University of Jyväskylä - International Student Guide 2014-2015

STUDENT GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL

2014–2015

UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ • FINLAND

University of Jyväskylä

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE Academic year 2014-2015

Editor: Cover: Photos:

Laura Laamanen PIGME Petteri Kivimäki, Solja Ryhänen, Tuukka Rönkkö, Antti Soini, Marja Tepponen

ISSN 1796-5896 Yliopistopaino 2014

CONTENTS 1. THIS IS FINLAND................................................................................................................................................ 5 2. THIS IS JYVÄSKYLÄ .......................................................................................................................................... 8 3. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ ........................................................................................................................... 9

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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 ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.8. Certificates and Transcipts ............................................................................................................................................... 16 3.9. Services Provided by the University ................................................................................................................................. 17 3.10. Students with Special Needs……………………………………………………………………………………………….…….20 3.11. International Office .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 3.12. The Student Union (JYY) ................................................................................................................................................ 21 3.13. Subject Associations ....................................................................................................................................................... 21 3.14. Erasmus Student Network .............................................................................................................................................. 22 3.15. Alumni Activities .............................................................................................................................................................. 22 HOW TO GET TO JYVÄSKYLÄ .......................................................................................................................... 23 LIVING EXPENSES AND HOUSING .................................................................................................................. 25 5.1. Cost of Living .................................................................................................................................................................... 25 5.2. Housing ............................................................................................................................................................................. 26 FINNISH STATE REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 30 6.1. Visa and Residence Permit .............................................................................................................................................. 30 6.2. Work Permit ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31 6.3. Taxation ............................................................................................................................................................................ 32 TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................. 33 7.1. Railways ........................................................................................................................................................................... 33 7.2. Long-Distance Coaches and Buses ................................................................................................................................. 34 7.3. Local Buses ...................................................................................................................................................................... 35 7.4. On Foot and by Bike ......................................................................................................................................................... 35 7.5. Taking a Taxi .................................................................................................................................................................... 36 7.6. By Car in Finland .............................................................................................................................................................. 36 7.7. Travelling Abroad.............................................................................................................................................................. 37 7.8. Telephones ....................................................................................................................................................................... 37 7.9. Post & Post Offices ........................................................................................................................................................... 38 7.10. Money & Banks............................................................................................................................................................... 39 7.11. Lost &Found ................................................................................................................................................................... 40 7.12. TV and Radio Programmes ............................................................................................................................................ 40 HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES............................................................................................ 41

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8.1. YTHS—The Finnish Student Health Service.................................................................................................................... 41 8.2. Pharmacies....................................................................................................................................................................... 43 8.3. Municipal health centres ................................................................................................................................................... 43 8.4. Emergency Cases ............................................................................................................................................................ 43 8.5. Private clinics ................................................................................................................................................................... 44 8.6. Emergency Telephone Numbers...................................................................................................................................... 44 8.7. In Case of Crisis ............................................................................................................................................................... 44 8.8. Insurance .......................................................................................................................................................................... 45 8.9. Drugs ................................................................................................................................................................................ 45 9. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE TIME ........................................................................................................ 46 9.1. Sports ............................................................................................................................................................................... 46 9.2. Sauna ............................................................................................................................................................................... 46 9.3. Movies .............................................................................................................................................................................. 47 9.4. Theatres ........................................................................................................................................................................... 47 9.5. Art, Museums and Exhibitions .......................................................................................................................................... 47 9.6. Libraries ............................................................................................................................................................................ 48 9.7. Live Music and Concerts .................................................................................................................................................. 49 9.8. Hungry, Thirsty, Feel like Dancing? ................................................................................................................................. 50 9.9. Religious Communities..................................................................................................................................................... 50 9.10. Associations and Clubs .................................................................................................................................................. 51 10. USEFUL FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN FINLAND .................................................................................................. 52 10.1. Holidays .......................................................................................................................................................................... 52 10.2. Time Zone ...................................................................................................................................................................... 53 10.3. Electricity ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53 10.4. Weights and Measures................................................................................................................................................... 53 11. TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES .................................................................................................... 54 11.1. Embassies and Consulates ............................................................................................................................................ 54 11.2. Other Useful Addresses ................................................................................................................................................. 55 11.3. Some Useful Web Sites ................................................................................................................................................. 56 12. THE FINNISH EXPERIENCE .............................................................................................................................. 57 12.1. The Way We Are ............................................................................................................................................................ 57 12.2. A Few Common Expressions ......................................................................................................................................... 57 12.3. Snowbound..................................................................................................................................................................... 58

GENERAL UNIVERSITY TERMINOLOGY: ENGLISH-FINNISH .............................................................................. 59 CHECKLISTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 61

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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 almost 100 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!

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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 three 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 Mr Sauli Niinistรถ (since 2012).

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.

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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 Moomintrolls 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 and high tech.

Culture

Education system

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

The Finnish education system is comprised of a comprehensive school system, post compulsory general 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 6

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 (two-three years, leading to basic vocational qualification).

Finland has one of the most comprehensive university networks in Europe with 14 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 24 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.

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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 133 000 inhabitants in Jyväskylä 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, environmental technology and wellness. As one of Finland’s busiest congress cities, Jyväskylä is also developing a strong reputation as an international congress and exhibition centre.

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. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ

3.1. Faculties and Departments

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 near the city centre as well as Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne and Ylistönmäki Campuses on opposite shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi, united by a bridge, some 10 minutes walk from the Main Campus area.

The University is comprised of seven faculties. The faculties and departments are listed below.

EDUCATION: Education Teacher Education 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 Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics. Separate institutes include the Agora Center, 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

MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE: Biological and Environmental Science Chemistry Mathematics and Statistics Physics SOCIAL SCIENCES: Psychology Social Sciences and Philosophy

basic natural phenomena and the structure of matter education, learning, and teaching in the future languages, culture, and social change processes physical activity and wellbeing and human technology.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Computer Science and Information Systems Mathematical Information Technology

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recommended arrival date:

SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCES: Sport Sciences Biology of Physical Activity Health Sciences

1 September 2014

orientation programme: 2-5 September 2014

classes and exams end by 19 December 2014

JYVÄSKYLÄ UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Spring semester 2015:

recommended arrival date: 5 January 2015 orientation programme: 7-9 January 2015 classes and exams end by 22 May 2015 Easter break: 30 March—6 April 2015

3.2. International Cooperation in Education 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 (Erasmus), Nordplus, North-SouthSouth Higher Education Exchange, FIRST and ISEP. We have also concluded bilateral agreements on student exchange with some 50 universities around the world.

Altogether, the University is involved in student exchanges with more than 360 universities worldwide.

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. See also the degree regulations of the University of Jyväskylä at www.jyu.fi/opiskelu/degreereg.

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, there is 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, whose admission is based on student exchange

Autumn semester 2014:

Intensive

Summer Course in Finnish: 5 - 29 August 2014 (application deadline 1 June) 10

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.

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 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 two additional years of the designated study time. It is

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 the University in transcripts, faculty guides and course 11

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.

to all students of the university. You can choose your 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 be targeted at students of the department/faculty in question only, require pre-enrolment (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 Jyväskylä University 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 www.jyu.fi/study

What Subjects Can You Study Degree students All degree students prepare a personal study plan (HOPS in Finnish) at the beginning of their studies. The personal study plan includes the content, scope and duration of the studies and it is designed on the basis of the curriculum.

The main purpose of the personal study plan is to assist you in estimating the workload required and to clarify your prior competences and overall objectives of your studies.

The personal 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.

Courses, Examinations and Grading

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 they wish to take a degree.

In most subject area disciplines the basic studies are open

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 12

time and place of an examination during the last couple of lectures. A re-examination is arranged, if students so 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 they have been accepted. After the exchange period has ended, i.e. after the end of December or 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.

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 www.jyu.fi/opiskelu/degreereg 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 must be done in the Korppi web-based registration environment at least one week prior to the examination. Please visit the website of the department/faculty 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

At the University of Jyväskylä, each student is graded on his/her individual performance and there is no rule as to how big a proportion of the course participants can be given a certain grade. In this respect, the University of Jyväskylä grading is not comparable to the ECTS grading system.

When taking an examination, 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., 13

your academic English skills need brushing up, we highly recommend that you take part in the English courses available throughout the year at the Language Centre.

The following grades can also be used:

pass — fail excellent (erinomainen)

(hyväksytty) - fail (hylätty)

Academic Culture - good (hyvä) - pass

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.

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

Language Requirements 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 in English which are listed on the International Office web pages. In addition to the international programmes, most of the departments offer a few courses and seminars in English every year.

