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- Practical Guide
Finland
Population 5.5 million
Area 338 424 sq.km
Capital Helsinki (population 600 000)
Head of State President Alexander Stubb
Official Languages Finnish, Swedish
Main religion Evangelic Lutheran
Currency Euro
Calling Code +358
Finland is a Nordic democracy and a member country of the European Union. Finland’s unique culture has been influenced by both Scandinavian and Russian cultures. With its over- abundance of space, Finland’s exotic, northern geographic setting is one of its most treasured resources.
In terms of area, Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe, but it has a very low population density. Forests cover over two thirds of the country. Finland is also a land of a thousand lakes and water covers 10% of the land.
Finland is a land of four distinct seasons. During the summer, the highest daytime temperature in eastern Finland occasionally rises over 25°C (degrees Celsius). During the winter months, particularly in January and February, temperatures of minus 20°C are common. Even if the temperatures in the winter can seem harsh, Finland has a much milder climate than other areas in similar latitudes. This is due to the many lakes, the Baltic Sea and the airflows from the Atlantic Ocean warmed by the Gulf Stream.
In the summer, there is daylight almost around the clock whereas in the winter there are only a few hours of daylight. In the autumn, the first snow often settles in November and the landscape will often be covered in snow in December. The first signs of spring can be seen in March and the snow gradually starts melting away in April.
University of Eastern Finland:
Education and training in Finland:
- Finnish National Agency for Education’s (EDUFI)
- Studying in Finland
- Ministry of Education and Culture (open in a new window)
General information on Finland:
- This is Finland
- infoFinland.fi
- visitFinland.com
- Lonely Planet - Finland
- BusinessFinland
- The Finland Guidebook
News in English:
Preparing for winter:
Transportation:
- Finnish Transport Infrastructure Angency (Liikennevirasto)
- matka.fi
- Jojo Joensuu
- Vilkku Kuopio
- Vilkku bikes Kuopio
Weather:
- Weather in Joensuu: Ilmatieteenlaitos, Foreca
- Weather in Kuopio: Ilmatieteenlaitos, Foreca
Finnish State Regulations
The chances of getting a job, especially without an excellent command of the Finnish language, are unfortunately rather low. Therefore, international students should not count on financing their studies by working in Finland.
Job offers and general information on working in Finland:
- Aarresaari
- JobTeaser
- Rules of working life/ Suomi.fi
- Te-services
- Working in Finland / Te-services (pdf)
International students (under a residence permit issued for studies) are allowed to work in Finland without a work permit (työlupa) for a maximum of 25 hours per week during academic semesters and full-time during holidays. Earnings from part-time work may be included in the amount of funds required for a residence permit. However, this is not possible when applying for the first residence permit. Foreigners must have a work permit if they intend to engage in gainful employment while in Finland, with the exception of the citizens from the Nordic and the EU/EEA countries. More information about work permit.
Persons residing in Finland for less than six months are considered as non-residents. They pay tax in Finland only on income. The amount of salary does not affect the tax rate. Apart from the tax, the employer is also required to deduct an employment pension contribution and an unemployment insurance contribution. For persons who have been residing in Finland for more than six months, the taxes to be paid are determined in accordance with the statutes of the Income Tax Act and at the same rate as for permanent residents. Taxation also depends on the tax agreements ratified between Finland and the home country of the foreigner.
The employee must obtain a tax card (verokortti) from the local tax office. The tax card should then be given to the employer. To obtain a tax card, you should give the tax office the required application form with your name, address, Finnish Personal Identity Code and a reasonable estimate of your income during the calendar year. They will calculate the tax percentage based on this estimation and this tax percentage will then be recorded on your tax card.
For further information on taxation. Other useful information concerning employment contract, working time, wages, annual holidays etc.
Tax Offices, opening hours and contact information.
Book an appointment in MyTax (You can log in with Finnish online banking codes, a mobile certificate, or a Katso ID. If you cannot log in to MyTax, make an appointment by calling the national switchboard.
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University of Eastern Finland
The University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio merged on 1 January 2010 to constitute the University of Eastern Finland. With approximately 15 500 degree students and 2800 members of staff, the University of Eastern Finland is one of the largest universities in Finland. The university has campuses in Joensuu and in Kuopio. The distance between the two cities is about 140 km and it takes about 2 hours by car.
See more on general information on UEF at UEF website (opens in a new tab).
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Financing the studies
There are no tuition fees for the EU and EEA citizens at the University of Eastern Finland. The non-European citizens studying for a a whole Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree have fees which vary from 8,000 to 10,000 €/year depending on the programme. The fees need to be paid before you can register as a student at the University of Eastern Finland. The university also offers tuition waivers for degree students required to pay tuition fees.
In some cases the students may receive a full or a partial scholarship for the tuition fee. Please note that these fees are for the degree seeking students only, not for the exchange students.
The students must also be able to cover all their own living costs in Finland (minimum of 560 euros per month for a single student). Further information on the average living expenses in Finland (opens in a new tab). It is good the remember that the actual living costs depend greatly on personal lifestyle and habits.
Own finances are also one of the requirements for the Finnish residence permit, and finances need to be available permanently on the student’s bank account for the whole period the permit is applied for. Financing one’s stay and studies in Finland by working is not possible. The University of Eastern Finland is not offering any financial aid for students’ living costs but some programmes may offer those scholarships.
The tuition fees for visiting students are EUR 3500 for a full academic year or EUR 1750 for one semester. The tuition fees will also be collected when the study period is shorter than one semester (e.g. a visiting student staying at the University of Eastern Finland for three months will pay a tuition fee of EUR 1750). Visiting students cannot register before the tuition fee is paid, and proof of the payment is required to be presented upon registration. The University of Eastern Finland does not offer scholarships or other financial support for visiting students. More information on tuition fees of visiting students.
More information: Tuition fees and waivers (opens in a new tab).
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Studying at University of Eastern Finland
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Credits
The Finnish national credit allocation and accumulation system is equivalent to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This means that credits (opintopiste) are the same as those in the ECTS. One year of full-time studies requires about 1600 hours of work and corresponds to 60 credits (30 credits per semester). Lectures, exercises, seminars, independent studies as well as examinations have been included in this estimate of required work load of a student.
Grades
Grading of courses at the University of Eastern Finland follows two basic practices: 1) Pass or Fail, or 2) applying a numerical scale with grading from 0-5 (maximum) for passed courses.
The performance (exams and assignments) of each student is compared to the goals of the course. If you want to discuss the principles of grading, please do so at the beginning of the course. Questions concerning credits should be directed to the contact person named in the course description or to the instructor of the course at the first meeting.
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Grade
|
Definition
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ECTS scale
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5
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Excellent
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A
|
|
4
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Very good
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B
|
|
3
|
Good
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C
|
|
2
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Satisfactory
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D
|
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1
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Sufficient
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E
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0
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Fail
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F
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| Pass | No number grade given |
Transcript of Academic Record
The studies completed at UEF will be saved in the Peppi study register. A Transcript of Academic Record is the document listing all the courses the student has completed at UEF. Please note that failed or other non-completed courses are not shown in the UEF transcript. The student can use Atomi in Peppi (opens in a new tab) for checking the completed courses and getting a digitally signed transcript of records (opens in a new tab). Please note that the digitally signed documents are official only in their digital form and not as paper-printed copies. If you need an official paper version of your transcript of records with a signature and a stamp, please contact Student and Learning Services (opens in a new tab).
Exchange students will be able to access Peppi for 4 months after their study right is finished. During that time they will be able to get the digitally signed Transcript of Records from Atomi in Peppi. If you need an official paper version of your transcript of records with a signature and a stamp, please contact Student and Learning Services (opens in a new tab).
Degree students who have completed all the required courses, the thesis and the maturity test are required to fill out a certificate application form and return it to the faculty office. Further information about degree certificates and graduation (opens in a new tab) can be obtained from the faculties.
Transcript of Academic Records
The studies completed at the University of Eastern Finland will appear in your transcript of records. The transcript includes information about completed courses, grades and ECTS credits, teachers’ names, etc. The credits will appear in the transcript only after a course is completed and graded. This takes a few weeks, e.g. after an exam. Please note that only passed courses show in the official transcript.
If you are a student at the University of Eastern Finland or the Open University of Eastern Finland and you have a valid UEF user account, you can download your official digitally signed transcript of records and / or study certificate from Atomi, which you can find in Peppi. Each study right forms its own document.
If you need a signed and stamped paper transcript of records or study certificate, or you are no longer a student at the University of Eastern Finland and thus you do not have a valid UEF user account, you may request a paper version or a digitally signed one from the Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service (contact information below) or order at UEF E-services (opens in a new tab, requires logging in).
A student of the Open University of Eastern Finland should check the instructions on how to order a transcript of records from the page of the Open University of Eastern Finland (opens in a new tab).
Also remember to update your address in Peppi, documents are send to the address found in Peppi, if you do not give another address.
Digitally signed transcript of records and study certificate
You can download your official digitally signed transcript of records and / or astudy certificate from Atomi, which can be found on the top of the page once entering Peppi. Before going to Atomi, please be sure you have selected the right study right to view under your name at the right top corner, for example your Bachelor’s or Master’s study right, and only then go to Atomi. If you need the document for more than one study right, download them separately. The documents are PDF documents equipped with a digital signature to confirm their authenticity and integrity. Both documents are available in Finnish and in English. You can save the document as a PDF-file and forward it as attachment to email.
