Espresso yourself

In Finland and especially in HAMK, coffee is always a good idea! Our design students spill the tea and share their advice on thriving in the HAMK design community.
Text: DOROTA KANUCHOVÁ AND VILMA-ANIA LÄMSÄ
Photos: DOROTA KANUCHOVÁ AND VILMA-ANIA LÄMSÄ

Throughout the day, we often need to keep ourselves sharp and reactive, which is why the coffee or tea moment is often a highlight for all of us. HAMK Design Labs provide a vibrant and collaborative environment, which is fantastic for creativity and teamwork. We are actively involved with each other, and we study closely in cooperation. The diversity of groups across different courses keeps things dynamic and constantly exposes you to innovative ideas and approaches. Making friends and building connections not only makes your academic experience more pleasant but also creates a supportive network of people that can be extended beyond your time in school. Having supportive and creative people around makes school days a whole lot easier. They turn boring moments into fun ones, like making studying feel like a fun family game or turning coffee break into a mini party. 

 

Coffee, Anyone?

Design studios have super cozy hanging-out zones that create a feeling of belonging and are the pillars of our community. Many cool ideas were born throughout the conversations in these chill zones, where you can have a chat with your classmates or even teachers, make a coffee, enjoy your snacks, or even take a nap. These couches became part of students’ daily lives and are an inseparable part of our labs, providing collaboration and brainstorming sessions during breaks and valuable opportunities for building friendships. 


Hang-out area in the footwear design studio.

Are you Selling This Mug?

Let’s make a deal! Every year, we have the chance to sell our products at the Christmas and Spring markets, which are organized by our students for our students and people outside of our design community. Markets are not only about selling our work, but students can get directly involved in planning and organizing them.


Student kitchen and break room next to the ceramics and glass studios.

Are you Coming to Brunch?

At our brunch gatherings during spring and Christmas time, students and teachers enjoy thematical meals. We celebrate May Day with munkki and sima, while the Christmas brunch has traditional Christmas porridge. Brunch is not only about eating but also about showcasing student’s projects that were done during the semester. Students share their creative ideas, and cool projects and enjoy meals with their friends. This year was more special because of the rap performance from one of our students. Another example of the diverse creativity at HAMK. 


Hang-out area close to the glass and ceramics studio.

HAMK design studies experience is not only academically enriching but also personally fulfilling, thanks to the strong sense of community and collaboration among students. So if you happen to pass by here, you know what to drink if you want to treat yourself to a little moment just for you or have a great idea.

And remember, in Finland, especially in HAMK, coffee is always a good idea! 


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In Finland and especially in HAMK, coffee is always a good idea! Our design students spill the tea and share their advice on thriving in the HAMK design community.
Welcome to a Fairytale called Finland.