Aalto University – Full Review

Overview

Aalto University is a multidisciplinary university located in Espoo, Finland. It was founded in 2010 by combining three leading Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Aalto University is known for its commitment to providing exceptional research and education in fields ranging from art and design to technology, business and science.

History

Aalto University was founded on January 1, 2010, as part of the Finnish government’s reform of the university system. The university was named after Alvar Aalto, the Finnish architect and designer who is considered one of the greatest figures in modernist architecture. Aalto University carries on his legacy by promoting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Organization

Aalto University is organized into six different schools, each focusing on a specific area of study. These schools are the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, the School of Business, the School of Chemical Engineering, the School of Electrical Engineering, the School of Engineering and the School of Science.

Campus

Aalto University has four different campuses located in Espoo and Helsinki. The main campus is located in Otaniemi, Espoo, and hosts most of the university’s engineering and technology programs. The campus also includes various installations, such as the Design Factory and the Aalto Venture Garage, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Other campuses include Töölö, where the School of Business is located, and Arabia and Sörnäinen, which house the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

Academics

Aalto University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields of study. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in technology and design, and it offers several programs that rank among the best in Europe. Aalto’s research and education is often interdisciplinary, crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries and promoting collaborative and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Colleges and schools

Aalto University has six different schools, including:

• School of Arts, Design and Architecture
• School of Business
• School of Chemical Engineering
• School of Electrical Engineering
• School of Engineering
• School of Science

Student life

Aalto University has an active student life, with over 15,000 students enrolled in its various programs. The university hosts numerous events, workshops and activities that allow students to collaborate, network and develop their skills. There are over 150 student organizations that cater to various interests, including sports, music, entrepreneurship and social issues.

Athletics

Aalto University has a dynamic sports program that includes various teams and clubs for different sports. Students can participate in everything from traditional Finnish sports like pesäpallo (Finnish baseball) and salibandy (floorball) to more international sports like soccer and basketball.

Notable alumni

Aalto University has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in various fields. Some of the most prominent alumni include:

• Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux operating system
• Björn Wahlroos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nordea Bank
• Eva-Lotta Brakemeier, Designer and Creative Director at Spotify
• Henna Tyrväinen, CEO of Supercell
• Armi Ratia, founder of Marimekko

University Profile