These digitally signed documents are official only in their digital form and not as paper-printed copies, for example. The files cannot be modified, as any change made to the file invalidates the digital signature.
Digital signatures are replacing handwritten signatures and stamps. The electronic documents should be a valid and primary alternative in all situations where signed and stamped paper documents have been used thus far.
Instructions on how to check the validity of the signature
Check the validity of a digitally signed document in Atomi Validator (opens in a new tab)
OR
Check the validity of a digitally signed document in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Atomi uses the EUTL certificate to sign digital documents.
The digital signature of a PDF document can be checked from the original file only.
If the file is changed, the digital signature disappears. Students may print a paper copy, but the signature is not valid on the printed document. Parties that request these documents should not accept paper copies without the verified electronic document.
To check the validity of a digitally signed PDF document:
- Open the PDF file with Adobe Acrobat Reader and then its Signature Panel.
- Check the certificate information. A PDF document from the University of Eastern Finland is digitally signed when the Signature Panel shows the following text:
Rev. 1: Signed by CSC-IT Center for Science Ltd
Signature is valid:
Source of Trust obtained from Adobe Approved Trust List (AATL).
Document has not been modified since this signature was applied
Signer's identity is valid
Signing time is from the clock on the signer's computer.
Signature is not LTV enabled and will expire after 2021/01/23 15:44:55 +02´00´
Signature Details
Certificate Details...
Last Checked: yyyy.mm.dd time timezone
Field: Signature1 (invisible signature)
In case the information in the Signature Panel differs from the above (e.g. claims that "Signature has problems") this could be caused by the settings in your Acrobat Reader.
If the Signature Panel is unavailable, ask the student for the certified file.
Temporary study certificates
Finnish Rail VR or Matkahuolto may request a temporary study certificate, especially if you have not yet received your student card. For these purposes both the VR and Matkahuolto have their own forms and you can ask the certificates from Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service.
The Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk offers general study counselling, information on term registration and study rights and maintains the student register. The customer services desk also provides study certificates and transcripts of records.
Phone number: +358 29 445 8900
- phone service: Mon–Thu from 12 to 2 pm (12–14)
Opening/office hours:
- on Wednesdays the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14).
- At other times the customer service desk is open by appointment only. You can book an appointment in an hour, at the earliest, and a week in advance, at most. You can book a Teams meeting or an in-person appointment at the Joensuu or Kuopio customer service point through our booking site (opens in a new tab). The available times are shown in the booking calendar.
Exceptions to the Student and Learning Services' customer service opening hours are announced here.
Email address: opiskelu@uef.fi
- If your message contains confidential information, contact us and we will give you instructions on how to send your message encrypted.
Visiting address:
- Joensuu Campus, Aurora building, entrance A, ground floor (Yliopistokatu 2)
- Kuopio Campus, Canthia building, 2. floor, Oppari (Yliopistonrinne 3)
Postal address:
- Joensuu: University of Eastern Finland, Student and Learning Services, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu
- Kuopio: University of Eastern Finland, Student and Learning Services, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio
Cheating is considered a serious offence at Finnish universities, and plagiarism constitutes the most serious form of cheating. Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct in which an individual submits or presents the work of another person as their own. Any instance of plagiarism or suspected plagiarism may have serious consequences for the student.
Students must use a proper academic referencing technique to acknowledge the work or material of other writers which they have looked at and which they have used when preparing their own assignments. Correct and consistent academic referencing technique allows the evaluator to locate the cited sources easily. It is never acceptable to copy a text from any source word for word and use it in an essay in any other form than short borrowings, which should be identified as a citation (direct “quotes”). Paraphrasing (rewording) someone else’s words also requires referencing.
The Universities Act (558/2009), Section 45, states the following on disciplinary actions: “A student, who has committed an offence against teaching or research at the university or has otherwise breached university order, may be cautioned or suspended for a maximum of one year as a disciplinary measure, depending on the seriousness of the offence. The decision in regard of a caution to a student shall be made by the rector of the university and in regard of a suspension by the board of the university. Before the resolution of the matter the student shall be verifiably notified of the offence he or she is accused of and given an opportunity to be heard in the matter.”
Cheating in an exam is also a serious offence in Finnish universities. Even suspicions of cheating in an exam can lead to serious problems for the student. Please remember that the invigilators have the authority to ask you to leave the exam room immediately, if they consider your behaviour inappropriate. They also decide what is cheating and what is not. Therefore, if you are talking with your friend in the exam room and that causes a charge of cheating, there is no use saying that you were only discussing your weekend plans or something else. If dishonest behaviour is noticed only after the examination or in other assignments, the teacher who is responsible for grading can fail the student. Moreover, all cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean, who will decide on any possible further action.
Plagiarism means copying ideas, thoughts, texts, presentations, inventions etc. and presenting them as your own. It is always an insult to good scientific practice and to the teacher in question. Plagiarism is punishable and will be dealt with even in minor cases. Plagiarism is prohibited in all phases of studies and on all courses. Being able to separate one’s own ideas from those of someone else’s and respecting the copyrights of others are among the basic skills university students are expected to master. References to the works of others should be made in accordance with the academic guidelines, which can be obtained from the academic department of the student. Allegations of plagiarism are suspicions of fraud and this is why the University of Eastern Finland has guidelines on proceeding in case of academic dishonesty.
University of Eastern Finland is using an electronic plagiarism detection system called Turnitin. Students can access the system through Moodle and check their assignments before handing them in.
If you need help with using Turnitin, please send an email to oppitupa@uef.fi
The University of Eastern Finland is committed to following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) on responsible conduct of research. All teachers and students at the university are expected to be familiar with these guidelines published by TENK (RCR).
Universities have a duty to organise their activities in such a way that scientific research, artistic activities, education and teaching follow honesty and responsible conduct of research. The university community values of the University of Eastern Finland include
- freedom of science, teaching and learning
- openness and courage
- responsibility
- impact. (2 § / Universities Act.)
According to the TENK, the key characteristics of responsible conduct of research include
- Integrity.
- General carefulness and exactitude in conducting research.
- Presenting and evaluating information using ethically sustainable methods.
- Researching and evaluating information suitable for the field of research in question and ensuring transparency in publishing.
- Appropriately acknowledging the work and achievements of other researchers.
- Conducting and reporting in accordance to the requirements set for scientific knowledge.
Commitment to good scientific practices promotes the high quality of research, teaching and studies and the reliability of the university activities. It is in the interest of the entire university community that the principles of good scientific practice are respected. Commitment to good scientific practice must be reflected in all activities.
Teachers must follow the principles of good scientific practice in teaching. Teachers acknowledge that they are role models for students and partners who build a good working atmosphere for colleagues. In order to achieve these goals, teachers work professionally in their relations with students and support the honest, critical, creative, open and community approach of the scientific community through their own actions.
- They maintain their own expertise.
- They treat students equally and fairly.
- They do not, fraudulently or without the permission of the persons concerned, use students’ works or study performances in their own activities.
- In accordance with the UEF ethical guidelines, they intervene in fraudulent acts such as plagiarism or fraud in an exam.
- They are responsible for ensuring that students are adequately informed about the principles of responsible conduct of research and their application in their own discipline.
- Teachers supervising the thesis take responsibility for the student’s familiarity with the instructions on responsible conduct of research published by TENK.
- If the teacher acts unethically towards the student, the student can take the matter to the teacher’s supervisor.
The supervisor must take steps to investigate the matter.
- In teaching, teachers’ main goal is to promote students’ learning and achieve their goals and learning outcomes.
- Teachers give positive and constructive critical feedback to students during their studies.
- They respect students’ views and the constructive feedback they receive from the students.
- They guide students to change the way they work if they recognise features that weaken the students’ learning outcomes or interfere with the activities of other students.
- Students’ main goal in studying is to learn and achieve their learning goals.
- Their credits are based on genuine competence.
- They are responsible for following the principles of responsible conduct of research in studies, such as the preparation of papers, writing essays, answering exams and other study performances.
- They are aware of their role as a responsible actor in the scientific community.
- They acknowledge the value of the work done by others and act honestly in all situations.
- Through their own actions, they support the ethical, critical, creative, transparent and communal approach of the scientific community.
- They make sure that all their study works and final projects (thesis) reveal clearly, where the information, original ideas and methods come from, and that their origin is properly referred to.
- Students respect the teaching and research work of the teachers.
- In teaching situations, they maintain a positive atmosphere by being active with knowledge of their responsibilities.
- They provide constructive feedback on teaching.
- If necessary or in doubt, they ask for more information on the correct procedures, using their own initiative.
- During teaching and exams, they work without disturbing the others’ chance to work in peace.
- They carry out independently their own learning assignments and theses, unless cooperation is expressly permitted.
Prohibited activities
For more information and examples see TENKs pages.
Cheating in an exam
Notes and aids cannot be used in an exam unless this is expressly permitted.
Example of a prohibited activity: in a classroom exam, the student searched for information on the mobile phone. The student had forbidden notes with her/him in the exam.
Example of a prohibited activity: assistive devices were forbidden in the Moodle exam. However, during the exam, the student had used the learning material of the course, her/his own notes, textbooks as well as internet pages.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student had used an online translator in a Swedish essay, even though the learning task had to be done using her/his own language skills only.
