In late August and early September, large groups of students can be seen in the corridors of campuses as tutors guide new students through the start of their studies. The first few days are spent dealing with the practicalities of getting started, getting to know the campus, hearing good tips from tutors and, of course, getting to know your new study group mates.

To Kuopio from Belgium and Spain

A long queue snakes in front of the Student Services on the Kuopio campus at noon as students are waiting for their turn to get their access passes. Joan from Spain and Louis from Belgium, who are about to start their Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business studies, are also waiting in line.

Both have a good first impression of the campus.

“The campus seems big and there are lots of different facilities for students. I like that,” says Louis.

“The library above the Campus Heart looks great. Especially the glass wall where you can look outside,” Joan continues.

For both of them, Finland and Kuopio are new acquaintances. The decision to come to Savonia was partly a case of luck. Joan’s first choice would have been Vienna, but Kuopio was a good second choice. Louis also applied to study in several countries, including Paris in addition to Belgian cities.

“I like the Nordic countries and look forward to living here,” he says.

The northern air and the upcoming winter are already making the young men a little bit nervous.

“I come from Spain, where the weather is always good, so I’ve never experienced winter before,” says Joan. But he is open to new experiences with an adventurous spirit, so he is looking forward to the new experiences.

“The reason I came here is because I wanted to try new things!”

Already expecting training periods

Besides getting your permits, another important milestone in the start of your studies is, of course, ordering the student overalls. Anna and Jemina, who are on the first day of their Radiography and Radiation Therapy studies, are also fitting overalls. The morning has already been full of information, with lots of new information to digest and also a bit of a tour of the campus.

“I’m starting my studies with good vibes, I wasn’t nervous at all this morning,” says Anna. Jemina, on the other hand, admits that she was a bit nervous beforehand.

“I was suggested to study radiography, that it would be a good field of nursing. And that’s how the idea came to me,” says Jemina about her studying choice.

“I’m a research person, I always want to know why things are the way they are. That’s why I became interested in studying Radiography and Radiotion Therapy. This gives me opportunities for many different jobs,” says Anna.

One of the things they are looking forward to the most is internships, to experience the work in practice. And, of course, getting to know their fellow students.

The Campus looks great to them – and also big.

“Once we learn to move from one place to another, we’ll probably be able to manage in Kuopio University Hospital as well.”