Get to Know Sanchi

Sanchi's adventure started with a passion for sociology, which led her to pursue a master’s degree in Contemporary Societies at the University of Helsinki. But like many international students, moving to a new country wasn’t just about hitting the books—it was about finding her way through a new culture and city.

"Hello everyone my name is Sanchi! I am from India, and I came to the University of Helsinki to do my master’s in the Contemporary Societies program where I studied sociology. It has been a great experience, and now I’m soon to be graduating," Sanchi shared.

She knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, especially as a non-EU student, but she was determined. "I expected it to be a long journey, administratively, first of all. There was a lot to do, especially with the residence permit and getting to know about healthcare," she said. "A lot of research goes into choosing the right university and program. I was lucky everything went smoothly for me, and I was happy to receive a positive decision with a scholarship."

Finding Friends and Feeling at Home

One of the toughest parts of moving abroad? Landing in a new city where you don’t know a soul. Goin’ helped her connect with other students before she arrives in Helsinki.

"So, I got introduced to Goin' through email from the university after I was admitted, letting us know about the app," she recalled. "At that moment, I had no idea what to expect or what kind of benefits it would offer. But like every newly admitted student, I was excited and wanted to take it all in, so I signed up. It actually turned out to be super helpful because that's how I met one of my best friends. Without Goin', there is no way I would have ever met her since we're in completely different faculties and don't attend the same social events or classes."

Sanchi even managed to set up plans before arrival. "I remember distinctly that we started chatting on Goin', realized we had similar interests. We arranged to meet as soon as we arrived in Helsinki," she added.

And she’s not alone. 96% of students say Goin' helps reduce anxiety about making friends, showing just how much these connections can impact the student experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Faculties

Goin' allowed Sanchi to connect with students across different faculties, which would have been almost impossible otherwise.

"I'm in the city center campus, while my friend was in the Kumpula campus, so we would not have had many opportunities to meet. But with Goin', we were able to connect before even arriving in Helsinki, which was a relief," Sanchi said. "It’s one of the few places where you can meet people from different faculties before you come here."

The Practical Side of Goin': Help Every Step of the Way

Moving to a new country involves more than just packing your bags. There’s a ton of practical stuff—like securing residence permits, finding housing, and figuring out healthcare. That’s where Goin' came in clutch for Sanchi.

"When I was preparing for my residence permit, I had so many questions that weren’t clear from the official websites," she said. "Goin' allowed me to connect with current students who had been through the same process, which was incredibly reassuring. The app helped me not just find friends but also handle all the administrative procedures smoothly."

Many students liek Sanchi have benefited with Goin’ as a practical lifesaver, too. 80% of students say Goin' helps them with practical preparations, making it easier to manage everything from visas to housing before they even arrive.

Supporting New Students as a Goin' Champion

Because of her positive experience, Sanchi became a Goin' "champion"—a student who helps guide others through their own journey to Helsinki.

"I received so much help when I was preparing to come to Helsinki, especially around getting my residence permit sorted," she said. "So, when I became more settled, I wanted to offer that same kind of support to others. It’s why I tell everyone to make the most of the app."

She even stepped up as a key authorizer, helping new students avoid extra costs. "For example, if someone needed their keys picked up before arriving, they could authorize me to do it. That meant they didn’t have to book an Airbnb and could move directly into their accommodation."

"Keeping the Cycle of Kindness Going"

"We now advise all tutors to set up program-specific groups on Goin' as soon as possible," she mentioned. "It allows incoming students to connect with each other and their tutors well before they arrive, which helps create a sense of community right from the start."

Reflecting on her journey, Sanchi said, "It’s great to see how the platform keeps the cycle of kindness going. I received help when I needed it, and it made me want to be there for others, too."

It’s a feeling shared by many—94% of students say Goin' makes them less anxious about starting at the university, showing how important this sense of community really is.

Creating Supportive Student Experiences

Sanchi’s story is just one example of how Goin' supports students as they transition to university life. By connecting them with peers, guiding them through practical preparations, and offering reassurance, Goin' helps students start their journey with confidence.

Early community-building boosts student confidence and simplifies decision-making, creating a more committed group of students who are likely to stay the course. In fact, 79% of students say that Goin' reassures them they made the right choice, and 76% feel more inclined to choose the university because of their experience with Goin'.

By helping students feel supported, connected, and prepared, Goin' strengthens their confidence in their university choice—laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling experience.