Prohibited cooperation
Cooperation or the use of external help is forbidden unless this is expressly permitted.
Example of a prohibited activity: students completed learning assignments together, although it was an individual performance.
Example of a prohibited activity: students created a Whatsapp group for a remote exam so that they could ask each other for advice during the exam.
Acting on behalf of another person
Example of a prohibited activity: the student's mother took the remote exam on behalf of the student.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student bought her/his thesis from a ghostwriter.
Plagiarism
It is forbidden to use another person's text in one's own studies without indicating where the information, original ideas and methods come from. Examples of plagiarism: inappropriately quoting a text or part of it, a pictorial expression or translation obtained from another student, the Internet or elsewhere. Students must clearly indicate the sources they use.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student had not marked all the sources used in the thesis.
Example of a prohibited activity: While working on a thesis, the student found a completed master's thesis on the Internet that partly dealt with the same topic as her/his own thesis. The student copied the text of the master's thesis and referred to the sources used in the master's thesis in her/his thesis; the student failed to refer to the thesis s/he had found.
Example of a prohibited activity: while working on the thesis, the student found a Finnish language source on the Internet that had originally been translated into Finnish from an English language source. The student referred to the English language research through the translation of a Finnish language source s/he found, without proper reference to the source.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student found a published text, the idea of which was presented in her/his own text in her/his own words, without reference to the original text.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student completed a learning task by cutting and copy pasting various pieces of published texts s/he found on the Internet and in literature, without proper references.
Passing on your own pieces of work to another student
It is forbidden to hand over completed assignments/pieces of work to another student for fraudulent use.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student had completed the course with an essay. S/he gave the essay to another student, who returned it to another teacher as her/his own piece
of work.
Self-plagiarism
It is forbidden to reuse your own previous performances or to use parts of your previous pieces of work as a basis for new ones without proper reference to the source.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student returned a learning assignment that s/he
had already used on another course.
Example of a prohibited activity: the student's thesis included a section from essays s/he had previously prepared and used, without references to the essays in question (self-plagiarism).
Not doing your part in pair and group work
Procedure in cases of suspected fraud and disciplinary measures
Students must follow good study practices in all their studies. Fraud is a dishonest act or measure that is done or taken deliberately, out of negligence or with the intent to deceive, and which purpose is to give a false impression of one’s own or another person’s competence.
The guidelines on fraud apply to frauds related to studies and theses (unapproved and approved theses). The guidelines are also applied to the prohibited use of AI applications. The guidelines on fraud are applied to remote and contact teaching.
Section 45 of the Universities Act (558/2009) contains regulations on disciplinary measures against students. Section 45 of the Study Regulations of the University of Eastern Finland contains regulations on the ethical guidelines applied to studies and teaching. This decision specifies these provisions and regulations. In addition to these guidelines, the decision of the Academic Rector on the plagiarism detection system contains regulations on study-related fraud.
If a teacher suspects that a student has committed an infringement related to teaching or research activities, the teacher has the obligation to address the matter immediately in an appropriate manner.
Study-related frauds may be detected retrospectively, e.g., in connection to reviewing learning assignments, or immediately, e.g., during an exam.
A teacher or supervisor may immediately remove from an exam a student who is strongly suspected of fraud or is causing disturbance. If a teacher or supervisor has interrupted a student’s exam due to disturbance or suspected fraud, the teacher or supervisor must record the reason for the interruption and whether the student admits to or denies the disturbance or fraud.
The teacher must determine the type and severity of the suspected fraud after it has been detected. The seriousness is assessed from the perspective of the scale, intentionality, systematicality and recurrence of the fraud. The teacher may clarify the matter by discussing it with the student or by requesting the student to provide a written explanation of the matter, e.g., in an e-mail. If the teacher considers, immediately after detecting the fraud, that the fraud is evident and does not require an additional explanation from the student, the teacher can forward the handling of the fraud to the faculty without obtaining an additional explanation from the student.
The teacher must then take one of the following measures:
1) forward the handling of the detected fraud to the Dean or the director of an independent institute or service centre (language centre, library, study services) in writing, e.g., by sending an e-mail. The teacher must provide at least the following information: the student’s name and contact details, study period, the nature of the suspected fraud and how it is manifested, and the scale and severity of the fraud. The teacher’s notification will later be submitted to the student during the faculty’s disciplinary investigation process.
2) instruct and advise the student on appropriate action if the teacher considers the infringement to be minor or to be due to the student’s ignorance; or
3) state that, based on the investigation, there is no reason to suspect the student of fraud and inform the student of this either in writing or orally. If the teacher has investigated the matter, e.g., by discussing it with the student by e-mail, it is good practice to inform the student by e-mail that the matter has been closed.
The Dean of the faculty or the director of an independent institute or service centre will investigate the suspected infringement, assess it and decide on the use of suitable investigation methods. The student will be sent a written notification indicating the infringement they are being suspected of and the student will be given an opportunity to be heard in the matter. The hearing will, primarily, be implemented so that a written statement is requested from the student. Where required, the hearing may be organised orally. A request for a statement or an invitation to a hearing will be sent to the student for information by post or e-mail. Email can be used if a permission for its use has been obtained from the student. Other parties may also be heard in suspected infringements. Frauds can also be investigated by using the plagiarism detection system or based on video recordings.
If, instead of a primary written hearing, it is decided that the hearing be conducted as an oral hearing, it must be documented in the form of signed minutes. The minutes must indicate who were present, when the hearing was held and what was the purpose of the hearing, as well as the opinion of the concerned party on the matter and their explanations on the reports, which may affect the decision made in the case. The student may bring a person to support them at the hearing.
After the hearing, the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre concerned will decide whether an infringement has occurred (if not, the case will be dropped), whether the infringement is minor or severe, and what further action is needed in the matter, if any. If the Dean considers that no infringement has taken place, the student and the teacher will be informed of this, e.g., by e-mail. An infringement may be considered to be minor, e.g., when it is a one-off act that results from carelessness or ignorance, and the infringement has caused only minor damage. The Dean issues a written notification on minor infringements. Where required, the Dean will also recommend that the teacher rejects the related study attainment or lowers the student’s grade. The person in charge of the course is responsible for rejecting the study attainment or lowering the grade. The sanction given by the Dean or the director of an independent institute or service centre will be communicated to the student, the teacher, the head of the department/school of the degree programme and preparing officers for information and for possible measures.
The decision of a teacher to reject a study attainment and to lower the grade is a decision concerning the grading of a course, for which rectification can be applied from the university’s Board of Appeal.
If the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre concerned considers, after having heard the student, that a more serious infringement has been committed, they will report the matter in writing to the Rector and deliver the documents related to the matter to the Rector. When assessing the seriousness of the infringement, account will be taken of the recurrence, extent and intentionality of the fraud.
The Rector may give the student a written warning, propose to the Board that the student be temporarily suspended, or establish that no infringement has occurred in the matter. A decision made in the matter by the Rector or the Board will be communicated to the student, the teacher, the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre concerned, and the Student and Learning Services of the faculties and independent institutes and service centres for information and for further measures, if any.
A decision on a serious infringement (a written warning and fixed-term suspension) may be appealed against by lodging an appeal to the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland. Appeal instructions must be enclosed with the decision. A decision by the Administrative Court pertaining to a disciplinary action against a student, as referred to in section 45 of the Universities Act, is not subject to appeal.
Student Support
Feeling down?
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 the Finnish Student Health Service.
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
- International Academic Coordinator at your department
- the Student Union
- Finnish Student Health Service
NOTE! The services of FSHS are not available to exchange students!
To find your way around your campus, please use Tuudo
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Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
ISYY is here to advocate UEF students’ rights ant 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.
As a part of the UEF registration process (opens in a new tab) you are paying the Student Union membership fee (opens in a new tab). 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 organise 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!
Our Membership Services (links will open in a new tab):
- Term Sticker to a Student Card
- 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 (opens in a new tab).
Survival package for Exchange Students
Exchange 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 idea is reusing, so most of the items are second-hand. The package content is slightly different in Joensuu and in Kuopio.
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) and in Joensuu, from Haltia building (2nd floor). You’re welcome to pop in when you’re on campus! 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 (opens in a new tab) to the ISYY website.
Follow ISYY’s Communication Channels (links will open in a new tab):
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 (links will open in a new tab).
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 a Student Union (ISYY) club dedicated to organising fun free time activities, events, and trips for both Finnish and international students.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)
Health Care
Health insurance for incoming international students
UEF requires that all incoming international students must have a valid personal health insurance and a travel insurance from an internationally recognized insurance agency for the whole duration of their stay in Finland. Insurance should cover all costs related to a treatment of sudden illness, accidents and accidental death. It is also important that the insurance also covers travels to and from Finland.
EU Citizens
All the citizens of the EU countries (opens in a new tab) and Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are entitled to use the public health care services on the same basis as Finnish citizens, when they are covered by health insurance in their home country and when they have a European Health Insurance Card (opens in a new tab). This card gives access to medically necessary public health care during a temporary stay in Finland. Students should always carry it with them in case of a sudden illness or an accident. However, students from the Nordic countries do not need the European Health Insurance Card.
