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  1. Frontpage
  2. Databank
  3. New students
  4. General practical instructions
  5. Practical Guide
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ITÄ-SUOMEN YLIOPISTO

JOENSUU, KUOPIO

New student

Practical Guide

Print

Covid-19

Follow instructions on page Studying and teaching arrangements during the coronavirus situation.

First look take a look at arriving on campus.

Finland

General

Population 5.5 million
Area 338 424 sq.km
Capital Helsinki (population 600 000)
Head of State President Sauli Niinistö
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.

The University of Eastern Finland’s campuses are located in eastern Finland in the cities of Joensuu and Kuopio.

Useful Links

University of Eastern Finland:

  • Main pages
  • Admissions
  • Life in Finland
  • New student orientation on Kamu
  • UEF Connect

Education and training in Finland:

  • Finnish National Agency for Education’s (EDUFI)
  • Studying in Finland
  • Ministry of Education and Culture

Finnish customs and manners

General information on Finland:

  • This is Finland
  • infoFinland.fi
  • visitFinland.com
  • Lonely Planet - Finland
  • BusinessFinland
  • The Finland Guidebook

Learn Finnish

News in English:

  • YLE
  • Helsinki Times

Preparing for winter:

  • Layering basics / Rei co op

Statistical data on Finland

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

Visa and residence permit

Passport

In general, a foreign citizen must carry a valid passport in order to enter Finland. Finland is a Schengen country (the link opens up in a new tab) and usually the checks at the common borders have been abolished. But under special conditions the border check can be introduced. The Schengen Area consists of EU member states (apart from the United Kingdom and Ireland) together with Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, citizens of Schengen countries must have a passport or an internationally recognised official identity card during their stay in Finland. We recommend those coming from the Schengen countries to bring a passport with them. It is absolutely necessary in case you desire to travel outside the EU from Finland, for example on study tours to Russia.

Students who are citizens of an EU country can enter Finland with their EU Identity Card. If they are planning to travel outside the EU during their stay in Finland, they need a passport.

Visa and residence permit

Please note that you should not come to Finland with a tourist visa since they cannot be extended in Finland.

Citizens of the Nordic Countries

Students coming from Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are allowed to arrive, reside, study and work without visas or residence permits in Finland and they  do not need to register at the Finnish Immigration Service either.

EU citizens and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland

EU citizens (the link opens up in a new tab) and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Finland freely (=without visa or a residence permit). However, if they stay longer than 3 months (90 days), they must register their right of residence (the link opens up in a new tab) at the Finnish Immigration Service within three months of arrival in Finland. Please note that if you travel outside the Finnish borders, you will be able to stay again for 3 months (90 days) in Finland without registration. In this case, please remember to save all your travel documents.

You can fill the application online. However, you will still need to visit a Migri office within three months of submitting your application to verify your identity and to show the original documents. Please note that Migri offices can get busy, so please book an appointment well in advance. You can also reach Migri by phone or email. Joensuu does not have a Migri office, the closest office is in Kuopio.

Please note, that the processing of an application is subject to a fee. Also be sure you have all the attachments and information needed to process the application. If any the documents are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, you must have them translated into one of these languages by an authorized translator. Please take all the original documents with you to the Migri office.

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU/non-EEA citizens (from countries located in Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America) intending to enter Finland for more than 3 months (90 days) must apply for a residence permit for studying at the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate before their arrival to Finland and with the admission documents provided by the university.

In order to have a residence permit granted, non-EU/non-EEA citizens must demonstrate that their livelihood is secured either with a deposit in your own bank account or with an official scholarship or grant. To pay for your accommodation, food and other expenses, the Finnish Immigration Services requires that you have a minimum of EUR 560 for each month that you intend to stay in Finland (i.e. EUR 6720 for a one-year residence permit). A written guarantee of sponsorship from a private person such as family member, friend or employer is not accepted. In addition, non-EU/non-EEA citizens must have a valid health insurance to cover the costs of medical treatment.

For more info: Finnish Immigration Service

You submit your application online as soon as you have received your Certificate of Admission from the University. Applying electronically is the fastest and cheapest way to get a decision on your residence permit. You can also submit the application to a Finnish Embassy in your home country. If there is no Finnish Embassy or Consulate in your home country, you should contact the Finnish Embassy nearest to your home country. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland keeps a list of Finnish Embassies and consulates around the world.

Although the residence permit application can be submitted online, you still need to visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate to verify your identity and to present the original documents. You will also be fingerprinted for a biometric residence permit card. Your application cannot be processed until you have visited the Embassy. Also be sure you have all the attachments and information needed to process the application. If any the documents are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, you must have them translated into one of these languages by an authorized translator. Please take all the original documents with you to the Migri office.A processing fee (depending on how you submitted your application i.e. online or on paper) will be collected at the Embassy when you submit your application. The fee will not be refunded even in the event of a negative decision. Read more on the process of applying for a residence permit.

The Finnish Embassy will submit your residence permit application to the Finnish Immigration Service for a decision. Depending on the country you are coming from, it can take approximately 1–3 months to get a residence permit. Do not acquire airline tickets before the residence permit has been granted to you. It cannot be guaranteed that the residence permit decision will be ready before your flight to Finland, especially if your application is incomplete or submitted late.

Finland has introduced tuition fees in 2017. If tuition fees apply for your studies, and you have paid the fees before coming to Finland, attach documentation of the paid fees to the residence permit application. If you are paying the tuition fees after arriving to Finland, attach documentation of means to pay for them. Or if you have received a waiver for the tuition fees, attach the documentation on this. Read more on tuition fees.

Please apply for the Finnish Personal Identity Code at the same time with your residence permit! Foreign citizens from all countries, who intend to stay in Finland for a year or longer, must also register at the the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Please read more below “Registration of a foreigner in Finland – Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)”

If you need to apply for an extension to your residence permit, please read the instructions Finnish Immigration Service – Extended permit. Apply for an extended permit about three months before your residence permit expires and please note that you can only apply for an extension of residence permit while in Finland.

Embassies and Consulates

A list of Finnish Embassies and consulates around the world can be found Embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates by country

You may want to contact the Embassy or Consulate of your home country while in Finland. Contact details can be found on Representation of foreign states in Finland or in the nearest country to Finland.

Registration of a foreigner in Finland – Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

In the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (former Register Office) you can

  • do the Registration of a Foreigner
  • apply for the Finnish Personal Identity Code
  • Apply for Municipality of Residence
  • submit the Notification of Move

Registration of a foreigner in Finland and the Finnish personal identity code

All UEF students should have a Finnish personal identity code (the link opens up in a new tab) so if you don’t have it already, please visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to receive it. The Finnish personal identity code differentiates you from everyone else in the country and makes it much easier to do business in such places as banks, hospitals and the registration offices of different authorities.

Registration of foreigners (the link opens up in a new tab) always requires a visit at a Digital and Population Data Services Agency’s service location. Please, book an appointment (the link opens up in a new tab) by using the online service and request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Code. You can also reach the DVV by phone or secure email. The information that is registered is used for various purposes, such as for elections, taxation, health care, judicial administration and statistical purposes.

When you visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, you will need to bring a valid passport or other identification, UEF study certificate, as well as a possible certificate of marriage and birth certificates of any children moving to Finland with you. Also bring your residence permit if you have one.

After you receive the identity code, please inform the Student and Learning Services about it personally or by email. Never send your Finnish personal identity code via open email, but ask Student and Learning Services how to send encrypted email.

If you are a non-EU citizen and you stay in Finland for longer than a year, please visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for getting the Municipality of Residence. It entitles you to use some of the local services, for example the public health care.

Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need residence permits, but if they stay in Finland for more than six months, they are advised to register at a Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Municipality of Residence

Read about Municipality of Residence at the DVV’s site

Notification of Move

If you are staying in Finland for longer than three months, you are required to fill out a Notification of Move form. You can fill out the form when you visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency’s service location or online. Alternatively, you can fill out the form at any post office. If you need help with filling the form out, please ask for instructions at the International Mobility Services.

Work permit

International students are allowed to work in Finland without a work permit for an average of 25 hours per week during academic semesters and full-time during holidays. Additional information about work permits.

Working and Taxation

The chances of getting a job, especially without an excellent command of the Finnish language, are unfortunately rather low in Joensuu. 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.

Checklist for Authorities

Students from Nordic Countries
  • No need for a visa or a residence permit.
  • Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
  • Visit the Local Register Office after arriving to Joensuu or Kuopio. Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
  • Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
Students from EU/EEA Countries and Switzerland
  • No need for a visa or a residence permit, if you are staying for less than 90 days.
  • Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
  • Remember that if you travel abroad (crossing the border of Finland) within the first 90 days of your stay, the three-month period will restart after you return to Finland. Keep all your travel documents.
  • Visit the Local Register Office after arriving to Joensuu or Kuopio. Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
  • If you are staying longer than 90 days, register your stay at the Finnish Immigration Service. This should be done within three months of your arrival to Finland.
  • Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA Countries
  • Apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service before making travel arrangements.
  • Get an insurance for your travel and stay in Finland.
  • Request to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and to receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code at the same with your residence permit application.
  • Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate.
  • Visit the Local Register Office within three months after your arrival to Joensuu or Kuopio to register for the place of residence. Fill out a Notification of Move form.
  • Inform Student and Learning Services of your Personal Identity Code.
  • If your studies last for more than a year, apply for an extension to your residence permit three months before the first one expires.