3.5. Registration Prior to starting your studies you have to enrol at the University. The registration instructions have been sent to you together with the letter of admission. Please read them carefully. If have you taken care of the registration 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 myfrank.fi/en/student-card. Please see below for further information on how to order the card (3.6. Student Card).

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.

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 www.dialang.fi. If 14

Degree students

www.jyu.fi/opiskelu/opinnoista/lomakkeet/uot 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).

Please return the registration documents (a registration form and a copy of the Student Union membership fee payment) to your faculty.

After the first year, all regular students are required to register annually. The Student Union membership fee € 102.50 must be paid before 15 September by quoting the personal reference number which is 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 can be found on the International Office website. Should you wish to postpone your studies for one or two semesters, you may register for non-attendance and still remain enrolled. Please note that doctoral students should register to the university annually through Korppi.

Exchange and visiting students Exchange students take care of the registration as part of their Mobility-Online application procedure. Visiting students are sent the registration instructions together with the letter of admission.

Joining the Student Union is voluntary for exchange and visiting students. However, the Student Union membership entitles you to a wide range of services, benefits and discounts and it is therefore in your best interest to join.

Please see chapter 3.12. for a full list of benefits.

NORDPLUS, NORDLYS, visiting and ERASMUS students should pay the Student Union membership fee (€ 102.50/academic year, € 52/autumn semester, € 54/spring semester) themselves. Students arriving in the framework of ISEP, FIRST, UNC-EP, North-South-South or the university-level bilateral agreements (Alberta, Asian Institute of Technology, Austral de Chile, Baylor, Beijing (Foreign Studies University), Beihang, Beihua, Bonn, Charles Sturt, Chiao Tung, Chile, Debrecen, Desarrollo, EWHA Womans University, Hiroshima, Hong Kong Baptist, Hyderabad, Jaroslavl, Kanazawa, Kanda, Kyoto Sangyo, Macquarie, Montevideo, Mississippi, National

Those taking part in student exchange or practical training abroad during their studies at Jyväskylä should also register to the university as full-time students while they are abroad. Students starting their exchange or practical training period in the autumn should register by filling in the registration form out-going students and trainees at www.jyu.fi/opiskelu/opinnoista/lomakkeet/uot. 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 registration form out-going students and trainees at 15

Chiao Tung, National Yang-Ming, Northern Iowa, Osnabrück, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, Saint Mary’s, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Pittsburg State, Prince Edward Island, Santiago de Compostela, Regina, Saga, Simon Fraser, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Soonchunhyang, Tokyo Metropolitan, Toronto, Xi’an Jiaotong, Victoria, Youngstown State and Zambia) are exempted from the student union membership fee.

can apply for the student card online at myfrank.fi/en/student-card after you have taken care of the registration (including the Student Union membership fee payment) and received your JYU student number by email. Please read the instructions on the card order website carefully. Your JYU student number and a digital photo are required for the card application. The basic student card costs € 15.10 (academic year 2013-2014.

The price for 2014-2015 is to be confirmed). For more information about different card types, please see: www.jyu.fi/en/study/services/student_card.

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 most international Master’s programmes is in January-February. Please consult the following websites for more information: www.jyu.fi/studywithus and www.universityadmissions.fi.

Your student card application will be processed after you have paid for the card online with a credit card. If you have further questions regarding the application process, please contact the Myfrank customer service at info@myfrank.fi.

Degree students may validate the card for each subsequent academic year in the Admission and Student Services or in the Student Union Office after they 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.

Doctoral students and visiting doctoral students Doctoral students and visiting doctoral students may join the Student Union and apply for a PhD student card if they wish. 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.

3.7. Study Counselling You can always turn to the university staff with your questions and problems concerning your studies. The Head of Academic Affairs of the faculty or the international relations coordinator of your department/faculty will assist you in academic matters. You can find the contact information of the Heads of Academic Affairs at www.jyu.fi/en/contacts and the contact information of the departmental international relations coordinators at www.jyu.fi/en/study/contact_us/coordinators.

3.6. Student Card 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 16

3.8. Certificates and Transcripts

domestic item kits (so called ’survival kits’, exchange students only). Below is a brief introduction to the different services available.

Registration certificates are available at the customer service counter of the Admission and Student 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 long-distance coaches. A VR/Matkahuolto certificate, which can be obtained from the Admission and Student Services or the International Office info desk, is needed for this.

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. Student tutors are available for students arriving at the beginning of the semesters.

A transcript of records in English, containing the information of all the courses completed and the credits and grades received, can be obtained from the Admission and Student Services and the IT Services. You can also check your credits in the Korppi course registration environment. Furthermore, an unofficial transcript of credits can be ordered to your e-mail every time you pass a course. The order can be placed in the Korppi environment.

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 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 as part of the Mobility-Online application system. 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 3.9. Services Provided by the University

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

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 basic 17

social events. The working language of the programme is English. During the academic year 2014-2015, the orientation programmes take place as follows:

Restaurant Rentukka, tel. +358 50 325 2963, e-mail: kylasihteeri@jyy.fi. The office hours during autumn and spring semesters: Mon-Thu 15 - 17, Fri 13 - 15.

Autumn semester: 2-5 September 2014 Spring semester: 7-9 January 2015

Friendship Family Programme 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. The application form can be found at www.jyu.fi/en/study/services/friendshipfamily. Please apply by 1 August for the autumn semester and by 1 December for the spring semester. The application is valid for one semester at a time.

Survival Kits Student apartments reserved from the University of Jyväskylä housing quota have basic furniture. In Kortepohja Student Village, also sheets, blankets and kitchenware are included in the apartments reserved from the housing quota. Exchange and visiting students living outside Kortepohja Student Village can borrow basic domestics items, so called “survival kits”, against a partly refundable deposit, from the Kortepohja Student Village office. 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.

Students who have joined the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä will receive a refund of 40 € if the kit is returned in good and clean condition. If the student is not a member of the Student Union, only 20 € will be refunded. There is also a damage fee for any missing, damaged or dirty item deducted from the deposit. Your student card or a receipt of the Student Union membership fee should be presented when returning the kit.

University Library (yliopiston kirjasto) The University Library provides collections consisting of electronic and printed literature and other material required in research, teaching and studying at the university and takes care of other library and information service tasks.

If you would like to have the kit, please inform your tutor about it. In most cases, your tutor will pick up the kit for you in advance. Please visit the Kortepohja Student Village office to pay for the kit. The office is located in Kortepohja Student Village, Taitoniekantie 9, downstairs of

You need a valid library card to borrow materials from the Library. You can obtain the card free of charge from the service desk of the Main Library or from the Campus Libraries. For more information, see chapter 9.6. You can 18

also find out more about the University Library by browsing through the “Library Tutorial” (Kirjastotuutori) on the Library´s website at kirjasto.jyu.fi. The Library offers various courses, for example, on how to use the collections of the library and how to find electronic articles, books and other e-resources. Also our information specialists will help you locate the resources you need.

The Information Services desk is situated on the 1st floor of the Main Library.

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.

Borrowing books, iPads and other material 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.

An intensive Finnish 1 summer course is arranged on 5 – 29 August 2014. A pre-registration by 1 June is required for the summer course.

Language Centre (kielikeskus)

Computers at the University

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 kielikeskus.jyu.fi.

Most departments have a computer class 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 IT Services (Building D in Mattilanniemi) and in the Agora Building. All international students gain access to the multi-user computing facilities via their user accounts, which are given during the Orientation Programme.

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,

Finnish Language Courses The University Language Centre arranges Finnish language courses for international students mainly during the academic year. The courses range from intensive 19

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 20132014, the fees for the activities were the following:

as well as possible. Universities or municipalities in Finland do not provide any special services for foreign students with special needs (for example interpreting or a personal assistant). Services for special needs are provided only for students who have permanent Finnish citizenship and are registered at their home municipality.

supervised exercise: € 55/academic year, € 35/autumn

Some student exchange programmes (for instance Erasmus and Nordplus) include a possibility of obtaining extra funding for costs caused by special needs. Please contact the Erasmus / Nordplus coordinator of your home university for further information.

semester, € 40/spring semester

unsupervised exercise: free of charge (a few exceptions)

courses: the fee varies from € 15 to € 80

Students with special needs can turn to the International Office with any questions they may have about studying at the University of Jyväskylä or living in Jyväskylä.

The fees are possibly a little higher for the academic year 2014-2015. The Sports Programme is available at http://r.jyu.fi/hrWR. For further information, please visit the Sports Coordinator’s Office in building L, room 176, Main Campus, e-mail: yo-liikunta@jyu.fi.