You should note that health care is not completely free of charge even for EU/EEA citizens. Please also note that the European Health Insurance Card is not valid during your journey to and from Finland or during trips to other countries.
Those who wish to use the services of a private doctor shall first pay the doctor for the treatment. Later, students with the European Health Insurance card or equivalent documents (citizens of the Nordic/EU/EEA countries, Switzerland or Québec) can apply compensation from Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) and they will be compensated for a part of the medical fee. Alternatively, they can claim for the compensation from their own health insurance offices later after returning to their home countries.
Non-EU Citizens
Students from non-EU/EEA countries must have a health insurance and a travel insurance.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries must be covered by a private health insurance from an internationally recognized, reliable and financially sound insurance agency. The insurance should be without deductible. Non-EU/non-EEA citizens must have an insurance to obtain the residence permit for Finland. The health insurance must be obtained prior to applying for a residence permit and it must be valid upon entry to Finland.
Students applying for an extension to their residence permit must also have appropriate health insurance. The insurance must be valid throughout the entire stay in Finland.
The insurance deductible may not be more that 300 €. If you study in Finland less than two years, the health insurance must cover both sickness and accident related medical treatment up to 120,000 €. If you study in Finland for at least two years, your insurance cover must be up to 40,000 € for medical expenses. If the studies last two years or longer, health insurance must cover medical expenses up to a minimum of EUR 40 000. This is because the students will usually have a place of residence in Finland and are therefore entitled to the public health care services. Check the possible updates for the insurance requirements (opens in a new tab) by the Finnish Immigration Service, Migri (opens in a new tab).
Please remember to apply for the Municipality of Residence (opens in a new tab) at the local DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency, opens in a new tab) Office in Finland as soon as you arrive to receive access to the public health care.
You should choose an internationally recognized, reliable insurance company for your insurances. Check the insurance providers (opens in a new tab) recommended by Migri. Migri requires an insurance from all non-EU students and they assess each insurance policy and its terms and conditions individually when they process the residence permit applications. Check what the insurance policy must include on Migri’s site. Please note that you as a policyholder should discuss all the issues with your insurance company, the University of Eastern has no right to do that.
NOTE: Students seeking a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at UEF have the right to use Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS/YTHS). However, this does not exclude the student from having to take out the private health insurance.
Accident Insurance Policy
UEF’s statutory Accident Insurance Policy is limited. Here are the conditions in short
-covers international students if they are taking a degree at UEF
-covers for students in unpaid practical training only
-the training has to be a part of the student’s curriculum
-in typical conditions only
-accidents during lectures, breaks, or anywhere outside the training are not covered
The University of Eastern Finland has taken out a statutory accident insurance policy for students, which is compliant with the act on compensation for studies-related accidents (460/2015). The insurance covers accidents that have occurred in conditions typical of studying during a person’s participation in practical teaching that can be paralleled with work or in an unpaid internship which is compliant with the curriculum or the basics of the degree, either within the institution or at an external host organisation.
The statutory accident insurance policy does not cover accidents occurring during lectures, breaks or on the regular way to or from the university. As regards internships, the insurance policy only covers unpaid internships. If the student receives salary during the internship, the student will be covered under the accident insurance policy of the employer.
Open University students can be regarded to be covered under the university’s accident insurance policy only if their studies include an internship that is compliant with a faculty-approved curriculum and that can be paralleled with practical work.
Non-Finnish students are covered under the insurance policy in Finland irrespective of their nationality, provided that they have enrolled as degree-seeking students at a Finnish educational institution.
The insurance policy is in force everywhere in the world. The accident insurance policy is also in force during a degree-related practical training abroad, provided that the training abroad is included in the student’s curriculum at the University of Eastern Finland. However, it is important to notice that the insurance policy is an accident insurance policy which is only in force as regards practical work. When travelling abroad, it is always recommended to take out a travel insurance policy which complements the insurance coverage also as regards travel illness, discontinuation, cancellation, and transportation back home.
Third Party Liability Insurance
The third party liability insurance policy of the University of Eastern Finland covers university students and exchange students as regards work in which they can be paralleled with university staff. This means when they work under the supervision and instruction of the university’s hired staff. The university’s third party liability insurance is not in force when the student’s internship takes place outside the university. Furthermore, university’s own students who have gone on exchange are not covered under the third party liability insurance.
Further information on matters relating to accidents of students:
- Joensuu Campus: Kari Reinikainen
- Kuopio Campus: Tarja Saastamoinen
Form, reporting occupational accidents (in Heimo, opens in a new window, logging required)
The general emergency number is 112. Call this number only in life threatening-situations, such as a fire, a sudden illness or accident. Calls to this number are free of charge. When dialling the emergency number (112), you do not need an area code, not even when calling from a mobile phone.
If your emergency requires the help of the police, call the general emergency number 112. On a matter that is not a life-threatening emergency contact the local police. Read more information on the services of the police.
Students may also use the municipal health services, especially in case of serious illness or emergencies or when FSHS is closed (evenings and weekends).
Location: Helsinki
Tel: 0800 147 111 (free of charge, 24/7), +358 (0)9 471 977
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.
Please note that he services of the Poison Information Centre do not include the following:
- General information about medicines, such as interactions or side effects or tablet identification ► Turn to your pharmacy.
- Questions about poisonings of animals ► Contact a veterinarian.
- Questions concerning non-poisonous animal stings or bites (such as mosquito, wasp, tick, or dog) ► Turn to a local health care phone service, health centre or clinic on duty.
- Food poisonings and questions about food ► In case of an acute food poisoning contact your own health centre or other clinic on duty. General information about food is provided by local food authority.
- Allergy or other general medical advice ► Help is provided by a local health care phone service, health centre or clinic on duty.
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
Four different health care sectors
- Finnish Student Health Service (for the Master’s and Bachelor’s degree students only, not for exchange students)
- Public Health Care
- Private Health Care
- Occupational Health Care
Finnish student health service, FSHS
- Offers preventive health care, medical care, mental health care and dental care (NOT emergency health care).
- Available for the students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes who have paid the Healthcare fee for Students in Higher Education to KELA: https://www.kela.fi/healthcare-fee-for-students-in-higher-education
- NOT available for exchange students.
- NOT available for the PhD students.
Fnnish Student Health Service (opens in a new tab) (Ylioppilaiden terveydenhuoltosäätiö, YTHS) provides all Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students of the University of Eastern Finland, with preventive health care, medical care, mental health care, and dental care. Please note that FSHS offers NO emergency or hospital treatments, nor maternity care. The services of FSHS are limited and only available during the opening hours. In case of an emergency, for example, you will need other health care services. FSHS runs health centres in 16 university towns and the student can have treatment at any of the centres.
Student Health Care Fee
Please note that FSHS provides health services only for degree students (not available for exchange students) who have paid the health care fee to KELA. Further information on the health care fee from KELA’s website: https://www.kela.fi/healthcare-fee-for-students-in-higher-education (opens in a new tab).
Booking an appointment with FSHS
The consultation fees for students at FSHS are very reasonable and services like consultation with a nurse or a general practitioner are free of charge.
Please note that if you are given a referral to Public Health Care, for example to the North Karelia Central Hospital or the Kuopio University Hospital, you will be charged the valid fees and you will not get any student reductions.
You should make an appointment for each visit to FSHS. If you are unable to keep the appointment, remember to cancel it no later than the day before in order to avoid any fees. The nurses, however, are available for consultation every morning without an appointment. For dental care you should be prepared to wait even up to a month for an appointment. Only in the case of an acute toothache it is possible to provide you with treatment during the same day.
Students who cannot use the Finnish Student Health Services are advised to use the public or private health services.
Public health care in Finland
If you are an EU citizen, you can use public health care. Please note that you should have your European Health Insurance Card or proof of health insurance available when booking and having a consultation with a General Practitioner (GP). Consultation is subject to fees.
- Available for all the EU/EEA citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (opens in a new tab) under the same conditions as for the local residents.
- Available for the non-EU/EEA citizens if they have a place of residence (opens in a new tab) in Finland.
- Available for the citizens of the countries Finland has a social security agreement (opens in a new tab) with.
- eHealth service (opens in a new tab)
- Public Health Care in Joensuu (opens in a new tab)
- Public Heath Care in Kuopio Only part of the information is in English. (opens in a new tab)
Making an appointment at a health care centre in Joensuu. (opens in a new tab)
Making an appointment at a health care centre in Kuopio. Only part of the information is in English. (opens in a new tab)
Private health care
Available for everybody who can afford to pay more expensive fees than in the public health care. If you have a private insurance, you might be able to cover the cost from your insurance.
Some private medical centres:
Mehiläinen (opens in a new tab)
Pihlajalinna (opens in a new tab)
Terveystalo (opens in a new tab)
Occupational health care (for uef staff)
Available for the UEF staff members. Further information in Guide for International Staff (opens in a new tab).
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EU citizens
Before arriving in Finland all EU citizens are advised to obtain European Health Insurance Card (opens in a new tab) from their home country and always carry it with them. This card entitles everybody to treatments at the same price as Finns in case of sudden illness or accident. If you do not have the card, please ask your own health insurance office to send it to you. Finland also has social security agreements related to health care with some other countries but we advise you to carefully check the coverage of the insurance agreement and conditions on which benefits are available at your own health insurance office before arriving in Finland.
