It can be quite challenging to study in new surroundings and in a foreign language. Please be patient and do your best, but also don’t forget to relax. Remember your own ways of reducing stress. Do not be too hard on yourself. Keep in mind that you can always talk about your problems, whether big or small, with your fellow students, with the university staff or with health services.
In all kinds of problems with your studies, there are plenty of people to turn to. Please do not hesitate to contact:
- International Mobility Services
- Your student tutor
- Support Channels to students
- Study coordinators
- the Student Union (opens in a new tab)
- Finnish Student Health Service (opens in a new tab)
NOTE! The services of FSHS are not available to exchange students! - Providers of help
Do not hesitate to contact the staff of the University of Eastern Finland if you find yourself in any distressing situations.
Contact person in the case of crisis
Coordinator, International Mobility Services
Tel: Joensuu +358 50 382 1814, Kuopio +358 40 355 2146
E-mail: international@uef.fi
- Insurance
- Residence-based social security
- Personal safety
- Poison information centre in Helsinki (opens in a new tab) The Poison Information Centre answers questions concerning the prevention and treatment of acute poisonings every day around the clock. They offer instructions for first aid in poisoning, list of substances causing most common causes of poisoning, and a list of common poisonous mushrooms in Finland.
- Sexual health and sexual minorities: We hope our students remember to take care of their sexual health. Find more information from Student Health Service (opens in a new tab, not available for exchange students) or public health care: Joensuu SiunSote (opens in a new tab) or Kuopio Wellbeing Services County North Savo (opens in a new tab) or private health care. In general, Finland is open-minded towards sexual minorities, although people’s personal attitudes may naturally differ a lot. Younger generations, in particular, are usually very tolerant and welcoming. In Finland, it is also prohibited by law to discriminate people based on their sexual orientation. Seta (Association for Sexual Equality in Finland) organises local activities, meetings and parties. Seta also provides support services for their members. Hobiles (page only in Finnish) is a member organization of Seta functioning in the Joensuu area and Pohjois-Savon Seta in Kuopio (opens in a new window).
- Narcotics: It is prohibited to possess any narcotics during your stay in Finland, as all narcotics are illegal in Finland. The use and possession of narcotics are punishable acts in Finland, as are production, sale, import and transport of narcotics. Anyone in possession of illegal narcotics, including hash and marihuana, runs the risk of being arrested and expelled from the country or being imprisoned. Drug dealing carries a heavy prison sentence.Imports of medicinal products are controlled. Limitations on amounts of medicinal products that can be imported by a passenger are dependent on whether a product is considered a self- medication product, a prescription drug, a narcotic drug or a veterinary drug according to the Finnish classification. There are restrictions concerning the import of narcotic drugs and other drugs, and therefore it is important to check the regulations before your arrival to Finland. Mail order sales of drugs to Finland are prohibited, as is delivery of a medicinal product by courier. Medicinal products can be sent to Finland from EU countries on the conditions stated in the regulations. Moreover, obtaining medicinal products via the Internet is not allowed.Substance abuse programme for students