For further information, please www.jyu.fi/en/study/services/special_needs

see:

Student Cafeterias 3.11 International Office

There are several student cafeterias on the University premises: Lozzi (under renovation starting from autumn 2013), Lozzi 2, Ilokivi, and Syke on the Main Campus, Wilhelmiina and Piato in Mattilanniemi, Kvarkki and Ylistö at Ylistönrinne and Hestia at Ylistönmäentie 33. 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.

The International Office is one of the first places you should visit after you have arrived in Jyväskylä. The International Office is located on the second floor of the T building on the main campus. You can find a list of the staff members of the International Office and their contacts at www.jyu.fi/en/study/contact_us.

The office hours of the Student Exchange Coordinator, International Coordinators, and Foreign Student Adviser are from Monday to Wednesday at 13-15, and on Thursdays at 10-12.

3.10. Students with Special Needs

The International Office works in close cooperation with the Secretary of International Affairs of the Student Union, (Student Union Building, Y1), room 126,

The University of Jyväskylä aims at ensuring that the needs of students with special needs are accommodated 20

student cafeteria Ilokivi in the Student Union Building Kampus Kino, Ilokivi. Show time every Tuesday at 7 pm student newspaper Jyväskylän ylioppilaslehti (“Jylkkäri”) computer shop Kampus Data and bookshop Kampus

Keskussairaalantie 2, tel. +358 10 423 4503, e-mail: kvsihteeri@jyy.fi.

3.12. The Student Union (JYY) The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY, www.jyy.fi) is the students’ own organisation. All degree students are required by law to join the Student Union.

Exchange students are encouraged to join JYY as well.

The task of the Student Union is to represent its members and guard their interests in society. It helps in questions concerning studies, accommodation, welfare and legal issues. JYY also offers a wide range of services and free time activities. We encourage you to participate in the activities organised by the Student Union. More information: jyy.fi/en

Kirja, Gummeruksenkatu 6

JYY organises various social and free time activities, such as movie nights, concerts, club nights, flea markets, theme weeks and sports events. Subcommittees, which are open to all students, discuss issues and plan activities related to different fields of interest, such as international, academic, social, cultural, sports, development cooperation and environmental affairs.

Subcommittee for International Affairs (SIA) The Subcommittee for International Affairs (SIA) is a discussion forum for all students who are interested in international issues at the University of Jyväskylä. SIA aims at improving the contact between Finnish and international students and at promoting respect for all cultures. In addition, SIA supports international students when it comes to studying, living, and the possibilities to influence one's affairs in Finland. SIA also arranges different events and activities, such as the international degree students' come together.

The Student Union membership entitles you to a student card. With the student card, you can get various discounts and benefits, for example,

inexpensive health care at Finnish Student Health Service

student-priced meals in student cafeterias (€ 2.60 per meal)

45-55% of the price in trains and long-distance buses discounts in museums, theatres, movie theatres as well

If you would like to know more about SIA and its activities, please contact the Secretary of International Affairs, kvsihteeri@jyy.fi, or visit jyy.fi/en/for-students/internationalaffairs/.

as in some stores and hairdressers

The Student Union maintains, for example, the following services for the benefit of students:

student apartments in Kortepohja Student Village survival kits for exchange and visiting students student calendar

3.13. Subject Associations Subject associations are for students who share a particular subject as a major. The associations organise 21

various free time activities ranging from cultural events to parties and sports events. The subject associations also represent their members in the faculty administration.

Getting actively involved in your own subject association is an easy way to get in touch with Finnish students! For more information about your own subject association, please contact your host department or see jyy.fi/jarjestolle/ainejarjestot-jaharrastusryhmat/ainejarjestot.

(JYKYS). To join, fill in the registration form at alumninet.jyu.fi/.

More information: Alumni Coordinator and Secretary of the Alumni Association JYKYS: asta.ruodemaki@jyu.fi

3.14. Erasmus Student Network Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Jyväskylä aims at involving international students in student life. ESN is a pan-European student organization which helps all international students – not only Erasmus students – integrate into their host country. ESN organises multicultural activities, such as parties, trips and events for all students who are interested in getting to know students from around the world. ESN Jyväskylä brings students together, for example, in Café Lingua get-togethers, Stammtisch theme parties and trips to Lapland and Russia. For more information, please visit the ESN website at www.esnjyvaskyla.com or join the ESN JYY Facebook group.

3.15. 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. For more information on the alumni activities of the University of Jyväskylä, please visit 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 22

4. HOW TO GET TO JYVÄSKYLÄ

will arrive at Jyväskylä (Tikkakoski) airport some 40 minutes after take-off. The airport is located 23 km from the centre of Jyväskylä. There is no public transportation from the airport to the city centre. Taxis operating in the Jyväskylä region are often on call in front of the airport during the scheduled arrival times. If you wish to book a taxi in advance (recommended), please call +358 100 6900 (advance booking payment € 7). You can also use the free telephone inside the terminal building to call for a taxi. If you do not book the taxi in advance, be prepared to wait for it for a little while. For further information, please see: www.finavia.fi/airports/airport_jyvaskyla.

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 3½ - 4 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 30 minutes). From the centre, you can continue your journey to Jyväskylä by train or coach. For more information on

From Helsinki-Vantaa airport you may continue by plane or bus to Jyväskylä. Should you continue by plane, you 23

the connections to and from Tampere-Pirkkala airport, please see www.finavia.fi/airports/airport_tampere-pirkkala

valid before the beginning of the semester and you are also not entitled to student discounts before this.

By coach:

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.

There is also a direct bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Jyväskylä. The trip takes about 4-5 hours. For the coach timetables and prices, please see www.matkahuolto.com. Unfortunately, you do not get a student discount on buses with the ISIC card (International Student Identity Card). You will receive your Finnish student card only after your arrival in Jyväskylä.

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 € 6.30. There is also a local bus connection, number 615 (platform 21, stop 5351), to the railway station (bus fare € 5.00, night fare € 6.00). It will take 35-40 minutes to get to the railway station, where you can catch the train to Jyväskylä. For the timetables, please see: www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/to-and-from/bus-service.

There are direct connections to Jyväskylä, but in some cases you will have to change trains at Tampere. The journey to Jyväskylä takes 3½-4 hours. For the timetables and prices, please see www.vr.fi.

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 45-55% student discount on trains and longdistance coaches. Please note that the registration is not 24

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 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), deposit for the ’survival kit’ (€ 60, only applicable to exchange and visiting students who have joined the Student Union), and the Student Union membership fee (€ 102.50/year, € 52/autumn semester, € 54/spring semester). The cost of course literature is not very high, since most of the course books can be borrowed from the University Library.

€ 200 – 300 € 200 – 250 € 150 – 200 25

Seppälän kirpputorimarket, Laukaantie 3 SPR-Kirppis, Ahjokatu 10 SPR-Kirppis, Keskussairaalantie 1 SPR-Kirppis, Kirrinpolku 5 UFF, Vapaudenkatu 48-50

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.

Below are some examples of what things cost in Jyväskylä:

lunch in a student cafeteria – € 2.60 pizza or a meal in one of the cheaper restaurants € 6-15 glass of wine or a beer € 4-7 movie ticket € 7.50—15 bus ticket on a local bus € 3.30 one-month bus pass in the downtown area € 52 40-trip bus pass in the downtown area € 55

Please see: www.kirpputorihaku.com/kirpputori/jyvaskyla.

5.2. Housing Student housing in Jyväskylä is provided by KOAS (The Central Finland Student Housing Foundation) and Kortepohja Student Village. The student apartments are located about 2.5 - 4 kilometres from the University main campus and the city centre.

Student apartments can be rented 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. Please note that if you arrive 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 Kirpputori, Ilmarisenkatu 2 EkoCenter, Gummeruksenkatu 13 EkoCenter, Kankitie 10 Fida lähetystori, Tapionkatu 12 Kierukka, Taitoniekantie 9, Building D Kirpparilla.fi, Sorastajantie 1 Kirppis Vaajapörssi, Huoltopolku 4, Vaajakoski Kirpputori Silinteri, Kirrinkuja 1 Kirpputori Timantti, Lohikoskentie 18 Salamakauppa-kirpputori, Isännäntie 1 G

Exchange and visiting students should apply for accommodation no later than:

15 May if accommodation is needed from the beginning of the autumn semester

1

November if accommodation is needed from the beginning the spring semester

Degree students should apply for accommodation as soon as they have been admitted to the University of Jyväskylä.

Exchange students are advised to apply for accommodation in Mobility-Online. Degree students 26

should apply for accommodation on the websites of the accommodation offices.

When moving out, 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.

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.

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.

If the accommodation office is able to place you in a student apartment, a housing offer will be sent to you by email approximately 1-2.5 months before the accommodation is needed. If you are placed on a waiting list, a room may be offered to you at a later stage. The offer should be confirmed or refused by the time given on the offer. If you do not accept the housing offer, please bear in mind that you may not get another one as the student housing situation is difficult in Jyväskylä especially at the beginning of the autumn semester.