Please note that in addition to the European Health Insurance Card you will need a travel insurance because the EHIC covers the costs only in Finland and only under the same conditions as for the local people. So if you travel outside Finland or need a transportation back home when ill, it will not cover those costs.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU/EEA citizens are advised to take a private health insurance with sufficient coverage which is a prerequisite for getting the residence permit for Finland. Further information on student insurance (opens a new tab).
Medical history and prescriptions
Please note that you should take your prescriptions with you if you have an illness that requires regular medical treatment. It is also recommended that you bring your medical history, translated into English, with you. No vaccinations are required for registration at the University of Eastern Finland.
The Finnish Social Security and it’s benefits are based on residency and it is defined by the Act respecting Residence-Based Social Security. Usually international students are not eligible for the Finnish Social Security system, as their residency in Finland is not considered permanent in nature. If you have a permanent dwelling and domicile in Finland (studying is not enough for this), you will be covered by the Finnish Social Security system. In this case, Social Security Card (Kela card) will be granted to you. For further information, see Kela (opens in a new tab) (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland).
All permanent residents of Finland are covered by pension security, i.e., health care services, health insurance benefits, parenthood benefits and family benefits. Some benefits involve additional requirements on residence in the country, mainly related to the duration of the residence.
Kela handles benefits related to different circumstances in life. Most commonly, students apply for a daily allowance under the Health Insurance Act, general housing allowance, compensation of doctor’s fees (if they have visited a private medical centre), and family benefits, i.e., maternity grant, maternity and parental allowance and child home care allowance. If one of the student’s parents is dead, he or she may have benefits related to family pensions for the duration of the studies. You can enquire about these from Kela and your pension provider or the Finnish Centre for Pensions.
Tips for managing your affairs:
- be active and find out yourself about social benefits and ask for advice;
- utilise e-Services;
- remember to apply for the benefits by the deadlines (application periods vary between benefits);
- fill in the application carefully and ensure that the required attachments are enclosed to make the processing of your case easier and quicker;
- if you are in a rush to submit an application, remember that it can be complemented later;
- respond to requests for further information sent to you, as they are not needlessly sent out; the decision on your case requires more information. Additionally,
- find out if you have a private insurance policy for accidents or illness.
Help for different life situations are gathered in this site.
In case of emergency call 112.
FSHS
- Booking an appointment (opens in a new tab)
Joensuu
- SiunSote joint municipal authority for North Karelia social and health services (opens in a new tab)
- Joensuu social emergency and crisis services (opens in a new tab)
- North Carelia Crisis Center (opens in a new tab)
Kuopio
- Urgent medical care and emergency services (opens in a new tab)
- Kuopio crisis centre (opens in a new tab)
- The City of Kuopio's crisis support (The Puijo Hospital KYS, Puijonlaaksontie 2) (opens in a new tab)
- Before coming to the emergency clinic, call the emergency number 116117, in an emergency 112
Helplines and other useful links
- Joensuu campus / Miepä Hoitokoordinaattori tel. +358 13 330 2145 (health services for exchange students in Joensuu)
- Mieli Ry crisis helpline (opens in a new tab)
- The Finnish Central Association for Mental Health Councelling service (opens in a new tab)
- Addictionlink substance abuse treatment services (opens in a new tab)
- HealthVillage MentalHub (opens in a new tab)
- Nyyti Ry mental health information (opens in a new tab)
- Nyyti Ry Abuse and Addiction (opens in a new tab)
- EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention (opens in a new tab)
- UEF Substance abuse programme for students and Substance abuse contact persons
Campus pastors can provide counseling in crisis situations.
More information about safety and security at UEF in Intranet (opens in a new window, requires logging in)
Finnish Student Health Services FSHS
- Booking an appointment (opens in a new tab)
- Services (opens in a new tab)
- The Right to Use FSHS Services (opens in a new tab)
- News (opens in a new tab)
As a student you are also eligible to use municipal health care.
- Health stations and emergency care in Joensuu (opens in a new tab)
- Health Care Services in Kuopio (opens in a new tab)
In case of emergency call 112.
UEF insurance cover for students
Indoor air problems
- When symptoms arise that are suspected to be caused by indoor air problems in the premises, the situation is always handled in accordance with the model for solving indoor air problems (in Heimo, login required). The students’ first point of contact is always the FSHS.
The exceptional situation, for example coronavirus situation and Russia’s military attack on Ukrain, can cause negative feelings, such as concern, anxiety, or fear. But you don’t need to be alone with your thoughts. If you want to discuss or need help, you can always turn to us with a very low threshold. From this website you can find the most important contact information and support services.
Please follow the university’s coronavirus website (opens in a new tab). If you have any questions about the coronavirus situation, please send an email to COVID-19@uef.fi. Further information also at the end of this website. Follow also university’s website “Support for students and studying arrangements related to the war in Ukraine” (opens in a new tab).
Self-help and useful links
- Tips by FSHS psychologists to deal with reactions to the war (opens in a new tab)
- The coronavirus epidemic may cause insecurity and worry (opens in a new tab)
Instructions for dealing with inappropriate treatment and harassment (instructions in Kamu).
The Student Union's anti-harassment contact persons (opens in a new tab).
The University Anti-harassment Contact Person (from 1.8.2023)
- Student Well-being Specialist Tiina Juurela tel. +358 40 516 2572, tiina.juurela@uef.fi)
Read more about equality in UEF at equality -page in Kamu.
Have you or anyone you know experienced racism in Joensuu? Have you witnessed a situation where somebody has behaved in a racist manner? Would you because of your work like to talk about racism or any case of discrimination which has come to your attention? Please contact Joensuu area anti-racist task group at Jomoni (Joensuu district multicultural association) (opens in an new tab).
Guidance and help
- Kela customer services (opens in a new tab)
- Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (opens in a new tab)
- Help with financial problems (opens in a new tab)
- Social services in Joensuu (opens in a new tab)
- Social services in Kuopio (opens in a new tab) check left bar navigation for more information
- Financial advice clinics in Finland (opens in a new tab)
- In acute emergencies The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (opens in a new tab) may provide financial aid
Support for loneliness
- Campus pastors
- Red cross online friend (opens in a new tab), please choose English language
Information and self-help
- Nervousness (opens in a new tab)
- Social anxiety (opens in a new tab)
- Social phobia (opens in a new tab)
Support for the LGBTQ+ community
- Seta LGBTQ+ Rights in Finland (opens in a new tab)
Family
- Kuopio family house (opens in a new tab), scroll for english
- The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (opens in a new tab)
Domestic violence
In acute situations call 112.
- Nollalinja against domestic violence (opens in a new tab)
- Lyömätön linja provides help for men in situations of domestic violence (opens in a new tab)
- The Victim Support Finland RIKU (opens in a new tab)
- Substance abuse duty service -phone: 116 117 (please call this number before applying for a hospital update)
- Substance abuse prevention info-phone (in general): 0800 900 45 (EHYT/Preventive substance work, opens in a new tab) 24/7, around the year, phone calls are free of charge, confidential and anonymous
- Substance abuse programme for students (UEF) and Substance abuse contact persons
- What is addiction like? What kind of harm they may cause? EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention (opens in a new tab)
- Päihdelinkki (opens in a new tab)
- Health Village (opens in a new tab)
- Individual Arrangements
- Celia (opens in a new tab) national library for accessible literature
- Training and support for university study skills in UEF
Read more about accessibility and individual arrangements in UEF.
Read more on Study Psychologists -page.
Nyyti (opens in a new tab) is a national student wellbeing support center. They provide e.g. chat services, support groups and self-help guides.
TUUDO
Download mobile application “TUUDO” to your own phone! TUUDO offers most useful information in well-being and health services for students.
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Transportation
A bicycle (polkupyörä/pyörä in Finnish) is a very practical and popular form of transportation in Finland, and there are plenty of paved cycle tracks. Cycling is also a good way to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Please remember that when your bike is parked or not in use, you should always lock it, and preferably fasten it to a bicycle rack or some other solid structure. Please note that it is compulsory to use a head light on your bike when cycling in the dark. Wearing a helmet can save you from a serious brain damage so please instead of thinking how stupid the helmet looks on you, think how stupid you will look when lying in the intensive care.
Places to buy and sell second-hand bikes in Joensuu:
- “Buy and sell crap in Joensuu” in Facebook
- KISA (Kuopio International Student Association) Student Marketplace in Facebook
- Second-hand shops on-line: Kuopion kirppari (only in Finnish) ja www.tori.fi
Bicycle repair shops, second-hand shops and other students sometimes sell cheap second- hand bikes. In addition, there is an auction of lost and found items at the local police station (held a few times a year), where you may find a decent bicycle at a reasonable price. Since the auction is carried out in Finnish only, please ask a fellow Finnish student to accompany you. Information on the auctions (in Finnish only).
In Joensuu you can also rent a bike from the Community Resource Centre Citizen’s House (Kansalaistalo)
In order to drive a car in Finland you need to be at least 18 years old and you must have a valid driver’s licence. If your driver’s licence is from one of the EU or EEA member countries, it is valid in Finland as long as the license remains valid. In addition, the licences from Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention countries, such as Australia, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey and the United States of America, are valid for two years, after which these citizens have to acquire a Finnish driver’s licence. Driver’s licences from other countries are not valid in Finland.
