Get to know some of our tutors

What is your best memory about your first year of study at the University of Helsinki?

One of my best memories was just exploring the campus and the city with my new friends. We spent a lot of time looking for the best study spots, trying out different cafes, and just figuring out student life together. At first, everything felt so new, but those little moments like getting lost on the way to a lecture or staying late at the library, really made the first year fun and memorable for me.

Was there something you found challenging during the first year, and what should new students prepare for?

The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to academic expectations, especially managing readings and assignments independently. My advice is to stay organized, ask for help when needed and not be afraid to connect with other students.

What do you expect from autumn 2025 and tutoring?

I’m looking forward to welcoming new students and helping them feel comfortable at the university. I hope to create a supportive and friendly atmosphere where everyone can ask questions and settle in easily.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Think Corner (Tiedekulma) is one of my favorite places. It has a great mix of study spaces, a relaxed atmosphere and a cafe where you can grab a coffee while working. Plus, there are often interesting events happening there! Also, I really like the Kaisa Library. It's a great place for focused work with its beautiful architecture and peaceful study spaces.

Share your greetings to the new students

Welcome to the University of Helsinki! The first year can feel overwhelming at times, but don’t worry, you are not alone. Take your time to find your own rhythm, ask for help when needed and most importantly, enjoy the journey! Looking forward to meeting you all.

What is your best memory about your first year of study at the University of Helsinki?

One of my favorite memories from my first year is one of the early meetups for CISSI, the organization for international social scientists here at the university. It was still warm outside, so we were able to be outside and chat and play games with friends we'd already made and to meet some people we hadn't talked to yet. It was a really reassuring experience as a new student and really fun!

Was there something you found challenging during the first year, and what should new students prepare for?

Learning Finnish has been something really challenging, but also really rewarding. It's oftentimes hard to dedicate yourself to learning the language while also taking classes for your degree. For international students who do want to learn, I recommend making it a part of your daily life and trying to speak it as much as possible to both friends and strangers! There are also so many resources both on campus and online, so definitely take advantage of that.

What do you expect from autumn 2025 and tutoring?

The events at the beginning of the school year are the most fun in my experience, so I'm excited to get new students involved in social life and get to know the university through those. For a lot of students, adjusting to living in a new country and getting all the paperwork done is really stressful, so I'll be helping with any of those troubles and encouraging some time for relaxation.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the Think Corner - it's really pretty, gets a lot of sunlight, and smells really nice. It's everybody else's favorite spot too apparently, so days when I can get a seat are special.

Share your greetings to the new students

Congrats to all the students for getting into such an amazing university! Especially for international students, it can be hard getting adjusted to life here, but remember to take it day-by-day and soon you'll be right in the middle of academic and social life. There is always someone available to help you figure things out and talk through issues, so don't be afraid to ask for help!

What is your best memory of your first year of study at the University of Helsinki? 

The orientation week and making new friends. Also the multidisciplinary Shrove Tuesday festivities on Ullanlinnanmäki! I’m also eagerly looking forward to student fun on May Day!

Was there anything you found challenging during the first year that new students should prepare for?

I was admitted through the open university route, and at the beginning I was a bit lost with how to continue with my studies. However, you can receive good tips and guidance from personal student advice services! You should also check the University’s Studies Service website a bit in advance to find out what interesting courses will be organised during the autumn. The University allows for a great deal of freedom to select interesting courses, and familiarising yourself with the offerings is highly recommended.

What do you expect from autumn 2025 and tutoring?

Meeting the new freshers and reliving the orientation week! ❤️ Personally, I’m approaching the end of my bachelor's studies, so I’m also eagerly looking forward to the last study track –specific courses.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The 7th floor of Kaisa House!

Share your greetings to the new students

Welcome to the Faculty of Social Sciences!

What is your best memory of your first year of study at the University of Helsinki?

My best memories of my first year of study are from the very beginning. I remember having had the opportunity to enjoy the company of new acquaintances and friends in fresher events and adventures. Also moving to Helsinki was one of the highlights.

Was there anything you found challenging during the first year that new students should prepare for?

Especially at the beginning of the first year, many things seem new, exciting and even difficult. In addition to the new environment, a new everyday routine at the University also presents challenges – but you do get used to it! It is good to get used to the idea that you will encounter many new things at the University, but you shouldn’t be apprehensive as help is available whenever you may need it. So don’t be afraid to get swept away with the experiences – the memories you’ll make will be worth it! 

What do you expect from autumn 2025 and tutoring?

New students I can enthusiastically tutor. Also my own studies and better familiarising myself with optional courses. Tutoring is like a dream job for me, so my wish is that the freshers will also have fun! 

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on the campus is the library in Kaisa House and its UniCafe, which is also one my favourite places to study! 

Share your greetings to the new students.

Join me with an open mind. There are so many fun things to discover at the University of Helsinki! I hope you will enjoy being tutored and get to know all the fun new things we have on offer here. So be brave and remember that you can always ask for help and support if needed! Also get to know new friends during orientation and courses – they may well soon be your best friends! And most of all: be yourselves, because that’s the way we want you, just the way you are! ❤️

What is your best memory of your first year of study at the University of Helsinki?

One of my best memories is definitely the students’ torchlight procession on Finland’s Independence Day. I felt a great sense of belonging as part of the massive procession!

Was there anything you found challenging during the first year that new students should prepare for?

The most challenging thing was getting used to the digital environment. Even for a ‘digital native’ it wasn’t easy, so I recommend that freshers seek peer support from other first-year and older students. Cooperation rules! 

What do you expect from autumn 2025 and tutoring?

Getting to know the new freshers! My own experience as a tutee was so positive that I can’t wait to be able to share the same joy with new freshers! <3

What is your favourite place on campus?

The 7th floor of Kaisa House library with its wall-to-wall carpeting and large roof terrace. It is a wonderful place in which to study!

Share your greetings to the new students.

Congratulations on making a good choice and welcome to our community – I’ll see you at lectures, UniCafe or May Day festivities!