Central Finland Student Housing Foundation, 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. Laundry rooms, saunas and store rooms, as well as hobby rooms, are available in the buildings. All KOAS apartments have an Internet connection. You need your own computer and a cable (RJ-45 CAT 5 or better) for using the Internet.

Read more about the Internet connection on the KOAS website. The price for a furnished single study-bedroom with a shared kitchen and bathroom varies from € 200 to € 300 per month.

When confirming a housing offer, a deposit of € 250 (€ 400/KOAS and € 500/Kortepohja for families) must be paid to the accommodation offices’ account. The payment should be made without charges to the beneficiary.

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.

Fixed-term tenancy agreements cannot be terminated within the tenancy period. The fixed-term tenancy agreements are required of students who have reserved an apartment from the apartment quota the University of Jyväskylä has reserved for its exchange students.

Tenancy agreements made until further notice should be terminated at least one calendar month in advance, e.g. by 30 April if you wish to move out at the end of May.

The KOAS Accommodation Office is located at Kauppakatu 11 A, 2nd floor. Please see www.koas.fi for the opening hours.

Tel. (+358) 10 820 4444 , Fax (+358) 10 850 4411 E-mail: asiakaspalvelu@koas.fi www.koas.fi 27

Kortepohja Student Village

Tel. +358 14 60 7201 Fax +358 14 311 1174 E-mail: asunnot@jyy.fi

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 1900 students. The Accommodation Office of the Student Village is located at Vehkakuja 2 B. The rent for a single study-bedroom with a shared kitchen and bathroom ranges from € 230 to € 300 per month.

Internet connections through Kortex networks All apartments in Kortepohja Student Village are connected to the Kortex network, and using the network is free of charge. You need your own computer and a cable (RJ-45 CAT 5 or better) for using the network. Wi-fi connection is not available in Kortepohja Student Village apartments. 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, go to http://it.kortepohja.fi or send e-mail to it@kortepohja.fi.

Saunas with separate bathing times for men and women are warming up every night in the Student Village.

The Student Village offers all the basic services: there is a small shopping centre, a party room to rent, a piano room and several sports facilities. Contact the tenant advisor at kylasihteeri@jyy.fi to find more about the use of the recreational facilities in Kortepohja.

Home insurance

Exchange and visiting students who have reserved a room from the University of Jyväskylä housing quota are accommodated in furnished rooms. Other rooms are rented unfurnished. For unfurnished rooms you can find some basic furniture in the storage rooms of P and D buildings.

All Student Union members living in Kortepohja Student village have a basic home insurance through the Student Union. This insurance covers the personal property of all Student village tenants with certain limitations. More information on the insurance and its coverage can be obtained from the insurance company Fennia.

All students living in Kortepohja are required to join the Student Union by paying the Student Union membership fee

Students living in a KOAS apartment are advised to check from their insurance broker in their home country, whether their home insurance is valid also during their stay in Finland. If not, you are strongly advised to take a home insurance from Finland or a travel insurance which covers all personal belongings.

The Kortepohja Accommodation Office is located at Vehkakuja 2 B. Please see www.kortepohja.fi/contact for the opening hours.

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you should respect the people who are trying to study.

Storage

Have parties in the club rooms, not in your own room!

Further information on the club room and saunas from the accommodation office (KOAS) and the tenant advisor of Kortepohja Student Village (Kortepohja).

If your student apartment is not big enough to store all your belongings or if you need storage space while you are away, you can rent storage room from for example Kortepohja student village (www.kortepohja.fi/english/, Cityvarasto (www.cityvarasto.fi) or Jyväskylän pienvarastot (www.pienvarastot.fi).

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 (€ 30-40/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.

Temporary accommodation The Student Union organizes temporary accommodation at the beginning of the autumn semester for students who do not yet have accommodation. For more information, please see jyy.fi/en/for-students/housing-andincome/temporary-accommodation.

Disturbing

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.

Rules and guidelines for living in a student apartment

There is silence in Kortepohja Student Village between 23 (11 pm) - 07 am.

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 :

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 tenant advisor of Kortepohja Student Village (Kortepohja) or borrowed from the tenant committee (KOAS).

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).

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6. FINNISH STATE REGULATIONS

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, 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 they stay in Finland continuously for longer than three months. The registration should be done within three months after entering the country at the Immigration Services of the Police Department (Urhonkatu 2). The Immigration Services are open by appointment only. Appointments should be made online at www.poliisi.fi or by calling 071 874 8508 (calling hours: Mon-Fri at 9-12).

For the registration you will need:

6.1. Visa and Residence Permit Students from the EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economic Area) countries as well as Switzerland do not need a visa to enter the country. If you are a citizen of any other country you must apply for a residence permit at the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate.

Residence permit: EU/EEA/EFTA nationals

EU registration form (available at www.poliisi.fi) your national proof of identity or passport certificate of your registration at the University

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, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,

Jyväskylä or Finnish student card

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of

proof of adequate health insurance cover (i.e. a European Health Insurance Card)

Extending the residence permit

account on the applicant’s means of support

A residence permit for study obtained before coming to Finland is usually valid for one year. After this, the permit Registering the right of residence costs € 50 for citizens of can be extended at the local police station at the beginning the EU/EEA/EFTA countries. More information can be of each new academic year for one year at a time. To found at www.migri.fi and www.poliisi.fi. obtain a new residence permit, you will need Residence permit: other nationals

 residence permit application form. It is also possible to

Citizens of non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries who wish to stay in Finland for more than three months must be in possession of a residence permit when entering the country. An application for the permit should be submitted to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the your country of origin as soon as you have received your letter of admission. Submit your application electronically at www.migri.fi. Further information on the application process can be found at www.migri.fi.

 passport  proof of means of support (€ 560 per month or € 6720

apply online at www.migri.fi

per year required)

 proof of health insurance  certificate of registration  transcript of records  photograph

The following documents are required for the residence An extension of the permit requires that the student is still permit application: registered at the educational institution, is a full-time student and has completed the required courses in the letter of admission institution’s study programme. If the student has poor study performance, an extension of the residence permit may be details of comprehensive health insurance cover denied. Further information and application forms can be proof of means of support found at www.poliisi.fi and www.migri.fi.

passport and a passport photo All students applying for a recidence permit are required to visit a Finnish embassy in person to give out biometric details (e.g. fingerprints). The applicant must remain abroad while waiting for the decision on the residence permit application. The residence permit is issued by the Finnish Immigration Service which receives the application from the Finnish Embassy or Consulate.

6.2. Work Permit An EU citizen can work while studying in Finland and does not need to acquire a special work permit to do so.

Students from non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries have the right to work part-time (25 hours/week) without a work permit during the academic semesters and full-time during holidays when the university does not arrange teaching as such.

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A student may also work within certain limits on a residence permit granted for study purposes if the work is practical training included in the degree.

Once employed you must give your employer a tax card.

This is crucial, because your employer cannot pay your salary before having received the card. If you live in Finland for less than six months, you can either get a tax card for progressive taxation or a tax-at-source card for flat-rate taxation of 35%. Those living in Finland for more that six months are taxed progressively. Please see www.vero.fi for information on how to apply for the tax card.

Students from non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries need a separate work permit if they intend to work more than the stipulated hours during the academic term. To obtain a work permit, you need to get a certificate of employment from your prospective employer detailing:

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

After each calendar year you have worked in Finland you will receive a pre-completed tax return form (unless a 35% tax at source was collected from your income) which should be returned to the Tax Office within the given deadline. 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.

The required form can be obtained from the Employment and Economic Development Office (Vapaudenkatu 58 A, Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-15.45 ). You may also have to supply a certificate of registration from the University.

Jyväskylä Tax Office (Jyväskylän verotoimisto) Vapaudenkatu 58 A, vero.fi Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-16.15

Information on finding work in Finland can be found at www.te-services.fi.

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.

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 determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income and Property Statutes. Please see www.vero.fi for information on taxation or consult the Tax Office at Vapaudenkatu 58 A. 32

7. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Visa Electron, Maestro or similar cards when purchasing a ticket on the train. You may choose from a range of trains featuring different travel standards and prices.

7.1. Railways

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.

Throughout the year, the Finnish State Railways (VR) grants a student discount of 45-55% for both one-way and return tickets. When using the ticket you must always show 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 (€ 8). For that you need a photograph and a VR certificate from the Admission and Student Services or from the International Office.

One-way and return tickets are also sold for groups. A reduction of 15% (20% if purchased online) is granted for a group consisting of 6 to 20 persons (6-10 persons if purchased online). For further information, please see www.vr.fi.