Useful websites:
- Driving in Finland (pdf)
- Finnish Road Safety Council → Traffic regulations in Finland
- Driving in Finland / VisitFinland
Please note the following regulations of driving in Finland:
- Seatbelts are obligatory for everyone whether sitting in the front or the back seats in the car. Children under three years of age must be seated on the back seat on a safety seat.
- Headlights are compulsory at all times around the clock.
- Winter speed limits are in force throughout the country from the beginning of November to the end of February. However, the limits can be lowered already in October and they can remain in force through April due to exceptional road weather conditions.
- Winter tires are mandatory from the beginning of December until the end of February.
- If a mobile phone is used by a driver, a hands-free device is required. According to the Finnish law, a driver is allowed to neither use nor hold a mobile phone in hand while driving.
- There is an obligatory annual inspection for cars in Finland. After every inspection, the driver receives an inspection card that states the condition of the car as well as any defects requiring service or repair.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. There is an exact permissible limit of 0.5 per mil for alcohol in blood. A police officer can breathalyse a driver on the spot and if suspected of driving under the influence, a person may be taken to a blood test or to a police station. Driving while under the influence of drugs is also a crime. Infringement of this rule means a penalty in the form of a fine or imprisonment.
Most of the cities have metered parking areas. However, sometimes parking is free but parking time is limited. In this case, you need a parking disc, which can be obtained at petrol stations and grocery stores. The time of arrival must be set first and the parking disc must be displayed on the dashboard. The time of arrival is the following hour or half-hour depending on which one is earlier.
Please note that parking on campus is subject to fees. UEF staff and students can get a parking permit via an online system.
In order to rent a car you need a valid driver’s licence and preferably at least one year of driving experience. Rental companies require the driver to be at least 20 years of age for passenger cars, but age regulation may vary by vehicle category. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Please also note that some car rental companies may require a credit card. Be prepared to show proof of your identity when renting a car.
Some car rental companies
Essentials of Finland
The average cost of living in Finland for a single student varies between EUR 700 and 900 per month, depending on where you live and your personal spending habits. This amount includes accommodation, transportation and meal costs. Living expenses are relatively high in Finland, although comparable to the EU average. Bigger cities are usually more expensive than the smaller ones.
The following public holidays are celebrated annually in Finland. Please note that the dates of some holidays vary from year to year. Shops and banks are usually closed on public holidays and Saturday opening hours are usually followed on the eve of a public holiday (e.g. December 24).
Public Holidays
| Date | In English | In Finnish |
| Saturday between 31.10.–6.11. | All Saints’ Day | Pyhäinpäivä |
| December 6 | Independence Day | Itsenäisyyspäivä |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Joulupäivä |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | Tapaninpäivä |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Uudenvuodenpäivä |
| January 6 | Epiphany | Loppiainen |
| Friday before Easter | Good Friday | Pitkäperjantai |
| Monday after Easter | Easter Monday | Toinen pääsiäispäivä |
| May 1 | May Day | Vappu |
| Fortieth day after Easter | Ascension Day | Helatorstai |
| 10 days after Ascension Day | Whit Sunday | Helluntai |
| Saturday between 20.-26.6. | Midsummer Day | Juhannuspäivä |
The Finnish time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There is only one time zone covering the whole country. Daylight saving time or summer time (kesäaika) is used from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October. The shift is usually done early on Sunday mornings so that it does not cause extra difficulties.
The electrical current in Finland is 220V (50Hz). Electrical plugs are the two-pin continental size. In Finland, the unit of measurement is the metric system.
Length:
| Meters | Inches |
| 0.01 | 0.39 |
| 1 | 39.7 |
| 2 | 78.74 |
| 0.3 | 1 foot |
| 0.915 | 1 yard |
Travel:
| Kilometres | Miles |
| 1 | 0.6 |
| 1.6 | 1 |
| 10 | 6 |
| 50 | 30 |
| 120 | 72 |
Temperature:
| °F | Gas | °C |
| 225 | 1/4 | 110 |
| 250 | 1/2 | 120 |
| 275 | 1 | 140 |
| 300 | 2 | 150 |
| 325 | 3 | 160 |
| 350 | 4 | 175 |
| 375 | 5 | 190 |
| 400 | 6 | 200 |
| 425 | 7 | 220 |
| 450 | 8 | 230 |
| 475 | 9 | 240 |
| 500 | 10 | 260 |
Weight:
| Imperial | Metric |
| 1/2 oz. | 15 g |
| 1 oz | 30 g |
| 2 oz. | 55 g |
| 3 oz. | 85 g |
| 4 oz. (1/4 lbs.) | 115 g |
| 5 oz. | 140 g |
| 6 oz. | 170 g |
| 8 oz. (1/2 lbs.) | 225 g |
| 12 oz. (3/4lbs.) | 340 g |
| 16 oz. (1lbs.) | 455 g |
Volume:
| Imperial | Metric | US Units |
| 1/2 fl | 15ml | 1 tbsp. |
| 1 fl oz. | 30 ml | 1/8 cup |
| 2 fl oz. | 60 ml | 1/4 cup |
| 3 fl oz. | 90 ml | 3/8 cup |
| 4 fl oz | 120 ml/ 1,2 dl | 1/2 cup |
| 5 fl oz.(1/4 pint) | 150 ml/ 1,5 dl | 2/3 cup |
| 6 fl oz. | 180 ml/ 1,8 dl | 3/4 cup |
| 8 fl oz. | 240 ml/2,4 dl | 1 cup (1/2 pint) |
| 10 fl oz. (1/2 pint) | 285 ml/2,85 dl | 300 ml |
| 12 fl oz. | 340 ml/3,4 dl | 1 1/2 cup |
| 16 fl oz. | 455 ml/4,55 dl | 2 cups (1 pint) |
| 20 fl oz. (1pint) | 570 ml/5,7 dl | 2 1/2 cups |
| 1 1/2 pints | 900 ml/9 dl | 3 3/4 cups |
| 1 3/4 pints | 1 litre | 4 cups (1qt) |
| 2 pints | 1 1/4 litres | 1 1/4 quarts |
| 2 1/3 pints | 1 1/2 litres | 3 US pints |
| 3 1/4 pints | 2 litres | 2 quarts |
The Finnish monetary unit is the euro (EUR, €). The euro is divided into 100 cents. Bank notes are in denominations of EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and EUR 1 and 2. Unlike in most euro countries, the coins of 1 and 2 cents are not used in Finland. Cheques are rarely used in Finland and they are not accepted as a method of payment in shops and businesses. International credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted. If needed, please make sure you exchange some currency before arriving in Finland since it is difficult to exchange currency if you don’t have a bank account.
There are several branches of banks in all cities. Banks have very limited opening hours so please check them beforehand. You can withdraw money from cash machines or ATMs (automatic teller machines) with Finnish bankcards and with most of international cards as well (fees may apply). If you lose your Finnish ATM card, please call immediately tel. +358 20 333 to report the incidence (24 hour service). Lost Diner’s Club cards can be reported by calling +358 800 9 5555 and American Express cards +358 9 6132 0400.
Students who wish to open a Finnish bank account are advised to do so as soon as possible after their arrival. You should make an appointment with the bank in order to be able to open an account. When opening an account, be prepared to show proof of your identity (e.g. passport) and a proof of registration at UEF (study certificate or in some cases the Admission Certificate is accepted). Please note that banks will require you to have a Finnish Personal Identity Code to open a bank account, so remember to acquire one! Please ask the bank for a price of a service package and list of other charges (e.g. international money transfers). Fees are usually charged for receiving money to your account from abroad and sending an international money order. Fees depend on the bank and the form of transfer.
Online banking is the best method to pay bills and transfer money. If possible, it is advisable to use your home country’s online banking since the banks in Finland have reduced their services and usually do not allow online banking for short-term use.
Remember that you need the SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or the BIC code (Bank Identification Code) when making international transactions. If you are making the payment from Europe, you will also need to use the IBAN code (International Bank Account Code).
Some Finnish banks:
- Danske Bank (opens in a new window)
- Handelsbanken (opens in a new window)
- Nordea (opens in a new window)
- Osuuspankki (opens in a new window)
- POP Pankki (opens in a new window)
- S-pankki (opens in a new window)
Some students have used European on-line banks, for example Alisa Pankki, N26 Smart, Revolut,
The Finnish Post mostly has post-in-shops service points and Posti Parcel Points (pakettiautomaatti) at certain grocery stores or R-kiosks where you can send and receive parcels. These follow the opening hours of the store. Find the closest post-in-shop.
See more for sending letters and parcels.
Letters can be mailed at post offices or dropped into letterboxes throughout the city. The time when the letterbox is being emptied is written on the box. Incoming mail is delivered to your address Monday through Friday. There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or on public holidays.
When dialling a phone call to Finland, please remember to use the following formula: the international prefix +358 + the area code without the initial 0 + the phone number. When calling from Finland to another country, you have to attach an international prefix before the country code. There are several international prefixes depending on the company you choose. The most common ones are 990, 994, 992 and 999 but if you call abroad a lot, you should check the other possibilities and compare prices. You can also always use the pan-European code 00, and then dial the country code, the area code and the destination number. Note that the first number of the area code (often 0) is usually omitted. See more information about international phone calls.