University of Eastern Finland

General

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.

Faculties, Schools and Departments

See faculties, schools and departments on UEF www pages.

International Master's and Doctoral Programmes

International Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Degrees and study rights

The University of Eastern Finland offers degrees and postgraduate degrees in the following fields: pharmacy, dentistry, humanities, education, economics and business administration, natural sciences, medicine, forest sciences, law, psychology, theology, health sciences and social sciences. The complete educational offering is presented on Study at UEF site.

The main language of instruction at the University of Eastern Finland is Finnish and therefore most of the degree programmes are available only in Finnish. At the University of Eastern Finland, undergraduate studies leading to a Bachelor’s degree are mainly offered in Finnish, and students who wish to take a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Eastern Finland should therefore have an excellent command of the Finnish language. Applicants to Bachelor’s degree programmes need to take part in entrance examinations, which are held in Finnish.

Undergraduate students receive rights to study for both lower and higher university degrees. The students first obtain a Bachelor’s degree, followed by the Master’s degree. In medicine and dentistry, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are integrated into a Licentiate’s degree in medicine or dentistry. It is also possible to be granted study rights solely for a higher university degree if the student has already obtained a Bachelor’s degree or another degree of equivalent level.

It is possible to continue studying at the University of Eastern Finland after obtaining your Master’s degree to obtain a doctoral degree. Some fields also offer professional postgraduate degrees, such as the medical physicist’s and chemist’s degrees. More information about doctoral education and applying for a study right for doctoral studies.

You can see the selection criteria if you go to Study-page and select a study field and continue through the link to studyinfo.fi.

International Master’s Degree Programmes

All UEF Faculties offer Master’s degree programmes in English. Students who have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a university may apply for studies leading to a Master’s degree. The Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or relevant field as the intended Master’s degree. International students are accepted to pursue Master’s degree programmes taught in English on the basis of their admission documents (Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcript of academic records, English language proficiency test, motivational letter and references). You can find more information on the International Master’s degree programmes on UEF site.

Doctoral Degree Programmes

Students who have completed a Master’s degree can apply for postgraduate studies leading to a Licentiate or a Doctoral degree at the University of Eastern Finland. All doctoral education is arranged as Doctoral Programmes. They cover all scientific fields of UEF and all doctoral students will complete their studies in Doctoral Programmes. You can find more information on doctoral programmes in Kamu and on UEF’s website on Doctoral School.

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Exchange Students, Visiting Students and Trainees

Applying as an incoming exchange student

Exchange students

Exchange students are non-degree students who intend to study at the University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu or Kuopio campus) for one or two semesters. These students participate in bilateral or international student exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus, FIRST, ISEP, Nordplus/Nordlys, bilateral agreement).

An exchange student must have completed at least one year of studies at their home university in order to be eligible to enrol at the University of Eastern Finland.

Read more on how to apply as an exchange student and about studies for exchange students.

Visiting students

Visiting students are international non-degree students who intend to study at the University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu or Kuopio campus) for one or two semesters. These students do not participate in bilateral or international student exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus, FIRST, bilateral agreement).

Students are entitled to official student status (e.g. student cards) at the university. Since visiting students are non-degree students, official diplomas or certificates, other than transcripts, are not available after the study period. Please note that studies for visiting students cannot be guaranteed in all departments of the University of Eastern Finland.

Visiting students must be registered at their home university and they also need to be recommended for admission by the home university. They must have studied for at least one academic year in a related study field. They also need to have a good command of spoken and written English.

Read more on how to apply as a visiting student.

Trainees

Erasmus training or Freemover training is suitable for non-degree exchange students who intend to do their traineeship (e.g. clinical placement, research work) in one of the departments of the University of Eastern Finland. The duration of Erasmus Training or Freemover Training is either one or two semesters (or in some cases a shorter period), but always a minimum of two months. Please note that there is a limited number of training options at the University of Eastern Finland, and departments are not obligated to organise training for the applicants. Please also note that according to the Erasmus regulations, the Erasmus trainees are not allowed to complete regular study courses during their training.

Before applying the students have to negotiate the training directly with the department they are interested in. Please also note that Erasmus trainees are not allowed to do regular courses at the University of Eastern Finland.

Read more on Erasmus training and freemover training

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Tuition Fees

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

Registration

Registration instructions

Registration instructions for new students

Academic year and registration as being present

The academic year at the University of Eastern Finland officially begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July. The autumn semester courses will begin on 1 September 2022 and the spring semester courses on 9 January 2023.

Contents

On this page, you can find the following:

  • Registration instructions for MDP students who deferred the start of their studies to the spring 2023 semester
  • Registration instructions for new bachelor’s and master’s degree students
  • Registration instructions for new exchange students
  • Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information

Registration instructions for International Master’s Degree students who deferred the start of their studies to the spring 2023 semester

MDP students who deferred the start of their studies to the spring 2023 semester

NOTE! It has been decided on 29 June 2021 that students who are unable to start their studies in the 2021-2022 academic year due to complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic may defer the start of their studies and register as absent for their first year of studies. This decision also pertains to students who have received a study place at UEF in 2020 and have already deferred the start of their studies from the 2020-2021 academic year.

These instructions pertain to the International Master’s Degree Programme students who received a study right in 2020 or 2021 but were granted a deferment of the start of their studies to the spring 2023 semester due to complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

If your acceptance at the University of Eastern Finland was conditional (e.g. tuition fee, degree certificate):

  • you must meet the condition for your acceptance before your registration can be accepted.
  • Additionally, you must sign and return your Student agreement before you can register. If you have questions regarding this, please contact your programme coordinator.

The registration period for the academic year 2022-2023 starts 2 May 2022 and ends 15 September 2022. You must register as either present or absent within the registration period. Here you can find information on registering as being present or absent.

The registration period for the spring 2023 semester starts 1 December 2022 and ends 15 January 2023.

To register as absent, please contact the Student and Learning Services' customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

To register as present you must:

  1. pay the Student Union membership fee and provide a receipt for the payment
  2. bring or send in the filled-out registration form, and
  3. provide proof of your identity.

1. Pay the Student Union membership fee

The fee is 71,50 € for the full academic year / 35,50 € for the autumn semester / 36 € for the spring semester. Here you can find more information on the membership fee.

Pay the Student Union membership fee either

  • via bank transfer or
  • in person at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab) once you are in Finland (you can pay with cash or card. Please note that the 50 € banknote is the largest banknote they accept).

To pay the fee via online banking or in your local bank, please follow the payment details below. Note that you are responsible for any possible transfer fees or service fees your bank may charge.

Payment details:

Recipient: Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
Recipient's address: Yliopistonranta 3, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Bank name: Osuuspankki/OP Bank/Pohjola Bank Pl
Bank address: Koskikatu 9, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
IBAN: FI37 5770 0520 2461 63
BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH
Message: Student’s name and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Fee: 71,50 € / 35,50 € / 36 €

Either attach the payment receipt to the online registration form or bring/send a copy to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page). The payment receipt must state the date of payment, the amount paid and the recipient’s name and bank account number.

2. Fill out the registration form

Fill out the online registration form (opens in a new tab). Attach the Student Union membership fee receipt to the form.

If you are unable to fill out the online form, you can fill out the registration form (docx). Send or bring the filled-out and signed registration form to the Student and Learning Services' customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

3. Provide proof of your identity

Provide proof of your identity either

  • remotely (please contact opiskelu@uef.fi, and we will instruct you on how to do so safely) or
  • in person  at the customer service desk once you are on campus (contact information at the bottom of the page).
Tuition fees

Citizens outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay tuition. If you are required to pay tuition, you must pay the first instalment of the tuition fee before you can register as present. The payment due dates are:

  • autumn semester – 31 July
  • spring semester – 30 November

Further information tuition fees.

Activating your UEF user account for the university's information systems

All UEF students must have a UEF user account. The user account is needed to log in to the university's electronic information systems, to use your UEF email account and to sign up for courses and exams electronically.

Here you can find information on activating your UEF account (opens in a new tab).

NOTE! Your UEF account will only start working when:

  • you have registered as present
  • your study right has started
  • you have activated the account
  • you have been strongly identified and
  • have registered as an MFA user.

How to get a UEF username?

If you have any questions regarding activating your account, please contact the IT Services (opens in a new tab).

Healthcare fee for students in higher education

All bachelor's and master's degree students who are registered as being present in a Finnish institute of higher learning are entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) (opens in a new tab) and must pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education (opens in a new tab) to Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland).

If you are studying in a bachelor's or master's degree programme and are registered as present even for one day out of the semester, you must pay the fee. You will not be exempted from paying the fee even if you, e.g., do not use the services of the FSHS, do not receive student financial aid or are studying abroad.

However, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee if you have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country, from Switzerland, or from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In this case, you must provide proof of this to Kela. Visit the Kela website for information on how to proceed if you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab).

Kela will not send you a bill for the student healthcare fee. You must pay the fee on your own initiative in the Kela e-service for each academic term. Find out how to pay the student healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

The due date for paying the student healthcare fee is determined based on the date on which you register as present, i.e., attending.

