To balance your studies, there are diverse opportunities for sports and leisure activities in both campus cities. On this page, you will find information about the university’s sports services, student organisation activities and hobby opportunities in the campus cities.
SYKETTÄ University Sports
SYKETTÄ is a joint sports service run by UEF and other higher education institutions in the campus cities. It offers a wide range of affordable sports activities for all levels of fitness. Through SYKETTÄ, you can also meet students from other educational institutions and subjects across faculty boundaries.
What is included?
- Group exercise classes — a wide selection of instructor-led classes in various sports
- Ball sports sessions — such as badminton, futsal and volleyball
- Gyms — on-campus gym facilities
- Taster sessions and courses — a chance to try new sports with no pressure
- Exercise counselling — personal support to help you start or develop your exercise routine
- Exercise buddy service — a companion to go exercising with
- Nutrition services — advice from a nutrition specialist
- SYKETTÄ Trainer coaching — affordable one-to-one coaching
The range of services varies by campus. Check what is available on your campus in the SYKETTÄ sports calendar.
Prices and registration
Prices are student-friendly. Prices for the 2025–2026 academic year:
- Group exercise fee: €41/semester or €71/academic year — includes all SYKETTÄ activities
- Ball sports fee: €23/semester or €38/academic year — includes gym access, ball sports sessions, taster sessions and courses
Check the prices for your campus and register on the SYKETTÄ website:
Free trial weeks
Free trial weeks are organised at the beginning of the academic year, giving you the chance to try out SYKETTÄ activities at no cost. Check the dates on the SYKETTÄ website and social media channels.
Sports facilities
Activities take place in on-campus sports facilities and at partner venues in the campus cities. In Kuopio, the sports and events centre Luola is also available.
Follow SYKETTÄ on social media
- SYKETTÄ Joensuu: Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube
- SYKETTÄ Kuopio: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube
Contact details
SYKETTÄ Joensuu
- Heli Aalto, Sports Manager, +358 44 576 8445, [email protected]
- Niklas Leinonen, Service Coordinator, +358 44 576 8418, [email protected]
SYKETTÄ Kuopio
- Sirpa Risto, University Sports Coordinator, +358 44 576 8446, [email protected]
Break Exercises: Break Pro
Break Pro is a break exercise programme that is free for all UEF students and staff. The programme is available in Finnish, Swedish and English.
You can install the programme on:
- UEF computers and mobile devices
- your personal phone
Opettajat voivat hyödyntää Break Pro -ohjelmaa myös opetuksessa luentojen tauottamiseen.
Student Communities and hobby activities
The university has a wide range of student communities that offer activities, peer support and the chance to meet new people.
Subject associations
Subject associations are student organisations for different fields of study. They represent students’ interests, promote wellbeing and organise student events. Doctoral researchers also have their own association
Campus organisations
Through campus organisations, you can get involved in activities such as theatre, music or politics.
Clubs
The Student Union ISYY’s clubs offer enjoyable leisure activities for university students. The clubs are run by ISYY members.
JEIS (open in a new tab) – Joensuu’s Exchange and International Students
ESN SAVO (opens in a new tab) – Exchange students and international students in Kuopio
For more information on different the clubs on ISYY’s website (opens in a new tab)
University of Eastern Finland Choir Joy
UEF’s official choir, with around 60 members. Members can be students, exchange students and alumni.
Find out more on the choir’s website (opens in a new tab)
Leisure in the Campus Cities
The cities of Joensuu and Kuopio offer students a wide range of hobby, cultural, and sports activities. This page provides useful links to services in our campus cities.