Please note that an area code is always needed when using a mobile phone. For international number enquiries, call 020 208 (there is a fee + local call charge). For domestic number enquiries, call 118, 0200 16200 or 020202, but please note that there will be an extra charge.
In Finland, everyone uses mobile phones and this is why there are practically no public coin-operated telephone booths. Unless you already have a mobile phone, it is definitely worth considering buying one for yourself as well. Mobile phone shops usually sell second-hand phones at reasonable prices.
You can open a post-paid mobile phone connection with a Finnish mobile phone operator (e.g. DNA, Elisa, Sonera). However, you might be required to pay a substantial deposit in order to get a post-paid mobile phone connection. This is why many times a pre-paid subscription is a better alternative.
You get the Pre-paid Start-up kit in your ISYY Welcome Package because ESN Joensuu has a contract with DNA Oy whereby all the incoming international students who join the Student Union will have the possibility to receive a free DNA Prepaid start-up kit.
There are cheaper ways to call than the old-fashioned phone calls. If the internet connection is working, you can use for example Skype or WhatsApp.
You can access the Internet at the university when you get the username and password for the university’s IT services after registration. There are computers with Internet connection all over the campus. In addition, most of the student apartments have the technical capacity for a fixed Internet connection.
Local public libraries have computers with Internet connection for you to use. Please note that you have to make a reservation for the computer beforehand, and usually you can use the computer for an hour at a time. Internet cafes are not common in Finland, because most people have an Internet connection at home. There are some cafes and bars with internet connection in the city centres. In Joensuu, you can access the Internet also at the Community Resource Centre. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Market Square, Shopping Centre Iso Myy, Carelicum, Taitokortteli, Art Museum Onni, Joensuu City Library, Joensuu Arena and Vesikko swimming pool. In Kuopio, free Wi-Fi is available at the Kuopio City Library, Kuopio Info, Apaja, Multicultural Centre Kompassi, City Hall, Music Centre and several cafés and restaurants.
There are several TV channels in Finland, which are available throughout the country. The programmes are usually broadcast in the original language with Finnish subtitles. International cable channels can be available in the student apartments, too.
Television transmissions in Finland are all-digital. Digital broadcasts can be received by an ordinary TV fitted with a digital adaptor, known as a set-top box or a converter box. Alternatively, it is possible to buy a TV set with a built-in digital receiver.
Many programmes are also available online. The Finnish Broadcasting Companyt (Yle) aims to make all four of its channels available online for viewers in Finland.
Finnish TV channels online: Yle Areena, Katsomo, and Ruutu.
If you wish to get more channels in addition to the free ones, you can get a cable/ payTV package for additional cost. Here are some pay TV providers: CMore, Elisa Viihde Viaplay, DNA TV Hubi.
If you receive salary from Finland, you have to pay the TV tax regardless of whether you have a television or not. The tax is collected at the same time as other taxes, so it does require any action on your part.
If you would like to keep up with the Finnish and international news you may find it interesting to read e.g. Helsinki Times newspaper or the news of the Finnish Broadcasting Company.
The opening hours of shops were liberated in 2016 and the shops are now free to choose their opening hours. Many shops seem to have chosen extensive opening hours (opening hours seem to be often at least 10am–7pm daily).
Grocery stores usually advertise weekly or daily in the local newspapers or print separate advertisements delivered to your mailbox. This allows you to compare food prices and special offers at different stores.
The general level of prices in Finland equals to the European average. However, here are some useful hints for the student budget. Make sure that you are aware of all possible student and other reductions available and compare prices. Also, check if there are cheap or free services provided by public libraries, hospitals, the Student Union, the university, your campus town, etc. The meals at the student restaurants are worth the money, because you get a good discount with your student card. The price of food in grocery stores varies a lot. Always compare prices before you buy. Please note that the open market place (tori) is not necessarily the cheapest place to buy food in Finland like it is in some other countries. Also, check out some of the private product labels in stores (e.g. Euroshopper, Extra, Pirkka, Rainbow). They are usually cheaper than the well-known brand names. For daily grocery shopping, many students prefer Lidl, which is the cheapest option among Finnish grocery stores.
In addition to the shops in the city centre, Kuopio also has a big Matkus Shopping Centre with an IKEA about 12 kilometres from the city centre. Busses 31 and 32 operate to Matkus from the city centre.
Tipping is not customary in Finland; most likely, a tip is given for hotel and restaurant door attendants and porters on some occasions. A service charge is automatically included in hotel and restaurant bills. Moreover, barbers, hairdressers and taxi-drivers do not expect tips. Still, you can always tip to thank for good service if you want to.
If you need to use the services of the Finnish Board of Customs, please visit their website or call the Customs Information Service + 358 2 955 201 for more information.
In Finland, strong alcohol, such as wine and spirits, can be bought only in special shops called Alko. Low-alcohol content drinks (e.g. beer, cider, wines that have less alcohol) are sold in regular stores, supermarkets, gas stations and kiosks. However, the sale of alcohol in grocery stores and supermarkets is limited to between 9am–9pm. Low-alcohol content drinks (max. 22% alcohol by volume) are not sold to persons under the age of 18, and strong alcohol is not sold to persons under the age of 20. If you are under 25 years of age, please show your ID on your own initiative, do so even if you are in a group buying alcoholic beverages together. Every member in the group must be of age if they wish to make purchases at Alko. They accept the following IDs: a driving licence, a passport and an official identity card with photo. Note that social insurance cards with photo, student cards and military IDs are not suitable ID documents at Alko shops.
Please keep in mind that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. There is an exact permissible limit of 0.5 per mil for alcohol in blood. Infringement of this rule means a penalty in the form of a fine or imprisonment.
The non-smoking policy is very strict in Finland and smoking is prohibited in all public facilities (e.g. schools, trains, hospitals, buses). Hotels, bars and restaurants have designated areas for smoking and most trains have carriages or special rooms for those who wish to smoke. The University of Eastern Finland is also a non-smoking organisation, and smoking is only permitted in designated outside smoking areas (e.g. not in front of any entrances of the university).
It always takes some time to adapt to a new culture. This section describes some characteristics (generalisations) of Finns that might help you in understanding them, but please keep in mind that not all people are alike. Your own experiences with Finnish people might give you a completely different opinion.
Sometimes visitors may feel that Finns are shy and reserved, but especially the younger generation, being multilingual and internationally minded, do not fit into this stereotype. Still, Finnish university students often tend to be quiet and obedient listeners as well as very independent and hardworking. Some international students may find the class atmosphere reserved, but you will find that most Finns are eager to talk to you and help you, if you make the first move. Most Finns have learnt the basic skills of at least one foreign language at school. The most commonly known foreign language is English, which is quite widely spoken and understood in Finland. You may notice that some Finns are a bit shy about using a foreign language, especially in a group conversation. One thing you may find a bit peculiar is the great tolerance of silence in conversation. Finns describe themselves as fairly straightforward people, because we say what we mean and we mean what we say. If a Finn suggests that you could have lunch together sometime, you can usually consider this as a real invitation, not just small talk.
In fashion, comfort is often (although not always) considered more important than looks. Life in Finland has a relaxed pace. In fact, the older generation has occasionally voiced the opinion that things are becoming a bit too relaxed or informal. Older people still appreciate more formality, such as a polite handshake on being introduced. However, keep in mind the Covid19 restrictions! Handshaking is also common in business meetings, both on arrival and departure. At work the atmosphere tends to be informal, first names are used and people dress informally. It is also completely normal to call your teachers by their first name, even at a university. Equality between the sexes has progressed quite a way both at work and at home. The difference between the sexes is probably most obvious when considering salaries and comparing the number of women and men working at the executive level.
A particular Finnish trait is the habit of drinking milk or sour milk with meals and even adults do this. Others prefer mineral water or beer, and even the wine culture is making headway. As a nation, we love quizzes and competitions of all kinds, and it may be this characteristic, that underlies our craze for sports. Finns are also crazy about coffee. You will rapidly get used to the fact that when Finns get together for a chat, coffee is invariably part of the scene. However, note that the coffee in Finland is usually not as strong as in Central and Southern Europe.
During the summertime, you may wonder where all Finnish people are, as especially during the summer months, the suburbs seem to become uninhabited. This is due to the love Finns have towards nature and summer cottage. In Finland, there are approximately half a million summer cottages, which means that nearly every third family has one. Sometimes the name summer cottage can be misleading because some people spend their free time there also during the wintertime.
Sisu (stamina) is a concept used to describe a certain feature that is considered to be something typically Finnish. Sisu is what makes a Finn grit their teeth against all odds; continue fighting against an overwhelming enemy; clear the forest with their bare hands; go on to win a race even after falling over. Sisu is what it takes: guts, determination.
Sauna is an essential part of the Finnish culture. There are 5.5 million inhabitants and over two million saunas in Finland. Practically every Finnish house has a sauna of its own. For Finnish people sauna is a place for relaxing with friends and family as well as a place for physical and spiritual relaxation. Finns think of saunas not so much as a luxury, but as a necessity, and after taking a few bathes you will probably agree.
