international student guide

University of Jyväskylä
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
Academic year 2010-2011
Editor:
Cover:
Photos:
Laura Laamanen
PIGME, Solja Ryhänen
Petteri Kivimäki, Solja Ryhänen, Tuukka Rönkkö, Antti Soini, Marja Tepponen
ISSN 1796-5896
ER-Paino 2010
CONTENTS
1. THIS IS FINLAND................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. THIS IS JYVÄSKYLÄ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ............................................................................................................................ 9
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3.1. Faculties and Departments ...............................................................................................................................................9
3.2. International Cooperation in Education.............................................................................................................................10
3.3 Academic Calendar............................................................................................................................................................10
3.4. System of Studies .............................................................................................................................................................10
3.5. Registration .......................................................................................................................................................................14
3.6. Student Card .....................................................................................................................................................................16
3.7. Study Counselling .............................................................................................................................................................17
3.8. Certificates and Transcipts................................................................................................................................................17
3.9. Services Provided by the University .................................................................................................................................18
3.10. International Office ..........................................................................................................................................................21
3.11. The Student Union (JYY) ................................................................................................................................................21
3.12. Subject Associations .......................................................................................................................................................22
3.13. Alumni Activities ..............................................................................................................................................................22
HOW TO GET TO JYVÄSKYLÄ .......................................................................................................................... 24
LIVING EXPENSES AND HOUSING .................................................................................................................. 26
5.1. Costs of Living...................................................................................................................................................................26
5.2. Housing .............................................................................................................................................................................27
FINNISH STATE REGULATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................31
6.1. Visa and Residence Permit ..............................................................................................................................................31
6.2. Work Permit ......................................................................................................................................................................32
6.3. Taxation ............................................................................................................................................................................33
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION.............................................................................................................. 34
7.1. Railways............................................................................................................................................................................34
7.2. Long-Distance Coaches and Buses .................................................................................................................................35
7.3. Local Buses ......................................................................................................................................................................36
7.4. On Foot and by Bike .........................................................................................................................................................37
7.5. Taking a Taxi ....................................................................................................................................................................37
7.6. By Car in Finland ..............................................................................................................................................................38
7.7. Travelling Abroad..............................................................................................................................................................38
7.8. Telephones .......................................................................................................................................................................39
7.9. Post & Post Offices ...........................................................................................................................................................40
7.10. Money & Banks...............................................................................................................................................................40
7.11. Lost &Found....................................................................................................................................................................42
7.12. TV and Radio Programmes ............................................................................................................................................42
HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES............................................................................................ 43
8.1. YTHS—The Finnish Student Health Service....................................................................................................................43
8.2. Pharmacies .......................................................................................................................................................................45
2
8.3. Emergency Cases.............................................................................................................................................................45
8.4. Emergency Telephone Numbers ......................................................................................................................................46
8.5. In Case of Crisis................................................................................................................................................................46
8.6. Insurance ..........................................................................................................................................................................47
8.7. Drugs ................................................................................................................................................................................48
9. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE TIME ........................................................................................................ 49
9.1. Sport .................................................................................................................................................................................49
9.2. Sauna................................................................................................................................................................................49
9.3. Movies...............................................................................................................................................................................50
9.4. Theatres............................................................................................................................................................................50
9.5. Art, Museums and Exhibitions ..........................................................................................................................................51
9.6. Libraries ............................................................................................................................................................................51
9.7. Live Music and Concerts ..................................................................................................................................................53
9.8. Hungry, Thirsty, Feel like Dancing?..................................................................................................................................53
9.9. Religious Communities .....................................................................................................................................................54
9.10. Associations and Clubs ..................................................................................................................................................55
10. USEFUL FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN FINLAND .................................................................................................. 56
10.1. Holidays ..........................................................................................................................................................................56
10.2. Time Zone.......................................................................................................................................................................57
10.3. Electricity.........................................................................................................................................................................57
10.4. Weights and Measures ...................................................................................................................................................57
11. TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES .................................................................................................... 58
11.1. Embassies and Consulates ............................................................................................................................................58
11.2. Other Useful Addresses..................................................................................................................................................59
11.3. Some Useful Web Sites..................................................................................................................................................60
12. THE FINNISH EXPERIENCE.............................................................................................................................. 61
12.1. The Way We Are.............................................................................................................................................................61
12.2. A Few Common Expressions .........................................................................................................................................61
12.3. Snowbound .....................................................................................................................................................................62
GENERAL UNIVERSITY TERMINOLOGY: ENGLISH-FINNISH .............................................................................. 63
DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND MAJOR SUBJECTS .............................................................................................. 65
CHECKLISTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 67
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 69
3
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Welcome to the University of Jyväskylä! We are very pleased that you have chosen our university as your study abroad
destination. You will be pleased to know that it is one of the most distinguished and fastest-growing institutions of higher
education in Finland and provides a genuinely supportive and enjoyable environment for studying. By entering our university you will join a community of 15 000 students from approximatrly 90 countries. We believe that interaction with people
from different cultures and backgrounds is an essential part of academic studies and the university experience. We are
therefore committed to promoting international cooperation.
It is not always easy to adapt to the way of life in a foreign country. This booklet has been designed to help you settle in.
It would be impossible to make an exhaustive guide covering all possible situations that could arise during a study abroad
period - instead, our aim is to give you an idea of what kind of a university, city and country you are about to enter and to
help you avoid some common misunderstandings.
We encourage you to work hard and to make the most of your stay in academic terms, but also to try out new things with
an open mind and to enjoy yourself. In that way your stay in Jyväskylä will grow into a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. It is our aim to give you all the support we possibly can, so please do not hesitate to turn to us
with any questions you may have.
The staff of the International Office is looking forward to meeting you in Jyväskylä!
4
1. THIS IS FINLAND
Finland is bounded by the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia
and the Gulf of Finland, and the neighbouring countries
are Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Russia. St. Petersburg
is only a six hour train trip away from Helsinki.
The republic of Finland is one of the Nordic countries and
- in terms of area - the seventh largest in Europe. It is a
modern welfare state with a high standard of living, a small
and educated population of five million and pioneering
high tech know-how. Finns are proud of their advanced
welfare system, the high level of education, and Finnish
design and architecture. The country and its people have
been moulded by the location between East and West.
From the 13th century Finland was part of the kingdom of
Sweden. In 1809 it became an autonomous Grand Duchy
within Imperial Russia and finally, in 1917, declared itself
independent. During World War II Finland retained its
independence and has since then pursued a policy of
neutrality and military non alliance. Finland joined the
European Union in January 1995. The head of state is the
President, currently Ms Tarja Halonen (since 2000).
Languages
The Finnish language belongs to the Finno-Ugric family.
There are two official languages in Finland: Finnish and
Swedish, the latter of which is spoken by 5.5% of the
population. The most widely spoken foreign language is
English. You will be able to deal with all your official
business in English.
Religion
About eighty percent of Finns are Christians. Most Finns
belong to the Lutheran Church of Finland. About one
percent of the population belong to the Orthodox Church.
5
Climate
epic that includes creation stories and the fight between
good and evil and is based on ancient Karelian folklore.
The writer credited with being the founder of modern
Finnish literature is Aleksis Kivi, whose classic epic, Seven
Brothers, is a realistic description of rural life in Finland in
the 19th century. Väinö Linna, Mika Waltari and the Nobel
prize winner Frans Emil Sillanpää represent Finnish
literature from the early 20th century. One of the most
widely translated Finnish authors is Tove Jansson, whose
Moomin-trolls have an international reputation. Among our
most modern composers is Kaija Saariaho, famous for her
computer music. Finland has had more than its share of
internationally known conductors, such as Esa-Pekka
Salonen and Jukka-Pekka Saraste. Finland also enjoys a
strong operatic tradition, and singers like Karita Mattila,
Soile Isokoski and Matti Salminen have established
international careers.
Finland is the northernmost country in the world after
Iceland, but the climate is not as cold as that might
suggest. Owing to the warming influence of the Gulf
Stream, Finland enjoys a temperate climate. The mean
temperature in the warmest summer months may exceed
20 degrees centigrade and in winter the temperature may
fall to 30 degrees centigrade below zero. However, due to
the dry climate, it feels warmer than the thermometer
actually indicates at all times of the year. Also, as a result
of climate change, the winters are becoming warmer. If
you are going to stay in Finland during the winter months,
you will need a good pair of warm, insulated shoes or
boots, a warm winter coat as well as woollen sweaters and
long underwear.
The year in Finland is divided into four distinct seasons:
winter, spring, summer and autumn. Southern and central
Finland are covered with snow for an average of four-five
months, from November/December until April. Nature is in
many ways part of everyday life here. With the vast
forests, about 188,000 lakes, and the unspoiled
countryside Finland has often been described as “one
great national park”. The archipelago to the south and
south west of the country, containing around 30 000
islands, is one of the most beautiful marine areas in the
world.
Economy
Before World War II Finland was predominantly an
agricultural country with a rather narrow industrial sector;
exports came only from the wood-processing industry. The
subsequent development into a complex market economy
took place very rapidly. Today, the main export sectors are
electronics and other metal industry products as well as
timber, paper and chemical industries. Finland is also one
of the leading European countries in biotechnology.
Certain high tech fields, such as computers and
communications equipment have also grown
spectacularly: Finland is a world leader in the development
of mobile phones and their networks.
Culture
Nature has always been an endless source of inspiration
for Finnish artists. Jean Sibelius, one of the greatest
modern composers, wrote recognisably Finnish music
glorifying his people and the Finnish landscapes. Along
with the nationalistic painter Akseli Gallén-Kallela, Sibelius
fell under the spell of the Kalevala, the Finnish national
Education system
The Finnish education system is comprised of a
comprehensive school system, post compulsory general
6
and vocational education, higher education and adult
education. Most of Finland’s six-year-olds attend voluntary
pre-school education in day care centres or special
classes. Comprehensive school provides a nine-year
educational programme for all school aged children
beginning at the age of seven. After completing their
compulsory education students may go on to the upper
secondary school (three years, ending in a national
matriculation examination), which qualifies students for
higher education, or to vocational institutions (three years,
leading to basic vocational qualification).
Finland has one of the most comprehensive university
networks in Europe with 16 publicly financed universities,
all of which carry out research and confer doctorates. Ten
of these universities are of the traditional multidisciplinary
type, and six focus on specific fields. Finnish university
degrees correspond to Bachelor’s (kandidaatti in most
fields), Master’s (maisteri in most fields) and Doctor’s
degrees (tohtori). In most fields students can also take a
Licentiate’s degree (lisensiaatti) before a Doctorate. Nonuniversity higher education is provided by 25 universities
of applied sciences; multi-field institutes of professional
higher education emphasising close contacts with
business, industry and services. Universities of applied
sciences have been formed by upgrading and merging
specialised institutions which offered vocational higher
education.
7
2. THIS IS JYVÄSKYLÄ
stadium, an indoor sports centre with squash courts,
training halls, football pitches, tennis and badminton courts
and a swimming hall, all within walking distance of the
main campus.
“A small city with a big feel” accurately describes
Jyväskylä, located in the lake district of Finland some 270
kilometres north of Helsinki. It has the advantages of a
small town being comfortable, compact and safe, and at
the same time it is a bustling modern centre of industry
and learning. Out of the 160 000 inhabitants in the
Jyväskylä region almost one fourth are students. The
buildings designed by world famous architect, Alvar Aalto,
add their own flavour to the cityscape.
The city plays host to a variety of international sports and
cultural events, such as the Neste Rally Finland, the Alvar
Aalto Symposium, Graphica Creativa and the annual
Jyväskylä Arts Festival. A versatile cultural programme
including theatre performances, concerts by choirs,
orchestras and rock bands, art exhibitions, literary
matinees and handicraft events, is offered throughout the
year. During the past few years Jyväskylä has become a
centre of specialist know-how in important worldwide
growth areas, such as energy, information technology and
environmental technology. Entrepreneurship based on
these areas of expertise is nurtured at the Jyväskylä
Technology Centre. As one of Finland’s busiest congress
Surrounded by lakes, ridges and forests, Jyväskylä is a
place of great natural beauty. In summer there are
numerous attractive beaches in the city, and the lakes can
be used for fishing all year round. In winter, there are
dozens of miles of cross-country skiing tracks and slalom
slopes near the winter sports centre in Laajavuori. The
Hippos Sports Centre includes, for example, an indoor ice
8
3.1. Faculties and Departments
cities, Jyväskylä is also developing a strong reputation as
an international congress and exhibition centre.
The University is comprised of seven faculties. The
faculties and departments are listed below.
3. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
EDUCATION:
Education
Teacher Education
The University of Jyväskylä has played a significant role in
Finnish cultural history. It was established as the first
Finnish-language teacher training college in the 1860’s
and was granted the status of an institution of higher
education in 1934. Today it is a top-ranked and dynamic
university with a wide range of disciplines, good contacts
with local businesses and active international cooperation.
The faculties and departments are mainly located on three
campuses: the Main Campus area in the city centre as
well as Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne Campuses on
opposite shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi, united by a bridge,
some 10 minutes walk from the Main Campus area.
HUMANITIES:
Art and Culture Studies