  • For the autumn term, the due date is 30 September provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the autumn term on or after 1 October, the due date is 31 December.
  • For the spring term, the due date is 31 January provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the spring term on or after 1 February, the due date is 31 July.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

If you have any question regarding the healthcare fee, please contact Kela directly. You can find the contact information on the Kela website (opens in a new tab).

The healthcare fee for students in higher education is based on the Act on Student Health Services for Students in Higher Education (in Finnish) (opens in a new tab) (695/2019).

Finnish personal identity code

International students staying in Finland for longer than three months should obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus in Finnish). You need it for, e.g., opening a bank account, and for the university’s database and statistical purposes. The personal identity code will also help with identification when you are in contact with different Finnish authorities.

Students from non-EU/ETA countries can apply for the Finnish Personal Identity Code when applying for the residence permit (opens in a new tab). It is highly recommended you do it early!

If you do not apply for the Finnish personal identity code when applying for residence permit, in order to get it later, you have to visit the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency offices (opens in a new tab) during the first three months of your stay. Ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System - this means that you are issued a personal identity code and your postal address in Joensuu/Kuopio is registered.

After receiving the identity code, please inform the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) about it:

  • You can visit our office and present the identity card or another document that displays the identity code.
  • If you are unable to visit our office in person, and wish to handle the matter via email, please contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service and request instructions for sending the identity code in an encrypted email message. Wait for instructions before sending the identity code.
Student card

Students who have paid the Student Union (ISYY) membership fee may order a student card. For information on ordering your student card, see Student card and the term sticker (opens in a new tab).

Before you receive your student card, you can get a meal discount at the campus restaurants with a certificate of study. You can request a study certificate from the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Registration instructions for new bachelor’s and master’s degree students

New bachelor’s and master’s degree students

NOTE! The following instructions pertain to new students whose study right at UEF begin in the spring 2023 semester. If you received a study right in 2020 or 2021 and were given a deferment of the start of your studies due to the coronavirus pandemic, you must register following the separate instructions above.

First year bachelor’s and master’s degree students are obliged to register as being present for the whole academic year (unless you have legal grounds for registering as absent, see chapter below: Registration as being absent as a new degree student).

If your acceptance at the University of Eastern Finland was conditional (e.g. tuition fee, degree certificate), you must meet the condition for your acceptance before your registration can be completed. Additionally, you must sign and return your Student agreement before you can register. If you have questions regarding this, please contact your programme coordinator.

The registration period starts 1 December and ends 15 January. You can register either remotely or in person at the Student and Learning Services' customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Registration as being present as a new degree student

If you are obligated to pay tuition (only citizens outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland studying in English), you must pay the tuition fee before you can register as being present. You can find further information in the chapter 'Tuition fees' below.

Registration

To register as present, you need to pay the Student Union membership fee, fill out the registration form and provide proof of your identity.

You can register as present either online, in person or remotely by email:

  • Registration online:
    • Log into My Studyinfo with the same confirmation link that you used to confirm your study place. Proceed to register in the Oili registration service. Register as present (i.e. attending). The registration period in the Oili registration service is open from 2 May to 19 August.
    • Pay the Student Union membership fee online through the Oili registration service.
    • Fill out the online registration form (opens in a new tab). If you are unable to fill out the online form, you can fill out the registration form (docx) and send or bring the filled-out and signed registration form to the Student and Learning Services' customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).
    • Provide proof of your identity. Contact the Student and Learning Services' customer service and request the instructions for doing so safely (contact information at the bottom of the page).
  • Registration in person:
    • If you cannot register online and your study right starts in the autumn semester, you can register in person at the Student and Learning Services' customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page) no later than 15 September.
    • If your study right starts in the spring semester and you want to register in person at the Student and Learning Services' customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page), you must do so by 15 January.
    • Pay the Student Union membership fee. You can find the payment instructions in the chapter 'Student Union membership for new bachelor's and master's degree students' below. Bring the receipt for the payment to the Student and Learning Services' customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page).
    • Fill out the registration form (docx) and bring it to the Student and Learning Services customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page).
    • Provide proof of your identity by bringing your ID to the Student and Learning Services' customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page).
  • Registration remotely by email:
    • If you are unable to register online through the Oili registration service, and you cannot register in person on campus, you can register remotely by email no later than 15 September for the autumn semester and by 15 January for the spring semester.
    • Pay the Student Union membership fee. You can find the payment instructions in the chapter 'Student Union membership for new bachelor's and master's degree students' below. Either attach the payment receipt to the online registration form or bring/send a copy to the Student and Learning Services' customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).
    • Fill out the online registration form (opens in a new tab). Attach the Student Union membership fee receipt to the form. If you are unable to fill out the online form, you can fill out the registration form (docx). Send the filled-out and signed registration form to the Student and Learning Services' customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).
    • Provide proof of your identity. Contact the Student and Learning Services' customer service and request the instructions for doing so safely (contact information at the bottom of the page).
Registration as being absent as a new degree student

Students registering as being absent will not take any courses or sit any exams during the semester/academic year in question.  Students who have registered as being absent will not pay the Student Union membership fee and thus are not entitled to any student benefits. Students registering as being absent must also register within the registration period.

To register as being absent:

  1. log into My Studyinfo with the same confirmation link that you used to confirm your study place
  2. Proceed to register in the Oili registration service.
  3. If you are unable to register in the Oili registration service, you can register as being absent by contacting the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Note, however, that according to the Universities Act, a first-year degree student may register as absent for the academic year for the following reasons only:

  1. service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women's Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
  2. the student requires leave from their studies in order to take care of their child following birth or adoption;
  3. the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury. (In this case, it should be made clear that this entails incapacity for the entire semester or academic year.)

If you register as absent, you must prove the legal grounds for your absence. Documents proving the legal grounds for your absence should be sent via email or postal mail to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information below) by 30 September for the autumn semester and 31 January for the spring semester.

NOTE! If you do not have any of the three reasons defined in the Universities Act as stated above, you must register as being present for your first year. You must register as being present even if you cannot travel to Finland and start your studies. In these cases, registration will be done remotely by sending the required documents (a copy of passport, registration form, and the receipt of the Student Union payment) to Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information below).

Student Union membership for new bachelor’s and master’s degree students

Student Union (ISYY) membership is mandatory for bachelor’s and master’s degree students who register as being present. Information on ISYY membership benefits (opens in a new tab).

The Student Union membership fee is 71,50 € for the full academic year / 35,50 € for the autumn semester / 36 € for the spring semester.

  • If you register online through the Oili registration service, you pay the Student Union membership fee with a credit card upon registration.

OR

  • If you register in person or remotely by email, you can pay the fee in advance into the Student Union bank account using the payment details below. You can also pay the fee in your own Finnish bank after you have arrived in Finland and opened a bank account. It is also possible to pay the fee in cash or with a credit card at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab). Please note that the 50 € banknote is the largest banknote they accept.

Please note that you are responsible for any possible transfer fees or service fees your bank may charge!

Payment details:

Recipient: Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
Recipient's address: Yliopistonranta 3, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Bank name: Osuuspankki/OP Bank/Pohjola Bank Pl
Bank address: Koskikatu 9, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
IBAN: FI37 5770 0520 2461 63
BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH
Message: Student's name and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Fee: 71,50 € / 35,50 € autumn semester / 36 € spring semester

Remember to either attach the payment receipt to the online registration form or present it to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) when you register in person or by email. The payment receipt must state the date of payment, the amount paid and the recipient’s name and bank account number.

Tuition fees

Citizens outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay tuition. If you are required to pay tuition, you must pay the first instalment of the tuition fee before you can register as present. The payment due dates are:

  • autumn semester – 31 July
  • spring semester – 30 November

Further information tuition fees.

Activating your UEF user account for the university's information systems

All UEF students must have a UEF user account. The user account is needed to log in to the university's electronic information systems, to use your UEF email account and to sign up for courses and exams electronically.

Here you can find information on activating your UEF account (opens in a new tab).

NOTE! Your UEF account will only start working when:

  • you have registered as present
  • your study right has started
  • you have activated the account
  • you have been strongly identified and
  • have registered as an MFA user.

How to get a UEF username?

If you have any questions regarding activating your account, please contact the IT Services (opens in a new tab).

Healthcare fee for students in higher education

All bachelor's and master's degree students who are registered as being present in a Finnish institute of higher learning are entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) (opens in a new tab) and must pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education (opens in a new tab) to Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland).

If you are studying in a bachelor's or master's degree programme and are registered as present even for one day out of the semester, you must pay the fee. You will not be exempted from paying the fee even if you, e.g., do not use the services of the FSHS, do not receive student financial aid or are studying abroad.

However, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee if you have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country, from Switzerland, or from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In this case, you must provide proof of this to Kela. Visit the Kela website for information on how to proceed if you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab).

Kela will not send you a bill for the student healthcare fee. You must pay the fee on your own initiative in the Kela e-service for each academic term. Find out how to pay the student healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

The due date for paying the student healthcare fee is determined based on the date on which you register as present, i.e., attending.

  • For the autumn term, the due date is 30 September provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the autumn term on or after 1 October, the due date is 31 December.
  • For the spring term, the due date is 31 January provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the spring term on or after 1 February, the due date is 31 July.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

If you have any question regarding the healthcare fee, please contact Kela directly. You can find the contact information on the Kela website (opens in a new tab).