Railway tickets are sold online and at railway stations.

Tickets can also be bought on trains, but the price is € 2€ 5 higher than elsewhere if the ticket office is open at the departure of the train. Note that it is not possible to use 33

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. All VR longdistance trains are non-smoking.

student card yet, you can collect a VR/Matkahuolto student card from the Travel Centre (€ 8). For that you need a photograph and a certificate from the Office for Student Affairs or the International Office.

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 are Mon – Thu Sat Sun

7.30 – 19.20 9.45 – 16.45 9.45 – 19.20

The opening hours of the waiting room are Mon – Sat Sun

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.

6.00 – 22.00 8.00 – 22.00

Further information on VR, timetables and different kinds of tickets is available at www.vr.fi.

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.

7.2. Long-Distance Coaches and Buses 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.

Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on all Finnish buses and coaches. The ExpressBus coaches usually have a lavatory (toilet) and some magazines.

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 34

40-trip card at € 55. Valid for 180 days.

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.

The 10– and 40-trip cards can be reloaded when all the trips have been used.

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 (€ 8 sold at Jyväskylä Travel Centre, Sokos, and Tourist Information).

Jyväskylä Travel Centre (railway and bus station) is located at Hannikaisenkatu 20. The opening hours of the ticket office are: Mon Thu — Fri Sat Sun

7.30 – 17.30 8.00 – 17.00 closed 11.00 – 17.00

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.

Further information and timetables are available at www.matkahuolto.fi.

7.4. On Foot and by Bike

Onnibus is a budget coach operator with routes between major cities in Finland. See www.onnibus.fi for more information.

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.

7.3. Local Buses The prices of single tickets, bought in cash on the local bus, depend on the length of your journey. The lowest single fare is € 3.30 and after 23.00 the price goes up to € 6.00. Local bus tickets of all kinds are sold at Jyväskylä Travel Centre, at the information desk of Sokos Department Store (1st floor) at Kauppakatu 24, at Jyväskylä Regional Tourist Information at Asemakatu 6, and on the buses.

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.

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 spring and it is announced at www.poliisi.fi and in the local newspaper (Keskisuomalainen). The bikes on sale range from very old to brand new ones and the prices vary

If you use local buses regularly, you save money by purchasing a season ticket:

10-trip card at € 24.50 30-day-ticket at € 52 35

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.

accordingly. For more information, please contact the Police Station, Lost Property Office (löytötavaratoimisto), tel. +358 71 874 8801, e-mail: loytotavara.keskisuomi@poliisi.fi.

You can also try to find a bike though the internet market place of the University at www.jyu.fi/tori. Flea markets and recycling centres may also sell used bicycles.

7.5. Taking a Taxi 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, 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, € 1.24 + local call charge; from abroad +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 – 17. The taxi drivers do not expect you to give them a tip.

The following stores and repair workshops sell new and/or used bikes:

Biltema, Seppäläntie 16, www.biltema.fi Huoltopilotti, Vapaaherrantie 2, www.huoltopilotti.net Intersport Megastore Tourula, Vapaaherrantie 2 Jyväskylän Uusiotuote, Vapaudenkatu 8 Laajavuori Bike Park, Laajavuorentie 15, www.konastorefinland.fi

Polkupyöräkorjaamo

Jyväskylä, www.polkupyorakorjaamo.com

Kangaskatu

Polkypyörätori, Minna Canthin katu 22 B Sovatek Pyöräkorjaamo, Pajatie 3 Suomen Polkupyörätukku, Sorastajantie www.suomenpolkupyoratukku.fi

52,

7.6. By Car in Finland Driving licences issued in other EU and 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 two years.

For more information, please see www.poliisi.fi.

1,

The following firms rent out bikes for a couple of days or weeks:

Rent @ Bike, e-mail: vexi.virtanen@kolumbus.fi Polkupyörätori, Minna Canthin katu 22 B, polkupyoratori@yahoo.com

Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs is a crime in Finland. The penalty for driving under the influence is a fine or imprisonment for up to six months. Those guilty of gross drunken driving are sentenced to prison for up to two years or fined. Persons guilty of driving while intoxicated are also banned from

e-mail:

When riding a bike you should use the bicycle paths marked with a sign. In places where there is no special 36

The price of petrol was € 1.554 - 1.639 / litre (95 E10) in February 2014.

driving for up to five years. The police set up roadblocks from time to time to carry out spot checks on drivers.

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.

7.7. Travelling Abroad It is an experience to travel by one of the big ferries to Sweden, Germany, Estonia or Russia. 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 three-hour train trip away from Helsinki. If you are planning on travelling to Russia, remember to bring along your passport which should be valid for at least six months after the end of the trip.

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 weather conditions so require. The period during which studded winter tyres may be used is restricted because they wear down the road surface.

When travelling outside Finland, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) may help you save money on airline tickets, rail-passes, accommodation, entrance fees to museums and cultural events etc. If you wish to purchase the card while in Finland, you may do so at https://myfrank.fi/en/student-card (a Finnish personal identity code required) or at kilroytravels.fi.

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 www.lvm.fi.

7.8. Telephones If you would like to make an overseas phone call from Finland, dial:

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.

 + (or 00)  country code  area code leaving out the first number  number of your contact An example: calling from Finland to Stockholm, Sweden, phone # 123456, dial +46 8 123456.

37

If you want to make a phone call to Finland from abroad, dial:

monthly fee and the prices of phone calls vary according to the operator and the connection.

 +

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 Skype (skype.org) or other peer-to-peer Internet telephony networks.

 358 (Finland’s country code)  area code leaving out the first 0  number of your contact An example: calling from Italy to Jyväskylä, phone # 123456, dial +358 14 123456.

7.9. Post & Post Offices The Main Post Office is located at Vapaudenkatu 48-61 and it is open from Mondays to Fridays at 8.00-20.00.

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).

Stamps are available at post offices, some book shops, Rkiosks and stamp machines. Mailboxes, as well as stamp machines, are blue (1st class mail) and orange (2nd class mail. If only an orange mailbox is available, it can be used for both 1st and 2nd class mail) in colour. The postal rates (€ ) for first class postcards and letters of 20 g, 50 g and 100 g are (February 2013): 20g 50 g 100 g Finland € 1.00 € 1.00 € 1.40 Europe € 1.00 € 1.50 € 2.10 Outside Europe € 1.00 € 2.30 € 5.00

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 Helppo). The cards are rechargeable and can be purchased at R-kiosks and/or mobile phone shops and/or online. During the orientation programme, ESN Jyväskylä (Erasmus Student Network) gives out free pre-paid cards as part of their welcome package.

For further information, please visit www.posti.fi.

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 38

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 card.

7.10. Money & Banks Finland uses the European single currency, EURO. EURO (€) is made up of 100 cents. The denominations in circulation are: Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 euros Coins: 2 and 1 euros, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

You have to pay service fees in the banks for almost all services. 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 banking services or automatic cash dispensers for paying your bills and checking your balance. Most banks in Finland offer Internet banking services to students only 2-3 months after the account has been opened, provided that regular payments are made into the account. If you come from the Eurozone, you are advised to use the Internet banking of your own country.

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.

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. Banks are open from Monday to Friday usually 9.30-16.30.

Students coming from the Eurozone for studies of less than a year are advised to use the Internet banking services of their own country in order to take care of their banking matters in Finland. You will need your Internet banking access codes to pay your bills, so remember to take them with you.

If you are coming from outside the Eurozone or come from the Eurozone and spend more than a year in Finland and want to open a bank account, take your passport and the student card/certificate of registration with you to the bank.

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 a Visa Electron card at the bank. With the Visa Electron 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 this logo are not in public use but belong to a particular

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Finland. Other credit cards, such as Eurocard, Diners Club ja American Express, may not be accepted in all the shops. Automatic cash dispensers accept American Express, Cirrus, Diner’s Club, Mastercard and Visa.

Foreign personal checks are not accepted in stores, and cashing them in a bank may involve a lengthy and expensive procedure. Money can be exchanged at practically every bank in Finland. Foreigners may bring in unlimited amounts of any currency, and freely retransfer it.