There are also public saunas available at such places as swimming pools and student housing (common saunas). It is not customary for men and women to go to sauna together unless they are members of the same family or particularly close friends. Public saunas are also separated by gender (men together and women together). Please note that you are not allowed to wear clothing or swimming suit in sauna, because it is considered to be unhygienic. If you feel uncomfortable, you may wrap a towel around yourself.
How to bathe in a Finnish sauna?
First having undressed, you take a shower and enter the sauna still wet, although some prefer to enter sauna dry first. The temperatures in a sauna usually range from 60°C to 100°C. Sit back for a while and let the heat permeate your body and open the pores of your skin. The stones on top of the stove are very hot and when you throw water on them, a humid cloud of steam (löyly) suddenly fills the small room. The steam gently warms your skin and your body starts to sweat. There are several tips on how to bathe in a Finnish sauna, but rule number one is that you should feel good all the time. After a short while, you can take a break. You can take another shower before re-entering the sauna and then take your time to relax and enjoy the warmth. The process can be repeated several times. After the final time in sauna, wash yourself off in a refreshing shower to complete your relaxation.
Many Finns have saunas at their summer cottages by a lake. There, the sauna experience is not complete without a refreshing swim, which you can take when you leave the sauna for a break. You can also try a thick wisp or bunch of birch twigs, called either “vasta” or “vihta”, depending on where you live (“vasta” in Eastern Finland). Dip it into warm water and then gently beat yourself all over with it – it definitely feels better than it sounds! In the winter, some sauna enthusiasts will even make a hole in the ice and take a dip in the icy water (approximately +3°C to +5°C) or roll around in the snow.
Winter may bring many questions to your mind, if you have not experienced the Nordic winter before. To help you come to terms with the winter season, it might help you to not to think of it as a long, monotonous period of darkness, cold and snow, but as a sequence of several distinct phases, each of which has an atmosphere of its own. By accepting it as it comes, you will find the winter in Finland a richly rewarding experience.
At the first sign of winter, the streets occasionally get filled with slush, but eventually everything gets covered up with real snow. The months from December to February are a time of stillness. The sun always rises above the horizon in eastern part of Finland, but the light hours are not many during midwinter. It is recommended that you take vitamin D supplements to stay healthy. As for the temperature, a typical midwinter reading in eastern Finland would be something between -5°C and -15°C, but sometimes it gets colder, even down to -30°C. Fortunately, Finnish houses (including student flats) are equipped with triple-glass windows and central heating, so you have no reason to worry. However, when you are outside in cold weather, it is always wise
to be wary of frostbite and this is best done with appropriate clothing (e.g. woollen cap, mittens, warm socks and shoes as displayed). However, do not let this discourage you from going out, since very cold days have a special atmosphere, which you should not miss. You might even see the northern lights.
After the winter solstice in December, the amount of light steadily (although slowly) 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 the snow gradually melts away, although it still might snow a bit occasionally. Spring is slowly, but surely, on the way again, and soon it is the time of the light nights of the Nordic summer.
For more information about layering, dressing appropriately for the winter and preparing for the weather:
Campus cities
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Basic Finnish Vocabulary
Yes- Kyllä / Joo
No - Ei
Hi / Hello - Hei / Moi / Terve
How do you do - Päivää
Good morning - (Hyvää) huomenta
Good afternoon - (Hyvää) päivää
Good evenin. - (Hyvää) iltaa
Good night - (Hyvää) yötä
Thank you - Kiitos.
Sorry / Excuse me - Anteeksi
I am sorry. - Olen pahoillani.
Cheers! - Kippis!
How are you? - I am fine, thanks. - Mitä kuuluu? - Hyvää, kiitos.
Road - Tie
Street - Katu
Goodbye -Näkemiin. (formal)
Hei hei / Moi moi (informal)
I do not understand. - En ymmärrä.
I do not speak Finnish. - En puhu suomea.
I am not Finnish. - En ole suomalainen.
My name is… - Minun nimeni on…
How much? - Kuinka paljon? / Paljonko?
How much does this cost? - Paljonko tämä maksaa?
Could you help me? - Voitko auttaa minua?
Where is / are…? - Missä on / ovat…?
Open - Auki / Avoinna
Closed - Kiinni / Suljettu
Entrance - Sisään(käynti)
Exit - Ulos(käynti)
Push / Pull - Työnnä / Vedä
Forbidden - Kielletty
Stop - Seis
Toilet - WC
Men - Miehet / Herrat
Women - Naiset
Monday - Maanantai
Tuesday - Tiistai
Wednesday - Keskiviikko
Thursday - Torstai
Friday - Perjantai
Saturday - Lauantai
Sunday - Sunnuntai
Weekend - Viikonloppu
- Yksi
- Kaksi
- Kolme
- Neljä
- Viisi
- Kuusi
- Seitsemän
- Kahdeksan
- Yhdeksän
- Kymmenen
Zero - Nolla
Hundred - Sata
Coffee - Kahvi
Cream - Kerma
Hot chocolate - Kaakao
Juice - Mehu
Soda - Limonadi
Tea - Tee
Milk - Maito
Low lactose milk - Vähälaktoosinen maito
Milk with 1% fat - Ykkösmaito
Milk with 3.5% fat - Täysmaito
Milk without lactose - Laktoositon maito
Semi-skimmed milk - Kevytmaito
Skimmed milk - Rasvaton maito
Water - Vesi
Carbonated water - Hiilihapollinen vesi
Mineral water - Mineraalivesi
Sour milk - Piimä
Alcohol - Alkoholi
Beer - Olut
Cider - Siideri
Liqueur - Likööri
Liquor - Viina
Mead - Sima
Red wine - Punaviini
Rum - Rommi
Sparkling wine - Kuohuviini
Vodka - Vodka
Whisky V- iski
White wine - Valkoviini
Baguette - Patonki
Bread - Leipä
Crispbread - Näkkileipä
Karelian pastry - Karjalanpiirakka
Malted bread - Mallasleipä
Rusk - Korppu
Rye bread - Ruisleipä
Toast - Paahtoleipä
Biscuit / Cracker - Keksi
Butter - Voi
Cereal - Murot
Cheese - Juusto
Egg - Kananmuna
Jam - Hillo
Margarine - Margariini
Marmalade - Marmeladi
Noodles - Nuudelit
Oatmeal - Kaurahiutale
Porridge - Puuro
Rice - Riisi
Almond - Manteli
Cinnamon - Kaneli
Ginger - Inkivääri
Honey - Hunaja
Ketchup - Ketsuppi
Mustard - Sinappi
Pepper - Pippuri
Saffron - Sahrami
Salt - Suola
Sugar - Sokeri
Baking powder - Leivinjauhe
Brown flour - Grahamjauho
Brown sugar - Fariinisokeri
Cooking cream - Ruokakerma
Double cream - Kuohukerma
Dry yeast - Kuivahiiva
Flour - Jauhot
Icing sugar - Tomusokeri
Wheat flour - Vehnäjauho
Whipping cream V- ispikerma
Yeast - Hiiva
Baltic herring - Silakka
Coalfish - Seiti
Crayfish - Rapu
Fish - Kala
Herring - Silli
Rainbow trout - Kirjolohi
Salmon - Lohi
Shellfish (plural) - Äyriäiset
Shrimp - Katkarapu
Tuna - Tonnikala
Chicken - Kana / Broileri
Elk (Moose) - Hirvi
Lamb - Lammas
Meat - Liha
Minced meat - Jauheliha
Pork - Sianliha
Reindeer - Poro
Sausage - Makkara
Turkey - Kalkkuna
Asparagus - Parsa
Aubergine (Eggplant) - Munakoiso
Broccoli - Parsakaali
Cabbage - Kaali
Carrot - Porkkana
Cauliflower - Kukkakaali
Chickpeas - Kikherneet
Corn - Maissi
Courgette (Zucchini) - Kesäkurpitsa
Cucumber - Kurkku
Garlic - Valkosipuli
Green peas - Vihreät pavut
Lentils - Linssit
Lettuce - Salaatti
Mushroom - Sieni
Onion - Sipuli
Parsley - Persilja
Potato - Peruna
Red pepper - Paprika
Soy beans - Soijapavut
Spinach - Pinaatti
Tomato - Tomaatti
Vegetables - Kasvikset
Apple - Omena
Banana - Banaani
Fruit (plural) - Hedelmät
Lemon - Sitruuna
Orange - Appelsiini
Peach - Persikka
Pineapple - Ananas
Plum - Luumu
Watermelon - Vesimeloni
Berry / Berries - Marja / Marjat
Blackcurrant - Mustaherukka
Blueberry - Mustikka
Cloudberry - Lakka
Cranberry - Karpalo
Gooseberry - Karviaismarja
Lingonberry - Puolukka
Raspberry - Vadelma
Redcurrant - Punaherukka
Strawberry - Mansikka
White currant - Valkoherukka
Nut - Pähkinä
Peanut - Maapähkinä
Walnut - Saksanpähkinä
I am a vegetarian / vegan. - O len kasvissyöjä / vegaani.
I do not eat pork / read meat. - En syö sianlihaa / punaista lihaa.
I am allergic to apple / eggs / fish / milk / (pea)nuts / soy / shellfish / wheat. - Olen allerginen omenalle / kanamunille / kalalle / maidolle / (maa)pähkinöille / soijalle
/ äyriäisille / vehnälle.
I am lactose intolerant. - Minulla on laktoosi-intoleranssi.