The moment my choice became real
When I was looking for a master’s degree, I came across the LIFE Revives research project at the University of Jyväskylä's Konnevesi Research Station. The project, focused on strengthening freshwater pearl mussel populations and restoring their habitats, immediately caught my attention. But when I looked deeper into the research station, I found something equally fascinating which was the idea of studying aquatic science in such a calm, serene environment, surrounded by nature.
That was one of the reasons I chose JYU.
What I did not expect was that only two weeks after starting my studies, I would actually visit the Konnevesi Research Station. Standing there, I remember thinking about the moment eight months earlier when I had first discovered it while searching for my master's programme. What had once been a picture and an idea on a screen had suddenly become part of my own academic journey. It was one of those moments when I realized that I had made the right choice.
Learning from Fish
So far, some of my most memorable experiences have come from courses that take learning beyond lectures and textbooks.
Aquaculture was one of them. It was a field-based course where we visited fish farms and saw how aquaculture actually works including the facilities, equipment, and processes involved. Getting hands-on experience with fish made the subject much more real for me.
Parasitology was another fascinating experience. During the laboratory work, we identified different parasites found in fish species such as perch and roach, including samples from lakes such as Jyväsjärvi and Konnevesi. Working with real samples and learning to identify organisms in the laboratory was completely different from simply reading about them.
I have also studied Aquatic Ecosystems and Stable Isotope Ecology, while the weekly Research Seminar has given me the opportunity to hear about interesting research projects taking place at JYU. Every Thursday, I get a glimpse into different areas of ongoing research, which keeps reminding me that there is still so much to discover.
Here I have the freedom to shape my studies
One thing I particularly appreciate about studying at JYU is flexibility.
A typical study week can range from one class a day to four or five classes, depending on my schedule. I have the freedom to organise my studies in a way that works for me, choose courses according to my interests, and even explore subjects outside my own faculty.
Before coming here, I never imagined that while studying Aquatic Science, I could also take courses in areas such as music or linguistics.
There is also a good balance between group work and independent study. Some courses offer different ways of completing the requirements, allowing students to choose between lectures, independent study, or other forms of assessment. This flexibility has helped me take responsibility for my own learning.
Experiencing aquatic environments
What I enjoy most about studying at JYU is that it feels like a complete experience rather than simply earning a degree.
The practical learning, laboratory work, knowledgeable professors, and opportunities to see research in action have helped me develop new skills and confidence. And beyond academics, studying across JYU's beautiful campuses, surrounded by lakes and nature, makes everyday university life special.
For me, studying Aquatic Science at JYU is not just about learning about aquatic environments. It is about experiencing them, investigating them, and understanding why they matter.
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