Networking beyond lecture notes: How I found my people at University of Oulu

When I arrived at the University of Oulu, my first week was dedicated to getting to know the University, details about my degree program and receiving guidance on important topics, my teacher and student tutor, our guild, extracurricular activities like UniMove and Cafe Lingua, and student organizations.

Even though it might feel close to overwhelming, since it’s only the first week, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet your first friends in the University. All of the freshmen are in the same boat: new place, not knowing anyone, looking for friends. At the same time, tutors and student association members are excited about getting to know the new students!

Every degree has a guild: a student-run association that creates community through bonding activities and student culture. In Computer Science and Engineering, we have OTiT. They have a campus room where you can rest, play pool, videogames, board games, or study.

Already in the second week of classes, they organised a freshmen orienteering event jointly with other engineering guilds. We created small groups, followed clues, and walked around the university and city center to look for checkpoints, where we had to complete challenges, all that while dressed as a children’s TV show!

As international students, we were also introduced to international student associations, such as the NISO (Network for International Students in Oulu) and the ESN (Erasmus Student Network). They promote regular get-togethers aimed mainly towards international degree and exchange students.

I, as a former exchange student, was naturally driven towards the ESN, and quickly got to know the board members, volunteers, and exchange students, participated in their movie nights and barbecues, and eventually became a volunteer myself.

ESN also co-promotes Cafe Lingua, a weekly language exchange on campus. Every Wednesday, the cafeteria divides tables into language groups where people learn, share, and practice while playing games.

Another fun way to get to know new people is by joining clubs. There are multiple clubs organized by students and the University, from board games to running. I’m personally more driven towards sports, so I quickly joined the Endless Miles Running Club, for outdoor running (yes, even during the winter), and UniMove.

UniMove offers sports groups for all levels, gym timeslots, and much more, all under a single yearly, extremely affordable subscription.

With UniMove, I already tried:

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Badminton
• Ice skating

All are very welcoming for all levels and have very diverse participants. It’s a great way to take care of my physical and mental health while meeting people from various degrees and backgrounds.

Looking back to my first two months at the University of Oulu, I remember worrying about making friends. But through guilds, student networks, and sports clubs, I quickly realized that finding your people at the University of Oulu is easier than it seems.

Everyone starts in the same position during introduction week. We're all new, nervous, and looking for our people. So my advice is simple: say yes to activities, even if they feel intimidating at first.

Your people are out there, waiting to meet you. You just need to show up.