The healthcare fee for students in higher education is based on the Act on Student Health Services for Students in Higher Education (in Finnish) (opens in a new tab) (695/2019).

Finnish personal identity code

International students staying in Finland for longer than three months should obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus in Finnish). You need it for, e.g., opening a bank account, and for the university’s database and statistical purposes. The personal identity code will also help with identification when you are in contact with different Finnish authorities.

Students from non-EU/ETA countries can apply for the Finnish Personal Identity Code when applying for the residence permit (opens in a new tab). It is highly recommended you do it early!

If you do not apply for the Finnish personal identity code when applying for residence permit, in order to get it later, you have to visit the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency offices (opens in a new tab) during the first three months of your stay. Ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System - this means that you are issued a personal identity code and your postal address in Joensuu/Kuopio is registered.

After receiving the identity code, please inform the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) about it:

  • You can visit our office and present the identity card or another document that displays the identity code.
  • If you are unable to visit our office in person, and wish to handle the matter via email, please contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service and request instructions for sending the identity code in an encrypted email message. Wait for instructions before sending the identity code.
Student card

Students who have paid the Student Union (ISYY) membership fee may order a student card. For information on ordering your student card, see Student card and the term sticker (opens in a new tab).

Before you receive your student card, you can get a meal discount at the campus restaurants with a certificate of study. You can request a study certificate from the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Registration instructions for new exchange students

New exchange students

Registration

New exchange students must register as being present before they can start their studies. Exchange students can register either

  • online or
  • in person at the Student and Learning Services after arriving on campus.

Register online

To register online, you must fill out your personal information and submit the online registration form (opens in a new tab). If you wish to join the Student Union, you must attach the receipt for the Student Union membership fee to the form. You can find the payment instructions below.

OR

Register in person

Alternatively, you can register in person at the Student and Learning Services’ offices once you are in Finland.

Please present the following documents upon registration:

  1. your registration form (docx) duly filled out and signed
  2. your receipt for the payment of the Student Union membership fee (a receipt issued by your bank, an ATM receipt or a print-out from your online bank), if you choose to join the student union. See the next chapter on Student Union membership.
Student Union membership for exchange students

Student Union (ISYY) membership is voluntary for international exchange students. You can find information on the membership benefits for exchange students on the ISYY website (opens in a new tab).

If you wish to join ISYY, you can pay the membership fee either

  • at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab) after arriving on campus or
  • as a bank transfer to the Student Union bank account following the instructions below.

The Student Union membership fee is 71,50 € for the full academic year / 35,50 € for the autumn semester / 36 € for the spring semester.

  • You can pay the fee with cash or card at the Student Union offices. Please note that the 50 € banknote is the largest banknote they accept.
  • Remember to present the payment receipt when you are registering.
  • If you pay the fee abroad, please note that you are responsible for any transfer fees or service fees that your bank may charge!

Payment details:

Recipient: Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
Recipient's address: Yliopistonranta 3, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Bank name: Osuuspankki/OP Bank/Pohjola Bank Pl
Bank address: Koskikatu 9, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
IBAN: FI37 5770 0520 2461 63
BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH
Message: Student’s name and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Fee: 71,50 € / 35,50 € / 36 €

Activating your UEF user account for the university's information systems

All UEF students must have a UEF user account. The user account is needed to log in to the university's electronic information systems, to use your UEF email account and to sign up for courses and exams electronically.

Here you can find information on activating your UEF account (opens in a new tab).

NOTE! Your UEF account will only start working when:

  • you have registered as present
  • your study right has started
  • you have activated the account
  • you have been strongly identified and
  • have registered as an MFA user.

How to get a UEF username?

If you have any questions regarding activating your account, please contact the IT Services (opens in a new tab).

Finnish personal identity code

International students staying in Finland for longer than three months should obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus in Finnish). You need it for, e.g., opening a bank account, and for the university’s database and statistical purposes. The personal identity code will also help with identification when you are in contact with different Finnish authorities.

Students from non-EU/ETA countries can apply for the Finnish Personal Identity Code when applying for the residence permit (opens in a new tab). It is highly recommended you do it early!

If you do not apply for the Finnish personal identity code when applying for residence permit, in order to get it later, you have to visit the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency offices (opens in a new tab) during the first three months of your stay. Ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System - this means that you are issued a personal identity code and your postal address in Joensuu/Kuopio is registered.

After receiving the identity code, please inform the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) about it:

  • You can visit our office and present the identity card or another document that displays the identity code.
  • If you are unable to visit our office in person, and wish to handle the matter via email, please contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service and request instructions for sending the identity code in an encrypted email message. Wait for instructions before sending the identity code.
Student card

Students who have paid the Student Union (ISYY) membership fee may order a student card. For information on ordering your student card, see Student card and the term sticker (opens in a new tab).

Before you receive your student card, you can get a meal discount at the campus restaurants with a certificate of study. You can request a study certificate from the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information

If you have any questions regarding registration, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service

The Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk offers general study counseling, information on term registration and study rights and maintains the student register. The customer services desk also provides student certificates and transcripts of records.

Phone number: +358 29 445 8900

  • phone service Mon–Fri from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15)
  • from 1 June to 31 July, phone service available Mon–Fri from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14)

Opening/office hours:

  • the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15).
  • from 1 June to 31 July the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14).

NOTE! Remember to check the exceptions to Student and Learning Services' customer service opening hours.

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 (Yliopistonranta 1 C)

Postal address:

  • Joensuu: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu
  • Kuopio: Postal address: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio

Registration at the university comes under the provisions of the Universities Act (558/2009).

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General information concerning registration

International Master’s Degree Students (First Year)

Prior to registration, first-year students are required to formally accept their study place by using the link they have received from UEF by email. The degree programme will inform the deadline for confirming the study place and it may change annually. If you do not confirm your study place, you will forfeit it.

If you are obliged to pay a tuition fee, pay the fee by deadline. Instructions on invoices will be sent to you by email. The tuition fee and the Student Union fee must be paid before the registration. The Student Union membership fees change every academic year.

After you have paid the tuition fee (if applicable), you can register online by logging into My Studyinfo with the same confirmation link you used for confirming your study place. Then proceed to register in the Oili registration service. Register as present (i.e. attending) and pay the student union fee by deadline.

If you cannot register online, you should register in person at the Student and Learning Services. If you know that you will arrive in Finland after the deadline for registration, please send an e-mail to opiskelu@uef.fi and explain your situation.

Upon registration, your information will be entered into the student register.

Once registered, you will get a student certificate. By showing this certificate, you will get a substantial discount on meals at certain campus restaurants and you are entitled to use the services provided by Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) until you get your student card. NOTE! The services of FSHS are not available for exchange students!

You will also get instructions on how to activate your user account for the university’s IT services (e.g. email, WebOodi etc.) upon registration. The user account can be used in approximately one hour after the activation once your study right is valid. Please note, however, that your user account may not have all the necessary user rights at once, as new students get their final user rights only after registering at the university and after their information has been updated in the IDM system. This can take up to one day.

Registration as Being Absent

  • Each student must register as being present or absent for each one of their active study rights in the Oili registration service annually within the registration period.
  • Registration is study right -specific. If you have more than one active study right, you can register as being present or absent for all of them or, e.g., as present for one and as absent for another.
  • Registration is also term-specific. This means that you can register as being absent for one semester and present for another. Remember to take the normative duration of studies into consideration.

NOTE! Remember to register as being present or absent for each one of your active study rights!

You can find the registration instructions here:

Registration instructions for new students

Annual registration – enrolled students

Registration as being present

Students generally register as present because only those who register as present can participate in teaching and training, take examinations and complete a degree, in addition to being eligible for student financial aid. Registering as present is also mandatory for any periods spent studying abroad as an exchange student.

According to the Universities Act, all university students who have been admitted to a programme leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree belong to the student union. Student union members pay the student union membership fee when they register as present at the university. Student union members can apply for a student card and are entitled to student benefits. Find out more about the student card and student benefits.

Changing registration status from present to absent in the middle of the academic year

You can only change your registration from present to absent during the registration periods (for the whole academic year or the autumn term only, between 1 May – 15 September; or for the spring term only, between 1 December–15 January). You cannot change your registration status from present to absent in the Oili registration service; you must contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service by email or phone or visit the customer service desk (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Any requests for a refund of the student union membership fee must be submitted by the end of September (whole academic year or autumn term) or by the end of January (spring term). See the Student Union ISYY website for a Membership fee refund application among ISYY’s documents (opens in a new tab). Select Forms and then Membership Fee.

Registration as being absent

A student may register as absent if they do not intend to complete any studies at the university during the semester they register as being absent for. Students registering as being absent must also register within the registration period. Students registering as being absent cannot take any courses or sit any exams during the semester or academic year in question. Those who register as absent do not pay the Student Union membership fee or the healthcare fee for students in higher education. Absent students are not entitled to student benefits or the services of the Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS).

Students who register as absent have limited access to the UEF electronic services. You can find more information on the UEF account and user rights from the IT Services’ website (opens in a new tab).

According to the Universities Act, a student can register as absent for two academic terms (i.e., one full academic year) without the period of absence affecting the duration of studies. For study rights that started before 1 August 2015, the maximum period for registering as absent without the the period of absence affecting the duration of studies is four academic terms.

