All I Want for Christmas… is an Interview with Freshers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… which also means that we’re done with the autumn term! Wild. Autumn just swooped in after our summer holidays, leaving us practically no time to snooze our alarms anymore, and then ran past as if in a hurry. Then again, autumn didn’t come alone. It brought with itself a whole bunch of lovely new people, or as we more commonly know them, our dear freshers. They’ve had a couple of months to learn the ins, the outs, the ups, and the downs of student life, so I went on ahead and pestered some of them with questions all about that. Here’s what 2023 freshers Nea, Esa, Astrid and Rosa had to say…

First things first, congratulations on getting in! How are you feeling after the first couple of months as a student at the University of Helsinki?

Nea: Thank you! It honestly still feels so surreal. I think I have managed to adapt pretty quickly to this new phase in my life. It's strange going back to school after 4 years, but definitely the best decision I could've made for myself. I have really enjoyed these past months and I was fortunate enough to make great friends really quickly. Studying something that actually interests you, with like-minded people, is bliss. And the best part is, I don't have to do math!

Oh, I feel you! I definitely don’t miss math. But how are the others feeling?

Esa: I feel great, it's been a dream come true for me personally.

Astrid: I’ve really enjoyed it! I didn’t have loads of expectations in what everything was going to be like but all in all it’s been good so far.

Rosa: I’m quite exhausted from all the courses and meeting so many new people but mostly just excited about my new friends and all the things I’ve learned! And thankfully it’s finally Christmas break lol.

Agreed. I think we all needed this break right about now. Taking some time off will do us good. And I do genuinely mean it, please remember to rest over the holidays. That being said, I’m glad to hear that your experiences have been so positive! What have been your favourite moments thus far? Any highlights?

Astrid: I really enjoyed orientation week. All the events and meeting new people was fun! Also Sub’s Christmas party was a highlight for me :)

Rosa: Winning the pub quiz on orientation week is still my greatest achievement ever. <3 Fresher sitsit were also definitely my favorite student party of the fall!

Awesome! Congratulations are in order. And yeah, orientation and parties tend to make lasting impressions on freshers. That’s probably not all, though. What else have you enjoyed in your first term?

Esa: I really enjoyed our spoken English small group; it's consistently been the highlight of my week and I'm sad that it's over so soon. Big thanks to Turo and the group members <3

Nea: Honestly, I've liked the day-to-day life the most. Going to a lecture on a Monday morning, sitting with friends and counting how many times Joe mentions Swedish during the lecture today has been so great. Obviously, all the student parties, the orientation week and all of the events have been fun too, especially the time we were running around Helsinki dressed as rats. But, enjoying the studying part of, well, studying, is so important and I am very glad that I do.

Sounds like a great work-life balance. Or… study-life? Anyway. Studying doesn’t have to be some tedious chore, and as you mentioned earlier, studying something that you like is just great. You’ve all had a few months to explore that for yourselves, and now that the autumn term has been wrapped up, have you found a favourite course or subject?

Astrid: Topics in English linguistics because Liz is such a great lecturer and the topics we discuss have been really interesting! I enjoyed Spoken English cause of Joe! <3

Rosa: Topics in English linguistics was so fascinating! I had no prior knowledge about linguistics at all and I had no idea it was so interesting. Liz was also an incredible teacher and all the lectures were so fun. :)

A good teacher really makes a course so much better. Any other thoughts?

Nea: Well, the autumn has mostly been phonology and phonetics, which are not my favourite. In general they're alright but I have found this deep hatred towards syntax. And I am so bad with vowels. I have, however, enjoyed the contrastive analysis course. I've always liked the translation assignments in school, so this course has been especially enjoyable for me. Good professors help in that, too.

Esa: Everything in the English department has been awesome. I think sociolinguistics takes the cake though, it's what made me apply in the first place.

Been there. Love me some sociolinguistics. Though I am more or a literature nerd, which is what made me apply way back when... Time flies, I’ve done a whole bunch of stuff since then. The university does give us a lot to choose from. So, how do you feel about your other studies? Any subjects in mind for a minor?

Esa: I decided to minor in Gender Studies and I have to say it's been really eye-opening and I look forward to learning more. It's funny how relevant language is in that field.

Great choice! Languages are surprisingly important, right? Seems silly to say that to a bunch of language students but for real, it surprised me. Though, not every aspect of language can be interesting to everyone…

Nea: Well, aside from syntax, there's nothing I hate. I've liked my courses and I've had really great professors. I even enjoyed reading The Vegetarian for one the courses, as disturbing as it was. There are so many things I would love to study, but one only has so much time. I have picked some cultural studies and translating courses, but the one thing I would love to study is Korean. I have tried learning it on my own, but I have not been very successful. Perhaps actually going to class and having a real professor will help.

