Student profile

Student story: Heran from Science and Engineering

Published on 28.11.2025

updated on 28.11.2025

Tampere University

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Hello, my name is Heran, and I am from Ethiopia. I chose this program because when I looked into the options, Biomedical Engineering caught my eye, and my interest grew from there as I was taking a closer look into the curriculum. As such, I decided to major in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Chemistry. Now, I have finished my bachelor’s and have started my master’s studies majoring in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering.

What were the highlights during your BSc studies?

The way the studies are structured and the whole flexibility of it helped me a lot to adjust to the courses. I feel like it gave me a smoother transition.

I really liked the opportunity we were given to pursue research earlier on. The research training program given to the first-year students is invaluable. It gives you the chance to jump into research earlier on which helped me accrue a good amount of experience by the time I got to my master’s studies. Not only does it give you the chance to see if research is for you or not, but if it ends up being your preference, it gives you a good headstart.

The other thing I enjoy about the learning environment is the egalitarianism of the school environment. University instructors and professors alike are genuinely supportive, and they are very responsive to feedback. I think this is a peculiar environment even in the scope of European universities, which was validated by most of the exchange students I have met through the years.

How do you like living in Tampere?

Coming from a big city, it took me some time to adjust to a smaller city like Tampere but now I enjoy it wholly.

Tampere, Finland in general, has a lot of nature. It is so pervasive that even a person such as myself who is not strictly into nature has been converted into one. Since I came here, I had the pleasure of enjoying all four seasons, and it’s a delight to see the natural landscape change with it. I was able to develop and even get new hobbies, one of which is biking. Everybody bikes here and there are bike lanes everywhere. I was motivated to learn and the first day that I went through a park on a bike, the light filtering through the trees, I was overjoyed, marvelling on what I have been missing out. Next up is skating, which I am excited to get into.

Another thing pertaining nature is the number of lakes in the city, wherever you are, if you continue walking in one direction for 2 or so kms, you will easily stumble on a lake. I have then developed the habit of swimming in them during summers, and even in winter accompanied by sauna.

I have also come to enjoy celebrating midsummer, where the sun doesn’t set, getting together with friends, bonfires. It’s all so wonderful.

Of course, there are some downsides. Tampere being a small city and people a bit reserved, it might be all too easy to descend into loneliness. That’s why the student guild plays an important role in creating a cozy and supportive environment.

Who would you recommend this programme to?

I would recommend this program for anyone who seeks a flexible approach to education; reap the benefits without the usual overwhelming pressure of school life – well not too much anyway. And even outside of school, people who seek a more relaxed environment and graduate to a pretty good work life balance.