In addition to regular absences, there are statutory absences as defined by the Universities Act. Absences due to military service, non-military service or women’s voluntary military service as well as absences due to requiring leave from one’s studies in order to take care of one’s child due to birth or adoption are statutory absences. Such absences may extend a student’s study right and are recorded in the student register on the basis of documentation provided by the student within a given deadline (you can find information on the required documents in the following section).

NOTE! If you have been granted an extension to your study right, registering as absent will not extend your study right further (incl. statutory absences).

Registering as absent due to a statutory reason and the required documents

If a student registers as being absent due to a statutory reason for absence, as defined by the Universities Act, their study right duration may be extended. The student must prove they have a statutory reason for absence with a document. The deadline for sending or bringing the document to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) is 30 September for the full academic year or autumn semester only / 31 January for the spring semester only.

The duration of studies can be extended on the basis of a statutory reason for absence only if the student has registered as absent at the university within the registration period and provided the required document proving the statutory reason for absence. You cannot register as absent nor can your registration be changed from present to absent after the registration period has ended. A statutory reason for absence cannot be recorded for a student who is registered as present. Here you can find information on how statutory absences affect the normative duration of studies.

You can register as being absent for a semester due to a statutory reason if the statutory reason covers at least one day out of the semester.

The documents verifying a statutory reason for absence may be in Finnish, Swedish or English.

If a statutory reason for absence arises after the registration period has ended, and the student has already registered as present, the registration will not be changed to absent. However, the statutory reason may be taken into account if the student needs to apply for an extension to their study right.

Additional instructions for first year students who register as being absent

  • If a first year student registers as being absent and does not bring or send the document proving grounds for statutory absence to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page) by the deadline (30 September for the full academic year or autumn semester only / 31 January for the spring semester only), the student forfeits their right to study. In order to re-activate your study right later, you will need to re-register.
  • A first year student has the right to be absent for the full academic year even if the statutory reason for absence covers just one day out of the academic year.
  • If the statutory reason for a first-year student’s absence covers just the spring semester, the student may register as being absent for the full academic year or as present for the autumn semester and then as absent for the spring semester within the spring semester registration period.
  • Please note that if you do not have any of the three statutory reasons defined in the Universities Act, you must register as being present during your first year. You must also register as being present if you cannot travel to Finland and start your studies. In these cases, registration will be done remotely by sending the required documents (a copy of passport, registration form and the receipt of the Student Union payment) to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).

Statutory reasons for registering as absent as defined by the Universities Act

1. The student is in active service in accordance with the Conscription Act (1438/2007), the Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or the Women’s Voluntary Military Service Act (194/1995)

Required documents:

  1. Before the service starts, the student must bring or send their call-up order (only Finnish) showing that the service takes place during the academic year in question to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).
  2. After the service ends, the student must also bring or send a copy/picture of their service certificate or military passport to the Student and Learning Services customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page).
2. The student requires leave from their studies in order to take care of their child due to birth or adoption

Required documents:

  • A medical certificate regarding the pregnancy (international students only)
  • Kela’s certificate regarding maternity, paternity or parental allowance period or corresponding certificates from the authorities of another country regarding statutory parental leave
  • Paternity leave can only be verified with a certificate from Kela
3. A first-year student is unable to start their studies due to the student’s own illness or injury

Required documents:

  • Sickness allowance decision or, if no decision exists, a medical certificate. The medical certificate must state which illness or injury the student suffers from, and that this condition prevents the student from beginning their studies in their first year.
  • Obstacles caused by the practical arrangements required by the illness or injury: an adequate clarification, e.g. a certificate from the student housing foundation that the student is on the waiting list for an apartment required by their injury. The student’s own notification is not an adequate clarification.
  • If you register as absent due to illness or injury, you cannot complete any studies even if you receive sickness allowance for students (which allows some studying, i.e., about 40 % of the regular amount of credits).
  • Registering as absent due to illness or injury does not extend the study right. A first-year student may register as absent due to illness or injury but their study right will not be extended as is the case with the statutory reasons above. Registering as being absent due to illness or injury will use up regular periods of absence excluded from the normative duration of studies.
  • NOTE! Illness or injury is only considered as a statutory reason for registering as absent for first-year students.

Changing registration status from absent to present in the middle of the academic year

Registration as absent can be changed to present at any time during the academic year.

  • During the registration period, the change can be made by paying the student union membership fee in the Oili registration service (opens in a new tab) using one’s personal online banking codes.
  • Outside the registration period, the student can request the payment details needed to pay the Student Union membership fee from the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of the page). The student must provide proof of payment of the Student Union membership fee to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service in person or by email.

More information on registration:

Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service

The Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk offers general study counseling, information on term registration and study rights and maintains the student register. The customer services desk also provides student certificates and transcripts of records.

Phone number: +358 29 445 8900

  • phone service Mon–Fri from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15)
  • from 1 June to 31 July, phone service available Mon–Fri from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14)

Opening/office hours:

  • the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15).
  • from 1 June to 31 July the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14).

NOTE! Remember to check the exceptions to Student and Learning Services' customer service opening hours.

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 (Yliopistonranta 1 C)

Postal address:

  • Joensuu: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu
  • Kuopio: Postal address: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio

Registration after the First Year or for one semester only

NOTE! Citizens outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland studying in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes are required to pay tuition. If you are required to pay a tuition fee, you must pay the next instalment of the fee before you can register as present for the 2023-2024 academic year. If you have questions regarding the tuition fee, contact your programme coordinator.

The instructions for annual registration at the university apply to students who are already enrolled at the university, i.e., they are in their second, third, etc., year of studies. If you are a first-year student, see registration instructions for new students.

Who is obligated to register

All students whose studies aim at a degree must register annually. Bachelor’s, master’s, licentiate and doctoral students are obligated to register for each academic year as being either present or absent.

Registration period

The registration period for the academic year 2023–2024 starts on 1 May 2023 and ends on 15 September 2023.

The period for registering for the spring term only is 1 December 2023 – 15 January 2024. For more information concerning registration for the spring term, see the instructions below.

These instructions pertain to students who register for the full academic year as well as students who register for the spring semester only.

Registration in the Oili registration service

You can register electronically through the Oili registration service (opens in a new tab). Registrations done in Oili will show in Peppi. You can only register in the Oili registration service within the registration period.

Registration is study right specific

In Peppi, registration is study right specific.

If you have more than one active study right at UEF, you must register as being present or absent for each one in the Oili registration service. If you register as being present for more than one active degree study right, you will only have to pay the student union membership fee once.

If you receive a new study right

If you already have an active study right at UEF, and you receive another degree study right, only register for either the new study right or the old study right in Oili, and then contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service. Your registration for the other study right will be saved by the Student and Learning Services’ customer service personnel.

Registration as being present

Undergraduate students aiming at a bachelor’s and/or a master’s degree must pay the student union membership fee (using personal Finnish bank codes) when registering as present. The Student Union membership fee for the entire academic year 2023–2024 is 75 €. For just the autumn semester the fee is 39 €, and for just the spring semester the fee is 40 €.

For licentiate and doctoral students, the Student Union membership is voluntary. For the 2023–2024 academic year, the Student Union membership fee for licentiate and doctoral students in 58 €. For just the autumn semester the fee is 30,50 €, and for just the spring semester the fee is 31,50 €.

In Kamu you can find further information on the Student Union membership fees.

Registration as being absent

You can register as being absent if you do not intend to attend any courses, complete any studies or complete your degree during the academic year or if you have a statutory reason for absence, such as participation in military or non-military service or being on maternity, paternity or parental leave. The duration of studies can be extended on the basis of a statutory reason for absence if the student registers as absent at the university for such a period of absence.

Those who register as absent must also do so within the registration period either in the Oili registration service (opens in a new tab) or by contacting the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information below).

You can only change your registration from present to absent during the registration periods. You can change your registration from absent to present during the registration period in Oili or at any point during the academic year by contacting the Student and Learning Services’ customer service.

You can find the Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information at the bottom of this page.

Read more about registering as absent.

Healthcare fee for students in higher education

All bachelor’s and master’s degree students who are registered as being present in a Finnish institute of higher learning are entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) (opens in a new tab) and must pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education (opens in a new tab) to Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland).

If you are studying in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme and are registered as present, you must pay the fee. You will not be exempted from paying the fee even if you, e.g., do not use the services of the FSHS, do not receive student financial aid or are studying abroad.

However, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee if you have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country, from Switzerland, or from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In this case, you must provide proof of this to Kela. Visit the Kela website for information on how to proceed if you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab).

Kela will not send you a bill for the student healthcare fee. You must pay the fee on your own initiative in the Kela e-service for each academic term. Find out how to pay the student healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

The due date for paying the student healthcare fee is determined based on the date on which you register as present, i.e., attending.

  • For the autumn term, the due date is 30 September provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the autumn term on or after 1 October, the due date is 31 December.
  • For the spring term, the due date is 31 January provided you have registered as attending by then. If you register as attending for the spring term on or after 1 February, the due date is 31 July.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the healthcare fee (opens in a new tab) on the Kela website.

The healthcare fee for students in higher education is based on the Act on Student Health Services for Students in Higher Education (in Finnish) (opens in a new tab) (695/2019).

