From small campus to big impact: Why Arcada feels like home

This blog post is written by Jiali Liu, student in the International Business programme at Arcada.

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening! My name is Jiali and I am from China. As I look out the window at the beautiful Finnish summer that has finally arrived, I realise I have just accomplished my second year as a student here at Arcada. Time flies when you are having a worthwhile experience! Today, I would like to share my personal story and explain why I always enthusiastically recommend Arcada to prospective students.

Discovering a community within a small campus

When I first arrived, the first thing I noticed was that Arcada has a relatively compact campus. We basically have one main building for our studies and three student housing buildings nearby. At first, I wondered how this would affect my university life. Now, two years later, I can confidently tell you: this "smallness" is Arcada’s biggest strength.

Because everything is in one modern, well-designed building, you never feel lost. You bump into your classmates, teachers and professors every single day in the hallways or the cafeteria. This creates a warm, inclusive, and supportive community.

Everyday convenience and student wellbeing

Speaking of convenience, the location of our campus is absolutely fantastic. No matter which direction you are coming from—North, South, East, or West—the public transport connections make it incredibly easy to commute. In fact, our campus life is so flexible that I even have classmates who safely commute from other cities like Porvoo and Turku!

For me, "study life" isn't just about sitting in a lecture room; it is about how the school supports your everyday wellbeing. Right next to the main building, we have our student housing, including a brand-new residential building currently under construction.

One of my absolute favorite features is the student gym located in one of the housing buildings. The membership is only around 90 euros per year! Having an affordable gym right on campus means I can easily clear my mind and stay active after a long day of group work.

Practical learning that builds confidence

Of course, the core of my great experience here comes down to the academics. The degree programmes at Arcada are carefully designed with a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. The teachers here don’t just lecture; they encourage a dynamic mindset filled with teamwork, entrepreneurship, creativity, and curiosity. They genuinely want you to explore your full potential.

Flexible studies with real support

What I appreciate most is how sweet, fair, and flexible the academic system is. For example, Arcada gives students two chances to take re-exams if they need to improve their grades. Instead of juggling six courses all at once, you focus on 3-4 courses per period. This allows us to learn gradually. Furthermore, the curriculum is highly systematic. Arcada doesn't just throw a random list of courses at you; the subjects are intentionally designed so that foundational courses come first. This stepping-stone approach builds your knowledge before you move on to advanced topics.

Plus, evaluation here is incredibly diverse—it's never just about one stressful final test. I experienced this student-centered flexibility firsthand this past semester. I selected a few elective courses based on my own personal interests but later realised that some of the quiz and exam dates overlapped. I was quite stressed, but after simply talking to my professors, they happily rescheduled the dates for me. This level of understanding and support from faculty is something you don't find at every university.

Preparing for the future beyond graduation

Furthermore, Arcada deeply understands that real-world experience matters, and there is an understanding for students working part-time. This practical approach gives us a smooth transition into the Finnish labour market.

Choosing a place to study is about choosing where you will grow as a person. Arcada has given me the confidence to express myself, a network of supportive friends and mentors, and an environment where I feel safe to learn and make mistakes.

If you are looking for a university of applied sciences that offers high-quality international education, combined with a cosy, tight-knit community and great campus facilities, Arcada is the place to be. I cannot wait to see you around campus next semester!