Communication
History & Ethnology
Languages
Music
The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate
degrees, teacher training programmes and over 120
subject area disciplines within the Faculties of Education,
Humanities, Information Technology, Mathematics and
Science, Social Sciences, and Sport and Health Sciences,
and the School of Business and Economics. Separate
institutes include the Continuing Education Centre, the
Open University, the University Language Centre, the
Institute for Educational Research, the Institute for
Environmental Research, and the Centre for Applied
Language Studies. The University of Jyväskylä has
received national and international recognition carried out
in its core fields of research and education, which include
human centred sciences, natural sciences, sport and
health sciences and teacher education.
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE:
Biological and Environmental Science
Chemistry
Mathematics and Statistics
Physics
SOCIAL SCIENCES:
Psychology
Social Sciences and Philosophy
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Computer Science and Information Systems
Mathematical Information Technology
9
Erasmus Intensive Language Course in Finnish: 3 - 26
SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCES:
Sport Sciences
Biology of Physical Activity
Health Sciences
August
recommended arrival date:
1 September
orientation programme:
2-3 and 6 September
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
classes
begin on 7 September (with some variation
between departments) and end by 17 December
3.2. International Cooperation in Education
Spring semester 2011:
We aim to offer our students good opportunities for
studying abroad and for internationalisation at home.
Therefore, the University of Jyväskylä is active in a variety
of international programmes, such as the Lifelong
Learning Programme, Nordplus, North-South-South
Higher Education Exchange, FIRST and ISEP. We have
also concluded bilateral agreements on student exchange
with 25 universities around the world. Altogether, the
University is involved in student exchanges with more than
360 universities worldwide.
recommended arrival date: 3 January
orientation programme: 4-5 and 7 January
classes begin on 10 January and end by 20 May
Easter Break: 18 - 25 April
3.4. System of Studies
The system of studies in Finnish universities may differ
considerably from that of your home institution. The
following sections briefly introduce the Finnish structure of
studies, the academic regulations at the University of
Jyväskylä, the forms of instruction, the system of grading,
and the language requirements as well as describe the
academic culture in Finland.
3.3. Academic Calendar
The academic year at the University of Jyväskylä is
divided into two semesters: the autumn semester from 1
September to 31 December and the spring semester from
1 January to 31 May. The lectures usually finish before the
end of the semester to allow for an examination period. In
addition to the Christmas vacation, most departments
have an Easter break.
Student Status
International students studying at the University of
Jyväskylä can be registered as degree students or nondegree students. Degree students are studying towards
either an undergraduate Bachelor’s, graduate Master’s or
postgraduate Licentiate or Doctor’s degree. By nondegree students we refer to both exchange students,
Autumn semester 2010:
Intensive
Summer Course in Finnish: 4 - 31 August
(registration by 15 June)
10
whose admission is based on student exchange
programmes or agreements between universities, and
visiting students who apply for entry independently,
outside the aforementioned programmes or agreements.
Non-degree students are full-time students of a university
or college who will join classes at our university for one
semester or academic year and have the right to complete
selected parts of the syllabus to be submitted for
recognition at the home university.
the University in transcripts, faculty guides and course
catalogues. ECTS credits are a value allocated to course
units which describe the workload required to complete a
given course/module. In ECTS, 60 credits normally
represent the workload of a year of full time studies, 30
credits a semester, and 20 credits a term (in a three term
system).
Studies are classified, with respect to their contents and
their position in the curriculum, into the following types:
general studies, basic studies, subject studies and
advanced studies (yleisopinnot, perusopinnot,
aineopinnot, syventävät opinnot). General studies
familiarise the student with the basic principles of scientific
thought and research. In basic and subject studies
students learn the concepts, theories, methods, problems
and results of the chosen disciplines. The advanced
studies concentrate on some central, scientifically relevant
problem within the degree programme. Research work
and the writing of the Master’s thesis take up a large part
of the advanced studies.
Scope and Structure of Studies
A new two-cycle degree system, consisting of a Bachelor’s
and a Master’s degree, was adopted by Finnish
universities in August 2005. A Bachelor’s degree,
kandidaatin tutkinto in Finnish, is composed of 180 ECTS
credits and can be completed in three years. A Master’s
degree, maisterin tutkinto, comprises of 120 ECTS credits
and can be obtained in two years. Within a degree
programme students take one or two minor subjects to
complement the studies in their major subject. Please note
that in Finnish universities the term postgraduate refers to
a student holding a Master’s degree or equivalent.
Basic studies
Subject studies
Advanced studies
Degrees, courses and studies in general are measured in
ECTS credits (opintopiste in Finnish). One year of studies
refers to an input of 1600 hours of work and corresponds
to 60 ECTS credits. It includes lecture hours, exercises,
seminars as well as compulsory reading and
examinations. In practice, the workload required for
obtaining one ECTS credit varies according to the level of
study and between disciplines.
at least 25 ECTS credits
at least 35 ECTS credits
60 ECTS credits + Master’s
Thesis 20-40 ECTS credits
Time Frame for Completion of Studies for Master’s
Degree Students
The law on the limitation of the study time came into effect
in Finland on 1 August 2005. According to the law, the
standard completion time for Master’s degrees is two
academic years. A student admitted to a Master’s degree
has the right to complete the degree at the latest within
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which was
developed by the European Commission to provide
common procedures to guarantee the full transferability of
credits for university studies abroad, is used throughout
11
two additional years of the designated study time. It is
possible for the student to register as absent for a
maximum of four university terms, and this time is not
included in the designated study time.
minor subjects from these subjects (called “free minors”),
or you can - after starting your studies - apply for the right
to study a particular subject as a minor. There are different
regulations in different faculties concerning free minors.
For detailed information, please do not hesitate to turn to
the Head of Academic Affairs of your own faculty.
If the student fails to complete his/her degree within the
designated time, the university may grant the student
more time in which to complete the degree. This additional
time can be granted only after the student presents a
purposeful and realistic study plan. If this requirement is
not met, the student will lose his/her study right. If the
student wants to continue her/his studies at a later date,
she/he will have to make a new application for the right to
study at the university.
Non-degree students
If you are an exchange student or a visiting student, you
can choose courses from the curriculum of your host
department and/or from the international study
programmes arranged at the University of Jyväskylä.
However, there are some restrictions that you have to take
into consideration: some of the courses may require preenrolment (especially courses including seminars,
workshops, laboratory work or other work in small groups)
and have some prerequisites that the participants must
fulfil. Please note that, as a rule, the Department of
Communication and the English Section of the
Department of Languages offer courses for those students
only who come in the framework of their own exchange
agreements. Participation in the courses of the School of
Business and Economics, Faculty of Sport and Health
Sciences and Department of Teacher Education is also
restricted. The international programmes are presented on
the web pages of the International Office at
https://www.jyu.fi/study
What Subjects Can You Study
Degree students
An individual study plan will be prepared for all degree
students who start their studies at the University of
Jyväskylä. This will help you determine which subjects to
take in order to take a degree. The individual study plan
for students accepted to one of the two-year international
Master’s programmes (conducted totally in English) will be
made according to the instructions given by the
programme coordinators at the beginning of the studies. In
addition to the core study modules, the study plan will
include optional advance-level studies, depending on the
student’s major and previous studies.
Courses, Examinations and Grading
The most usual form of instruction is a lecture course with
a final examination at the end. You have to pass the
examination after attending the lectures in order to receive
credit for your work. The lecturer usually announces the
time and place of an examination during the last couple of
lectures. A re-examination is arranged, if students so
Please note that students who are not studying in two-year
international Master’s programmes must be prepared to
study more than one subject if you wish to take a degree.
In most subject area disciplines the basic studies are open
to all students of the university. You can choose your
12
require. If you fail an examination or cannot participate in
it, you can have at least one more try. Exchange and
visiting students should notice however that examinations
can only be taken during the time for which s/he has been
accepted. After the exchange period has ended, i.e. at the
end of December of May, it is no longer possible to take
examinations. Please note also that in some faculties
and/or departments it is also required to register
separately to a lecture course exam.
From time to time the identity of students will be checked
in the examinations. You should always be able to prove
your identity by showing your student card or another
identity card. You may only take the objects that you need
for writing and erasing to the examination. Other items,
such as mobile phones, bags, books, handouts etc., are
not allowed. You are expected to be silent from the
moment you enter the examination room to the moment
you leave it. If you have any questions, raise your hand
and one of the proctors will help you. Please note that
speaking to other students during the examination is also
considered cheating. Students with disturbing behaviour
can be expelled from the examination room. A student
who is caught cheating in an examination will fail the
examination and, in some cases, the home university will
be notified. Also note that it is not allowed to look at the
examination papers before the proctors have given
permission to do this. Please see the examination
regulations at the end of this guide for further information.
Another common type of a course is a reading course
(also known as a book exam): you read literature
specifically agreed on with the lecturer/professor, write
essays and/or take a written examination after completing
the necessary readings. In addition to lecture and reading
courses, departments organise seminars (instruction given
in small groups introducing students to independent
research), laboratory work in natural sciences, as well as
other kinds of practical course and written assignments.
A grading scale from 1 to 5, with 1 as the lowest and 5 as
the highest grade is used at the University of Jyväskylä as
of 1 August 2005. These grades correspond to the ECTS
scale as follows:
Every faculty has at least one general examination day
(yleinen tenttipäivä) per month. The required preregistration to an examination varies from faculty to faculty
and, in some cases, from department to department. In
some faculties and departments you are required to
complete a registration envelope and submit it at the
department in question at least one week prior to the
examination. In many departments and/or faculties, the
registration is done in the Korppi web-based registration
environment or on the website of the department at least
one week prior to the examination. Please visit the website
of the department or ask your departmental coordinator for
more information. To find out about the dates and times of
general examinations, please consult the faculty web
sites.
University of Jyväskylä scale
ECTS grading scale
excellent (E)
very good (K)
good (H)
satisfactory (T)
sufficient (V)
fail
A
B
C
D
E
FX, F
5
4
3
2
1
0
The following grades can also be used:
13
pass — fail
excellent (erinomainen)
(hyväksytty) - fail (hylätty)
To find out if your English skills are sufficient to cope with
studies in English, the International Office suggests that
you take a DIALANG test available at
http://www.dialang.org/. If your academic English skills
need brushing up, we highly recommend that you take
part in the course “Academic Study Skills”, which is
offered after the Orientation Programme, or in the English
courses available throughout the year at the Language
Centre.
- good (hyvä) - pass
erinomaiset
tiedot (5) – hyvät tiedot (3) – tyydyttävät
tiedot (2) – hylätty (0)
laudatur – eximia cum laude approbatur – magna cum
laude approbatur – cum laude approbatur – non sine
laude approbatur – lubenter approbatur – approbatur –
improbatur
Academic Culture
Language Requirements
The relationship between students and teachers in Finland
is quite informal. Both students and teachers like to
consider one another as equals. You are always
encouraged to ask questions both in and out of the
classroom and to express your opinion on the themes
discussed during the courses. The informal atmosphere
does not imply, however, that an overly relaxed attitude
towards the studies would be accepted. On the contrary,
the independent nature of university studies in Finland
presupposes that students show initiative and take
responsibility in the planning of their studies and in
keeping to their own schedules.
The language of instruction at the University of Jyväskylä
is mostly Finnish, except for the Master’s degree
programmes which are conducted in English and the
courses in the Department of Languages. There are also a
variety of international programmes which are listed on the
International Office web pages and in the handouts
available at the beginning of each semester (with detailed
information on the course times, places, etc.). In addition
to the international programmes, most of the departments
offer a few courses and seminars in English every year.
Those studying in other than international Master’s degree
programmes will eventually need a working knowledge of
Finnish (i.e. they should be able to understand spoken and
written Finnish) to be able to complete the degree
programme.
3.5. Registration
Prior to starting your studies you have to enrol at the
University. Please complete the registration form, which
will be sent to you together with the letter of admission,
and return it to the International Office before your arrival.
When completing the registration form, please use your
name as it appears on your passport. Pay the Student
Union membership fee (not required from students in
certain exchange programmes) as well and send a copy of
the receipt to the International Office. Further information
on the payment is included in the letter of admission. If
In addition to the studies in your major and minor subjects,
both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees include
compulsory language and communication studies. Please
see the website of your faculty or programme for more
information. The compulsory language and communication
studies will also be included in the individual study plan
prepared at the beginning of your studies.
14
you have sent the registration form and receipt of the
Student Union membership fee payment to the university
according to the instructions sent with the letter of
admission, a student number will be sent to you by e-mail
by 15 August or 15 December. Please use your number
when applying for a student card online at
http://www.lyyra.fi. Please see below for further
information on how to order the card (3.6. Student Card).
visiting and ERASMUS students will have to pay the fee
themselves.
Exchange students and visiting students are registered as
full-time non-degree students for a maximum of one
academic year. If you are interested in continuing your
studies at the University of Jyväskylä after your exchange
period has ended, please consider applying to one of the
degree programmes of the University of Jyväskylä. The
deadline for international undergraduate applicants and for
the international Master’s programmes is in January.
Please consult the following websites for more
information: https://www.jyu.fi/studywithus and
http://www.universityadmissions.fi/
Doctoral students and visiting doctoral students may join
the Student Union and apply for a PhD student card if they
wish. This should be done when registering to the
university. By paying the Student Union fee one gets the
right to rent an apartment at the Kortepohja Student
Village. Doctoral students are unfortunately not entitled to
reductions on trains and buses nor to the services of the
Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS). Doctoral students
get a small discount in student cafeterias by presenting a
certificate of registration or a PhD student card.
Degree students
After the first year, all regular students are required to
register annually. The Student Union membership fee €
92.30 must be paid before 15 September by quoting the
personal reference number which will be sent to you in a
letter in late summer and which is also included on your
student card. Registration for attendance will appear
automatically in the student register in a couple of days
after the payment has been made. The registration via
bank using the personal reference number is possible only
until 15 September. If you fail to register by that time, you
are automatically removed from the University register.
You may, however, continue your studies after reregistration (the re-registration fee is € 35). There is a
separate reference number for those who register late, so
please do not use the personal reference number. Details
on the payment are given in the letter which is sent to you
in late summer. Should you wish to postpone your studies
for one or two semesters, you may register for nonattendance and still remain enrolled. Registration for nonattendance is not possible during the first year of studies.
Exchange and visiting students
Students arriving in the framework of ISEP, FIRST, UNCEP, North-South-South or the university-level bilateral
agreements (Alberta, Asian Institute of Technology,
Baylor, Bonn, Chiao Tung, Chile, Debrecen, EWHA
Womans University, Hiroshima, Jaroslavl, Kanazawa,
Kanda, Kyoto Sangyo, Macquarie, Mississippi, National
Chiao Tung, National Yang-Ming, Osnabrück, Saint
Mary’s, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Warsaw, Pittsburg State,
Santiago de Compostela, Regina, Simon Fraser
University, Toronto, Yang-Ming, Xi’an Jiaotong and
Victoria) are exempted from the student union
membership fee. However, these students should also fill
in the registration form and return it to the International
Office prior to their arrival. NORDPLUS, NORDLYS,
15
Please note that PhD students should register to the
university annually as well.
carefully. Also, remember to use your name as it appears
on your passport. Otherwise the system does not
recognize it. Please do not use special characters, such
as accents, in the application. Your JyU student number
and a digital photo are required for the card application.
Those taking part in student exchange or practical training
abroad during their studies at Jyväskylä should also
register to the university as a full-time students while they
are abroad. Students starting their exchange or practical
training period in the autumn should register by filling in
the ‘Form for out-going exchange students’ (‘Ulkomaille
opiskelemaan lähtevien lomake’) at the Office for Student
Affairs and Services. Those leaving for the spring
semester should register normally at a bank in the autumn
by using their personal reference number. Before
departure, they should also fill in the ‘Form for out-going
exchange students’ so that the Student Register is
informed of their study period abroad. There is no need to
pay the Student Union membership fee during the
semester while you are abroad unless you plan to study or
carry out exams at the University of Jyväskylä during your
studies/training abroad and unless you wish to use the
services of the Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS) or
other benefits (reduced prices, right of residency in
Kortepohja etc.) brought by the membership of the
Student Union. The old sticker will be valid until the end of
September (as for YTHS until the end of August).
Your student card application will be processed after you
have paid for the card. If you come from an EU/EEA
country, you are requested to pay for the card already
before arriving in Finland, after you have filled in the online
application for the card. Instructions for paying the card
are presented in the online form. You will receive an email when the card is ready. You can pick up the card
from the Student Union Office (Building Y1, next to the
student restaurant Ilokivi).
If you come from a non-EU/EEA country, you are
requested to fill in the online application for the student
card as soon as you receive your JyU student number, but
you should pay the card only after your arrival in Finland.
When you arrive in Finland, your student tutor will take you
to the Student Union Office (Building Y1, next to the
student restaurant Ilokivi) to pay for the card. The card will
be ready in 2-3 weeks after you have paid for it. You will
receive an email when the card is ready, and you can then
pick it up from the Student Union Office.
3.6. Student Card
Degree students may validate the card for each
subsequent academic year in the Office for Student Affairs
and Services (Administration Building, 2nd floor) or in the
Student Union Office after you have paid the Student
Union membership fee with the personal reference
number. If you would like to collect the sticker for the
student card, the student calendar and the study guides
immediately after having paid the fee, remember to take
the receipt of the payment with you.
In order to utilise the services available to members of the
Student Union (for example discounts offered by the
railways, buses and airlines, campus cafeterias, theatres,
exhibitions etc.), you should obtain a student card. You
can apply for the student card online at http://www.lyyra.fi
after you have sent your registration form and the receipt
of the Student Union membership fee to the International
