

Studying at home is a double-edged sword. While you’re at home, you’re the master of your surroundings, the queen or king of your castle. You can decide how to study, where to study, what music to play, and how often to take breaks. You can prepare the snacks and drinks you like whenever you want. However, many people find working and studying at home very difficult because of all the distractions. It is somehow much easier to procrastinate at home than in a strictly study environment like a library. However, with a little discipline, you can find that sweet spot where you can comfortably study without procrastinating too much.

 

A classmate’s place (or your place with a classmate)

If you find it hard to study on your own, you can ask a classmate or friend to study with you, either at your place or theirs. This will allow both of you to keep each other motivated. Certainly there’s the risk that you will both feed each other’s procrastination, so make sure you are in the right mindset to study together. As an added bonus, you can ask each other questions that you don’t understand. Two heads are better than one.

 

Coffee shop

Some people find it easier to study when there is real life ”white noise” in the background, such as the noises found in a coffee shop. Sure, you can also get those coffee shop sounds online, but nothing beats the real thing. It’s always nice to have someone else serve you coffee and cake, even if you have to pay for it.

 

Outdoors

If you prefer a more naturalistic approach, you may find the peace of mind needed to crunch all those books in the outdoors. You can go to a quiet spot in the forest and enjoy the daylight and the soft swaying of the trees and the pleasant sound of the wind.  Just make sure it’s a nice warm day without wind or rain.

 

Bonus tip: Whether you prefer the silence of the library, the versatility of home study, the noise of a coffee shop, or the peace of nature, the important part is that you set little goals for yourself. If you set unrealistic goals, like reading two textbooks in a day, you will find yourself demotivated. Instead, try setting more down-to-earth goals.

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Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Marcelo Goldmann