If you are unable to register in the Oili registration service

Registering through Oili is the primary means of registration. However, if you are unable to register through the Oili registration service, please contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information below).

If you are a bachelor’s or master’s degree student, and wish to register as present, you can ask for the payment details for the Student Union membership fee from the Student and Learning Services’ customer service and pay the fee at your bank or through mobile banking. Alternatively, you can pay the fee at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab). If you register this way, you must present the receipt for the payment to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service either in person or by email/postal mail (contact information below).

If your UEF account password has expired, you cannot register through Oili. Make sure to change your password before it expires! Here you can find the instructions for changing your password (opens in a new tab).

Studying abroad

Students who study abroad during the 2023–2024 academic year must register as present at UEF for the duration of their studies abroad because the courses they will complete abroad are included in their degree studies at the University of Eastern Finland.

Double degree and joint degree students

Double degree and joint degree students are obligated to register annually just like other degree students, and they too must register as present for the whole duration of their studies. The degree programme may apply for an exemption from paying the Student Union membership fee from the Student Union for the semesters the student is studying abroad in another partner university.

Students who are required to pay tuition

Students who are required to pay a tuition fee must do so before they can register as present for the academic year. A student’s annual registration can be revoked if they have not paid the tuition fee by the deadline. The autumn semester tuition fee payment deadline is 31 August, and the spring semester tuition fee payment deadline is 31 December.

Here you can find further information on tuition fees.

If you forgot to register

Students who do not register as present or absent at the university during the registration period must apply for reinstating their right to study before they can continue their studies. Readmission is granted based on an application submitted to the Student and Learning Services’ customer service. In addition, a re-registration fee of 35 € is charged from students who register after the registration period has ended (the collection of the re-registration fee is stipulated in the Ministry of Education decree 1082/2009).

Read more about re-registration.

Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information

Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service

The Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk offers general study counseling, information on term registration and study rights and maintains the student register. The customer services desk also provides student certificates and transcripts of records.

Phone number: +358 29 445 8900

  • phone service Mon–Fri from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15)
  • from 1 June to 31 July, phone service available Mon–Fri from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14)

Opening/office hours:

  • the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm (10–15).
  • from 1 June to 31 July the Student and Learning Services’ customer service desk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm (10–14).

NOTE! Remember to check the exceptions to Student and Learning Services' customer service opening hours.

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 (Yliopistonranta 1 C)

Postal address:

  • Joensuu: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu
  • Kuopio: Postal address: University of Eastern Finland/Student and Learning services, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio

Delays in Registration or Failure to Register

Re-registration at the Student and Learning Services

Student who fails to register at the university during the registration period (closing on 15 September), or a first-year degree student who registers as being absent but fails to submit the required documents proving the legal grounds for absence, will need to re-apply for the right to register in writing.

As a rule, students should re-register in person at Student and Learning Services and have with them a duly completed re-registration form and the required receipts indicating the payment of the re-registration fee and possible Student Union membership fee.

It is also possible to register by telephone or email, in which case the student should send the required receipts to Student and Learning Services by mail. When registering by telephone or email, students are recommended to contact Student and Learning Services in advance to agree on the procedure. The re-registration procedure is based on the Universities Act (558/2009, Section 39).

Read more on re-registration.

If a year or more has passed since the previous registration

If a year or more has passed since your last registration, you will need to present the required payment receipts of re-registration fee and possible Student Union membership fee and have an approved personal study plan (PSP) in WebOodi. If you do not have a valid user ID for the university’s IT services, the study plan should can be submitted on paper and be approved by the coordinator of the study programme.

First-year degree students who register as being absent but fail to submit the required documents

According to the Universities Act, a first-year degree student may register as absent for the academic year for for the following reasons only:

  1. service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women’s Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
  2. maternity, paternity or parental leave;
  3. the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury. In this case, it could be made clear that this entails incapacity for the entire semester or academic year.

Students who register as absent must prove the legal grounds for their absence. Documents proving the legal grounds for absence should be sent by post to Student and Learning Services by 30.9. Students who fail to do this will lose their right to study. If they wish to start their studies later, they must re-apply for the right to register and pay the re-registration fee.

Re-registration fee

A re-registration fee of EUR 35 will be collected from re-registering students. The fee will be collected from all the students who fail to register at the university as being present or absent during the registration period. The re-registration fee will not be collected from students who after discontinuing their studies wish to register as being present, if they register during the academic year in which the discontinuation ended.

The re-registration fee is paid into a the University of Eastern Finland bank account found in the re-registration form.

Further information:

  • Valtioneuvoston asetus yliopistojen toiminnassa perittävistä maksuista(Re-registration fee in the Ministry of Education decree 1082/2009)
  • Universities Act 558/2009

Academic calendar

Academic year1 August 2022 - 31 July 20231 August 2023 - 31 July 2024
Registration, current students
Registration, new Master's students
Registration for spring term only, current students
Opening ceremony of the academic year8 September 2022 in Kuopio7 September 2023 in Joensuu
Periods (used in some study fields)
Autumn semester, 1st period1 September - 21 October 20221 September - 20 October 2023
Autumn semester, 2nd period24 October - 14 December 202223 October - 13 December 2023
Spring semester, 3rd period9 January - 17 March 20238 January - 15 March 2024
Spring semester, 4th period20 March - 31 May 202318 March - 31 May 2024
Orientation for new students1 - 2 and 5 September 20221 and 4 - 6 September 2023 and
3 October 2023
Orientation for new international students1 - 2 and 5 September 2022;
9 - 11 January 2023
1 and 4 - 5 September 2023
8 - 10 January 2024
Christmas break15 December 2022 - 6 January 202314 December 2023 - 5 January 2024
Easter break6 - 12 April 202328 March - 3 April 2024
Sports day starting 12.15 p.m.5 October 2022;
21 February 2023
4 October 2023
13 February 2024
Climate Afternoon 12 - 16
Summer School

Electronic Services

Peppi - Student and Study Register

Peppi is an information system entity that is formed by the student and study register, education planning and, facility and resource reservations. In Peppi, different functions are organized into virtual desktops based on user roles. Students, teachers, PSP instructors, coordinators, amanuenses, study secretaries, study coordinators, persons reserving facilities, etc., use Peppi in every-day work.

In Peppi, a student can among other things. :

  • plan their studies
  • view their timetable
  • follow their progress
  • book appointments
  • register for courses and exams
  • apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • acquire digitally signed study certificates and transcripts of records
  • receive their degree certificate digitally signed
  • view and edit their contact information

PLEASE NOTE! Personal information like names or your Finnish personal identity code you cannot change yourself in Peppi, but these can only be changed by the Student and Learning Services’ Customer Services and requires official documents. Thus, if your personal information needs to be changed in some way, please contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service.

Login to Peppi with your UEF account. Write your username in the format username@uef.fi.

Direct link to Peppi (requires logging in with UEF username, opens in a new tab)

Instructions and videos about Peppi for students are found in Peppi Handbook (requires logging in with UEF username, opens in a new tab).

Further inquiries: peppituki@uef.fi

UEF Intranet and Microsoft 365

Moodle

Student’s Moodle environment

Moodle is an online learning environment that includes, for example, course materials, assignments and discussion areas.

UEF currently has two different Moodle environments: the old UEF Moodle, which will be disabled on 31 May 2023, and a new eLearn Moodle. In addition, some courses can be held in Digicampus Moodle, which is a learning environment shared by Finnish universities. The teacher in charge of the course will tell you where the course is located and what the enrolment key required for registration is.

  • UEF-Moodle (opens in a new tab) – a learning environment for the courses that are included in the UEF’s credit system.
    Moodle.uef.fi will be disabled gradually and it will be closed on 31 May 2023. You can’t access the old Moodle after that!
    Please remember to save materials that you may need in the future!
    If you have materials in the old Moodle that you need after 31 May 2023 (for example, returned assignments, course materials, links etc.), save the materials well in advance for yourself.
  • eLearn Moodle (opens in a new tab) – a new learning environment for the courses that are included in the UEF’s credit system.
  • DigiCampus.fi Moodle (opens in a new tab) – is a Moodle-based learning environment, commonly used by Finnish universities. There are MOOC-courses and courses carried out jointly by universities and colleges in the DigiCampus Moodle. You can also visit the DC-help website (opens in a new tab) for more instructions. You can log in with HAKA identification or Google account. Please remember to always use the same login method so you won’t have multiple profiles.

For more information on the UEF user account and its activation, see the web page of IT Services (opens in a new tab).

Taking Moodle into use – UEF staff and students

UEF staff and students are identified through their UEF user accounts.

1. Signing in with the UEF account is a bit different in the three Moodle environments:

  • UEF-Moodle (opens in a new tab)
    • Click “Login with UEF account”
    • You will be redirected to Microsoft 365 authentication
    • Enter your username as: username@uef.fi
    • Enter your password
  • eLearn Moodle (opens in a new tab)
    • Click “UEF Login”
    • You will be redirected to Microsoft 365 authentication
    • Enter your username as: username@uef.fi
    • Enter your password
  • DigiCampus.fi (opens in a new tab)
    • Click “Login with HAKA account”
    • Select University of Eastern Finland from the list
    • You will be redirected to Microsoft 365 authentication
    • Enter your username as: username@uef.fi
    • Enter your password
    • After identification, you will be directed back to Digicampus Moodle

You can also use your Google account with Digicampus Moodle. Please remember to always use the same login method so you won’t have multiple profiles.