Office and received your JyU student number by e-mail.
Please read the instructions on the Lyyra website
16
3.7. Study Counselling
Building E in Mattilanniemi, 2nd floor, MaE 215, tel.
(+358 14) 260 2977, e-mail: intl-econ@jyu.fi
You can always turn to the staff of the International Office
with your questions and problems. If we are not able to
help you, we can usually tell you whom to contact. In
academic matters concerning a particular faculty you can
also contact the Head of Academic Affairs or the
International Relations Coordinator of the faculty in
question:
Ms Sanna Väisänen –
International Relations Officer –
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences,
Building L on the Main Campus, 2nd floor, room L319,
tel. (+358 14) 260 2008, e-mail: intlaffairs@sport.jyu.fi
Each department has appointed a member of its staff to
be a study counsellor in the respective subject. The
names of these counsellors and their contact information
c a n
b e
f o u n d
a t
http://www.jyu.fi/en/study/contact_us/coordinators.
Furthermore, visits to different departments are made
during (or right after) the Orientation Programme. The
study counsellor will help you with all subject-related
questions.
Ms. Riitta Kesonen - Faculty of Education
Building D on the University Main Campus, 2nd floor,
room D 206, tel. (+358 14) 260 1604, e-mail:
riitta.kesonen@jyu.fi
Mr Ossi Päärnilä - Faculty of Humanities
Building A on the University Main Campus, 2nd floor,
room A217a, tel. (+358 14) 260 1204, e-mail:
ossi.paarnila@jyu.fi
3.8. Certificates and Transcripts
Ms Eija Ihanainen – Faculty of Information Technology
Registration certificates are available at the customer
service counter of the Office for Student Affairs and
Services. Registration certificates are required, for
example, when you apply for an extension to your
residence permit. Before you get your student card you
will need a temporary student discount card from VR or
Matkahuolto to get student discounts on trains and longdistance coaches. A registration certificate is needed for
this.
Agora Building in Mattilanniemi, 2nd floor, room AgoraC
421.2, tel. (+358 14) 260 2791, opintoasiat@it.jyu.fi;
Ms Niina Ormshaw – International Affairs Coordinator,
room AgoraC 226.2, tel. (+358 14) 260 4602, e-mail:
international-info@it.jyu.fi
Ms Marianne Laapio – Faculty of Mathematics and
Science
Building D in Mattilanniemi, 1st floor, room MaD 146, tel.
(+358 14) 260 2204, e-mail: mlopsiht@jyu.fi
A transcript of records in English, containing the
information of all the courses completed and the credits
and grades received, is automatically sent to all degree
students free of charge once a year. Should you need
additional transcripts, they are available in the Office for
Student Affairs and Services and the Information
Management Centre. All extra transcripts cost € 3/copy
(+€ 4 mailing costs). Please note that you can also check
Ms Maija Pöyhönen - Faculty of Social Sciences
Building C in Mattilanniemi, 1st floor, room MaC 117, tel.
(+358 14) 260 2804, e-mail: maija.t.poyhonen@jyu.fi
International Coordinator - School of Business and
Economics
17
your credits in the Korppi course registration environment.
You can also order an unofficial transcript of credits to
your e-mail every time you pass a course. The order can
be placed in the Korppi environment.
at least one week before your arrival, you will be met by a
student tutor at Jyväskylä Travel Centre (railway and bus
station). S/he will then take you to your student apartment.
If your travel plans change, please keep your tutor
informed of them. Your tutor will contact you a few weeks
before your arrival. Please note that the tutor and the
arrival service are usually available only in the beginning
of each semester or a few days before it.
Before leaving Jyväskylä, every exchange student is
requested to fill in a departure information form online:
www.jyu.fi/en/study/forms/departure_information/.
A complete ECTS transcript will then be mailed to
exchange students at their home address. Students can
also request an additional transcript of records to be sent
directly to the home university.
Orientation programme
This three- to four-day programme, organised in the
beginning of both semesters, is designed to help new
international students settle in by introducing them to the
University and its support services, to Jyväskylä and – last
but not least – to fellow students. The programme includes
guided tours and visits to different offices, lectures and
social events. The working language of the programme is
English.
3.9. Services Provided by the University
The University of Jyväskylä offers a wide range of services
for international students. These include an arrival service,
student tutors (mentors), an orientation programme, a
friendship family programme, and the loan of a basic
domestic item kits (so called ’survival kits’). Below is a
brief introduction to the different services available.
Survival Kits
The student dormitories have basic furniture but there are
no sheets, blankets or kitchenware. Exchange and
visiting students can borrow basic domestics items, so
called “survival kits”, against a partly refundable deposit,
from the Secretary of the Kortepohja Student Village. The
survival kit includes a blanket, pillow, bed linen, 3 plates,
fork, knife, table spoon, tea spoon, pot with lid, ladle, mug
and glass. All the items are second-hand. The deposit for
such a package is € 60, of which 40 € will be refunded if
the kit is returned in good and clean condition! Please
note that it is not always possible to get the kit right after
the arrival. Also, please remember to have the deposit
money with you when you collect the supplies. The
Secretary of Kortepohja Student Village is on duty in the
Kortepohja C building, Taitoniekantie 9, tel. (+358 14) 60
Student tutor (mentor)
The International Office employs tutors (senior students)
for each faculty. Their task is to acquaint new international
students with the system of studies and campus life in
Jyväskylä and to help them with practical questions, such
as planning a timetable for studies and finding the way
around the campus and the city centre.
Arrival Service
This service is provided by the University in order to make
your arrival in Jyväskylä more comfortable. If you have
informed your student tutor of the exact time of your arrival
18
7213, mobile: +358 50 325 2963, e-mail:
kylasihteeri@jyy.fi. Her office hours are: Mon-Thu 15 - 17,
Fri 13 - 15.
Borrowing books is free of charge. There are, however,
some fees for specific services, such as interlibrary loans,
and fines for returning books and other material after the
due date.
Friendship Family Programme
Language Centre (kielikeskus)
The purpose of the friendship family programme is to give
international students a chance to have first-hand
experience of the Finnish culture and way of life in a
Finnish family, in addition to life on campus. Through
meeting international students, the families also get an
opportunity to learn about the students’ home countries
and cultures. It is up to the student and the family to
decide how often they meet and how they will spend their
time together. If you study in Jyväskylä for at least one full
semester you can apply to the programme. Please note
that the programme does not include accommodation with
families. Due to the limited number of families, the
programme cannot be offered to all incoming international
students. Application forms are available at:
www.jyu.fi/en/study/services/friendshipfamily
The University Language Centre offers a wide variety of
courses as well as excellent self-study facilities in the
Oppio Building. At the learning centre, which is intended
for self-directed learning, educational technology,
interactive studios, computer laboratories as well as wide
variety of material are available for students. Furthermore,
the Language Centre also provides study counselling and
training in language learning. In addition to Finnish and
English courses for international students, we recommend
the Each One Teach One programme, in which students –
counselled by a teacher – teach one another either their
own native language or their language of education. For
more information on language courses, please visit the
Language Centre web pages at http://kielikeskus.jyu.fi/.
University Library (yliopiston kirjasto)
Finnish Language Courses
The University Library is the central academic library in
Finland in the fields of education, psychology and physical
education. It provides literature and other material required
in research, teaching and studying at the university, and
takes care of other library and information service tasks.
You can use your student card to borrow books from the
University Library (Main Campus, building B) as well as
from the department libraries on the Main Campus and
other campuses. For more information on libraries, see
chapter 9.6. You can also find out more about the
University Library by browsing through the “Library Skills
Tutorial” on the Library’s website at http://kirjasto.jyu.fi/.
The University Language Centre arranges Finnish
language courses for international students mainly during
the academic year. The courses range from intensive
survival courses to advanced special courses. The
Survival Finnish course is targeted at students who stay
only one semester in Finland, or who do not plan to
continue their Finnish studies during the following
semester. The aim of the course is to learn basic phrases,
vocabulary and grammar for coping with the most
common everyday situations in Finnish. Finnish 1 is
designed for students who stay in Finland for at least two
semesters and plan to continue their Finnish studies on
the Finnish 2 course or equivalent.
19
An intensive Finnish 1 summer course is arranged on 4 31 August 2010. A pre-registration by 15 June is required
for the summer course. Erasmus students can also apply
for the Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) in
Finnish which is held on 3 - 26 August 2010 in Jyväskylä.
It is also possible to apply for the EILCs held at other
universities in Finland. Applications for the EILC should be
submitted electronically to your home institution, which will
be responsible for forwarding the application to the EILC
organising institution. More information on the Erasmus
Intensive Language Courses can be found on the
European
Commission
website
at
http://ec.europa.eu/education/erasmus/doc902_en.htm.
such as downhill skiing, afro dance, body pump, and
fitness boxing. The university also offers an optional credit
course that aims at familiarising students with the different
sport facilities in Jyväskylä and with the sports of their
choice (2- 4 ECTS cr.). During the academic year 20092010, the fees for the activities were the following:
supervised exercise: € 40/academic year,
€ 30/semester
unsupervised exercise: free of charge
(a few exceptions)
courses: the fee varies from € 10 to € 65
The fees are expected to rise a little for the academic year
2010-2011. The Sports Programme is available at
www.jyu.fi/yliopistoliikunta/en. For further information,
please visit the Sports Coordinator’s Office in building L,
room 176, Main Campus, tel. (+358 14) 260 1062 or (MonFri 9-12), e-mail: yo-liikunta@adm.jyu.fi.
Computers at the University
Most departments have a computer room for their
students. In addition to these, there are computers for
public use at the University Library (Building B on the Main
Campus), at the Information Management Centre (Building
D in Mattilanniemi), in the Agora Building and in the
Administration Building (no printing). All international
students gain access to the multi-user computing facilities
via their user accounts, which are given during the
Orientation Programme.
Student Cafeterias
There are nine student cafeterias on the University
premises: Lozzi, Ilokivi, Musica, and Syke on the Main
Campus, Wilhelmiina and Piato in Mattilanniemi, Kvarkki
and Ylistö at Ylistönrinne, and Media in Tourula,
Matarankatu 6. In these cafeterias undergraduate students
receive a discount on the price of a lunch by showing their
student cards. The student price for a reasonably ample
lunch is around € 2.60. All the cafes on the campuses
give student discounts.
Recreation and Athletic Facilities
The University of Jyväskylä offers one of the most diverse
and exciting sport and recreational programmes in the
country for students and staff alike. The sports
opportunities range from spinning, wall climbing and snow
boarding to the more traditional skiing, aerobics, squash,
tennis and different ball games. You can either participate
by coming along to one of the supervised groups or by
forming a team with your fellow students. There are also
instructional courses available in a wide variety of sports,
20
3.10. International Office
The Office also employs student trainees (tel. +358 14)
260 4144. In addition to the phone numbers listed above,
you may contact the Office by e-mail: intl@jyu.fi or by fax:
(+358 14) 260 1163. The office hours of the Student
Exchange Coordinators, International Coordinator, and
Foreign Student Adviser are from Monday to Wednesday
at 13-15, and on Thursdays at 10-12.
The International Office is one of the first places you
should visit after you have arrived in Jyväskylä. The
Office, located on the second floor of the Administration
Building (building T, Main Campus), has seven permanent
employees:
Tuija
Koponen, Head of International Office, who
coordinates international cooperation programmes,
exchanges and agreements at the University; room
T205, tel. (+358 14) 260 1086;
The International Office works in close cooperation with
the Secretary of International Affairs of the Student Union,
(Student Union Building, Y1), room 126,
Keskussairaalantie 2, tel. +358 10 423 4503, e-mail: kvsihteeri@jyy.fi.
Marita
Ekman, International Liaison, coordinates visits
of foreign delegations, and also is a contact person for
Fulbright and DAAD scholarship affairs, room T107, tel.
(+358 14) 260 1118;
3.11. The Student Union (JYY)
Elina Isännäinen, Foreign Student Adviser, responsible
for the application procedure, recruiting and counselling
of international degree students; room T203A, tel. (+358
14) 260 1079;
The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY,
http://www.jyy.fi) is the students’ own organisation. Every
degree and exchange student is a member of JYY. The
Student Union represents its members and guards their
interests and rights in society. It helps in questions
concerning studies, accommodation, and getting along
financially. JYY also offers a wide range of services and
free time activities related to culture and sports as well as
international and environmental matters. We encourage
you to participate in the activities organised by the Student
Union.
Laura
Laamanen, Student Exchange Coordinator,
responsible for the application procedure and
counselling of incoming Erasmus, E²NHANCE and
visiting students as well as for the accommodation;
room T208, tel. (+358 14) 260 1032.
Solja Ryhänen, International Coordinator, NORDPLUS,
NORDLYS and ISEP programmes; room T204, tel.
(+358 14) 260 1069;
Anita
Saari, International Affairs Assistant, financial
matters of the Office, contact person for teacher
mobility; room T206, tel. (+358 14) 260 1052;
The Student Union maintains, for example, the following
services for the benefit of students:
Tiina
Savela, Student Exchange Coordinator,
coordinates bilateral student exchanges; room T203B,
tel. (+358 14) 260 1083;
student cafeteria Ilokivi in the Student Union Building,
Keskussairaalantie 2, open Mon-Fri 11.00-16.00, check
menu at http://www.jyy.fi/fi/ruokalistat/
Kazimiera
Väisänen, International Liaison, coordinates
the Friendship Family Programme, tel. +358 14 260
1034.
restaurant
Rentukka in Kortepohja student village,
Taitoniekantie 9, open Tue-Sat 20.00-02.00. When there
21
are events in Rentukka, the restaurant is open until
03.00.
getting to know people from different cultures. For more
information on ESN, please see http://esn.jyy.fi/.
computer
shop Kampus Data and bookshop Kampus
Kirja, Gummeruksenkatu 6, open Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00
and Sat 10.00-14.00; there are also small bookshops in
Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne Campuses, open on
weekdays
Subcommittee for International Affairs (SIA)
This Student Union's subcommittee is particularly aimed at
international degree students. The subcommittee
organises events to inform students, for example, on
Finnish job market and academic teaching in English. The
subcommittee meetings are also a good channel to find
answers to questions and to discuss issues such as
healthcare, benefits in Finland, language policy, study
programmes etc.
social facilities - concerts, movie nights, subcommittees
for various activities and interests, such as international,
academic, social, cultural, sports, development
cooperation, environmental and equality issues.
The main benefits for members of the Student Union
include inexpensive health care at the Finnish Student
Health Service (YTHS), student apartments, survival kits
for exchange and visiting students and discounts at
student restaurants, on public transport, in museums,
theatres etc. The Student Union edits a student
newspaper Jyväskylän ylioppilaslehti (“Jylkkäri”), which is
available in several locations around the Campus area (for
instance, at the Library) and on the Internet at
http://www.jylkkari.fi/.
If you would like to know more about SIA or ESN and their
activities, please contact the Secretary of International
Affairs, kv-sihteeri@jyy.fi, or visit the web site
http://www.jyy.fi/fi/in_english/what_is_jyy/subcommittees/.
3.12. Subject Associations
Students have established faculty, department and/or
subject associations (ainejärjestö) according to their major
subject. These associations carry out a variety of activities
connected both with studies and recreation. For more
information about your own subject association, please
contact your host department or see
http://www.jyy.fi/fi/in_english/what_is_jyy/subject_associati
ons.
Erasmus Student Network
A good way for an international student to get involved in
the activities of the Student Union is to join the Erasmus
Student Network (ESN). ESN is a European student
organisation, which was founded in 1990 to support and
develop student exchange. To make the most of your stay
in Jyväskylä, ESN organises various events, parties and
trips to neighbouring countries and in Finland. The most
popular of the activities is a get-together called
“Stammtisch”. ESN also coordinates Café Lingua, where
you can practise your language skills, and Buddy
Programme, which aims at bringing together international
and Finnish students by forming mixed groups of five to
eight students. Despite its name, the Erasmus Student
Network is meant for all students who are interested in
3.13 Alumni Activities
In English, the word ‘alumnus’ (plural ’alumni’) has come
to be used for the former students and staff members of a
university or a higher education institution.
22
For more information on the alumni activities of the
University of Jyväskylä, please visit http://alumninet.jyu.fi/.
International exchange students, graduates and former staff
members of the University of Jyväskylä are also welcome to
join the Alumni Association of the University of Jyväskylä
(JYKYS). To join, fill in the registration form at
http://alumninet.jyu.fi/.
More information:
Alumni Coordinator: asta.ruodemaki@jyu.fi
Secretary of the Alumni Association JYKYS:
pirjo.heikkinen@jyu.fi
23
4. HOW TO GET TO JYVÄSKYLÄ
will arrive at Jyväskylä (Tikkakoski) airport some 40
minutes after take-off. The airport is located about 20 km
from the centre of Jyväskylä. There is only a taxi
connection from the airport to the centre of Jyväskylä. The
airport taxi service (a shared taxi) costs approximately €
20 to Kortepohja and € 22 to Myllyjärvi and Roninmäki.
The airport taxi should be booked in advance by calling
+358 0100 6900. Your student tutor can book the taxi for
you if you inform him/her of your exact time of arrival at
Jyväskylä airport well in advance. Please note that a taxi
which has not been booked in advance costs € 35-40 to
Jyväskylä. For more information, please see
http://www.ilmailulaitos.fi/airport_jyvaskyla. Book the
connecting flight to Jyväskylä at your local travel agency.
The city of Jyväskylä is located in Central Finland, some
270 km north of Helsinki, and can easily be reached by
plane, train or coach. The connections are relatively
frequent and the journey from Helsinki to Jyväskylä takes
3 - 3½ hours by train.
By plane:
Most of the flights to Finland arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa
airport (about 20 km from the centre of Helsinki). It is also
possible to arrive by ferry via Stockholm, Tallinn, Rostock
and Travemünde.
If you arrive at Tampere-Pirkkala airport, take a bus or taxi
to the centre of Tampere (the trip will take about 40
minutes). From the centre, you can continue your journey
From Helsinki-Vantaa airport you may continue by plane
or bus to Jyväskylä. Should you continue by plane, you
24
to Jyväskylä by train or coach. For more information on
the connections to and from Tampere-Pirkkala airport,
please see http://www.ilmailulaitos.fi/airport_tamperepirkkala.
From Helsinki-Vantaa airport you may also catch a local
bus number 61 to Tikkurila (it takes about 15-20 minutes)
and take the train to Jyväskylä from there. Catching the
train at Tikkurila cuts down the time of travel to Jyväskylä
a little. For the timetables, please see http://www.vr.fi
By coach:
There is also a direct bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa
airport to Jyväskylä. The trip takes about 4 -5 hours and
costs approximately € 47 without the student discount. For
the timetables, please see http://www.matkahuolto.com.
By train:
If you choose to travel by train, you should first catch a
bus which stops in front of the terminal building of
Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The fare of the Finnair city bus is
approximately € 5.90. There is also a local bus
connection, number 615 (platform V5351), to the railway
station (bus fare € 4.00, night fare € 5.00). It will take
some 35 minutes to get to the railway station, where you
can catch the train to Jyväskylä.
There are direct connections to Jyväskylä, but in some
cases you will have to change trains at Tampere. The
journey to Jyväskylä takes 3 to 3½ hours. The train fare
(one way) varies from € 46 - € 53 (including seat
reservation). Unfortunately, you do not get a student
discount on trains with the ISIC card (International Student
Identity Card). After having registered at a Finnish
university and paid the Student Union membership fee,
you will be entitled to receive a 50% student discount on
trains and long-distance coaches. Please note that the
registration is not valid before the beginning of the
semester and you are also not entitled to student
discounts before this. Please visit http://www.vr.fi for the
latest train timetables in Finland.
25
5. LIVING EXPENSES AND HOUSING
Depending on your personal spending habits (food, social
life, hobbies, travelling, books and other study materials,
sports equipment, etc.) you should plan to supplement
your budget by € 100-300 monthly. Besides, there are
always unanticipated expenses for any international
traveller, especially if you want to see and experience as
much as possible during your stay. Remember that with a
student card you will get meals and other services at a
student price as well as reductions for transport and
cultural and recreational activities (only partly applicable to
