When Finland Started to Make Sense
Hasan’s story began during high school, when he started thinking seriously about his future education. A friend living in Finland suggested that he explore studying here—a small idea that sparked a thorough research process. “I researched Finland for more than a year, looking at education quality, safety, culture, and student life. The more I learned, the more convinced I became that Finland could be the right place for me,” Hasan says.
When he discovered Jyväskylä, it immediately felt like the perfect fit. “Jyväskylä is peaceful, compact, surrounded by nature, and everything you need is nearby. I liked the atmosphere even before moving here,” he concludes.
Learning by Doing in Game Production
Gaming has always been a big part of Hasan’s life. When he received admission to Jamk’s BIT, Game Production degree programme, it felt like a dream come true. Even though Hasan’s academic background was in commerce and accounting, he felt strong excitement and curiosity toward IT and game development and wanted to learn how things work behind the scenes. “I wanted to understand game mechanics, systems, design, and how everything comes together. Jamk’s programme gave me exactly that opportunity: a chance to turn curiosity into passion,” Hasan explains.
One of the biggest surprises for Hasan was the difference in the education system compared to Pakistan. According to Hasan, in Pakistan, studying often focuses on memorizing large textbooks. “In Finland, learning is practical, creative, and focused on real skills. It never felt like I was forced to study. It felt like I was doing something meaningful and enjoyable.”
And as a lifelong gamer, Hasan also noticed one major difference compared to Pakistan: “I have to mention something a bit funny but very true: the fast, stable internet in Finland feels like heaven. No more laggy online games like I used to experience back in Pakistan!”
Making Jyväskylä Home
Moving to Finland at the age of 19 taught Hasan independence and responsibility—how to study, work and take care of himself. He learned to collaborate with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and experienced the kindness of Finnish people through small acts of help. “There have been so many moments that made me truly appreciate Finnish people,” he reflects.
Since coming to Finland, Hasan has taken Finnish language courses at Jamk. While the courses gave him a strong foundation, real progress came from using Finnish in everyday life. Today, Hasan uses Finnish in stores and daily conversations and can easily understand signs and instructions. “My goal is to become fully conversational in Finnish by 2026, and I am confident I will reach that point. Learning the language has helped me integrate and feel more connected to the culture,” Hasan summarizes.
Hasan loves Jyväskylä for its beauty, nature, and welcoming atmosphere. He is especially grateful to Jamk’s Talent Boost Programme for offering opportunities to gain new experiences, explore new places and build valuable connections. According to Hasan, Jyväskylä matches his personality and environmental preferences perfectly: “Jyväskylä truly feels like home to me. I would really love to work here in the future and build my career in this city.”
Where Creativity Meets Technology
Hasan recommends the BIT, Game Production programme to anyone who is curious about how games are made or who wants to combine creativity with technology. “You don’t need an IT background to start—passion, dedication, and willingness to learn are what matter most,” Hasan says. “The teachers at Jamk are also very supportive and always ready to help, whether it’s academic, personal, or related to wellbeing,” he continues.
One of the most important lessons Hasan has learned during his studies is that hard work truly pays off. His advice for future students is simple: stay consistent, and the results will follow.
