In Finland, supermarkets and grocery stores are not allowed to sell medicine. Medicines are sold only at pharmacies (apteekki). Most pharmacies display a notice giving the address of the nearest pharmacy on call by night. There are several pharmacies in Kuopio and Joensuu, most of which you can find in the internet.
The crime rate is low in Finland in comparison to most other European countries. Visitors have little need to fear for their personal safety or their property. Nevertheless, reasonable caution with personal belongings is always recommended as a precaution. Incoming international students are reminded to take into consideration that although Finland is a safe, tolerant and open nation by international standards where inappropriate behaviour is not usually present, this does not necessarily mean that one does not encounter such events in Finland.
What you should be aware of to ensure your safety in Finland:
- Avoid walking alone at night; take a taxi or walk home with your friends.
- Tell your friends where you are going.
- Do not hesitate to contact the proper authorities if necessary.
- Do not mingle with unknown people, especially if they are intoxicated.
- Avoid being provocative and mind your temper, especially on weekends in bars.
The university’s safety and security is the result of collaboration involving several actors. The coordination responsibility lies with the university.
In matters related to safety and security, the university engages in close collaboration with local authorities and other educational institutions.
We seek to make sure that the University of Eastern Finland is a safe place for our students, staff members, and guests.
If you notice an accident, emergency, or crisis situation, please report it in order to make it possible for us to make the university a safer place for all. Report a safety or security incident (webropol-form, opens in a new tab).
Safety and Security at UEF
Safety and Secuirity pages in Heimo (from autumn 2024 on the new intranet, opens in a new tab, logging required) contain information and instructions relating to safety and security at the University of Eastern Finland.
Our campuses has an appointed Crisis Support Team and, in the event of a crisis, the task of these teams is to arrange psychological support and post-crisis care. More detailed instructions for members of the university can be found on the Intranet (from autumn 2024 on the new intranet, opens in a new tab, logging required). It is advisable to get to know the instructions beforehand, as in the event of an emergency, there usually isn’t time for reading.
Emergency telephone number: 112
In the event of an emergency, call 112.
- Answer the questions asked.
- Follow the instructions given.
- Do not hang up until you are told to do so.
Guide the rescuers to the scene of the accident / emergency. Redial 112 if the situation changes.
How to use the emergency number 112 in Finland (opens in a new tab)
Police of Finland
The police force in Finland is reliable and honest. The police maintain public order and security, primarily by giving advice, instructions and orders. Each police officer has a badge which he or she must carry and present if needed or requested.
Police of Finland (opens in a new tab)
Video: Safety and security concern all members of the academic community! (1:31)
Links:
Report a Safety or Secuirity Incident (webropol-form, opens in a new tab)
Student’s rights and obligations (operating models and instructions)
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.
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).
We hope our students remember to take care of their sexual health. Find more information:
City of Joensuu Perhesuunnitteluneuvola (Only in Finnish)
City of Kuopio:
Coming to a new culture might be a very strong and emotional experience because of the differences between the culture in your home country and the culture in your new country. There are some obvious differences between countries, such as language, food, educational system, climate, absence of family and friends, housing and transportation. However, there are some not-so-obvious differences and often these cause confusion and sometimes, even frustration. These differences include for example the behaviour and habits of people, reflecting the cultural norms, beliefs, values, morals and religion.
These differences can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. You might have questions. Am I speaking properly? Will I find friends? Why is no one talking to me? Did I do something wrong? Do they hate me? Some of the reactions you may experience are feelings of isolation or loneliness, anger or hostility from others, frustration, unhappiness or homesickness. Some people might also feel sleepy or tired more than usual or find it difficult to sleep. Culture shock can also sometimes cause physical symptoms like bodily pain. The most important thing to know
about culture shock is that these feelings are perfectly normal. It is a sign that you are adjusting to a new situation both physically and mentally. Adaptation to a new culture is a process that gets easier with time.
You can cope with culture shock by giving yourself time to adjust and not pushing yourself too hard with your studies. Remember that you may not earn as many credits during the exchange period as normally in your home university, because you are studying in a foreign language and you live in a different environment. This is natural and you should not be too hard on yourself. It is also important to talk to people (other exchange students, Finnish students, staff members at International Mobility Services, tutors, roommates, teachers), because when you talk about the strange feelings and stress, you will feel better. Also, make use of your own ways of reducing stress in everyday situations. What would you do in a difficult and stressful situation in your home country to ease your feelings?
Acknowledge your progress in adjusting to the new culture and try to see the advantages in having lived in two different cultures. Try to see all the new things that you are facing as a possibility to learn something new and not as a problem. You can make the difference yourself and turn your stay in Finland into a unique, valuable and unforgettable experience.
Re-entry shock refers to acculturation stress people experience when returning home. Because returning is once again a big change, it means that adjustment to the new situation and home culture is needed. Difficulties in adjusting to the familiar society is an issue that has often been neglected consciously or unconsciously. People often fail to acknowledge that the adjustments they have made to the other culture have made them a bit like foreigners in their own culture. This might become a topical issue when returning home from Finland and it is good to be able to identify these feelings and to give yourself some time to readjust.
See more about cultural adaptation.