2. If the identification is successful, you will be redirected to Moodle. At the first login, you may be asked for your basic information. Moodle will have access to your name and email automatically and you can’t change them (if your name or email is missing or incorrect, please contact servicedesk@uef.fi or support@digicampus.fi).

3. Read and accept the student’s copyright agreement. You can’t use Moodle, if you don’t accept this.

4. After that, the dashboard of Moodle will open, and Moodle is ready for use.

5. On the left, under “My Courses”, are the courses to which you have been granted access/you have registered.

Course registration

Once you have logged in to Moodle, your recently accessed courses and overview of your courses are shown. The courses shown here are the ones you have already enrolled in.
From the course overview, you can choose whether you want to see all your courses, your ongoing courses, your future courses, or your past courses. You can also star courses and remove them from the view, which only affects your own view.

The person in charge of the course can give you the link to the course and the enrollment key, for example, through Peppi, via email or at the first meeting. After this, you can join the course in three ways:

1. You can search for courses by clicking “Search courses” on the top right corner. Write the name of the course and click the magnifying glass. When you find the course, click it’s name and then click enroll me. If the course has an enrolment key, enter it first.

2. The person in charge of the course can also send the link to the course and the enrolment key directly to you (by email). Click the link and enter the key.

3. If the course is in the eLearn Moodle and integrated with Peppi:

  • Register to the course on Peppi.
  • After that, the teacher will accept your registration.
  • Peppi will automatically add you to the course on eLearn Moodle, and the course will appear under “my courses” listing.
  • You must have logged in to the eLearn Moodle before Peppi can add you to the course. If you log in for the first time, there will be a slight delay before the course appears on your Moodle.
  • Please note that the course won’t appear on Moodle until the teacher has set it visible. If the course has not begun, it could still be hidden and will appear on Moodle when the course starts.

Please contact the teacher if the course does not appear on the eLearn Moodle after a slight delay, even if you have registered to the course on Peppi and the course has started.

You only have to enter the enrolment key once when you register to the course. After joining a course, you can find it on the left under the heading “my courses”.

If you are joining as another teacher, ask the person in charge of the course to add you and to give you the teacher’s rights.

SEB – Moodle Safe Exam Browser exams

The Moodle exam can be implemented as a closed SEB exam, where the student uses their own computer, but access to other pages and materials is blocked during the exam.

The Safe Exam Browser is used in the SEB exam. The browser can be installed on Windows and MacOS devices. SEB cannot be used for exams on Android, Chromebook, Linux or iPhone devices.

The SEB exam is usually held under supervision in a auditorium or in a class.

Student instructions for participating in the SEB exam (opens in a new tab)

If the SEB browser does not work on your computer, you can borrow a computer for the exam from the computer lending machine.

Computer lending machines, 4 hours/booking

  • The computers do not have chargers, they are charged in a computer lending machine
  • The SEB browser is already installed on the computer
  • Computer lending machines can be found
    • Canthia 2nd floor,  Oppari
    • Snellmania 1st floor, Library
    • Karelia 1st floor, Service Desk (library)

Moodle app

1. Download the Moodle app (App Store, Google Play) to your mobile device.

2. When you use the app for the first time, type https://moodle.uef.fi or https://elearn.uef.fi/ (opens in a new tab) as the address.

3. Log in

Moodle and browsers

We recommend that you use Moodle with Mozilla Firefox, which is an officially supported browser. Google Chrome also seems to work well with Moodle, although it is not an officially recommended browser.

Safari (Mac users) and Internet Explorer 10 (Windows users) are non-recommended browsers. These browsers have had problems, for example, with downloading files.

Do you have questions?

Contact servicedesk@uef.fi

Tuudo

You too should download Tuudo now! Tuudo is a mobile app that supports you in your studies. It was first introduced at UEF on 8 November 2017.

You can register in Tuudo with your UEF username and password.

Tuudo compiles your most often used, study-related services into a portable user interface.

The following can be found in Tuudo:

  • Registration for courses and exams
  • Your completed studies
  • Automatic timetable generator
  • Library services and a digital library card (more information on the UEF Library’s website, the link opens in a new tab).
  • Menus of campus restaurants
  • Public transport schedules
  • Other useful additional services, for example, for managing your finances

Tuudo uses push notifications to convey important messages and remind you of upcoming events in your timetable. Enable the use of push notifications when you install Tuudo. Tuudo is designed to make it easier for students to manage their time and life both on and off campus. Tuudo does not replace all the browser-based services offered by UEF, and using it is not mandatory for students.

Android and iOS devices support Tuudo. You can download Tuudo on your mobile phone from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Use your UEF username and password when you log in to Tuudo for the first time; no further logging in is needed.

If you encounter problems when you use Tuudo, please contact peppituki@uef.fi.

More information on Tuudo.fi (opens in a new tab).

Wireless Networks Eduroam and UEF Open

University of Eastern Finland campuses offer Eduroam and UEF-open wireless networks. UEF-open is available for visitors and can be accessed without login. Eduroam requires a login with username@uef.fi.

UEF-OPEN
An open WLAN. Mainly for the use of visitors.

Usage does not require a user account or a password.

EDUROAM (More information HERE)
UEF staff, students and research can login to the Eduroam network by using their username formatted as username@uef.fi.

The certificate used is TERENA SSL CA. Download a Eduroam configuration app from HERE

External users use their own organization’s guidance to login to the Eduroam network.

For help, contact IT support services (new tab).

DigiStartti

How to log into Digistartti?
The link to Digistartti (opens in a new window)

Digistartti offers you an introduction to the digital study environments used at the University of Eastern Finland. We recommend that you complete the Digistartti assignments at the very beginning of your studies, preferably within two weeks after starting your studies.

Digistartti is open from 1 August 2022 onwards.

You can access the materials in Digistartti without a UEF user account, but please note that you can complete the assignments only when you log in with your UEF account.

In order for your UEF user account to work, all the below conditions have to be met:

    • register as a present student at UEF
    • activate your UEF user account. The activation is possible as soon as you have received the activation email (how to activate your UEF user account, new tab)
    • your study right must be valid (for most Master’s students the study right begins 1 August and for most exchange students 1 September)
    • registered as an MFA i.e. Multi-Factor Authentication user
    • In addition, all the Master’s degree students have to be strongly identified by the IT service desk. This means that the IT services have checked your passport and identity.

Your UEF user account will work in about approximately one hour after activation and your email approximately 4 hours after activation. Digistartti opens 1.8.2022.

Digistartti is located on a Moodle platform in Digicampus (Note that we use several different Moodle platforms at UEF).

When logging into Digistartti, please select Haka login, then choose the University of Eastern Finland, and use your UEF ID.

We recommend you use a computer (not a mobile device) and Mozilla Firefox as the browser.

Digistartti is a compulsory part of the course Orientation for International Students, 1 ECTS.

Orientation for International Students, 1 ECTS.

Technical Problems?

  • If you have problems with logging into the Digicampus Moodle (new tab) or other issues related to the Digicampus Moodle, please contact the Digicampus Moodle support either via their Chat or email: support@digicampus.fi.
  • If you have problems with the UEF ID (after selecting Haka login and choosing the University of Eastern Finland and using the UEF ID and password), if the username or the password is not valid, or you receive an error message related to them:
    • Check the user ID and the password
    • Note that you have to be registered as present
    • Note that your study right has to be valid (for most Master’s students the study right begins 1 August and for most exchange students 1 September)
    • Note that login can succeed only four hours after activating the account
    • For the Master’s degree students: note that Haka login can succeed only if you have been strongly identified.
  • If you receive a notification on an error on your password, change the password according to the instructions (please read the password requirements carefully).
  • If the problem persists, please contact the UEF IT services (new tab) either via their Chat or email: servicedesk@uef.fi

Scheduling Your Studies

Students are responsible for planning, scheduling and completing their studies and the academic coordinators are always happy to offer information on the courses. Please remember that you have to register for all courses and exams separately and well in advance. Also, note that there are course-specific registration periods for courses and exams.

Please note, that you can sign up for courses only after you have registered as being present at the university. Registration for courses requires a UEF username and password that you will receive when you register as a student.

You register for the courses usually in student register Peppi. The course registration is especially important for the courses with limited number of participants, such as laboratory courses, field courses, language courses, or other small-group teaching.  Whereas some big lecture courses may not require registration at all – a list may be circulated at the first meeting of the course where participants sign their names. Please note that during the covid-19 pandemic it is important that everybody is registered to courses so that we know who is participating in each course.

The exchange students make a Learning Agreement when applying to UEF. The Learning Agreement is the starting point for the studies at UEF. Please note, that the Learning Agreement is not the same as course registration and does not guarantee a place in the course. Read more on courses offered for the Exchange Students in English (opens in a new tab) and find forms for incoming exchange students.

The degree students also make a Learning Agreement, but also a personal study plan in cooperation with the academic coordinator of their Master’s Degree programme, if other instructions are not given.

It is important to note that some advanced courses may have set requirements on the skills and background knowledge of the participants and this may limit their availability for some students. Participation may also be limited because of programme regulations, the availability of equipment and/or instruments, or the teaching method employed. Course descriptions identify these limitations when they exist by indicating the required or suggested prerequisites and the maximum number of students that is allowed to participate. International students are advised to take note of these limitations.

