ISYY is here to advocate UEF students’ rights and to provide services!
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (opens in a new tab), ISYY, is UEF students’ advocacy and service organisation. All Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students of UEF despite their study field are automatically required to join ISYY according to the Finnish University law. Additionally, doctoral students and exchange students may join ISYY on a voluntary basis – and most do!
As a part of the UEF registration process you are paying the Student Union membership fee. If you’re not a degree student, paying the ISYY membership fee is voluntary. ISYY provides services and activities for a fun and meaningful student life and we are here for you, so that your studies in our university would go as smoothly as possible!
As an ISYY member you are a part of our active student community. We organize recreational activities, events, sports services and also possibilities to impact student life in our campuses. We also advocate for your interests, so that you can focus on studying!
Student Union activities are a great way to meet new people with the same interests, You only have one (student) life – make the most of it!
Make an impact!
As an ISYY member you have the opportunity to influence many aspects of student life and participate in decision-making through:
- Casting your vote in Representative Council Elections
- Presenting yourself as a candidate in Representative Council elections
- Applying to become a member of Executive Board
- Getting involved in Teams
- Applying to become a student representative in UEF administration
Read more about opportunities to make a difference (opens in a new tab).
Our Membership Services (links open in new tabs):
- Free digital Student Cards
- Term Sticker to Plastic Student Cards
- Interest Advocacy
- Recreational Activities and Events
- Possibilities to Make an Impact in Student Union and UEF
- SYKETTÄ University Sport Services
- Equipment Loan Service (e.g. sports equipment and board games)
- Venue Hire
- Club Activities
- International Services (e.g. Survival Package to Exchange Students)
- Communication Services, such as Weekly Feed Newsletters)
- Support and Services (e.g. Grants and Trainings) for Student Associations
- Office Services
- Anti-Harassment Contact Persons
- Free Student Calendar, get your own from ISYY Office!
Read more about ISYY Services.
Survival package for Exchange Students
International students who are members of the Student Union can rent a Survival Package which includes some essential homeware items to start your exchange abroad, such as kitchenware, bed sheets and towels. The maximum rental period is one academic year and the packages are primarily rented for exchange students. The idea is reusing, so most of the items are second-hand.
For more information: ISYY survival package (opens in a new tab).
ISYY Offices at UEF Campuses
In Kuopio, ISYY Office can be found from Studentia building (C-door) at campus and in Joensuu from Suvantokatu 6 in the city centre (Starting from August 2025). You’re welcome to pop in! ISYY office opening hours and exceptions can be found from ISYY website’s front page.
ISYY office opening hours and exceptions (front page, opens in a new tab)
ISYY office contact information (opens in a new tab)
Follow ISYY’s Social Media!
By following ISYY’s communication channels you’ll have information about your student community and services for students. You’ll also be notified of our upcoming events, to which every ISYY member is warmly welcome to join. In addition to our own news, we’ll also give you information about other local and national matters regarding student life.
You should follow not only our social media channels, but also our weekly newsletter, Weekly Feed, which will be sent to your email every Tuesday. As an ISYY member you’ll be automatically added to the mailing list in the beginning of semester.
Other Useful Information
- From ISYY General Info (PDF file, opens in a new tab) you can, e.g., get more information about us, our services and benefits for our members as well as how you can make an impact on student life on campus!
- We have collected useful information for new international students to the ISYY website.
Follow ISYY’s Communication Channels (links open in new tabs):
Associations and ISYY Clubs on UEF campuses
There are a wide range of Student Associations, Campus Associations and ISYY Clubs that are operating on UEF campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio. Student Associations gather together UEF students who study the same subject, Campus Associations gather students with the same interest (e.g. politics, theater or choir). ISYY Clubs operate under ISYY and they gather together students with the same interests or hobbies. Read more about associations and clubs from the ISYY website.
ISYY Clubs
ISYY has clubs for various different hobbies and activities. All ISYY members are welcome to join any club activities! In Joensuu, there is e.g. a Japanese culture club (JOOJAKU), board game club (Joensuu Board Gamers), Magic the Gathering club (MtG Guild) and a chess club (Joensuu Chess Club). In Kuopio, there is e.g. a board game club (Kärmes), UEF Muslim Students’ Club and a chess club (Itä-Suomen Akateeminen Shakki).
Joensuu’s Exchange and International Students (JEIS)
JEIS is the international club of ISYY that organises fun events, trips and activities both on and off Joensuu campus. Despite the club’s name, both Finnish and international students are welcome to join all activities! The most important task of JEIS is to introduce Finnish culture and lifestyle to international students and to give Finnish students an opportunity to gain international experiences in Joensuu by organising diverse events and activities. In addition, JEIS is active in promoting intercultural understanding on and off campus.
For more information: ISYY Clubs (opens in a new tab)