Student Sarah Asfar balances studies and competitive sports in her daily life

Why did you choose the Bachelor’s Program in Energy and Mechanical Engineering and Aalto University?

In high school, I found the courses on energy and mechanics really interesting, which sparked my interest in energy and mechanical engineering. The field is very future-oriented, and the job prospects are excellent, so it felt like a smart choice. In addition, Aalto is a highly respected technical university that offers a high-quality learning environment.

I play badminton at a competitive level and am also part of the national team training group, so most of my training takes place in Espoo and the Helsinki metropolitan area. That’s why I wanted to choose a university that would allow me to combine sports and studies smoothly. I studied at Haukilahden lukio in Otaniemi and have lived in Espoo my whole life, so Aalto felt like a natural and familiar option.

What has been the most interesting part of your studies?

The most interesting part has been the opportunity to work on concrete projects that reflect real working life. For example, in the Computer-Aided Design course, we used the Creo software to design various 3D models and the related technical drawings.

We’ve also done many group projects, which have taught me how to work with different kinds of people and operate as part of a team. It has been valuable to learn how teamwork functions in practice and how different strengths can be utilized effectively.

At Aalto, the studies are also quite flexible and independent. The freedom to schedule your own time and choose your courses offers flexibility, but it also requires a lot of self-discipline and responsibility for your own learning. It’s also been really rewarding to see how the skills I've developed in elite sports transfer directly to my studies. For example, discipline, planning, and prioritization help me manage my schedule and stay on top of everything, even when multiple demanding courses are happening at the same time. These skills have definitely supported both my learning and well-being.

What is studying at Aalto like in practice?

Studying at Aalto is fun and varied. I especially enjoy the flexible schedules, the suitably challenging courses, and the fact that I’ve been able to successfully combine my studies with elite sports and part-time work.

A typical day often starts with morning training, after which I head to a lecture in Otaniemi. Between lectures, I have lunch with friends, and then we usually work on course assignments together, for example, in the library or other school facilities. At the end of the day, I often have another lecture or exercise session, and then I go to evening training. At home in the evening, I review what I learned during the day, catch up on any missed tasks, and prepare for the next day.

What’s the best part of student life?

Definitely the people! I’ve met so many wonderful individuals from different backgrounds. Everyone is super friendly, open, and approachable. Aalto has such a large community that everyone can find their own group and circle of friends where they feel comfortable.

Student life also includes a lot of different events where you’re constantly meeting new people, and it’s really nice to keep seeing familiar faces around campus that you can greet.

My student guild has also been a really important part of my student life. It’s become a tight-knit and warm community where everyone supports one another. It’s great to be part of a community where you can be your true self.

What do you hope for from your future career?
I hope to have a diverse career where I can utilize the skills I’ve learned during my studies. I’d like to do meaningful work that contributes to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.