doctoral students).
5.1. Cost of Living
Finland used to be among the most expensive countries in
the world, but the situation changed to some extent after
Finland joined the European Union. However, Finland
cannot be regarded as a ‘cheap’ country yet. The cost of
living in Finland is, on average, comparable to the rest of
Europe.
The total monthly living expenses of a single student
average around EUR 600-700 and will roughly be spent in
the following way:
Rent in a student apartment
Food
Transport, leisure and
other costs
Please note that there will be some initial expenses, such
as the housing deposit (€ 250/€ 500 for families in
Kortepohja), deposit for the ’survival kit’ (€ 60, only
applicable to exchange students), and the Student Union
membership fee (€ 92.30/year, € 45.50/autumn semester,
€ 46.80/ spring semester). The cost of course literature is
€ 190 – 270
€ 200 – 250
€ 150 – 200
26
not very high, since most of the course books can be
borrowed from the University Library.
SPR-Kirppis, Ahjokatu 10
SPR-Kirppis, Keskussairaalantie 1
The University of Jyväskylä cannot offer financial aid to
international students. Thus, you must be able to cover all
the expenses during your stay yourself.
5.2. Housing
International students are accommodated in the housing
units of KOAS (The Student Housing Foundation of
Central Finland) or in Kortepohja Student Village.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate all
international students in one location due to the difficult
housing situation in Jyväskylä.
Below are some examples of what things cost in
Jyväskylä:
lunch in a student cafeteria – about € 2.60
pizza or a meal in one of the cheaper restaurants € 6-15
glass of wine or a beer € 3-5
movie ticket € 9—10.50
bus ticket on a local bus € 2.90
one-month bus pass in the downtown area € 42
40-trip bus pass in the downtown area € 45
The apartment will be reserved for you from the first
working day of the month during which you plan to arrive
and the rent has to be paid from that month onwards. The
reservation has to be confirmed by paying the deposit by
the given date. When the deposit is paid, the reservation is
binding. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you
inform the accommodation office immediately of any
changes in your plans, so that the reservation can be
changed accordingly. In this way you can avoid paying
extra rent. Please note that if you arrive in Jyväskylä
before the first working day of the month, you may have to
stay in a hotel or a hostel.
Please note that there are also several second-hand
shops in Jyväskylä, for example:
Centrum Kirppis, Ilmarisenkatu 2
EkoCenter, Gummeruksenkatu 13
EkoCenter, Hakkutie 9
EkoCenter, Kankitie 10
Fida lähetystori, Väinönkatu 36
Kierukka, Taitoniekantie 9, Building C
KM-Kirpputori, Isännäntie 1 G
Seppälän kirpputorimarket, Laukaantie 3
Please apply for accommodation no later than :
1 June if accommodation is needed from the beginning
of August, September or October
1
November if accommodation is needed from the
beginning of January, February or March
At
other times, the application for accommodation
should be submitted at least two months prior to arrival.
If you would like to share an apartment with a friend (both
having your own rooms), please state the name of the
friend in the application. If you wish to change rooms later,
27
buildings. All KOAS apartments have an Internet
connection. The price for a furnished single studybedroom with a shared kitchen and bathroom varies from
€ 190 to € 265 per month.
a transfer fee of € 55 (Kortepohja) or € 60 (KOAS) will be
collected.
If you change apartments during your stay in Jyväskylä,
remember to inform the Accommodation Office in question
about your plans in writing at least one calendar month in
advance, otherwise you will have to pay the rent of both
apartments for a month. As a rule, it is very difficult to
change apartments in the autumn semester, when large
numbers of new students enter the University. Also in the
beginning of the year, accommodation offices tend to
accommodate new incoming exchange students first,
before processing applications of students who wish to
change apartments. When moving out, remember to
inform the Accommodation Office about moving at least
one calendar month before, even in cases when you do
not pay the rent yourself.
KOAS sends an offer of accommodation by email to the
applicant approximately a month before the
accommodation is needed. The offer should be confirmed
or refused by the time given on the offer. When confirming
a housing offer, a deposit of € 250 must be paid to
KOAS’s account. Unconfirmed reservations will be
cancelled automatically and the room offered to another
applicant. The confirmation is legally binding. The deposit
will be refunded if no damage or loss is detected in the
apartment during the departure check-up. Please note that
the apartment should be left in clean condition. Otherwise,
it will be cleaned at your expense and the cleaning fee
deducted from your deposit. Both your own room and the
common areas (kitchen, bathroom and hallway) must be
cleaned.
Bear in mind that not only the front door of the apartment
but also the door to your room has a lock in it. When you
leave your room to go to the kitchen or bathroom, be
careful not to lock yourself out. In case that happens, you
can borrow a spare key from the Accommodation office.
Outside office hours, call the maintenance men. They
charge approximately € 10 (8 – 16) or € 20 (16 – 8,
weekends) for opening the door.
The KOAS Accommodation Office is located at
Kauppakatu 11 A, 2nd floor.
Opening hours are
Mon
Tue-Thu
Fri
The Student Housing Foundation of Central Finland,
KOAS
KOAS offers ca. 3900 apartments all around the Jyväskylä
town area. The apartment buildings are located in the
suburbs of Jyväskylä and offer an excellent opportunity to
integrate with people outside the University. International
students are usually placed in the furnished apartments in
Roninmäki and Myllyjärvi. Laundry rooms, saunas and
store rooms, as well as hobby rooms, are available in the
9.00-17.00
9.00-15.00
10.00-15.00
Tel. (+358) 10 820 4444 , Fax (+358) 10 850 4411
E-mail: asiakaspalvelu@koas.fi
http://www.koas.fi
28
Kortepohja Student Village
Student Village offers all the basic services: there is a
small shopping centre, a party room to rent, a student
restaurant and several sports facilities. Café Alfa in the
shopping centre rents out the recreational facilities of the
student village such as the pool table and the video room.
Kortepohja Student Village is owned by the Student Union
of the University of Jyväskylä. Kortepohja, located about
2.5 kilometres from the Main Campus and city centre,
houses approximately 1700 students. The
Accommodation Office of the Student Village is at
Vehkakuja 2 B. The rent for a single study-bedroom with a
shared kitchen and bathroom ranges from € 200 to € 266
per month. A refundable security deposit of € 250 per
person (€ 500 for families) must be paid in advance to the
bank account of Kortepohja Student Village. The payment
details and instructions will be sent to you by e-mail
approximately one month before the apartment is needed.
Please note that the payment should be made without
charges to the beneficiary.
The Kortepohja Accommodation Office is located at
Vehkakuja 2 B. The opening hours are:
Mon–Thu
Fri
13–15
8–12
Every first and last working day of the month: 8–15
Telephone hours:
The security deposit will be refunded to your bank account
in your home country if no damage or loss is detected in
the apartment during the departure check-up. Please note
that the apartment should be left in clean condition.
Otherwise, it will be cleaned at your expense and the
cleaning fee deducted from your deposit. Both your own
room and the common areas (kitchen, bathroom and
hallway) must be cleaned.
Mon-Thu
Fri
10–15
8–12
All rooms in Kortepohja are rented unfurnished but basic
furniture is available in the storage rooms. Your tutor will
help you furnish your room. Laundry facilities, saunas and
meeting rooms are available in the buildings.
All apartments in the Kortepohja Student Village are
connected to the Kortex network, and using the network is
free of charge. A contract for network use (between the
Computing Centre and the tenant) is included in your
tenancy agreement. Instructions for installing the network
are available at http.//www.kortex.jyu.fi/en/. In case you
need help with installing the network or have other
computer-related problems, please contact the volunteer
helpers at atkapu@lists.jyu.fi.
Tel. (+358 14) 60 7201
Fax (+358 14) 311 1174
E-mail: asunnot@jyy.fi
Internet connections through Kortex networks
Bear in mind that if you want to change rooms inside the
student village, the fee is € 55. Saunas with separate
bathing times for men and women are warming up every
night in the Student Village. Incoming mail is delivered to
the mailboxes on the ground floor of your building - the
mailbox can be opened with your apartment key. The
29
Rules and guidelines for living in a student apartment
Disturbing
We hope you feel at home in your student apartment. At
the same time, however, please take the other tenants into
consideration and follow the rules and guidelines of the
student housing foundation. Bear in mind that :
There
neighbours in the apartments must be
avoided. Night-time silence at KOAS lasts from 23.00
(11 pm) to 6.00 on Fridays and Saturdays and from
22.00 (10 pm) to 6.00 at other times.
is silence in the Kortepohja Student Village
between 23 (11 pm) - 07 am.
When
living in a student apartment, you cannot get
away from your neighbours and therefore some extra
tolerance and respect towards others come in handy.
Keeping common areas clean and avoiding making too
much noise are ways to ensure that not only you but
also your neighbours can enjoy living in the Student
Village/KOAS. The official quiet hours are given above,
but it is good to mind your neighbours during the
daytime as well.
you
and your flat mate together are responsible for
keeping the apartment clean. All tenants must do their
share of cleaning the kitchen (including the refrigerator
and stove), bathroom and other common areas.
Cleaning supplies can be rented from the Secretary of
the Kortepohja Student Village (Kortepohja) or borrowed
from the tenant committee (KOAS).
each
student is responsible for cleaning his/her own
room and doing his/her own dishes.
Failure
to comply with the rules and regulations may
lead to liability for damages or cancellation/termination
of the rental agreement. Full compensation is required
from the person responsible for damaging of
constructions or furniture or for neglecting cleaning. The
residents are responsible for ensuring that their visitors
also observe these rules and regulations.
you should take the garbage out regularly. Take turns if
necessary.
although the kitchen and bathroom are in common use,
each tenant takes care of his/her own things and also
uses only his/her own things, unless of course you have
agreed otherwise with your flat mate(s).
you should respect the people who are trying to study.
Have parties in the club rooms, not in your own room!
Further information on the club room and saunas and
how to rent them is available from the accommodation
office (KOAS) and the Secretary of the Kortepohja
Student (Kortepohja).
When moving out, make sure you leave the apartment
in clean and tidy condition. Please note that both your
room and the common areas (kitchen including the
stove and the refrigerator, bathroom and hallway) must
be cleaned. If the apartment is not in a proper condition,
it will be cleaned at your expense and the cleaning fee
(approx. € 30/hour) deducted from your housing deposit
or charged from you. Also, when moving out, do not
leave any personal belongings in the apartment. A fee
will be charged and deducted from your housing deposit
if you leave anything, e.g. furniture you have purchased,
in the apartment.
30
6. FINNISH STATE REGULATIONS
mania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United
Kingdom) and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
and Switzerland do not need a residence permit, but they
must register their right to reside in Finland if their stay
lasts for longer than three months. This should be done at
the local police station (in Jyväskylä: Urhonkatu 2, tel.
+358 14 313 5611, office hours: Mon & Wed 8-16.15, Tue
& Fri 8-15, Thu 8-17.30) within three months after entering
the country. For registration you need:
6.1. Visa and Residence Permit
Students from the EU (European Union) and EEA
(European Economic Area) countries do not need a visa to
enter the country. If you are a citizen of any other country
you must apply for an entry visa at the nearest Finnish
Embassy or Consulate.
EU1 registration form (available at www.poliisi.fi)
valid passport or another valid travel document (that is,
Residence permit: EU and EEA nationals
for EU and EEA citizens, an identity card approved as a
valid travel document)
Whether a residence permit is required depends on the
country you come from and on the duration of your stay.
European Union citizens (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Ro-
certificate of your registration at the University of Jyväskylä or Finnish student card
account on the applicant’s means of support
31
The residence permit costs € 45 for citizens of the EU and Extending the residence permit
EEA countries. More information can be found at
A residence permit for study obtained before coming to
www.migri.fi and www.poliisi.fi.
Finland is usually valid for one year. After this, the permit
Citizens of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Den- can be extended at the local police station at the beginning
mark and Iceland) should register at the local Register of each new academic year for one year at a time. To obOffice, if their stay exceeds six months, by presenting an tain a new residence permit, a bank statement of the required funds (€ 500 per month or € 6000 per year) is reInter-Nordic Migration Form (Registration Office, Yliopistonkatu 28, tel. +358 71 874 1422, office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00- quired. Also a transcript of studies has to be enclosed with
the residence permit application form. An extension of the
16.15).
permit requires that the student is still registered at the
educational institution, is a full-time student and has compResidence permit: other nationals
leted the required courses in the institution’s study programme. If the student has poor study performance, an extensiCitizens of non-EU or non-EEA countries who wish to stay on of the residence permit may be denied. The application
in Finland for more than three months must be in possessi- forms are available at the passport office of the police station of a residence permit when entering the country. An on.
application for the permit should be submitted to the Finnish
Embassy or Consulate in the student’s country of origin in
good time before arrival in Finland. Further information on 6.2. Work Permit
the application process and the application forms can be
An EU citizen can work while studying in Finland and does
found at www.migri.fi.
not need to acquire a special work permit to do so. Students from non-EU or non-EEA countries have the right to
The following documents are required for the residence
work part-time (25 hours/week) without a work permit dupermit application:
ring the academic semesters and full-time during holidays
when the university does not arrange teaching as such.
letter of admission
This right is stamped in your passport in conjunction with
the initial granting of your residence permit. A student may
details of comprehensive health insurance cover
also work within certain limits on a residence permit granted
proof of means of support
for study purposes if the work is practical training included
If necessary, a statement of the applicant’s previous stu- in the degree.
dies and language skills.
Students from non-EU or non-EEA countries need a sepaThe applicant must remain abroad while waiting for the
rate work permit if they intend to work more than the stipudecision on the residence permit application. The residence
lated hours during the academic term. To obtain a work
permit is issued by the Finnish Immigration Service which
permit, you need to get a certificate of employment from
receives the application from the Finnish Embassy or
your prospective employer detailing:
Consulate.
32
employer’s name, address and telephone number
your name in full and your identity number
nature of the work
total length of your period of work
salary
determined in accordance with the provisions of the
Income and Property Statutes. Treaties ratified between
Finland and your home country will also determine your
net tax liability. You can consult the Tax Office for
information on taxation. Finnish employers collect a 35%
tax at source on the wages of those foreign employers
who stay in Finland for a maximum of six months. The tax
rate is the same for all amounts of income. If you earn no
more than € 510 per month or € 17 per day, no tax is
collected from the amount. To obtain this benefit, you must
give your employer a tax at source card (lähdeverokortti).
If you stay in Finland for over six months, your income is
taxed at a progressive rate. You can obtain the tax at
source card or the tax card from the Tax Office - do not
forget to bring along evidence of the duration of your
studies (a registration certificate). Once employed you
must give your employer the tax at source card (if you are
working less than 6 months) or tax card (if you are working
more than 6 months. This is crucial, because your
employer cannot pay your salary before having received
the card.
The required form can be obtained from the Employment
Office. You may also have to supply a certificate of
registration from the University.
Work requests can be made at:
Employment Office (Työ– ja
Vapaudenkatu 58 A
Tel. +358 10 604 0149 (switchboard)
Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-15.45
www.mol.fi
elinkeinotoimisto)
Career guidance is offered by:
Career Services
Agora Building, rooms C323.3, C323.5, C324.2 and
C324.3
E-mail: rekry@jyu.fi
Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-15.00
www.jyu.fi/rekrytointi
If you stay in Finland for less than six months, you are not
required to file an income tax return. Those staying in
Finland for more than six months must file an income tax
return in Finland. The deadline for tax returns is the
following April after the calendar year concerned. The final
tax will be calculated on the basis of the tax return form
and the information given on it. When leaving the country,
please remember to inform the Tax Office of Jyväskylä
about the change of your address.
Unfortunately due to a high unemployment rate in Central
Finland it is not easy to find work in the Jyväskylä region,
especially if you do not speak any Finnish. Therefore, you
should not count on finding a job to finance your stay.
Jyväskylä Tax Office (Jyväskylän verotoimisto)
Vapaudenkatu 58 A, 40100 Jyväskylä
Tel. (+358 14) 413 5301, http://vero.fi
Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-16.15
6.3. Taxation
If you are paid for the work you do in Finland, you usually
have to pay income tax in Finland. The taxes payable are
33
7. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
tickets € 0.50 cheaper when buying them from a vending
machine. Tickets can also be bought on trains, but the
price is € 3 (€ 6 in Pendolino trains) higher than
elsewhere if the ticket office is open at the departure of the
train. Note that it is not possible to use a Visa Electron
card when purchasing a ticket on the train. A seat
reservation is included in the price of a train ticket. You
may choose from a range of trains featuring different travel
standards and prices.
7.1. Railways
Throughout the year, the Finnish State Railways (VR)
grants a 50% student discount for both one-way and
return tickets. When purchasing and using the ticket you
must always submit your Finnish student card, valid for the
academic term. If you have not received your Finnish
student card yet, you can collect a VR student card at the
railway station (€ 6). For that you need a photograph and
a VR certificate from the Office for Student Affairs and
Services or from the International Office.
Please note that if you want to break your journey, you
must purchase separate tickets for each part of your trip.
In other words, if you are travelling, for instance, from
Jyväskylä to Helsinki, and you want to break your journey
in Tampere to visit a friend for a few days, you must buy
two tickets: one to cover the trip from Jyväskylä to
Tampere and another from Tampere to Helsinki. Of
course, if you only need to change trains in Tampere, one
ticket (Jyväskylä-Helsinki) will do.
Railway tickets are sold at railway stations and at about
300 travel bureaus around the country. You can also buy
tickets online or from ticket vending machines, located in
railway stations, with your cash card. You will get your
34
7.2. Long-Distance Coaches and Buses
One-way and return tickets are also sold for groups. A
reduction of 15% is granted for a group consisting of 3 to
10 persons. For a group consisting of 11 or more persons
the reduction is 20%. For further information, please
contact the railway travel service offices (matkapalvelu),
which are located at the railway stations in the biggest
towns in Finland.
Long-distance coaches are a good alternative to trains.
The long distance coach network in Finland is one of the
densest in Europe, and the coaches are modern and
comfortable. There are two types of long distance
coaches: the ordinary coaches (vakiovuoro) stopping at all
the bus stops if needed, and express coaches (pikavuoro)
which usually drive longer distances and stop only at the
places indicated in the schedule.
You can also buy a Finnrail Pass that entitles the holder to
three, five or ten days of unlimited travel on Finnish State
Railways (the days may be used one by one, that is, you
do not need to travel 3, 5 or 10 days in a row). These
tickets are valid for one month, and may be purchased at
the railway travel service. Students living outside of
Europe may also buy a Eurailpass that is valid on 25
railways in Europe.
Students are granted a 50% discount for coach tickets if
the trip covers at least 80 km. When purchasing and using
student tickets you must show your Finnish student card,
valid for the academic term. If you have not received your
student card yet, you can collect a Matkahuolto student
card from the Travel Centre (€ 6). For that you need a
photograph and a certificate from the Office for Student
Affairs and the International Office.
It is worth remembering that a passenger without a duly
stamped ticket will be charged an inspection fee (€ 80)
and the price of the ticket. Also note that you are not
allowed to take your luggage to the dining car. Smoking is
allowed only in special compartments marked with a sign.
The Coach Office (Matkahuolto), an organisation owned
by the Finnish Coach Operators Association, maintains
bus stations in the cities and municipalities around the
country. Tickets are sold at these stations and they also
provide information about the schedules and services. The
coach tickets sold at bus stations are valid on all Finnish
coaches and buses, except for municipal buses of some
cities. Also travel agencies sell coach tickets.
Jyväskylä Travel Centre (railway and bus station) is
located at Hannikaisenkatu 20. The opening hours of the
ticket office (lipputoimisto) are