39

The names and addresses of the banks in Jyväskylä are:

There are several radio stations for you to listen to in Jyväskylä, for example:

Handelsbanken, Kauppakatu 27 www.handelsbanken.fi Keski-Suomen Osuuspankki, Kauppakatu 22 www.op.fi Nordea, Kauppakatu 18 www.nordea.fi Osuuspankki Poppia, Väinönkatu 34 www.poppankki.fi Danske Bank, Kauppakatu 37 www.danskebank.fi Säästöpankki Optia, Kauppakatu 23

YLE X

87.6 MHz

YLE Radio 1 89.9 MHz Järviradio 91.3 MHz YLE Radio Puhe 92.5 MHz Radio Dei 94.1 MHz Suomi Pop 95.1 MHz Rondo Classic 96.2 MHz NRJ 97.3 MHz Radio Rock 97.7 MHz YLE Radio Keski-Suomi 99.3 MHz Basso 99.7 MHz Radio Aalto 101.0 MHz The Voice 101.6 MHz Radio Jyväskylä 102.5 MHz Radio Vega 103.5 MHz Groove FM 104.5 MHz Radio Nova 105.8 MHz

www.optia.fi 7.11. Lost & Found If you loose something, you can enquire for it from the two lost & found offices in Jyväskylä. The Lost Property Office of the Police station is located at Urhonkatu 1, tel. 071 874 8801 and the other Lost & Found office (private) in Ailankinkatu 5 E (open: Mon - Fri 10-18, Sat-Sun closed).

Also, If you find something that does not belong to you, please take it to the Police Lost Property Office.

For the latest news, please see www.yle.fi/news/ or www.hs.fi/english/.

7.12. TV and Radio 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).

40

for

example

8. HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES

Puistokatu 4. For more information, please visit 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/EEA/EFTA 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 Bachelor’s and Master’s level university students who have joined the Student Union. The Student Union membership fee (€ 102.50/year), which is compulsory for all degree students, includes a health service fee (€ 44.00), entitling you to use the services offered by YTHS. Your Finnish student card or the receipt showing that you have paid the Student Union membership fee must be presented when visiting the Finnish Student Health Service. 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 at

41

Mental Health

Please note that doctoral students and doctoral level exchange or visiting students are not entitled to the services of YTHS.

YTHS provides preventive mental health care, counselling, mental health examinations, and psychotherapy. The staff includes psychologists and psychiatrists and the consultation is free of charge. For appointments and treatment need assessments, the phone number is +358 46 710 1073 (Mon-Fri 11.30-12.30). The patient office is open Mon-Thu 8.30-11.00 and 12.00-15.00, tel. +358 46 710 1072. Mental health care is located at Puistokatu 4 on the third floor.

Health care In order to make an appointment with a public health nurse or a doctor, please call +358 46 710 1068 Mon-Thu 8-15 and Fri 8-14. In urgent cases, please call in the morning between 8.00 and 8.30. The public health nurses of YTHS will assess your need for treatment, give treatment instructions or make an appointment with a public health nurse or general practioner. You can also get advice over the phone by calling a public health nurse at +358 46 710 1068 Mon-Thu 8-15 and Fri 8-14.

Dental care A dental appointment costs between € 10 - € 30 depending on the procedure.

You can get the basic vaccinations (tetanus and diphteria) 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-Thu 8.00-15.00 and Fri 8-14, tel. +358 46 710 1070.

Cancellations can also be made outside office hours at yths.fi/en/appointments or by calling +358 46 710 1071. If you fail to cancel your appointment, you must pay a penalty fee of € 25. Dental care is located at Puistokatu 4 on the fourth floor.

Cancellations should be made by 12.00 noon on the previous working day. If you fail to cancel your appointment, you must pay a penalty fee of € 25.

Cancellations can be made at yths.fi/en/appointments or by calling +358 46 710 1069 (24H) or +358 46 710 1068 (Mon-Thu 8-15 and Fri 8-14).

Pregnancy and Contraception 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.

Consultation with a general practitioner as well as a specialist are free of charge. You must see a doctor if you want a referral to such services 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 Puistokatu 4 on the second floor.

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 42

Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA) for more information on the price and availability of the care.

Kyllö Health Centre Keskussairaalantie 20, tel. 014 266 2011, Mon-Thu 8-16, Fri 9-16

8.2. Pharmacies

You should use the services of the health centre of your area. The health centre of Keltinmäki, Kortepohja, Myllyjärvi and Roninmäki is the Kyllö Health Centre. Those living in Ristonmaa or Kuokkala should visit the Kuokkala Health Centre. A fee of € 14.70 is charged of each visit. If you come from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA, the fees are considerably higher and you must have insurance to cover the costs (e.g. visit to a GP approximately € 120). Citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA should present their European Health Insurance Card when visiting a municipal health centre.

Pharmacies are usually open until 17.00 or 18.00. The University Pharmacy (Yliopiston apteekki) at Kauppakatu 39 (tel. +358 300 20200) is an exception - it is open every day 8.00-23.00.

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 and that it is strictly forbidden to send medicines to Finland by mail! For more information, please see www.tulli.fi.

8.4. Emergency Cases If you become ill and need urgent medical attention in the evenings and during weekends, you should contact the Central Hospital (Keski-Suomen Keskussairaala). The address is Keskussairaalantie 19 and phone number (0100 84 884). In urgent cases, please dial 112. Further information can be found at www.jyvaskyla.fi/lang/emergency.

8.3. Municipal health centres Public sector first-aid services are provided by municipal health centres. There are 12 health centres in Jyväskylä, four of which are located in the city centre area:

The Central Hospital charges an initial fee of € 29.30.

There may also be an additional service fee, depending on the treatment. Please note that non-permanent citizens, apart from the EU/EEA/EFTA citizens and those who have domicile in Jyväskylä (see chapter 8.8. 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. Thus, if you come from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA it

City Centre Health Centre Tapionkatu 7, tel. 014 266 0120, Mon-Thu 8-16, Fri 9-16 Huhtasuo Health Centre Nevakatu 1, tel 014 266 0121, Mon-Thu 8-16, Fri 9-16 Kuokkala Health Centre Syöttäjänk. 10, tel. 014 266 0122, Mon-Thu 8-16, Fri 9-16

43

is absolutely vital that you obtain a private medical insurance to cover unexpected emergencies.

Jyväskylä Police Station is located in two addresses: Urhonkatu 1 and 2, close to the Travel Centre +358 71 874 0521.

While studying in another member state, citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries are entitled to the same benefits 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. To speed up your claim for benefits, present this card in the hospital or at the health centre.

Toxicological emergency number (for the whole of Finland): (+358 9) 4711.

8.7. 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 free of charge. No appointments are necessary. You can contact Mobile by phone (+358 14) 266 7150 or simply by visiting the office at Asemakatu 2, 2nd floor.

8.5. Private clinics There are two private medical clinics in Jyväskylä: Terveystalo Väinönkatu 9, tel. 030 6000, www.terveystalo.com Mon-Thu 7.30-20, Fri 7.30-18, Sat-Sun 10-14

SOS Crisis Centre Tel. (09) 4135 0501, telephone hours: Mon-Fri 9.00 – 6.00, Sat 15.00—6.00, Sun 15.00—22.00 (local or mobile phone charges).

Maistraatinportti 4 A, 4th floor, Helsinki The SOS Crisis Centre coordinates the crises helpline and receives clients for short-term counselling. More information: www.e-mielenterveys.fi/en.

Mehiläinen Kauppakatu 35, tel. 010 414 9600, www.mehilainen.fi Mon-Thu 7-20, Fri 7-17 Please see the above mentioned websites for prices, e.g. visit to a GP € 66 (20 min.) at Terveystalo and € 71.70 (20 min. during weekdays) at Mehiläinen.

HIV /AIDS Telephone Service 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 Aíds Council) or tel. 020 327 000, Mon – Thu 17.00 – 20.00 (maintained by Finnish Red Cross).

8.6. Emergency Telephone Numbers General emergency Ambulance Fire station Police Pharmacies on call

112 112 112 112 118

These numbers (except 118) are free of charge.

44

Tukinainen – Rape Crisis Centre

such cases, it is sufficient for the insurance to primarily cover the cost of medicines up to 30,000 euros.

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. More information can be found at www.tukinainen.fi.

You are required to have insurance cover when applying for a residence permit. The residence permit cannot be granted without the insurance.

For more information on insurances, please contact your local insurance company or consider obtaining your insurance through the Student Insurance Program (SIP).

SIP is the insurance option the Finnish institutions of higher education have negotiated for their international students. More information is available at www.marsh.be/SIP.

8.8. Insurance All students studying at the University of Jyväskylä are responsible for obtaining their own insurance. You should therefore acquire your own health and travel insurance before coming to Finland. For travelling purposes, it is a good idea to have insurance which is valid outside Finland as well.

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, 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).

Citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries should also bring a European Health Insurance Card with them which can be obtained from the local social security office in your home country. The European Health Insurance Card entitles the holder to healthcare under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in Finland. The European Health Insurance Card is by no means a substitute to travel insurance nor does it cover any unexpected expenses such as repatriation, medical transport or damage to personal belongings.

8.9. 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.

