"Tampere University provides a cutting-edge research environment that equals several top-tier universities and institutes across the world"-a student ambassador story
Tell us about yourself and your studies
Hi there! My name is Soma Basu. I decided to transition to academia after 20 years in active journalism, specializing in disasters and conflicts in the Indian subcontinent. I am a doctoral researcher in media studies at the faculty of information technology and communication sciences. I have been working on political communication and hate speech since 2018, when I spent 6 months as a journalist fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University. As I started getting more interested in the domain, I also worked as the India editor of Agence France Presse’s Factcheck division. I am also a researcher in a joint project by Columbia University, Princeton University and Science Po, Paris. As a trainer associated with Asian American Journalist Association, I also conduct media literacy and fact-check training for journalism students, smaller newsrooms, and civil society members. I got drawn to Tampere University because of my doctoral supervisor, Prof. Kaarina Nikunen, who is known for her excellent work on 'affect', data intimacy and media solidarities. My wish to work with her brought me to Tampere, where I found other Centers of Excellence, such as game culture studies.
Did you develop any special skills while studying in Tampere?
Tampere University gave me an opportunity to interact and learn from the excellent faculty in media studies, journalism, visual studies and gamification group. The university is home to several very intriguing and novel projects, making it an ideal environment for any scholar to immerse themselves in multidisciplinary studies. Within just three months of coming to Tampere, I got the opportunity to present my research papers at the Generation Asia Conference at the University of Iceland, Reykjavik, in August. I also got to chair one of the panels during the conference. I was also selected as a SUPRA fellow at the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, University of Copenhagen, and found the chance to get mentored by leading academicians and tap into all the e-resources. Tampere University is one of the members of the NIAS Nordic Council of 23 universities and research centres in Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland, which means access and great collaborative opportunities for students at Tampere University.
What tips would you give to new students who are applying to study here?
Tampere University provides a cutting-edge research environment that equals several top-tier universities and institutes across the world. Finnish people are very unassuming and modest. They never brag and underplay their own accomplishments. I believe this virtue is also reflected in Tampere University’s publicity and outreach strategies. You won’t find a lot of promotional blogs and social media posts about the high-quality research labs and faculty here because our university does not like boasting. However, with the kind of work that goes on in this university, this place is a haven for any scholar who seeks innovation, independence, interdisciplinary studies, and great facilities. The professors treat students with a lot of respect, our ideas and thoughts are valued, our well-being is considered the top-most priority.
How do you get around the city?
I reside a little further out from the campus since I wanted to be as near to nature as possible. So I ride the bus, which is both reliable and inexpensive. I use my bike to explore the well-laid out cycling tracks in the forests.
What is your favourite thing about the student culture in Finland?
I come from the part of the world where students are mostly infantilized. So, what I like best about the student culture here is that they and their ideas are respected and valued. There is no rat race. The teachers and professors understand that each student is different, and they are given the freedom to choose their own pace. The city is literally owned by the students. There are terrific discounts, starting from travel to food to shopping. The housing option by TOAS is also very convenient and affordable.
Would you like to share something with us?
Finland is the place to be if you want to be amazed by natural beauty, wonders and the warm and welcoming Finnish people who love to laugh at themselves. But, to make most of this land, you must also be ready to open your heart and respect the Nordic culture of resilience, learn its history and understand its values.