Mon- Fri
Sat
Sun
6.00 – 19.45
8.00 – 17.35
10.00 – 19.45
Tickets can be bought before the trip or on the coach.
Both one way and return tickets are valid for 30 days if
they are bought beforehand. Seat reservations are
recommended during peak periods. The reservation can
be bought separately or it can be included in the coach
ticket.
Further information on VR, timetables and different kinds
of tickets is available at http://www.vr.fi.
35
7.3. Local Buses
The express coaches carry a small surcharge. All coaches
carry skis, bicycles, and pieces of luggage (an extra fee
may be charged). If you need to send a large or heavy
package quickly, an express coach is a good and cheap
alternative to the post. Packages are delivered from one
bus station to another or to a bus stop within Finland. You
can use this service by taking the package to the local
coach office (Matkahuolto) at the bus station, giving the
destination and paying the charge. The name of the
person who will collect the package must be written on the
package. Matkahuolto takes care of the rest. Packages
can also be sent so that the receiver pays for the
transportation.
Jyväskylän Liikenne Oy, tel. (+358 14) 281 011, provides
local transport. The prices of single tickets, bought in cash
on the bus, depend on the length of your journey. The
lowest single fare is € 2.90 and after 23.00 the price goes
up to € 5.80. Tickets of all kinds are sold at Jyväskylä
Travel Centre, at the information desk of Sokos
Department Store (2nd floor) on Kauppakatu 24, at
Jyväskylä Regional Tourist Information at Asemakatu 6,
and on the buses.
If you use local buses regularly, you save money by
purchasing a season ticket:
Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on all
Finnish buses and coaches. The ExpressBus coaches
usually have a lavatory (toilet) and some magazines.
30-day-ticket at € 42, which is valid for 30 days (you do
not have to buy it on the first day of the month) - a good
choice if you use buses more or less daily.
10-trip card at € 21 and 40-trip card at € 45. The card
A long distance bus stop sign is blue with a white bus on it.
The text “PIKAVUORO” indicates that express coaches
stop there. It is necessary to signal for the bus to stop.
can be reloaded when all the trips have been used. The
card is valid for 180 days from purchase or until the
following August.
Jyväskylä Travel Centre (railway and bus station) is
located at Hannikaisenkatu 20. The opening hours of the
ticket office are:
Mon – Fri
Sat
Sun
When purchasing a season ticket (called a smart card) for
the first time, you must pay an additional € 3 for the card
itself. It may be a good idea to buy a one-day travel card
for the local buses if you are planning to make several
trips in one day (€ 7.50 sold at Jyväskylä Travel Centre,
Sokos, and Tourist Information). For more information on
all the tickets, please contact Matkahuolto.
8.00 – 18.00
10.00 – 16.00
11.00 – 18.00
Further information and timetables are available at
http://www.matkahuolto.fi/.
It is good to know that the buses in Finland arrive almost
exactly according to the schedule. A few minutes’ delay
might occur in wintertime due to bad weather.
36
Polkypyörätori, Minna Canthin katu 22 B
Tekevä Pyöräkorjaamo, Pajatie 3
Huoltopilotti, Vapaaherrantie 2
Pekan rysä, Cygnaeuksenkatu 2
Polkupyöräkorjaamo Rikman, Ilmarisenkatu 7-9
Jyväspyörä, Yliopistonkatu 30
Bike Planet, Vasarakatu 9
Intersport Megastore Tourula, Vapaaherrantie 2
7.4. On Foot and by Bike
Most student apartments are more or less within walking
distance from the University and city centre. As in any
other city, in Jyväskylä there are some restless spots in
the downtown area during weekend nights. It is therefore
wise to be careful and to avoid walking out alone at night,
especially if you are a woman.
The next cheapest way to move around is probably by
bike (pyörä or polkupyörä). Bikes are sold in department
stores and stores selling sports equipment. There are also
stores that specialise in bikes. New bikes, even the very
simple ones, are quite expensive, from € 250 upwards.
The following firms rent out bikes for a couple of days or
weeks:
If you do not know anybody who could lend or sell his/her
bike to you, you can try, for instance, the lost property
auction (löytötavaroiden huutokauppa) at the Police
Station. The auction takes place in the autumn and it is
announced in the local newspaper (Keskisuomalainen)
about one week earlier. The bikes on sale range from very
old to brand new ones. The cheapest bikes cost € 20 and
the most expensive ones (cross-country bicycles) around
€ 350. At the same time you have a chance to see how a
Finnish auction works! For more information, please
contact the Police Station, Lost Property Office
(löytötavara-toimisto), tel. +358 71 874 0521.
Rent
You can also try putting out “Bicycle wanted” ads to the
notice boards of department stores, in the newspaper (e.g.
Suur-Jyväskylän Lehti) or use the internet market place of
the University at http://www.jyu.fi/tori. Flea markets and
recycling centres may also sell used bicycles.
7.5. Taking a Taxi
@ Bike, Travel Centre, Hannikaisenkatu 20, tel.
+358 50 443 3820
Polkupyörätori, Minna Canthin katu 22 B.
When riding a bike you should use the bicycle paths
marked with a sign. In places where there is no special
bicycle path, please use the right side of the roadway, not
the sidewalk. You should follow the same traffic rules as
motorists. Also, remember to use lights on the bicycle
when driving in the dark. Furthermore, we strongly
recommend that you wear a helmet.
Taxi fares are quite expensive in Finland and taking a taxi
is not as common as in some other countries. There are
only a few taxi stations in the city centre; for example at
the Travel Centre (railway and bus station) in
Hannikaisenkatu, the old bus station (next to the market
square), and in Kauppakatu next to the Church Park
(Kirkkopuisto). It is usually easier to get a taxi by phone
(tel. 0100 6900, € 1.15 + local call charge; from abroad
The following stores and repair workshops sell new and/or
used bikes:
37
+358 0100 6900). On top of the basic fare and the
kilometre fare there is a small extra charge in the
evenings, at night and during weekends. A taxi ride from
the city centre to the student apartments costs about € 10
– 15. The taxi drivers do not expect you to give them a tip.
weather conditions so require. The period during which
studded winter tyres may be used is restricted because
they wear down the road surface.
Also note that winter conditions require a different kind of
driving. You may loose control of your vehicle if your
speed is too high, you brake suddenly, you accelerate too
rapidly or you do not turn the steering wheel smoothly.
Overtaking also requires special care in slippery winter
conditions. If you plan on driving in Finland in the winter,
please read more about winter driving at
http://www.mintc.fi/.
7.6. By Car in Finland
Driving licences issued in other EU or EEA countries are
equally valid in Finland. Licences granted in one of the
signatory countries to the Geneva or Vienna International
Road Traffic Convention are valid in Finland for one year.
For more information, please see http://www.poliisi.fi or
contact the Police Station at Urhonkatu 1-2, tel. 071 874
0521.
Please remember that in Finland the car coming from the
right has the right of way! There are GIVE WAY signs on
some crossings, but it is best to be cautious and always
check if there is somebody coming from the right.
According to the law, one must give way to buses when
they are setting off from a bus stop. Pedestrians have the
right of way at zebra crossings. You should always stop
before the crossing, not on it.
Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or
intoxicating drugs is a crime in Finland. The penalty for
drunken driving is confiscation of the driving licence, a fine
and a ban on driving for a certain period. Those guilty of
gross drunken driving are usually sentenced to prison for 3
months. The police set up roadblocks from time to time to
carry out spot checks on drivers.
Self service gas stations (itsepalvelu) will save you a few
cents/litre. There are also many automated petrol stations
operating 24 hours a day with machines taking € 20 and
€ 50 notes, bank or credit cards. Please note that the
price of petrol is relatively high in Finland, in March 2009
approximately € 1.288 - 1.439 / litre.
Seatbelts are compulsory by law both in the front and the
back seats. Children must be seated in the back, unless
there is a special safety seat. Outside city areas,
headlights must always be used.
In Finland all cars must use winter tyres in December,
January and February. Foreign-registered cars must also
use winter tyres (or all-season tyres) in Finland. The tread
groove of winter tyres must be at least 3 millimetres.
Studded winter tyres may be used between the beginning
of November and the end of March (or the Monday
following Easter Monday if this is later than the end of
March). At other times, they may be used only if the
7.7. Travelling Abroad
It is an experience to travel by one of the big ferries to
Sweden, Germany or Estonia. To get to Central Europe, it
is the fastest and easiest to fly. You can also take a train
through Sweden and Denmark. What is more, St.
Petersburg is only a six-hour train trip away from Helsinki.
38
An example: calling from Italy to Jyväskylä, phone #
123456:
You can get the International Student Identity Card (ISIC),
if you are a student under 34 years old, and the
IYTC/Euro<26 Youth Card (which is meant for all young
people under 26) at Area Travel Agency. Both cards help
you save money on airline tickets, rail-passes,
accommodation, entrance fees to museums and cultural
events etc. The card costs € 10 and you will need one
passport photo for it. You can apply for the card for
example at http://kilroytravels.fi.
you need to dial 00 358 14 123456.
For national phone number inquiries, please dial e.g. 118
or 020202 (the price depends on the operator and the time
of the day the phone call is made. Please see
http://www.118info.fi
or http://en.02.fi for further
information).
7.8. Telephones
Most students in Finland have a mobile phone because
they are relatively inexpensive to use. Mobile phones are
often also the only way of reaching people in Finland as it
is nowadays rare to have a landline and as pay phones
have become almost extinct. A basic mobile phone costs
from € 50–150. There are several mobile phone operators
in Finland. The biggest nation-wide operators include dna,
Elisa, Saunalahti and Sonera. A simple way to open a line
is to acquire a pre-paid card (e.g. dna Prepaid, GoMobile
Prepaid, Saunalahti Prepaid, Sonera Easy, Tele Finland).
The cards are rechargeable and can be purchased at Rkiosks and/or mobile phone shops and/or online. Opening
a normal mobile phone line is often free of charge, but
foreigners who do not reside in Finland permanently are
usually required to pay a deposit. The monthly fee and the
prices of phone calls vary according to the operator and
the connection.
If you would like to make an overseas phone call from
Finland, dial:
 00, 990, 999 or 996 (international prefix depending on
the operator; see telephone directory for a full list)
 country code (see telephone directory for a full list)
 area code leaving out the first number
 number of your contact
An example: calling from Finland to Stockholm, Sweden,
phone # 123456:
you need to dial 00 46 8 123456.
If you want to make a phone call to Finland from abroad,
dial:
If you have an Internet connection, you can also stay in
touch with your friends and family free of charge by
making use of for example the MSN Messenger
(http://get.live.com/messenger/), Skype (http://skype.org)
or other peer-to-peer Internet telephony networks. There
are also commercial Voice over Internet Protocol providers
 international prefix of the country you are calling from
 358 (Finland’s country code)
 area code leaving out the first 0
 number of your contact
39
7.9. Post & Post Offices
which provide phone calls at lower prices. More
information on their services can be found on the Internet
(e.g.
http://cubio.fi/en, http://scandicom.fi,
http://web.net2phone.com).
The Main Post Office is located at Vapaudenkatu 61 and it
is open from Mondays to Fridays at 8.00-20.00. The post
office nearest to Kortepohja Student Village is at
Vehkakatu 5. It is open from Monday to Friday at 9.0020.00 and on Saturdays at 10.00-14.00.
It is also possible to rent a telephone line at the local
phone company (Elisa). Opening a line costs € 99 (€ 40
on the Internet) and the fee for each month is € 12.45 on
top of your regular phone bill. Additionally, non-permanent
residents have to pay a refundable deposit when opening
the line.
Stamps are available at post offices, some book shops, Rkiosks and stamp machines. Mailboxes, as well as stamp
machines, are orange in colour. The postal rates (€ ) for
standard postcards and letters of 20 g, 50 g and 100 g are
(February 2010):
20g
50 g 100 g
Finland
€ 0.80 € 0.80 €1.10
Europe
€ 0.80 € 1.10 € 1.55
Outside Europe
€ 0.80 € 1.55 € 3.20
For more information, please visit the Elisa website at
http://www.elisa.fi.
Elisa Oy, Yliopistonkatu 28,
Tel. 0800 915 700, E-mail: shopit@elisa.fi
For further information, please visit http://www.posti.fi.
The Central Office of the Student Union in the Student
Union Building, tel. (+ 358 14) 260 3355; fax (+358 14)
260 3928 and the Office in Kortepohja Student Village, tel.
(+358 14) 260 7201; fax (+358 14) 311 1174, provide
faxes for your disposal. For members of the Student
Union, the cost of sending a fax is as follows:
7.10. Money & Banks
Finland uses the European single currency, EURO.
EURO (€) is made up of 100 cents. The denominations in
circulation are:
Within Finland: € 1.50 / first page, € 1 / following pages
Within EU: € 2.50 / first page, € 1 / following pages
Outside Europe: € 3 / page
Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 euros
Coins: 2 and 1 euros, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Different banking groups in Finland offer services, which
are rather similar to each other, and it is up to you which
bank (pankki) you choose. Most banks have branch
offices throughout the country. No matter at which office
you have your account, you can make a deposit, withdraw
money, and pay bills at any other office of that bank
nationwide. Almost all banks can arrange for deposits or
payment of bills to foreign banks by electronic transfers or
To receive a fax is free of charge. Remember to inform the
Student Union beforehand if you are expecting a fax.
40
through certified checks of foreign banks with which they
are affiliated. Banks are open from Monday to Friday
usually 9.30-16.30.
The bank will then provide you with more information on
the different services and charges. There is usually an
additional charge when bills are paid at automatic cash
dispensers. If you would like to pay your bills at a bank
cashier, be prepared to pay a service fee of 4 – 8 euros.
The banks also offer a budget account service
(maksupalvelu) which takes care of your bills at a reduced
charge. Still, it is usually cheapest to pay bills on the
Internet or at cash points using a self-service machine.
Money can be exchanged at practically every bank in
Finland. Upon proper identification (passport) they will
honour, for example, traveller’s checks and bona fide
letters of credit.
When opening a bank account, take your passport and the
student card/certificate of registration with you. Most
banks only accept a passport as a proof of identification. It
is therefore advisable to bring your passport with you even
if you can enter the country with an ID only. Ask for an
Internet banking service and a cash card (automaattikortti)
at the bank. With the cash card, you can withdraw cash
from any cash dispenser throughout Finland marked with
the logo: otto, 24 hours a day. Cash dispensers that do not
have the logo described above are not in public use but
belong to a particular bank. You may withdraw money
from such a dispenser only if you are a client of the bank
in question. Make sure to memorise your secret code
number - it enables you to use the card. If you do not trust
your memory and want to write it down on a piece of
paper, please note that you should never keep the number
in your wallet or anywhere near the cash card.
The major credit cards (Visa, Eurocard, Access,
Mastercard) are widely accepted in Finland. Automatic
cash dispensers accept Visa. Other credit cards, such as
American Express and Diner’s Club, are usually accepted
by hotels, airlines and restaurants, but not in all stores.
Foreign currency accounts can also be opened in Finnish
banks if you do not want to change all your money, but still
want to keep it in a bank account. Traveller’s checks are
bought and sold in all banks. Foreign personal checks are
not accepted in stores, and cashing them in a bank may
involve a lengthy procedure unless you are a regular
customer. Foreigners may bring in unlimited amounts of
any currency, and freely retransfer it.
The names and addresses of the largest banks in
Jyväskylä are:
Handelsbanken, Kauppakatu 27
www.handelsbanken.fi
Keski-Suomen Osuuspankki, Kauppakatu 22
www.op.fi
Nordea, Kauppakatu 18
www.nordea.fi
POP Jyväskylä, Väinönkatu 34
www.paikallisosuuspankit.fi
You have to pay service fees in the banks for almost all
services, for example, every time you want to cash a
traveller’s cheque. The service fees vary between different
banks. Therefore, it is a good idea to compare the prices
and choose the bank which offers the cheapest price for
the services you need. Generally, you are well advised to
use the Internet bank services or automatic cash
dispensers for paying your bills and checking your
balance. If you would like to use the Internet for your
banking, ask your tutor which banks offer Internet banking.
41
Sampo, Kauppakatu 37
www.sampopankki.fi
Säästöpankki Optia, Kauppakatu 23
YLE Radio Puhe
87.6 MHz
YLE Radio 1
89.9 MHz
Järviradio
91.3 MHz
YLE X
92.5 MHz
NRJ
97.3 MHz
Radio Rock
97.7 MHz
YLE Radio Keski-Suomi 99.3 MHz
Radio Aalto
101.0 MHz
The Voice
101.6 MHz
Radio Jyväskylä
102.5 MHz
Groove FM
104.5 MHz
Suomi Pop
104.9 MHz
Radio Nova
105.8 MHz
www.optia.fi
7.11. Lost & Found
If you loose something, you can enquire it from the Lost &
Found Office which is located at Urhonkatu 1, tel. 071 874
8801 . Also, If you find something that does not belong to
you, please take it to the Lost & Found Office.
7.12. TV and Radio Programmes
All television broadcasts in Finland are digital. In order to
watch television one should be in possession of a DVB
receiver (set top box) or an integrated digital receiver
(digital television). Basic set top boxes cost € 50-100.
When buying a set top box, bear in mind that cable
subscribers and those living in antenna households should
buy different models. If you live in a KOAS or Kortepohja
student apartment, you should buy a cable set top box.
For more information on the digital television, please see
http://digitv.fi.
For the latest news, please see for example
http://www.yle.fi/news/ or http://www.hs.fi/english/.
Please note that if you have a television set, you are
required to pay a television fee for using it. The fee can be
paid in one-month (€ 19.95), three-month (€ 58.80), sixmonth (€ 116.25) or twelve-month (€ 231.05) instalments.
Please visit the website of the Television Fee
Administration at
http://www.tv-maksu.fi for more
information.
There are several radio stations for you to listen to in
Jyväskylä:
42
8. HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES
swimming hall in Pitkäkatu 1. For more information,
please visit http://www.yths.fi/.
8.1. YTHS - The Finnish Student Health Service
You should bear in mind that the services provided by
YTHS are available during office hours only: there are
no services available in the evenings or during
weekends. Also, please note that the Student Union fee
(including the mandatory health care fee) is not a payment
for any kind of insurance policy. Because of this, you are
strongly advised to take out insurance before your arrival.
Students from countries within the European Union should
have the European Health Insurance Card with them.
Students from outside the EU or EEA should take a
private medical insurance against possible illnesses or
accidents. It is important to know that outside the YHTS
heath care centre (for example, at municipal health
centres or at city hospitals) the cost for treatment may total
several thousands of euros.
The Finnish Student Health Service (generally referred to
as YTHS) provides health and medical care for university
students. The Student Union membership fee (€
92.30/year), which is compulsory for all undergraduate
students, includes a health service fee (€ 42.00), entitling
you to use the services offered by YTHS. When you go to
a YTHS health care centre, you have to show your Finnish
student card or the receipt showing that you have paid the
Student Union membership fee. There are altogether 17
YTHS health care centres around the country, and
students are entitled to use the services of any of them.
YTHS’s main facilities in Jyväskylä are located behind the
43
Please note that PhD students and visiting PhD students
are not entitled to the services of YTHS.
as individual physiotherapy, tel. (+358 46) 710 6613.
Moreover, for the laboratory and x-rays you need a referral
from one of the doctors or nurses of YTHS. With a
referral, these services are free of charge. Health care
services are located at Pitkäkatu 1 on the first floor.
Medical examination
During the first academic year, new undergraduate degree
students can make an appointment for a medical
examination which is free of charge. For further
information call (+358 46) 710 1068.
Mental Health
YTHS provides preventive mental health care, counselling,
mental health examinations, and psychotherapy. The staff
includes psychologists and psychiatrists and the
consultation costs € 4 or € 6 respectively. For
appointments and cancellations, the phone number is
(+358 46) 710 1073. Telephone consultation hours for
new patients are Mon-Fri 9.00-10.00.
Health care
You can consult the nurses of YTHS free of charge. The
nurses of YTHS can help you with less severe problems or
questions concerning your health. They can also perform
some laboratory tests and, if required, give you a referral
to the laboratory for further testing. Nurses’ consultation
hours are on Mon-Wed & Fri 8.00–10.00 and Thu 9.00–
10.00 (acute cases) , other times by appointment. For an
appointment, call (+358 46) 710 1068 .
Dental care
Degree students are entitled to a free dental examination
during their first or second year of study. A dental
appointment costs between 4.50 and 22.50 euros
depending on the procedure. Every appointment should
be paid for beforehand. Acute cases are normally treated
immediately!
You can get the basic vaccinations (tetanus and difteria)
free of charge. If you think you need other vaccinations,
please consult the nurses. Make an appointment by calling
(+358 46) 710 1068 .
Appointments and cancellations can be made on Mon-Fri
8.00-13.00, tel. (+358 46) 710 1070. Cancellations can
also be made outside office hours by leaving a message
on the answering machine, tel. (+358 46) 710 1070 or by
using an online form available at http://www.fshs.fi ->
cancelling. Please note that if you do not show up for
your appointment and you have not cancelled, you
will have to pay for the appointment! Dental care is
located at Pitkäkatu 1 on the second floor.
You can make an appointment with a doctor on Mon-Fri