Astrid: I’ll only start my minor courses next autumn, but I’ll likely be taking communications as one and possibly marketing as the other. Luckily, I still have time to think though. As for other subjects, I’m happy that I get to brush up my French skills with some revision courses in the upcoming periods.

Rosa: ⁠My goal is to minor in French! The tests for that are at the end of spring and I’m a bit nervous but trying to believe in myself lol.

(Google, how do I say “good luck my friends” in French? Oh, ok…) Bonne chance mes amis! (No idea if that’s grammatically correct… Maybe I should’ve taken French. Anyway.) Our language options are a wonderfully diverse list to choose from, and incredible options for minor subjects, but I’m also glad we’re not limited to just those. You guys definitely have a lot to explore in the future, be that language related or not. The world is your oyster. Do you have any expectations for the spring term, or university in general? Could be something about your studies, student parties or club activities…

Rosa: ⁠I’m so excited for spring! This time I got to choose which courses I want to take and I have so many interesting courses coming up. I’m especially excited for language and nationalism, I have no idea what it’s going to be like but it sounds super interesting. I’m also excited for Vappu of course!

Astrid: I’m excited for the culture and society course, as it sounds right up my alley. As for outside of school, I’m looking forward to my first vujut and other student events!

Nea: I am expecting for things to get more difficult. The autumn term has been more about adjusting to this new phase in our lives and courses haven't been that challenging but I am guessing that is going to change. I am also very eagerly waiting for the overalls and Vappu! I spent it last year in Kaisaniemi with students and I was the only one not wearing overalls in our group, since I was the only non-student. But that has now changed!

Esa: I hope I have a lot of fun and get to know everyone better.

I like the sound of all those things. It might get somewhat more challenging moving forward, but it will be worth it. The spring term is full of surprises, and a lot of great activities, but the experience you have from the autumn term will help you immensely. I believe in you, and I hope you believe in yourselves as well. Sometimes we need support, though. Do you have any tips for current or future freshers? Could also be a greeting, a joke or a riddle if no tips come to mind at this time. 

Esa: They seem to be on the right track. I'm looking forward to reading those tips myself, though.

Oh, me too! Well?

Rosa: For future freshers: the first months are very hectic and confusing but don’t panic, everyone else has also survived and so will you! <3

Nea: Don't procrastinate. Seriously. I know this is something we hear all the time from other people and ourselves, but really, don't do it. It is unnecessary stress, that could be avoided with good planning. Now, am I still going to procrastinate? Probably, but I really shouldn't. Oh, and remember to have some toilet paper with you when Vappu comes. It will run out from the bajamajas.

Astrid: Umm I would say prioritise socialising… now before someone comes for me I know we’re supposed to focus on studying and grinding and whatever everyone says, but I would say that the best thing I’ve gotten from these first few months is getting to know a bunch of amazing people from a variety of backgrounds and I swear it makes everything more fun and also easier when you have a good group of pals around with you, both on campus and at events!

Great advice, thank you all! We tend to hear a lot about the importance of finding your study methods, and staying up to date on coursework, but I think finding “your people” is just as important. Surviving your first year and dealing with your procrastination-induced stress is much easier with friends by your side. Though, seriously, don’t procrastinate.

Okay, we have to move on or I’ll start to sound like an old, lecturing hag... Before I let you all go and enjoy your holidays with a nice, hot beverage and activity of your choosing, here’s a little bit of a scenario: a mysterious benefactor has promised to build and fund the house of your dreams, no questions asked. What three things will you absolutely have in it? 

Astrid: Manifesting this for myself right now! A pool, tennis court and home gym (this makes me sound way sportier than I actually am…)

Esa: I'd like a ghost, but I don't want anyone to have to die for it. If they could somehow transport one (maybe through a painting) that's already sort of OK with the ghost thing, that'd be great. Also the butler robot from Rocky IV, and a massive prairie for all kinds of animals.

Rosa: A king-size bed, a dishwasher and enough space to own at least three sighthounds.

Nea: Oh how I wish this wasn't just a scenario. I have always wanted a balcony that is connected to my bedroom. It absolutely needs to have French doors, so I can dramatically walk in there wearing a robe that says, "I poisoned my husband." Not that I would actually poison anyone. A secret room hidden behind huge bookshelves is a must! I don't care what the room has in it, I just need to have the room. And last but not least would be a rooftop hangout area, like the ones in K-Dramas. Bunch of fairylights and candles, good food and my friends and I just having a good time. A good location with a gorgeous view of the stars is a must for this obviously. Anyone interested in being my mysterious benefactor?

Wish I could be, but I’m in desperate need of one myself. Anyone out there? Please? If we ask nicely? Ugh, guess I’ll start manifesting this for all of us, then. I think your dream homes sound wonderful, and I hope that if nothing else, the image of that dream house will keep you going! Thank you Astrid, Esa, Rosa and Nea for taking the time to answer my silly questions, and for sharing your experiences with us. Good luck with your studies, and happy holidays!