If you come from outside the EE/EEA/EFTA, you are required to have private medical insurance as follows:

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 45

9. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE TIME

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), please see www.jyvaskyla.fi/liikunta/en/sports_and_recreation.

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.

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 following is a list of some of the sports facilities in Jyväskylä: fitness and aerobics clubs, swimming, spas, squash, badminton and tennis courts, cycling, jogging tracks, Laajavuori Winter Sports Centre, outdoor recreation areas and Killeri Equestrian Sports Centre.

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 46

9.4. Theatres

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.

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:

Jyväskylä

City Theatre, Vapaudenkatu www.jyvaskyla.fi/kaupunginteatteri

36,

Huoneteatteri

(The Room Theatre), Sammonkatu 4, www.huoneteatteri.fi

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

University Student Theatre, Student Union Building, Keskussairaalantie 2, www.jyt.fi

Jyväskylän

kansannäyttämö, www.kansannayttamo.fi

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!

A d A s t r a - t e a t t e r i ,

7,

Koskenharjuntie

8,

Teatterikone, Köhniönkatu 31, www.teatterikone.fi Jyväskylänn teatteriyhdistys Kulissi, Siltakatu

25,

www.adastrateatteri.fi

www.kulissi.fi

9.3. Movies

Sammonkatu

Improvisaatioteatteri

Ässiä Hatusta, Student Union Building, Keskussairaalantie 2, assat.jyt.fi

Films in Finland are shown in their original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles. 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 websites of the theatres and the local newspapers.

The biggest cinema, called Fantasia, is located in the Jyväskeskus Shopping Centre. Fantasia includes six theatres at Kauppakatu 32. Tickets can be reserved online at www.finnkino.fi. Ask for possible student discounts.

9.5. Art, Museums and Exhibitions

There is also a small movie theatre, Kampus Kino, on the main campus in the Student Union Building (Keskussairaalantie 2). For information on the programme, please visit jyy.fi/opiskelijalle/kulttuuri/kampus-kino.

If you are interested in art and museums, information on current exhibitions and activities can be found at www.jyvaskyla.fi/international/living/leisuretime_culture/cul ture.

47

9.6. Libraries

The following museums and art galleries can be found in Jyväskylä or in the Jyväskylä region:

Jyväskylä

Art Museum, www.jyvaskyla.fi/taidemuseo

Kauppakatu

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.

23,

Museum

of Central Finland, Alvar Aallon katu 7, www.jyvaskyla.fi/ksmuseo

Home of the

Artist Family Heiska, guided tours Fri 13 and 14, departure from the Museum of Central Finland

Alvar

Aalto Museum, www.alvaraalto.fi

Alvar

Aallon

katu

7,

Craft Museum of Finland and National Costume Centre of Finland, Kauppakatu 25, www.craftmuseum.fi

RATAMO

Centre for Printmaking and Phography, Veturitallinkatu 6, www.jyvaskyla.fi/ratamo

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

University Museum (Main Campus, building G), www.jyu.fi/erillis/museo/en

Galleria

Becker (gallery and art leasing), Seminaarinkatu 28, www.jkltaiteilijaseura.net

Aviation

Museum of Central, Tikkakoskentie 125, Tikkakoski, www.k-silmailumuseo.fi

An Adult Education Institute (Jyväskylän seudun kansalaisopisto) (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: Viitaniementie 11-13, 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).

Data

Processing Museum, Agora Building in Mattilanniemi and IT-Dynamo building Piippukatu 2, 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.

48

Ylistönrinne

Libraries:

Library (Physics and Chemistry) Ylistönrinne Campus, Survontie 9, open Mon–Fri, 10 – 16, extended opening hours during spring and autumn semesters.

Jyväskylä City Library (Kaupunginkirjasto/Maakuntakirjasto) Vapaudenkatu 39-41 Tel. (+358 14) 266 4104 www.jkl.fi/kirjasto Open: Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 11.00-16.00 The reading room for magazines and newspapers has slightly different opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 10.00-16.00, Sun 12.00-16.00

JAMK University of Applied Sciences Library, www.jamk.fi/en/Services/library

Main

Library, Rajakatu 35, open Mon-Thu 9-18, Fri 916, Sat 10-14

Lutakko

Library, Piippukatu 2, open Mon-Wed, Fri 916, Thu 9-17

Music

Campus Library, Pitkäkatu 18-22, Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 10-16, Wed 12-16

Kortepohja Branch Library (Kortepohjan lähikirjasto) Isännäntie 3 Tel. (+358 14) 266 4136 Open: Mon-Thu 13.00-19.00, Fri 10.00-16.00

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 the cello-playing rock band Apocalyptica. 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 Orchestra and a good many local choirs give concerts frequently. And at night you can enjoy live jazz, rock or dance music in numerous restaurants.

University Main Library (yliopiston pääkirjasto), on the Main Campus, kirjasto.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 (customer service 11– 16), Sun 9–16 (1st floor and 2nd floor lobby only, no service).

During Christmas and other public holidays the opening hours can be different. The Library informs its customers about the changes. Please always check the library website to see if there are exceptions to the abovementioned opening hours (kirjasto.jyu.fi) .

Campus Libraries:

The following list contains some examples of where to go for different styles of music:

Mattilanniemi

Library (Social Sciences and Mathematics), Mattilanniemi Campus, building A, open Mon–Fri 10 – 16, extended opening hours during spring and autumn semesters.

Jazz lovers: Poppari Puistokatu 2-4 Live music: Bra, Kauppakatu 35 London, Puistokatu 2 49

You

Ilokivi, (Student Union Building), Keskussairaalantie 2 Hemingway’s, Kauppakatu 3 Harry’s, Kauppakatu 41 Lucky Baldwin’s, Gummeruksenkatu 7 Parnell’s Irish Bar, Väinönkatu 3 Pub Katse, Väinönkatu 26 Red Neck, Asemakatu 7 Sohwi, Vaasankatu 21 Tanssisali Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3

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 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. Many clubs have a doorman who lets people in and who also has the right to remove anybody who is disturbing other clients.

Vakiopaine, Kauppakatu 6 Ylä-Ruth, Seminaarinkatu 19

9.9. Religious Communities

To see what is on offer, keep an eye on advertisements in Keskisuomalainen and Suur-Jyväskylän Lehti and on University notice boards.

The majority of Finns (76 %) are Lutherans. The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Jyväskylä has nine churches in Jyväskylä. One of them is located next to Kortepohja student village (Isännäntie 4). Sunday services in English are held twice a month in the Old Vicarage (Vapaudenkatu 26) at 6 pm. If you would like to get more information on the activities of the congregation, please get in touch with pastor Harri Vähäjylkkä (e-mail harri.vahajylkka@evl.fi) or join the “Christian Fellowship in Jyväskylä” Facebook group.

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.

There are also 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.

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

Churches and religious communities:

reason to assume that an alcoholic beverage will be illegally passed on to an underaged person

The Orthodox Church of Resurrection, Rajakatu 39, next to JAMK University of Applied Sciences. More information: www.ort.fi

Alcoholic beverages cannot be sold to a person who is acting in an disorderly manner or is clearly intoxicated

50

Saint Olaf’s Roman Catholic Church (Mass also held in English) Yrjönkatu 36, olavi@catholic.fi, olavi.katolinen.fi

Amnesty International www.amnesty.fi

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sammonkatu 9, www.mormonit.fi

Jyväskylän opiskelijakamerat www.jopka.net

Free Evangelical Church, Puutarhakatu 16, www.jyvaskylanvapaaseurakunta.fi

Kehitysmaayhdistys (Third World Association) Maailmankauppa Mango, Kauppakatu 5, www.maailmankauppamango.net

Adventist Church, Ilmarisenkatu 18, jyvaskyla.adventtikirkko.fi

(Camera

Club)

SETA Jyväskylä

Pentecostal Church, Lyseonkatu 3, www.jklhelluntaisrk.fi

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 Matarankatu 6 and organizes various activities. More information: www.jklseta.fi

Jyväskylä City Church, Kauppakatu 1, www.jklcitysrk.org Jyväskylä Islamic Cultural Association and Mosque, Vaasankatu 4 a, prayers every Friday at noon, www.facebook.com/JyvaskylanMoskeija 9.10. Associations and Clubs The following associations have local groups in Jyväskylä: AIESEC AIESEC is the world’s largest student driven organization.

The purpose is to provide university students with an international arena, where young people can try out their skills in practice and develop themselves. This is done by running a global Work Abroad-program and organizing national and international seminars and various local events around this theme. Further information: www.aiesec-jkl.fi

51

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 2014-2015.