10.00 – 14.00, tel. (+358 46) 710 1068. Cancellations
should be made one day before the appointment at the
latest. Cancellations can also be made outside the office
hours by leaving a message on the answering machine or
using an online form available at http://www.fshs.fi ->
cancelling.
Consultation with a general practitioner is free of charge,
whereas consulting specialists costs € 6.00-18.00. You
must see a doctor if you want a referral to such services
44
Pregnancy and Contraception
Kauppakatu 39, tel. +358 300 20200
Yliopiston Apteekki
You can take a pregnancy test at YTHS free of charge.
You should first consult the nurses who will then give you
a referral to the laboratory and provide you with further
information. Information on the various means of
contraception is also provided.
Puistokatu 4, tel. +358 300 20200
Keljon Apteekki
Keljonkeskus, Citymarket, tel. +358 10 666 1080
Seppälän Apteekki
Ahjokatu 7, Prisma, tel. +358 14 339 3300
Kuokkalan Apteekki
Please note that YTHS does not offer maternity services.
If you are pregnant and need maternity services, please
contact the Social and Health Services of the City of
Jyväskylä, the Central Hospital and/or the Social
Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA) for more
information on the price and availability of the care.
Polttolinja 7, tel. +358 10 425 6000
Please note that you are allowed to bring a maximum of
one year’s use of legally acquired prescribed and self-cure
medicine from a EU and EEA country and a maximum of
three month’s use of legally acquired prescribed and selfcure medicine from a non-EU and non-EEA country. You
must be able to prove with a doctor’s prescription or a
medical certificate that the prescribed medicine is intended
for your own use. Note also, that a medicine you use may
not be available in Finland, but it is strictly forbidden to
send medicines to Finland by mail! For more information,
please see www.tulli.fi.
8.2. Pharmacies
Pharmacies are usually open until 17.00 or 18.00. The
University Pharmacy (Yliopiston apteekki) at Kauppakatu
39 is an exception - it is open every day 8.00-23.00. Below
is a list of pharmacies in Jyväskylä.
Vanha Apteekki
Kauppakatu 13, tel. +358 14 211 252
Uusi Apteekki
8.3. Emergency Cases
Yliopistonkatu 32, tel. +358 14 338 2900
Hoviapteekki
Kauppakatu 35, tel. +358 14 337 1350
Jyväs-Apteekki
If you become ill and need urgent medical attention when
YTHS is closed (in the evenings and during weekends),
you should contact the Central Hospital (Keski-Suomen
Keskussairaala). The address is Keskussairaalantie 19
and phone number (+358 14) 2691 811. To order an
ambulance, dial 112 (urgent cases) or (+358 14) 211 606.
Keskussairaalantie 20, tel. +358 14 334 2600
Voionmaan Apteekki
Voionmaankatu 9, tel. +358 14 211 305
Yliopiston Apteekki
The Central Hospital charges an initial fee of € 27.40.
There may also be an additional service fee, depending on
45
Jyväskylä Police Station is located in two addresses:
Urhonkatu 1 and 2, close to the Travel Centre +358 71
874 0521.
the treatment. Please note that non-permanent citizens ,
apart from the EU and EEA citizens and those who have
domicile in Jyväskylä (see chapter 8.6 for further
information), must pay for all treatments themselves and
claim for a refund from their insurance company. The
hospital fees may run high if you are not a citizen of the
EU or EEA or do not have domicile in Jyväskylä (e.g.
appendicitis € 1831-2753, visit to first aid € 122-559, daily
bed charge in a specialised unit is € 367). Thus, if you
come from a country outside the EU or EEA it is
absolutely vital that you obtain a private medical
insurance to cover unexpected emergencies.
Toxicological emergency number (for the whole of
Finland): (+358 9) 4711 or (+358 9) 471 977.
8.5. In Case of Crisis
Mobile Crisis Centre provides help around the clock for all
people in the Jyväskylä region in acute personal and
family crisis situations, for instance related to substance
abuse, domestic violence or mental health. Mobile
provides customer-centred support services in cooperation
with local health and social services free of charge. No
appointments are necessary. You can contact Mobile by
phone (+358 14) 625 960 or simply by visiting the office at
Asemakatu 2, 2nd floor.
While studying in another member state, citizens of EU
and EEA countries are entitled to the same benefits in
case of an emergency (medical care required by the state
of health, accident, sudden illness etc.) as the local
population. The European Health Insurance Card certifies
that you are entitled to these benefits. The card is
standardized throughout the European Union and can be
obtained from the social security institutions of the country
where you are insured. To speed up your claim for
benefits, present this card in the hospital or at the health
centre.
SOS Center/Crisis Prevention
Tel. (09) 4135 0501, telephone hours: Mon-Fri 9.00 –
15.00 (local or mobile phone charges)
Maistraatinportti 4 A, 4th floor.
00100 Helsinki
8.4. Emergency Telephone Numbers
General emergency
Ambulance
Fire station
Police
Pharmacies on call
The SOS center helps foreigners and their family
members living in Finland in different crisis of life. The help
is short-term therapeutic conversation help. A client can
tell about his / her own life situation in his / her mother
tongue with the help of an interpreter, or in English,
Finnish or Swedish. The principle of the center is to give
help as soon and flexibly as possible. You can also get
help anonymously. The help is cost-free for the client. It is
not necessary to have a referral to the center, but it is
important to make an appointment beforehand.
112
112
112
112
118
These numbers (except 118) are free of charge also when
the call is made from a phone booth.
46
Tukinainen – Rape Crisis Centre
In general, the full benefits of KELA are available to those,
who have permanent residence in Finland. Those residing
in Finland because of their studies, and their family
members, are, as a rule, not considered to be permanent
residents.
Tel. 0800 – 97899 (free of charge), telephone hours: MonFri 9.00 - 15.00, Sat-Sun, on holidays and holiday eves,
15.00 – 21.00. Confidential conversation and information
about sexual abuse and violence. You can also book a
personal appointment or get information about group
meetings.
Students coming from the Nordic countries have the same
benefits as Finns. Some EU and EEA countries have
concluded social insurance agreements with Finland,
which may concern you. You should check this before
your departure.
Tukinainen (“Support Woman”) – Rape Crisis Centre is a
national crisis centre offering support and guidance for
women who have been sexually assaulted. The
employees of Tukinainen are all women. All of them have
the necessary qualifications for their tasks, as well as
regular work guidance and an obligation to respect
secrecy. The therapeutic and legal services of Tukinainen
are free of charge. More information can be found at
http://www.tukinainen.fi/.
Further information:
KELA (Kansaneläkelaitos)
Vapaudenkatu 40-42
40100 Jyväskylä
Tel. 020 692 207 (nationwide telephone service
concerning moving to Finland and social security)
http://www.kela.fi
Mon 9.00-16.00, Tue 9.00-17.00, and Wed-Fri 9.00-16.00.
HIV /AIDS Telephone Service
If you come from outside the EU or EEA, you are
required to have private medical insurance as follows:
If you would like to get more information on HIV or AIDS or
need support or guidance, please call HIV/AIDS telephone
service tel. 0207 465 705, Mon-Fri 10 – 15.30 (maintained
by the Aids Council) or tel. 0203 27000, Mon – Thu 17.00
– 21.00 (maintained by Finnish Red Cross).
For studies of less than two years, a student must have
private insurance which primarily covers the costs of
medical treatment up to 100,000 euros.
If the duration of studies is two years or more, a student
will usually have a home municipality in Finland and is
therefore entitled to municipal health care services. In
such cases, it is sufficient for the insurance to primarily
cover the cost of medicines up to 30,000 euros.
8.6. Insurance
Citizens of EU and EEA countries are covered by the
National Health Insurance Scheme administered by the
Social Insurance Institution (Kansaneläkelaitos, KELA).
To be eligible for these benefits, you need to bring with
you an European Health Insurance Card from the local
social security office in your home country.
You are required to have insurance cover when applying
for a residence permit. The residence permit cannot be
granted without the insurance.
Students studying in Finland for at least two years are
entitled to domicile (home municipality) in Jyväskylä.
Domicile is granted by the Registry Office (Maistraatti,
47
Yliopistonkatu 28, open Mon-Fri 9-16.15) to students who
have a valid residence permit and certificate stating a
study period of two years or more. The right to domicile
entitles students to the municipal health care services at
the same prices as the local population (excluding
medicine. Please see above for more information on
insurance requirements).
8.7. Drugs
Drug dealing is strictly forbidden in Finland, and also the
use and possession of drugs is against the law. Anyone in
possession of drugs, including hash, runs the risk of being
arrested and expelled from the country or imprisoned.
Drug dealing carries very heavy penalties. Please note
that the Finnish customs regularly checks mail deliveries
from abroad, and a person receiving a postal delivery
including any kind of drugs (including medicines) runs the
risk of a penalty.
48
9. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE TIME
courts, cycling, jogging tracks, Laajavuori Winter Sports
Centre, outdoor recreation areas, Killerjärvi Equestrian
Sports Centre. Student discounts on tickets for sporting
events vary. If you want to know more about sports
facilities in the city of Jyväskylä (other than University
sports), contact the Sports and Physical Activity Services
tel. (+358 14) 624 848 or e-mail liikunta.info@jkl.fi.
9.1. Sports
As you might have heard, Finns are great sport
enthusiasts, with a particular passion for winter sports
such as ice-hockey, cross-country skiing and ski-jumping.
Finns also excel internationally in athletics, swimming,
wrestling, and motor sports. Most Finns learn to ski at a
very early age. One speciality during the summer is the
Finnish version of baseball (pesäpallo) which is also an
example of how Finns have adopted foreign sports.
9.2. Sauna
In Finland, there are five million inhabitants and one and a
half million saunas! For Finns sauna is much more than
just a place for washing: it is a place for physical and
spiritual relaxation, and truly a part of the Finnish way of
life. An old Finnish proverb proclaims the effectiveness of
the sauna stating that ‘if sauna, liquor and tar don’t help,
the disease must be fatal’.
If you like sports, Jyväskylä is the place to be! The
University has a Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences,
which is unique in Finland. The following is a list of some
of the sports facilities in Jyväskylä: fitness and aerobics
clubs, swimming, spas, squash, badminton and tennis
49
What do you do in a sauna? First, having undressed, you
take a shower. Then you enter the dimly lit sauna room
and sit on wooden benches. The stones on top of the
stove in the corner are very hot and when you throw water
on them, a humid cloud of steam suddenly fills the small
room. Your face gently burns and your body sweats. You
can also try the sauna whisk (vasta or vihta) - a bunch of
young, leafy birch twigs. Dip it into warm water and then
gently beat yourself all over with it - it feels better than it
sounds! If the sauna is by a lake and it is summer you can
take a swim to cool yourself. During the winter many
Finns make a hole in the ice and enjoy dipping themselves
into the icy water or rolling in the snow - both are worth
trying! However, usually you only take a shower.
theatres at Kauppakatu 32. Tickets can be reserved online
at www.finnkino.fi. Ask for possible student discounts.
There is also a small movie theatre, Kampus Kino, on the
main campus in the Student Union Building
(Keskussairaalantie 2). The tickets to Kampus Kino cost
€ 5 for students. For information on the programme,
please visit http://www.jyy.fi/ilokivi/kampuskino.php.
9.4. Theatres
The variety of theatre performances on offer in the
Jyväskylä region is impressive. In addition to the City
Theatre, more than dozen amateur drama companies
serve audiences of all ages. There are, for example, the
following theatres:
Please note that it is not customary for men and women to
go to the sauna together, unless they are members of the
same family or particularly close friends.
Jyväskylä City Theatre, Vapaudenkatu 36, tel. (+358 14)
In Kortepohja Student Village, each apartment building
has its own sauna with separate times scheduled for men
and women. Also KOAS apartment buildings have saunas.
Having tried a Finnish sauna once, you will wonder how
you ever managed without it!
266 0110 (student tickets € 10 – 23, “last minute tickets”
€ 5-10 an hour before the performance (if not sold out)
Huoneteatteri (The Room Theatre), Sammonkatu 4, tel.
(+358 14)266 0114
Jyväskylä
University Student Theatre, Student Union
Building, Keskussairaalantie 2. For more information
visit www.jyt.fi
9.3. Movies
Jyväskylän kansannäyttämö, Sammonkatu 7
AdAstra Theatre, Koskenharjuntie 8, tel.
Films in Finland are shown in their original language with
Finnish and Swedish subtitles. A cinema ticket costs
around 9 euros depending on the day and time of the
show. You will find the weekly programme in the local
newspaper. The programme is usually changed on
Fridays.
The student prices in theatres vary. Do not hesitate to ask
for a discount and always take your student card with you.
For information on current programmes, see the local
newspapers.
The biggest cinema, called Fantasia, is located in the
Jyväskeskus Shopping Centre. Fantasia includes six
50
9.5. Art, Museums and Exhibitions
Aviation
If you are interested in art and museums, information on
current exhibitions and activities can be found in the local
newspapers, Keskisuomalainen and Suur-Jyväskylän
Lehti, under the entry for galleries (Galleriat) .The
following museums and art galleries can be found in
Jyväskylä or in the Jyväskylä region:
Data
Jyväskylä
Art Museum,
www.jyvaskyla.fi/taidemuseo
Museum of Central Finland (Keski-Suomen
Ilmailumuseo), Tikkakoskentie 125, Tikkakoski, www.ksilmailumuseo.fi
Kauppakatu
Processing Museum (Tietojenkäsittelymuseo),
Agora Building in Mattilanniemi and IT-Dynamo building
Piippukatu 2, http://suomentietokonemuseo.fi
Ask for a student discount in the museums and galleries!
Admission is free for all on Fridays to Jyväskylä Art
Museum, Craft Museum of Finland and Museum of
Central Finland.
23,
Museum
of Central Finland, Alvar Aallon katu 7,
www.jyvaskyla.fi/ksmuseo
9.6. Libraries
Home of the Artist Family Heiska, guided tours Fri 13-
You can borrow books from the University Main Library,
department libraries, Jyväskylä City Library and JAMK
University of Applied Sciences Library. Most of the library
services are free of charge. However, if the books are not
returned in time, a fine will be charged. When borrowing
books from the University Library please remember that
the course books can be borrowed for two weeks at a time
and other books for four weeks. Overnight and weekend
loans are also possible, with a few exceptions (e.g. if items
belong to the reference collection). There is a great
demand for some of the course literature, so be sure to
return your books by due date.
14, departure from the Museum of Central Finland
Artisans’
Finland
Houses, opposite to the Museum of Central
Alvar
Aalto Museum,
www.alvaraalto.fi
Alvar
Aallon
katu
7,
Craft
Museum of Finland and The National Costume
Centre of Finland, Kauppakatu 25, www.craftmuseum.fi
Jyväskylä University Museum (Main Campus, buildings
G and S)
Natural
History Museum of Central Finland, Water
Tower, Ihantolantie 5
On your first visit to the City Library or to any of its branch
libraries, you will receive a library card. Remember to
bring your ID. You must have your library card with you
every time you want to borrow something. In the University
libraries you can borrow books with your student card. In
the City Library you can also borrow, for example, CDs,
LPs and audio and video tapes.
Jyväskylä Centre for Printmaking and Galleria
Harmonia, Hannikaisenkatu 39 (opposite the railway
station), www.jyvaskyla.fi/taidemuseo/grafiikkakeskus
Kivikäs
Centre for Prehistoric Art, Riihimäentie 3,
www.arkeo.net/kivikas
Galleria Becker (gallery and art leasing), Seminaarinkatu
28, www.jkltaiteilijaseura.net
An Adult Education Institute (Jyväskylän seudun
kansalaisopisto) (tel. (+358 14) 266 4071,
51
http://www.jyvaskylanseutu.fi/kansalaisopisto) is also
located on the premises of the City Library. The Institute
provides evening classes covering a wide variety of fields,
such as languages - from beginners’ level to more
advanced studies, painting, music and handicrafts. There
is also another adult education institute in Jyväskylä called
Jyvälän kansalaisopisto (address: Kortesuonkatu 52-54,
tel. (+358 14) 217 202, e-mail:
jyvala@jyvala.fi,
www.jyvala.fi). The programme of the two adult education
institutes also includes courses that are particularly
targeted at foreigners (e.g. Finnish language courses).
University Main Library (yliopiston pääkirjasto), on the
Main Campus
Tel. (+358 14) 260 3432, 260 3452 (loan office)
You can also renew your loans at jyklainaus@library.jyu.fi.
Opening hours during the autumn and spring semesters:
Mon-Thu 8-20 (customer service 10-18), Fri 8-18
(customer service 10-18), Sat 9-16, Sun 9-16 (first floor
only, no service). During Christmas and other public
holidays the opening hours can be different. The library
informs its customers about the changes. During the
summer the library is open at the following times:
Libraries:
Mon-Thu 8-18 (customer service 10-16), Fri 8-16
(customer service 10-16), Sat 11-15 (first floor only, no
customer service).
Jyväskylä City Library
(Kaupunginkirjasto/Maakuntakirjasto)
Vapaudenkatu 39-41
Tel. (+358 14) 266 4104
http://www.jkl.fi/kirjasto/englanti/
Open: Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 11.00-16.00
(June-August: Mon-Fri 11.00-19.00, Sat 11.00-15.00).
The reading room for magazines and newspapers has
slightly different opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat
10.00-16.00, Sun 11.00-17.00, Eves 10.00-17.00
(June-August: Mon-Fri 10.00-19.00, Sat 10.00-15.00, Sun
12.00-18.00)
Other libraries at the University:
Sport
Sciences Library, Main Campus, building L,
open Mon-Fri 10-16
Mattilanniemi
Library (Social Sciences and
Mathematics), Mattilanniemi Campus, building A, open:
Mon-Thu 10-18, Fri 10-16
Tourula
Library (Media and Communication Studies
and Continuing Education), at Matarankatu 6, open
Mon-Fri 9-16 (services 10-16)
Ylistönrinne
Library (Physics and Chemistry) on the
Ylistönrinne Campus, Survontie 9, open Mon-Thu 10-18,
Fri 10-16
Kortepohja Branch Library (Kortepohjan lähikirjasto)
Isännäntie 3
Tel. (+358 14) 266 4136
Open: Mon-Thu 13.00-19.00, Fri 10.00-16.00
(June-August: Mon, Tue and Thu 14.00-19.00, Wed and
Fri 10.00-16.00)
Jyväskylä
Services
Main
Polytechnic
Library
and
Information
Library, Rajakatu 35, open Mon-Thu 9-18, Fri 916 and Sat 9-14
52
IT-Dynamo Library, Piippukatu 2, open Mon, Tue, Wed,
Old Brick’s Inn, Kauppakatu 41
Parnell’s Irish Bar, Gummeruksenkatu 7,
Väinönkatu 3
Sohwi, Vaasankatu 21
Tanssisali Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3
Vakiopaine, Kauppakatu 6
Ylä-Ruth, Seminaarinkatu 19
Fri 8.30-16, Thu 8.30-17
Music Library, Pitkäkatu 18-22, Mon-Fri 10-16
Natural Resources Institution Library, Tuumalantie
17, Tarvaala, Saarijärvi, Mon-Thu 9-16, Fri 9-14
School
of Health and Social Studies Library,
Keskussairaalantie 21, Mon-Thu 9-17, Fri 9-16
To see what is on offer, keep an eye on advertisements in
Keskisuomalainen and Suur-Jyväskylän Lehti and on
University notice boards.
9.7. Live Music and Concerts
Various kinds of music from classical to opera, jazz to rock
& pop, folk music to the Finnish tango are appreciated in
Finland. Some examples of the latest Finnish musical
exports are the metal band Nightwish, “love metal” band
HIM and melodic pop/rock band The Rasmus. Due to the
wide-ranging devotion to music in Jyväskylä and to the
good variety of local music institutions, musical
entertainment is offered almost every day of the year. For
instance, Jyväskylä Symphony Orchestra, University
Symphony, Polytechnic Symphony and a good many local
choirs give concerts frequently. And at night you can enjoy
live jazz, rock or dance music in numerous restaurants.
9.8. Hungry, Thirsty, Feel Like Dancing?
In Finland alcohol is sold only in liquor stores (ALKO - the
State Alcohol Monopoly of Finland) and in restaurants,
bars and pubs, but you can purchase medium strength
beer and cider in supermarkets and grocery stores. Bear
in mind the following ground rules for purchasing alcohol
in Alko.
An 18-19-year-old can buy alcoholic beverages with a
maximum of 22% alcohol content
A 20-year-old can buy all alcoholic beverages
Sales staff cannot sell alcohol if they have
reason to
assume that an alcoholic beverage will be illegally
passed on to an under aged person
The following list contains some examples of where to go
for different styles of music:
Jazz lovers:
Poppari Puistokatu 2-4
Live music:
Lounge Club Kharma, Väinönkatu 32
Ilokivi, (Student Union Building),
Keskussairaalantie 2
Hemingway’s, Kauppakatu 32
Fever, Kauppakatu 30
Alcoholic beverages cannot be sold to a person who is
acting in an disorderly manner or is clearly intoxicated
You
must be prepared to present a valid photo ID. A
passport, an official identity card or a drivers licence
issued by a police authority are accepted as a proof of
identification. Student cards are not accepted.
Going out for a drink with friends is very popular. On
Fridays and Saturdays you may see people queuing in
53
front of the most popular pubs and clubs. The pubs do not
have admission fees, whereas the discos/night clubs
charge € 4 - 8, especially during weekends. Tipping is not
compulsory. Most pubs have a doorman who lets people
in and who also has the right to remove anybody who is
disturbing other clients.
There are five Christian organisations for students in
Jyväskylä. More information about their activities can be
found on notice boards, in the student newspaper and in
the Student Union calendar.
The Orthodox Church of Resurrection is situated at
Rajakatu 39, next to the JAMK University of Applied
Sciences. There are three services every week in Finnish:
Vespers every Wednesday at 6 pm, Vigil every Saturday
at 6.00 pm and Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10.00 am.
The Divine Liturgy in church Slavonic is celebrated five
times a year and twice a year in English. For more
information: tel. 020 6100 380 and http://www.ort.fi
Some of the most popular pubs and nightclubs in
Jyväskylä are:
Night clubs: Colonial, Freetime, Giggling Marlin, Fever,
RUMA, Lounge Club Kharma, Night.
Pubs: Amarillo, Anneli, Gastropub Jalo, Grand Star Café,
Hemingway’s, Poppari, Old Brick’s Inn, O’Malleys,
Parnell’s Irish Bar, Pub Katse, Red Neck, Rentukka
(pub/dance club, Kortepohja Student Village, offers
discounts for students), Sohwi, Soolo, Vakiopaine (you’ve
got to see it to believe it!), Vihreä haltiatar.
Saint Olaf’s Roman Catholic Church (Mass also held in
English) Yrjönkatu 36, tel. (+358 14) 612 659,
olavi@catholic.fi, http://olavi.catholic.fi/
