5 reasons why I applied to Uni. Helsinki

It seems quite logical to start from explaining how I got there. First of all, reasons!

  1. Years of studies ahead

Two-year master degree programme. Actually, you have a study right for four years, and that flexibility is just amazing. In Russia, you are supposed to graduate with bachelor degree in four years (in most of all study programmes) and basically you have only one graduation date per year.

Two years of studies were definitely better than one year in my situation. I entered the masters at the age of 20, with practically no training in the sphere of European law at all. Of course, I knew (in brief theory) what is the European law about. However, it takes some time to grasp values, approaches, whatever.

  1. No cramming weeks

There are no exam sessions. You may have 3 exams per week or one exam per semester – it all depends on your schedule (and desire to do as many exams as possible as well).

Of course, that is not a paradise as well. You may be preparing for one month for one of exams just to realize that the next exam is approaching in three days. However, you can control it yourself and boost your intuition as well.

  1. Flexibility

You see, I have already mentioned flexibility of studies. But for me, it is never enough! Knowing that you can plan your studies in a way that lets the studies go hand in hand with acquiring working experience, learning new outside the university doors and just relaxing is so precious.

I have spent the most time of the autumn semester working in St. Petersburg, Russia and I had to travel to visit lectures only twice. I guide my amazing start-ups team in Helsinki Law Clinic online and get feedback for my thesis plan by e-mail. This is not only exciting, it is very much self-disciplining as well. Luckily everything is synchronized with google calendar!

  1. Languages

You can apply to a programme in English and then take some courses in Finnish. Or in Swedish. Or learn 4 foreign languages in the same period. Learning process may include zero tests and days full of shooting films and radio podcasts in a foreign language that you would never believe you would speak.

  1. Weather

If you have problems concentrating on your studies, be sure – long dark evenings will keep you motivated to stay inside and studyJ

Don’t treat the last factor too seriously – climate is not so dramatic, global warming makes winter warmer and closeness to nature compensates all dark and cold days.

Application period starts quite soon, so I will keep you updated about some tips and planning tactics which will be of help to you. Stay updated!

You can also follow me in Twitter: https://twitter.com/alshtromberg

Greetings from St. Petersburg,

Alexandra.

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