November 1 November 9 December 6 December 24-25 December 26 January 1 January 6 February 5 February 14 February 17 April 3 April 5-6 April 30-May1 May 10 May 14 May 24 June 19-20

All Saints Day (pyhäinpäivä) 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 filled with cream, 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) Midsummer Eve & Day (juhannusaatto & -päivä)

* not a public holiday

52

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 53

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 some embassies; all embassies and consulates are located in Helsinki, except those of Bangladesh, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Australia www.dfat.gov.au/missions/countries/fi.html Austria www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/helsinki.html Bangladesh www.bangladoot.se Belgium www.diplomatie.be/helsinki Botswana www.botswana.se Britain www.gov.uk/government/world/finland Canada www.canadainternational.gc.ca/finland-finlande China www.chinaembassy-fi.org/eng Croatia fi.mvep.hr/en Czech Republic www.mzv.cz/helsinki Denmark finland.um.dk Estonia www.estemb.fi Ethiopia www.ethemb.se France www.ambafrance-fi.org Germany www.helsinki.diplo.de Ghana ghanaembassy.dk Greece www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/finland-en Hungary www.mfa.gov.hu/kulkepviselet/FI/en/ Iceland www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fi India www.indianembassy.fi Ireland www.irishembassy.fi 54

Italy www.ambhelsinki.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Helsinki Iran helsinki.mfa.ir Japan www.fi.emb-japan.go.jp Kenya kenyaembassystockholm.com Latvia www.mfa.gov.lv/en/helsinki The Netherlands finland.nlembassy.org Nigeria nigerianembassy.nu Norway www.norja.fi/Embassy Morocco Unioninkatu 15 4th floor, tel. (+358 9) 612 2480, embassay.of.morocco@co.inet.fi Poland finlandia.msz.gov.pl Portugal www.secomunidades.pt/web/helsinquia Republic of Korea fin.mofat.go.kr/english/eu/fin/main/index.jsp Romania helsinki.mae.ro Russia www.rusembassy.fi Slovakia www.mzv.sk/helsinki Spain www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/HELSINKI South Africa www.southafricanembassy.fi Sweden www.swedenabroad.com/sv-SE/Ambassader/Helsingfors/ Turkey helsinki.emb.mfa.gov.tr United States finland.usembassy.gov

cultural community accepting diversity. www.jyvaskyla.fi/sosiaalipalvelut/maahanmuuttajat/immigr antservices

11.2. Other Useful Addresses Immigrant Services Puistokatu 2 C 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 multi-

Multicultural Centre Gloria Matarankatu 6 Gloria provides information on foreign cultures to Finns and information on Finnish culture to foreigners. The 55

Finnish weather www.fmi.fi www.foreca.com

Centre also aims at preventing racism and racial prejudice. www.monikulttuurikeskus-gloria.fi

City of Jyväskylä www.jkl.fi

Finnish Immigration Service www.migri.fi

Jyväskylä Regional Tourist Information jyvaskylanseutu.fi/travel/jsm

Centre for International Mobility CIMO www.studyinfinland.fi CIMO is a Finnish governmental agency operating in the field of international mobility.

National Board of Education www.oph.fi Ministry for Foreign Affairs formin.finland.fi 11.3. Some Useful Web Sites Information on Finnish higher education www.studyinfinland.fi The Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS) www.yths.fi This is Finland — Things you should and shouldn’t know about Finland finland.fi Travelling in Finland www.visitfinland.com

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12. THE FINNISH EXPERIENCE

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, e.g. finland.fi.

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.

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 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.

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. When a Finn says something, s/he 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.

hello see you good morning cheers! good night maybe How do you do thank you see you

In any office, be it at the university or outside, the personnel will usually be willing to help you with your 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 57

hei/terve/moi hei/moi hyvää huomenta kippis! hyvää yötä ehkä päivää kiitos hei/moi

you’re welcome yes How are you? no excuse me I don’t understand good night Can you help me?

ole hyvä kyllä Mitä kuuluu? ei anteeksi en ymmärrä Hyvää yötä Voitko auttaa minua?

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°, 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 58

GENERAL UNIVERSITY TERMINOLOGY: ENGLISH FINNISH

faculty..........................................................tiedekunta foreign student.......................ulkomaalainen opiskelija form..................................................................lomake general studies..........................................yleisopinnot grade..............................................................arvosana 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 professor.......................................................professori to register...............................ilmoittautua, kirjoittautua registration certificate..........................opiskelutodistus residence permit.........................................oleskelulupa seminar...........................................................seminaari

academic year…………………………….lukuvuosi advanced studies............................syventävät opinnot amanuensis...............................................amanuenssi assistentti.......................................................assistant attendance......................................................läsnäolo autumn semester...................................syyslukukausi Bachelor of..................................................kandidaatti basic studies...........................................perusopinnot cafe...................................................................kahvila cafeteria............................................................ruokala certificate.........................................................todistus certificate of registration.....................opiskelutodistus to charge a fee..........................................periä maksu compulsory..................................................pakollinen computer.......................................................tietokone consultation hours...............................vastaanottoaika course..........................kurssi, opintojakso, oppimäärä credit, credit unit..........................................opintopiste degree...............................................................tutkinto degree programme.............................koulutusohjelma department..........................................................laitos Doctor................................................................tohtori to enrol......................................................kirjoittautua essay...................................................essee, tutkielma exam..........................................tentti, koe, kuulustelu examination results..................................tenttitulokset exercises....................................................harjoitukset 59

spring semester......................................kev채tlukukausi 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 university..........................................................yliopisto University Library...............................yliopiston kirjasto

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CHECKLISTS Before arrival

 Remember to apply for accommodation as soon as you have been admitted to the University of Jyväskylä (degree and visiting students). Exchange students have applied for accommodation though Mobility-Online.

 Citizens of non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries should apply for a residence permit as soon as they have been admitted to the University of Jyväskylä. Remember to obtain appropriate health insurance and attach details of it to your residence permit application. Further information: www.migri.fi

 Obtain health and travel insurance  Obtain a European Health Insurance Card from your national health insurance provider if you are a citizen of the EU/EEA/EFTA

 Follow the registration instructions which have been sent to you together with the letter of admission (degree and visiting students).

 Pay the Student Union membership fee (optional for exchange and visiting students). Send the receipt to your faculty office (degree students) or upload it into Mobility-Online (exchange students).

 Apply for a student card at myfrank.fi/en/student-card (applicable to degree students and those exchange and visiting students who have paid the Student Union membership fee).

 Inform your student tutor of your exact time of arrival in Jyväskylä.  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.

 If you come from the Eurozone, bring your online banking codes with you. If you do not have access to online banking yet, register for the service and obtain the required passwords before your arrival.

 Bring enough money to pay for the rent (€ 210-300 per month), Survival Kit (€ 60; optional, available for exchange

and visiting students) and the Student Union membership fee (€102.50 year, € 52/autumn semester, € 54 spring semester) (if you have not taken care of the fee beforehand).

Your first days in Jyväskylä:

 Sign your lease.  Open a bank account if necessary (your tutor will help you with this). If you come from the Eurozone, please take care of your banking matters through the online banking system in your own country.

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 Pay

the student union membership fee if you have not done so in advance (optional to exchange and visiting students).

 Register at the university (degree and visiting students) 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  If you come from an EU/EEA/EFTA country, register at the police station after you have registered at the university (that is, if your stay in Finland exceeds 3 monthsn (6 months if you come from a Nordic country)). Fee 50 euros.

 Submit your personal identity data to the Population Information System for registration, if you stay in Finland for longer than one year. If you study in Finland for at least two years, apply for domicile (home municipality). This should be done at the Register Office (Maistraatti) at Yliopistonkatu 28, open Mon-Fri 9-16.15

 Check out the courses you would like to take and enrol in them  If you have  If you have requested for a Survival Kit from your tutor, visit the Kortepohja Student Village office (downstairs of Restaurant Rentukka) at Taitoniekantie 9 to pay for it (€ 60; optional, available for exchange and visiting students)

 Join the foreign students’ mailing list at 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 (only applicable to

those who have signed a tenancy agreement until further notice. Fixed-term tenancy agreements cannot be terminated within the tenanacy period).

 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 your Survival Kit to the Kortepohja Student Village office (downstairs of Restaurant Rentukka). Remember to make an appointment beforehand (kylasihteeri@jyy.fi)

 Make sure that your rent, sauna fees and other bills are paid  Close your bank account  Make an official notice of moving to the Register 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 62

 Return all the library books you have borrowed  Unsubscribe from the foreign students’ mailing list at 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

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Amica veritas

UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ INTERNATIONAL OFFICE P.O.Box 35 FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä international-office@jyu.fi www.jyu.fi/study

JYVÄSKYLÄ

FINLAND

University of jyväskylä