Mormon Church (Myöhempien aikojen pyhien Jeesuksen
Kristuksen kirkko), Sammonkatu 9, tel. (+358 14) 615 274,
http://www.mormonit.fi/
Free Evangelical Church (Vapaaseurakunta),
Puutarhakatu 16, tel. (+358 14) 614 026,
http://www.jyvaskylanvapaaseurakunta.fi/
(English fellowship group held every other Saturday at 2
pm. For more information contact:
stevek@metacase.com)
Adventist Church, Ilmarisenkatu 18, tel. (+358 14) 217 767
http://jyvaskyla.adventtikirkko.fi
Pentecostal Church (Helluntaiseurakunta), Lyseonkatu 3,
tel. (+358) 50 4099 170 , http://www.jklhelluntaisrk.fi/
Jyväskylä City Church (Jyväskylän Cityseurakunta),
Kauppakatu 1, tel. (+358 14) 3100 155,
info@jyvaskylancityseurakunta.org
www.jklcitysrk.org
There is also an Islamic community in Jyväskylä. For
further information, please contact the Islamic Community
of Central Finland at Vaasankatu 4 a, +358 40 535 2010
(prayers every Friday at noon).
9.9. Religious Communities
The majority of Finns (80 %) are Lutherans. The
Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Jyväskylä has nine
churches in Jyväskylä. One of them is located next to the
Kortepohja student village (Isännäntie 4). During its
renovation events will be held at Ulpukka recreational
space in Kortepohja Student Village (Taitoniekantie 9B).
Sunday services in English are held in the Old Vicarage
(Vapaudenkatu 26) every second Sunday at 5 pm. If you
would like to get more information on the activities of the
congregation, please get in touch with reverend Raimo
Laine (mobile 050 518 5445, e-mail raimo.laine@evl.fi) or
join the “Christian Fellowship in Jyväskylä” Facebook
group.
54
9.10. Associations and Clubs
The following associations have local groups in Jyväskylä:
AIESEC
Association Internationale des Etudiantes en Sciences
Economiques et Commerciales; International Association of
Economic, Computer Science and Business Students.
Further information: http://www.aiesec-jkl.fi
Amnesty International
Further information: http://www.amnesty.fi
Jyväskylän opiskelijakamerat (Camera Club)
See the student newspaper for announcements about
meetings once a month - membership entitles you to use
the labs in Kortepohja and the Student Union Building, and
to get discounts in photo shops. For more information
please send e-mail to info@jopka.net or visit www.jopka.net
Kehitysmaayhdistys (Third World Association)
Maailmankauppa Mango, Kauppakatu 5, tel. (+358 14) 216
431, www.maailmankauppamango.net
SETA Jyväskylä
SETA or “Seksuaalinen tasavertaisuus” (Sexual Equality) is
a human rights organisation in the field of legal equality and
social justice for sexual and gender minorities such as
lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans-people in Finland.
SETA Jyväskylä is located at Vapaudenkatu 4 and
organizes various activities. More information tel. (+358 14)
3100 660 or +358 45 638 9540 (Wed 19.00-21.00),
http://www.jklseta.fi/
55
10. USEFUL FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN FINLAND
10.1. Holidays
The following public and national holidays are celebrated annually in Finland. On these holidays shops and banks are
usually closed, and even on the previous day there can be some changes in office hours. Please note that the dates of
some of the holidays vary from year to year. Below are the public holidays and other celebrations (*)in the academic year
2009-2010.
November 6
All Saints Day (pyhäinpäivä)
November 11
December 6
December 24-25
December 26
January 1
January 6
February 5
February 14
February 24
Father’s Day (isänpäivä)
Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä), since 1917
Christmas Eve & Day (jouluaatto & -päivä)
Boxing Day (tapaninpäivä)
New Years Day (uudenvuodenpäivä)
Epiphany (loppiainen)
Runeberg’s Day* (Runebergin päivä): He was our national poet. Taste the special cake!
Valentine’s Day* (Ystävänpäivä)
Shrove Tuesday* (laskiaistiistai): Finns eat peasoup and special buns, and head for
the slopes for sledding
Good Friday (pitkäperjantai)
Easter (pääsiäinen)
May Day Eve* & May Day (vappuaatto & päivä)
Mother’s Day (äitienpäivä)
Ascension Day (helatorstai)
Whitsun (helluntai):’If you don’t have a girl/boy friend by Whitsun you won’t have one
the whole summer’ (a Finnish proverb)
April 22
April 24-25
April 30-May1
May 8
June 2
June12
June 24-25
Midsummer Eve & Day (juhannusaatto & -päivä)
56
10.3. Electricity
10.2. Time Zone
The voltage in Finland is 230 AC (50 Hz), and the plugs
are two-pin continental size plugs. Adapters are available
in some department stores and in the shops for electrical
equipment. You are well advised not to bring incompatible
electrical appliances with you to Finland, unless absolutely
necessary.
Finnish time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
‘Daylight saving time’ or summer time (kesäaika) is used
from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
10.4. Weights and Measures
Kilometres
Miles
Centigrade
Fahrenheit
1
1,6
10
50
120
0.6
1
65
30
72
100
20
0
-5
-18
212
68
32
23
0
Metres
0.01
1.0
2.0
0.30
0.915
Inches
0.39
39.37
78.74
1 foot
1 yard
Litres
1
5
10
30
50
Gallons
0.26
1.32
2.6
7.9
13.2
Kilos
0.454
1
5
Pounds
1 pound
2.2 pounds
11 pounds
57
11. TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES
11.1. Embassies and Consulates
You may want to contact the embassy or consulate of your home country while in Finland. Below is a list of addresses of
some embassies; all embassies and consulates are located in Helsinki, except those of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana
and Nigeria.
Australia
Austria
Museokatu 25 B, tel. (+358 9) 4777 6640
Unioninkatu 22, tel. (+358 9) 681 8600
Bangladesh
Anderstorpsvägen 12, 1st floor 171 54 Solna, Sweden, tel. (+46 8) 730 58 50
Belgium
Kalliolinnantie 5, tel. (+358 9) 170412
Britain
Itäinen Puistotie 17, tel. (+358 9) 2286 5100
Canada
Pohjoisesplanadi 25 B, tel. (+358 9) 228 530
China
Vanha Kelkkamäki 9-11, tel. (+358 9) 228 90 110
Czech Republic Armfeltintie 14, tel. (+358 9) 612 088 11
Denmark
Mannerheimintie 8tel. (+358 9) 684 1050
Estonia
Itäinen Puistotie 10, tel. (+358 9) 622 02 60
Ethiopia
Löjtnantsgatan 17, 10055 Stockholm, Sweden, tel. (+46 8) 665 6030
France
Itäinen Puistotie 13, tel. (+358 9) 618 780
Germany
Krogiuksentie 4B, tel. (+358 9) 45 85 80
Ghana
Egebjerj Alle 13, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark, tel. (+45 39) 62 8222
Greece
Maneesikatu 2 A 4, tel. (+358 9) 622 9790
Hungary
Kuusisaarenkuja 6, tel. (+358 9) 484 144
Iceland
Pohjoisesplanadi 27 C, tel. (+358 9) 612 2460
India
Satamakatu 2 A 8, tel. (+358 9) 228 9910
Ireland
Erottajankatu 7 A, tel. (+358 9) 646 006
Italy
Itäinen Puistotie 4 A, tel. (+358 9) 6811 280
Iran
Kulosaarentie 9, tel. (+358 9) 686 92 40
58
Japan
Unioninkatu 20-22, tel. (+358 9) 686 0200
Latvia
Armfeltintie 10 tel. (+358 9) 476 472 44
The Netherlands Erottajankatu 19 B, tel. (+358 9) 22 89 20
Nigeria
Tyrgatan 8, Stockholm, Sweden, tel. +46 8 24 63 90
Norway
Rehbinderintie 17, tel. (+358 9) 686 0180
Morocco
Unioninkatu 15A, tel. (+358 9) 612 2480
Poland
Armas Lindgrenintie 21, tel. (+358 9) 618 280
Portugal
Itäinen Puistotie 11 B, tel. (+358 9) 682 4370
Republic of Korea Erottajankatu, tel. (358 9) 251 5000
Romania
Stenbäckinkatu 24, tel. (+358 9) 241 3624
Russia
Tehtaankatu 1 B, tel. (+358 9) 661 876
Slovakia
Annankatu 25 tel. (+358 9) 6811 7810
Spain
Kalliolinnantie 6, tel. (+358 9) 687 7080
Sweden
Pohjoisesplanadi 7 B, tel. (+358 9) 68 77 660
Turkey
Puistokatu 1 b A 3, tel. (+358 9) 681 1030
United States Itäinen Puistotie 14 A, tel. (+358 9) 616 250
11.2. Other Useful Addresses
www3.jkl.fi/sotepa/maahanmuuttajat/officeforforeigners.sht
ml
Immigrant Services (Maahanmuuttajapalvelut)
Puistokatu 2 C
40101 Jyväskylä
Tel. (+358 14) 626 675
The Office for Foreigners helps immigrants in their
adjustment to Finnish society and supports the
preservation of their own cultural identity. It also seeks to
promote the development of our society into a multicultural community accepting diversity.
Gloria Centre for Multiculturalism
Kauppakatu 18 C 35
40100 Jyväskylä
Gloria provides information on foreign cultures to Finns
and information on the Finnish culture to foreigners. The
Centre also aims at preventing racism and racial
prejudice.
www.monikulttuurikeskus-gloria.fi
59
Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto)
Lautatarhankatu 10, Helsinki
(Postal address: P.O.Box 18, FI- 00581 Helsinki)
11.3. Some Useful Web Sites
Tel. +358 71 873 0431 (switchboard)
http://finland.cimo.fi/
Discover Finland
General enquiries, Tel. +358 71 873 3400. By calling the
number you will get information on the application process
and required attachments, the receipt of applications and
the current status of the matter. Mon-Fri: 9.00 – 15.00.
http://www.migri.fi
The Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS)
http://www.yths.fi/
Centre for International Mobility CIMO
Virtual Finland
http://virtual.finland.fi/
Hakaniemenranta 6, Helsinki
E-mail: cimoinfo@cimo.fi
Tel. +358 20 690 501 (Tue-Wed 13-16, Thu 13-17)
www.studyinfinland.fi
Travelling in Finland
http://www.visitfinland.com/
http://www.centralfinland.net/
CIMO is a Finnish governmental agency operating in the
field of international mobility. Please contact CIMO also to
find information about Finnish courses arranged in
different towns in Finland.
Finnish weather
http://www.fmi.fi/en/
http://www.weather.fi/eng/
http://www.foreca.com
National Board of Education (Opetushallitus)
Hakaniemenranta 6, Helsinki
http://www.oph.fi/
City of Jyväskylä
http://www.jkl.fi/lang
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Ulkoasiainministeriö)
Merikasarminkatu 5 F, Laivastokatu 22 A, Helsinki
+358 9 160 05
http://formin.finland.fi/
Acculturation information
http://www.jyu.fi/mclinic/cis/
60
12. THE FINNISH EXPERIENCE
problems and provide you with information. If you get a
negative answer to your request it is not likely to change
by asking the same question over and over again or by
trying to get a different answer from someone else in the
same office. Persistence in such cases is considered rude
and annoying, and might have quite the opposite effect to
what you want.
12.1. The Way We Are
It usually takes some time to adapt to a culture that is
different from one’s own, but after a while, you will
probably notice that despite our national characteristics we
are not so very different after all.
Please keep in mind, though, that these are all
generalisations. On the other hand, taking the differences
between conversation styles into consideration is useful.
Due to the process of internationalisation in various fields,
the typical stereotype of a silent Finn is slowly but surely
breaking and the Finns are becoming more and more
international. Whether this leads to drastic changes in our
national character remains to be seen. It certainly takes a
lot of sisu (= ‘guts’) to transform Finns into anything. You
will find supplementary information about Finns and
Finnish culture on the internet, at
and
http://www.kulttuuri.net.
The foreign language skills of Finns could be described by
saying that people know more than they show. Most Finns
have learnt the basic skills of at least one foreign language
at school, the most common language being English, with
German and French following not that far behind (as
mentioned before, Swedish is not a foreign language in
Finland). Thus, English is quite widely spoken and
understood among us and you will be able to deal with
your official business in English. However, you may notice
that some Finns are a bit shy to use a foreign language,
especially in a group conversation.
12.2. A Few Common Expressions
One thing that might strike you as a bit peculiar is our
great tolerance of silence in conversation. A Finn may talk
with you excitedly for several minutes and then suddenly
there is a long pause - for no apparent reason. Generally,
Finns speak up when they feel that there is something
significant to say and silence is sometimes tolerated, and
even preferred to empty phrases. Indeed, there is a
Finnish saying that goes, ‘speech is silver, but silence is
gold’. When a Finn says something, he/she usually means
it, too. So, if a Finn suggests that you could have lunch
together sometime you are usually to consider this as a
real invitation, not just small talk.
Finnish is not among the easiest languages in the world,
but you need not worry - as mentioned above, you can
usually manage quite well by using English. However,
Finns are always very pleased and positively surprised if a
foreigner knows even a few words of Finnish. Below is a
list of a few simple, very common expressions.
hello
see you
good morning
cheers!
good night
maybe
In any office, be it at the university or outside, the
personnel will usually be willing to help you with your
61
hei/terve/moi
hei/moi
hyvää huomenta
kippis!
hyvää yötä
ehkä
How do you do
thank you
see you
you’re welcome
yes
How are you?
päivää
kiitos
hei/moi
ole hyvä
kyllä
Mitä kuuluu?
no
excuse me
I don’t understand
good night
Can you help me?
ei
anteeksi
en ymmärrä
Hyvää yötä
Voitko auttaa minua?
but occasionally it gets colder, even down to -30 C°.
Fortunately, Finnish houses are equipped with tripleglazed windows and central heating, so you will have no
reason to worry. However, when you go out of doors in
cold weather, it is always wise to be wary of frostbite - that
is best done by wearing appropriate clothing. But do not
let this discourage you from going out, since very cold
days have an atmosphere of their own which you should
not miss!
After the winter solstice in December, the amount of light
slowly but steadily increases again. However, you need to
wait until the end of March until the day once more
outlasts the night (spring equinox). The day becomes
longer and longer and although it might still snow a little
occasionally, the snow gradually melts away. Spring is
slowly but surely on its way again.
12.3. Snowbound
Those of you who have not experienced a Nordic winter
before may have a lot of questions in mind. To help you
come to terms with the winter season, we suggest that you
think of it as a sequence of several distinct phases, each
of which has an atmosphere of its own, rather than a long
period of coldness. By accepting it as it comes, you will
find the winter in Jyväskylä a rewarding experience.
Typically, Finns themselves complain about the weather
more than the visitors.
As a first sign of winter the streets are filled with slush
every now and then, but eventually everything is covered
in real snow. The months from December to February are
a time of stillness. There is no kaamos in this part of
Finland - that is, the sun always rises above the horizon but the light hours are not that many during mid-winter. As
for the temperature, a typical mid-winter reading in
Jyväskylä would be something between -5 C° and -15 C°,
62
GENERAL UNIVERSITY TERMINOLOGY: ENGLISH FINNISH
to enrol......................................................kirjoittautua
essay...................................................essee, tutkielma
exam..........................................tentti, koe, kuulustelu
examination results..................................tenttitulokset
exercises....................................................harjoitukset
faculty..........................................................tiedekunta
foreign student.......................ulkomaalainen opiskelija
form..................................................................lomake
general studies..........................................yleisopinnot
grade..............................................................arvosana
academic year…………………………….lukuvuosi
administration building......................hallintorakennus
advanced studies............................syventävät opinnot
amanuensis...............................................amanuenssi
assistentti.......................................................assistant
attendance......................................................läsnäolo
autumn semester...................................syyslukukausi
Bachelor of..................................................kandidaatti
basic degree............................................perustutkinto
basic studies...........................................perusopinnot
bureau...................................toimisto, virasto, kanslia
cafe...................................................................kahvila
cafeteria............................................................ruokala
certificate.........................................................todistus
certificate of registration.....................opiskelutodistus
to charge a fee..........................................periä maksu
compulsory..................................................pakollinen
computer.......................................................tietokone
Computing Centre.....................................ATK-keskus
consultation hours...............................vastaanottoaika
course..........................kurssi, opintojakso, oppimäärä
credit, credit unit.......................................opintoviikko
degree.............................................tutkinto,oppiarvod
egree programme...............................koulutusohjelma
department..........................................................laitos
docent.............................................................dosentti
Doctor................................................................tohtori
to graduate.....................suoririttaa tutkinto, valmistua
health (care) service.............................terveydenhoito
international..........................................kansainvälinen
Language Centre.........................................kielikeskus
language studies........................................kieliopinnot
lecture.......................................……………….luento
lecturer.......................................................luennoitsija
lecture room.................................................luentosali
licentiate......................................................lisensiaatti
main building...........................................päärakennus
main / major subject........................................pääaine
mark.............................................................arvosana
Master of.........................................................maisteri
Master’s programme...........................maisteriohjelma
membership fee……….............................jäsenmaksu
minor subject....................................................sivuaine
Office…............................................................toimisto
optional……...............................................valinnainen
postgraduate degree...................................jatkotutkinto
63
professor.......................................................professori
to register...............................ilmoittautua, kirjoittautua
registration certificate..........................opiskelutodistus
residence permit.........................................oleskelulupa
seminar...........................................................seminaari
spring semester......................................kevätlukukausi
student............................................................opiskelija
student card............................................opiskelijakortti
Student Union........................................ylioppilaskunta
to study............................................................opiskella
Study Counsellor.....................................opinto-ohjaaja
subject.....................................................aine, oppiaine
subject studies............................................aineopinnot
teacher...............................................................opettaja
transcript..........................opinto-ote, opintorekisteriote
tuition fee..............................................lukukausimaksu
undergraduate degree…….......................perustutkinto
university..........................................................yliopisto
University Library...............................yliopiston kirjasto
64
Musicology/Musiikkitiede
DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND MAJOR SUBJECTS
Organizational Communication and PR/Yhteisöviestintä
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Russian Language and Literature/Venäjän kieli ja kirjallisuus
Kasvatustieteiden tiedekunta
Speech Communication/Puheviestintä
Swedish/Ruotsin kieli
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Adult Education/Aikuiskasvatus
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES/Yhteiskuntatieteellinen
tiedekunta
Early Childhood Education/Varhaiskasvatus
Education/Kasvatustiede
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Special Education/Erityispedagogiikka
Philosophy/Filosofia
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES/
Political Science/Valtio-oppi
Humanistinen tiedekunta
Psychology/Psykologia
Social and Public Policy/Yhteiskuntapolitiikka
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Social Work/Sosiaalityö
Art Education / Taidekasvatus
Sociology/Sosiologia
Art History/Taidehistoria
Economic History/Taloushistoria
English/Englannin kieli
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS/
Taloustieteiden tiedekunta
Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology/Etnologia
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Finnish/Suomen kieli
Accounting/Laskentatoimi
Finnish History/Suomen historia
Corporate Environmental Management/ Ympäristöjohtaminen
French/Romaaninen filologia
Economics/Kansantaloustiede
General History/Yleinen historia
Entrepreneurship/Yrittäjyys
German Language and Culture/Saksan kieli ja kulttuuri
Management and Leadership/Johtaminen
Hungarology/Hungarologia
Marketing/Markkinointi
Journalism/Journalistiikka
Literature/Kirjallisuus
Music Education/Musiikkikasvatus
65
FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/
Informaatioteknologian tiedekunta
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Computer Science/Tietojenkäsittelytiede
Information Systems Science/Tietojärjestelmätiede
Mathematical Information
Theoretical Physics/Teoreettinen fysiikka
Mathematics/Matematiikka ja tilastotiede
Statistics/Tilastotiede
FACULTY OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCES/
Liikunta- ja terveystieteiden tiedekunta
Technology/Tietotekniikka
Subjects/Oppiaineet:
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE/
Matemaattis-luonnontieteellinen tiedekunta
Major subjects/Pääaineet:
Biology/ Biologia
Biotechnology/Biotekniikka
Cell Biology/Solubiologia
Chemical Biology/Kemiallinen biologia
Adapted Physical Education/Erityisliikunta
Biomechanics/Biomekaniikka
Exercise Physiology/Liikuntafysiologia
Gerontology and Public Health/Gerontologia ja kansanterveys
Health Promotion/Terveyden edistäminen
Physical Education/Liikuntapedagogiikka
Physiotherapy/Fysioterapia
Ecology and Environmental
Science of Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing/Valmennus- ja
testausoppi
Management/Ekologia ja ympäristönhoito
Sport Medicine/Liikuntalääketiede
Environmental Sciences/ Ympäristötieteet
Sport Psychology/Liikuntapsykologia
Fish Biology and Fisheries/Kalabiologia ja kalatalous
Sport Sociology/Liikuntasosiologia
Limnology and Hydrobiology/Limnologia ja hydrobiologia
Sport Planning and Administration/Liikuntasuunnittelu ja hallinto
Molecular Biology/Molekyylibiologia
Applied Chemistry/Soveltava kemia
Chemistry/Kemia
Inorganic and Analytical
Chemistry/Epäorgaaninen ja analyyttinen kemia
Organic Chemistry/Orgaaninen kemia
Physical Chemistry/Fysikaalinen kemia
Applied Physics/Soveltava fysiikka
Physics/Fysiikka
Electronics/Elektroniikka
66
CHECKLISTS
Before arrival

Remember to apply for accommodation no later than 1 June (if you are arriving in September) or 1 November (if you
are arriving in January).

Citizens
of non-EU/EEA countries should apply for a residence permit well in advance. Remember to obtain
appropriate health insurance and attach details of it to your residence permit application. Further information:
http://www.migri.fi

Complete the registration form, which has been sent to you together with the letter of admission. Pay the Student
Union membership fee beforehand as well, and send a copy of the receipt as well as the registration form to the
International Office.

Apply for a student card at http://www.lyyra.fi/eng/.

Send, fax or e-mail your exact time of arrival in Jyväskylä to your tutor

Write down the mobile phone number of your tutor and take it with you. Call him/her if you do not find each other or if
your travel plans change the last minute.

Bring your passport and the letter of admission with you. You will need them for example when opening a bank
account

Bring
enough money to pay for the rent (€ 190-270 per month), Survival Kit (€ 60; optional, exchange/visiting
students only) and the Student Union membership fee (€92.30year, € 45.50/autumn semester, € 46.80 spring
semester) (if you have not taken care of the fee beforehand)

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, obtain a European Health Insurance Card from the local social security office in your
home country and/or acquire private medical insurance

If you come from a country outside the EU or EEA, obtain a private medical insurance
Your first days in Jyväskylä:

Sign your lease

Open a bank account (your tutor will help you with this)

Pay the student union membership fee (if you have not done so in advance)

Register at the university and apply for the Finnish student card (if you have not done so in advance)

Contact your host department

Take part in the orientation programme (offered in the beginning of semesters)
67

If you come from an EU or EEA country, register at the police station after you have registered at the university (that
is, if your stay in Finland exceeds 3 months and you are not a citizen of a Nordic country). Fee 40 euros.

Submit your personal identity data to the Population Information System for registration, if you stay in Finland for
longer than one year. This should be done in writing. Forms are available at the Registration Office (Maistraatti), post
office and Social Insurance Institution (KELA)

If you study in Finland for at least two years, apply for domicile (home municipality) at the Registry Office (Maistraatti,
Yliopistonkatu 28, open Mon-Fri 9-16.15)

Check out the courses you would like to take and enrol in them

Join the foreign students’ mailing list at http://lists.jyu.fi/mailman/listinfo/fs-news
Before going home:

Give notice in writing to end your lease at least one calendar month before you intend to move

Arrange a moving out inspection time at the accommodation office

Give your account number and the address of your bank in your home country to the accommodation office in order
to receive the housing deposit back

Return all the library books you have borrowed

Return your Survival Kit to the Secretary of the
beforehand (kylasihteeri@jyy.fi)
Kortepohja Student Village. Remember to make an appointment

Make sure that your rent, sauna fees and other bills are paid

Close your bank account

Make an official notice of moving to the Registration Office (if you have lived in Finland for more than a year)

Notify the post office about your change of residence so that your post will be forwarded to your new address

Fill in the departure information form at http://www.jyu.fi/en/study/forms/departure_information/. A transcript of records
will be sent to the address(es) you have given in the form 1-2 months after your departure

If you need a certificate with the exact dates of your arrival and departure, please stop by at the International Office
personally to get it (no earlier than one week before departure)

Unsubscribe from the foreign students’ mailing list at http://lists.jyu.fi/mailman/listinfo/fs-news

Clean up your apartment (both your room and the common areas: kitchen, bathroom and hallway)

Do not leave any personal belongings in the apartment. They will be disposed and a fee charged (and deducted from
your housing deposit) for each item.
68
 the
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
functional linking of studies with the scientific,
professional and other aims of academic degrees.
(Approved by the University Senate on 20.5.1998,
changes in 21 § on 26.8.1998, changes in 16 § and 20 §
on 8.12.1999, changes in 5 § and 15 § on 13.6.2001,
changes in 1 §, 2 §, 5 §, 7 §, 15 §, 19 §, 23 § and 25 § on
13.4.2005, a change in 5 § on 24.8.2005)
It is the teacher’s duty to inform the students in advance
about the options and requirements for an examination.
4§
The curriculum defines how study modules are
constructed of courses. The criteria for grading study
modules are likewise determined.
5§
The grading scales used for grading examinations are as
follows:
EXAMINATIONS AND THEIR GRADING
1§
These regulations apply to the administration and grading
of examinations at the University of Jyväskylä. The term
‘Examination’ refers to a paper or thesis written for
advanced studies, any written or oral examination, artistic
performance, or any other test included in the curricula of
the University of Jyväskylä. The term excludes the
licenciate or doctoral theses and other specimens of skill
of equivalent level.
2§
Each teacher gives examinations in the subjects included
in his/her official post, as laid down in the curricular and
work plans.
 pass - fail,
 excellent - good - pass – fail
 excellent (ET), good (HT),
(hylätty),
satisfactory (TT), fail -
 laudatur - eximia cum laude approbatur - magna cum
laude approbatur - cum laude approbatur - non sine
laude approbatur - lubenter approbatur - approbatur improbatur.
Should the teacher be unable to perform this task, the
Dean will appoint another subject teacher, or other
qualified person, to give the examination.
Grading is based on the objectives defined in the curricula.
The course teacher or teachers are responsible for
grading.
3§
The purpose of grading is to monitor the progress of a
student’s studies and to develop teaching. The grading of
examinations provides information on
When the scale ‘erinomaiset tiedot - hyvät tiedot tyydyttävät tiedot - hylätty’ (‘excellent - good - satisfactory fail)’ is used, the corresponding numeric scale is as
follows:
 excellent
 very good
 good
 satisfactory
 sufficient
 fail
 the process of learning,
 the outcomes and results of learning,
 the effectiveness of teaching situations, and
69
5
4
3
2
1
0
The table below is used when converting grades from the
old grading scale to the new one. It also shows the
equivalence with the European Course Credit Transfer and
Accumulation System ECTS.
a) Numeric
scale before
1.8.2005:
b) Numeric
scale after
1.8.2005 *
c) Numeric
scale after
1.8.2005
applicable to
studies carried
out as study credits
d) Verbal
scale
e) ECTS
equivalence
f) ECTS
verbal scale
3 - 2,75
2,50 - 2,25
2,00 - 1,75
1,5 - 1,25
1 - 0,75
under 0,75
5
4
3
2
1
0
3
2,50
2
1,5
1
0
erinomainen(E)
kiitettävä (K)
hyvä (H)
tyydyttävä (T)
välttävä (V)
ei hyväksytty
A
B
C
D
E
FX, F
excellent
very good
good
satisfacory
sufficient
fail
* As of 1.8.2005 onwards the numeric scale from 0 to 5
(scale b) is used. For those students pursuing their studies
according to old curriculum (decrees of 1994, 1995, and
1997) the study modules will be entered in the register
using the scale from 0 to 3 (scale c). The transfer between
these two scales is made according to the table above.
6§
Unless otherwise specified, the Faculty Council regulates
the procedures and the general rules concerning the acceptance of studies completed in other educational institutes as part of a degree.
The invigilation duties for other examinations are determined by the Head of the unit responsible for the studies.
8§
The duration of general examinations arranged by the
Faculty is four hours.
Other than general examinations arranged by the Faculty
may be of shorter duration, depending on the study module for which the examination is arranged.
9§
The timing of an examination starts from the moment the
persons taking the examination see the questions. It is the
invigilator’s duty to ensure that all test takers see the
questions at the same time.
It is not allowed to leave an examination until 30 minutes
have passed since the beginning of the examination. If a
student arrives late for an examination, the invigilators
must allow him/her to take part, provided that none of the
examinees have left the room and that it does not cause
major inconvenience.
After the examination has ended, it is the duty of the invigilator(s) to deliver the examination papers to the examiner.
ADMINISTERING A WRITTEN EXAM
7§
When administering written examinations an adequate
number of invigilators must be assigned to each examination room.
The invigilation duties for general examinations are determined by the Faculty Dean.
70
The examiner has the right to receive the examination
papers on the following work day at the latest.
manner, and the invigilators have the right to adapt the
regulations previously prescribed in this section, as required by the situation.
10 §
If, at the beginning of the examination, the examiner is not
present at the examination in person, he or she must inform the office administering the examination, or the invigilator of his / her whereabouts, or how to solve possible
problems concerning the examination.
11 §
Only students who are attending the University and have
the right to study the subject in question are allowed to
take part in examinations.
12 §
Registration for both Faculty and Departmental general
examinations is required at least one week prior to the
examination date, by which time also registrations sent via
mail must arrive. The unit responsible for the studies,
however, has the right to accept a different registration
deadline than the one mentioned before.
PUBLISHING RESULTS AND GIVING FEEDBACK
15 §
When examination results are published, the names and
possibly the grades of students who have successfully
completed the exam, as well as the number of failed students are announced. The list of results is signed by the
teacher or teachers responsible for the course or study
module. The unit responsible for arranging the examination is under obligation to file the examination data.
When publishing the examination results it is not allowed
to manifest the social security number of those taking the
examination.
Examination results have to be published within two
weeks from the point at which the teacher receives the
material to be graded. The examiners of a thesis must
provide the Faculty with a statement within one month
calculated from the date the work was submitted for examination in its final form.
After publication, the examination results must be entered
into the course register without delay. The results have to
be in the register in one week’s time from the publication
at the most.
If, due to the mode of performance or some other special
reason, the grading of an examination requires a longer
period of time than that stated above, the Head of Department or Dean may grant extra time for grading. If an extension is granted, the students must be informed by the
teacher responsible for the course without delay.
16 §
In addition to examination results each student has the
right to an explanation of the general criteria used in assessment. A student must also have access to his/her
graded examination material, whether written or recorded
in some other form, and he or she has the right to obtain a
copy of his/her examination material, at his/her own expense. The teacher or teachers responsible for the course
or study module may give feedback to the participating
students either as a group or individually, without endan-
Registration must be carried out using an official form or
other means arranged. The examiner decides upon the
acceptance of forms that have arrived late or that are
incomplete.
Registration is not mandatory for examinations held at the
end of a lecture series, or course or rehearsal mid-, finalor re-examinations, unless the examiner decides otherwise.
13 §
A person taking part in an examination is obliged to provide proof of identification if requested.
Those taking part in an examination should be seated in
the examination room in such a manner that each person
can work in privacy and there is no possibility of fraudulent
practice.
14 §
Should a person taking part in an exam suffer from a disability, the examination must be arranged in an appropriate
71
gering what has been decreed or ordained on the publicity
of examination results.
quested within 14 days from the point at which the student
has had access to the detailed examination results and
information as to how the general criteria have been applied to his/her case.
A student who is dissatisfied with the re-assessment can
appeal against it to the Examinations Board of Appeal
within 14 days from the point at which he/she was informed about the decision.
22 §
Each Faculty has one or more Examination Boards, assigned to that duty for a three-year period by the Rector. The
Rector appoints the Chairperson of the Board, as well as
the board members and their deputies.
Should the Chairperson or a Board Member be unable to
participate in the proceedings, his/her deputy will be called
in. Should the deputy member also be unavailable, the
Rector will appoint a Chairperson and the members and
their respective deputy members to deal with the individual
case in question.
17 §
Examinations linked with teaching, i.e. lectures, courses,
demonstrations and the like, are given at the end of the
respective course. There must be at least one opportunity
for retaking the examination within two months of the end
of the course.
18 §
The number of times an examination can be taken is not
to be limited. If a student has, without good reason, not
appeared at two successive opportunities for taking the
same examination for which he/she has registered, or in
which he/she has failed, he/she must consult the teacher
about the next opportunity to take the examination.
19 §
Written examinations or examinations recorded in some
other form must be preserved for at least six months after
publication of the results. Pro gradu theses, licentiate and
doctoral theses must be preserved permanently.
The Examinations Board is responsible for finding a solution to the issue in question. Before a decision is made, the
respondent must be given a chance to present to the
Board his/her own explanation of any matters which, may
have an influence on the decision.
The Board must provide grounds for its decision on the
matters presented to it.
23 §
An examination can be interrupted and the student immediately removed from the examination room by the invigilator if a student is found guilty of fraudulent practice during
the course of examination, and the student will be disqualified. Likewise, if fraudulent practice is discovered later, the
student is to be disqualified. Even other types of study
prestations are to be disqualified if the student can be
proved guilty of fraudulent practice when performing it.
24 §
Examination results do not expire unless otherwise decided by the Faculty Council.
25 §
These regulations become effective on 1 August 2005.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO EXAMINATIONS
20 §
On the publicity of examination results stands as decreed
in the Law on Publicity of Authorities’ Action (621/1999).
A permit accordant with the 28 § of the Law on Publicity of
Authorities’ Action to obtain information on examination
results can be granted by the dean of the faculty or by the
head of the independent department. If the permit concerns more than one faculties or independent departments
it will be granted by the Administration Office.
OTHER REGULATIONS
21 §
A student, who is dissatisfied with the grade he or she has
received for an examination may, orally or in writing, make
a request for re-assessment from the respective teacher
or, in writing, regarding the grade for a Master’s thesis
from the Faculty Council. A re-assessment must be re72
YOUR NOTES
73
74