If you have signed up for a course in Peppi and  then decide to drop it, you should remember to deregister in or notify the lecturer.

Schedules and more detailed information about courses can be found in Peppi as soon as they have been confirmed by the Faculty. More detailed information on the courses can be obtained from the responsible lecturer of the course. Each programme sets the schedules for the courses which may lead to timetable conflicts with courses in different programmes. If courses overlap, students should discuss the situation with both lecturers and negotiate the best possible solution.

Changes in course schedules will usually be informed in Peppi or by email to the participants.

Sign up for courses in Peppi (opens in a new tab)

Read more on how to start your studies at UEF

Essentials of Studying

Completing courses

Teaching methods

Academic freedom is one of the basic values of the Finnish university system. It emphasises independent study and opens up many possibilities to students. In most cases, students can basically choose what to study and when to study. Some lectures, for example, may not be compulsory.  However, the practical sessions are usually always obligatory. Academic freedom goes hand in hand with academic responsibility – it is up to students themselves to plan, schedule and complete their studies.

Courses

Courses can last for one semester or they may start and finish at any time of the semester. Some courses are intensive with up to six hours of lectures and/or laboratory exercises per day. The other courses are less intensive with only a couple of hours a week. So the duration of a course may vary from a few days to several months depending on the field of study and the courses taken. Usually no courses are organized during the summer months (June–August). However, some practical training may be possible during that time. UEF also organises Summer School in August.

Course descriptions describe the teaching methods and specify what a student must do in order to earn credits from a course. The course requirements are often listed in the course descriptions. Courses may include lectures and/or small-group teaching, written assignments, examinations, practical exercises, classroom discussions, group work, on-line discussions/exercises, lab work/reports, course diaries, term papers, oral presentations, or a combination of these.

In most study fields the courses form larger modules at 3 levels: basic/introductory studies, subject/intermediate studies and advanced studies. Course descriptions and timetables of the courses (as soon as they have been confirmed by the Faculty, usually timetables are available at the beginning of the semester) can be found in Peppi.

Please make sure you always attend the first meeting of the course because the first meeting is always the best possibility to ask about the course requirements, the credits and grading and everything else concerning the course. Ask questions to make sure that everything is clear to you.

Study tours, excursions and field courses

In some study programmes study tours, excursions, and field courses offer an opportunity for the students to visit and experience various sites in the nearby area, other locations around Finland, the Baltic States and even Russia. Fieldwork usually involves gaining practical experience through field exercises, some formal lectures, and group work. Additional costs may apply to field courses, excursions, and study tours. The contact persons for these courses can provide more information and answer questions.

Lectures

Most courses offered in English are lecture courses. Course participants are generally assessed by written work in the form of reports, research essays or examinations. Some courses may have a range of credits possible to earn based on a combination of course options. For some courses, especially those in which reading assignments in English substitute lectures given in Finnish, students may be required to pass an examination on the required course literature.

Lectures usually begin a quarter past the hour (e.g. 8:15) excluding some group teaching and exams. In Finland these fifteen minutes are called “an academic quarter”. A lecture lasts for 45 minutes, but double lectures are very common (2 x 45 minutes). Attendance at lectures is usually optional, but often essential for passing the course successfully. Therefore, attending lectures is highly recommended. Most of the teaching is carried out in lecture form although in many fields practical training, laboratory work, exercises or group work play a central role. In these cases, attendance is mostly compulsory. Please make sure you know the requirements for each course, including which parts are compulsory and which are optional.

Course literature

Course literature is often specified in the course description. This literature is usually available to be borrowed from and/or read only in the University Library. In some cases students may obtain assigned literature from the office of the faculty organising the course. The number of copies of course literature available is limited so you may have to make a reservation. If a student wishes to purchase textbooks published abroad, it is recommended that he or she do so before arriving in Finland since prices, especially for imported textbooks, are higher. Some reading materials are distributed during courses. Questions about specific course literature should be directed to the contact person of the course.

Independent study

Some courses can also be completed as independent study. In the case of independent study, reading assignments are given in English and students complete work under the supervision of an instructor. Independent studies in some subjects can be  completed by taking examinations on specified books.  Examinations based on reading assignments are organised on general examination days scheduled by the faculty responsible for the course. The schedules for the examination dates for specific independent study courses are available from the faculty arranging the courses and in most cases on WebOodi. Some independent study courses have multiple examination dates each semester or year; others may be scheduled for only one day a year. Confirm the schedule in WebOodi or from your International Academic Coordinator.

Office hours

Please note, that members of the university staff have often allocated office hours during which you can visit them. You can also make an appointment either by phone or email. You can search for the contact information and office hours of any staff member in UEF Connect.

Electronic exams

Access to exam room

You can go to the exam room on weekdays during the opening hours of the buildings without an access badge and without visiting Oppari’s sevice desk. NOTE! In the evenings, on weekends and public holidays, you will need either a personal access badge or one time access badge from Oppari to enter the exam room. You can find the opening hours of the buildings and more detailed info lower on this page. Exception: You don’t need an access badge to the Canthia exam room on the Kuopio campus on Saturdays during Oppari’s opening hours (check opening hours).

General info

Exam Introduction (video)

Electronic exam systems can be used to implement exams, book exams and maturity tests in facilities equipped with automated video surveillance.

Electronic exam systems are suitable for implementing exams in which, instead of having the same questions for all students, the exam system allots an individual set of questions to each student from a group of questions prepared by the teacher. In other words, electronic exam systems are not suitable for implementing exams in which the same questions are simultaneously presented to all the participants, cf. general examinations.

The exam is available for a specific time period, or until further notice, allowing students to take the exam according to their own schedules. Exams implemented with exam systems can be taken at Joensuu and Kuopio campuses.

You can also take your exam in another university’s Exam room as an Exam Visit. See where you can take your exams (opens in a new tab). Read the instruction for EXAM visit in English (opens in a new tab) carefully before enrolling for an EXAM.

Exam rooms

Exam rooms have video surveillance. Spot checks in which all the exam participants’ identities are checked are also conducted in the exam rooms. Always have your student ID card, personal ID or driver’s license with you at the exam! If you don’t have any of the mentioned cards, the spotter will instruct you.

Good to know

  • Login to the computer with your UEF username and password (visitors with day ID).
  • If you leave the exam room before you have completed the exam, you are not allowed to return and continue with the same exam.
  • If you are unsure about any technical aspects of the exam, you should take the exam when Oppari is open.
  • There is absolute silence in the exams and you will not be able to discuss there.
  • Please come to the exam without perfumes and fragrances.

Take with you to the exam room

  • your student ID card, personal ID or driver’s license

You are allowed to bring to the exam room

  • a bottle of water that has no label

You are not allowed to bring to the exam room

  • a backpack/bag
  • outdoor clothes
  • a phone
  • a wrist watch or other wearable smart devices
  • tools for making notes

You can leave your extra items in a lockable cabinet outside the exam room (you need 50 cent coin).

Violation/negligence of just one of these rules may lead to failing the exam.

Joensuu campus:

  • Natura building, N112, 1st floor. Open 23/7 (from 6 am to 5am).
  • Carelia 162a, I krs. Open during the opening hours of Oppari.

Kuopio campus:

  • Mediteknia building, 1029, 1st floor. Open 23/7 (from 6 am to 5am).
  • Canthia building, CA205, 2nd floor. Open during the opening hours of Oppari.

Access to exam room

Doors to the exam rooms are open during the opening hours of the buildings. You don’t have to go to Oppari’s help desk before taking the exam. The opening hours:

JOENSUU

NOTE! Between 19.12.2022 and 5.1.2023, the doors of the buildings are open Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

During the semesters (1.9.-31.5.)

  • Natura N112 (F-door): Mon-Thu 7 am-6.15 pm and Fri 7 am-5.15 pm
  • Carelia 162a: Mon-Fri 7.30 am-6.30 pm, Sat 9.30 am-3.15 pm, Sun 12 am-4.30 pm

During the summer (1.6.-31.8.)

  • Natura N112 (F-door):  Mon-Fri 7 am-4.15 pm
  • Carelia 162a: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7.30 am-4.15 pm and Wed 7.30 am-6.15 pm

KUOPIO

NOTE! Between 19.12.2022 and 5.1.2023, the doors of the buildings are open Mon-Fri from 7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

During the semesters (1.9.-31.5.)

  • Canthia CA205: Mon-Fri 6.50 am-6 pm and ja Sat 9.15 am-2 pm
  • Mediteknia 1029: Mon-Fri 7.45 am-4.15 pm

During the summer (1.6.-31.8.)

  • Canthia CA205: Mon-Fri 6.50 am-4.15 pm
  • Mediteknia 1029: Mon-Fri 7.45 am-4.15 pm

NOTICE! Passage for evening, weekend and public holiday exams:

  1. Use your personal access badge, which you can apply by this form. See Personal access badge to electronic exam facilities. Access to electronic exam rooms is easier with an access badge, and the badge also gives you the opportunity to exploit the extended opening hours. You will not need to go to the exam through Oppari’s service desk.
  2. Collect the one-time access ID before your exam starts from Oppari’s service desk (NOTE! To do this, check Oppari’s service times for picking up access ID).

Installed software in exam computers

The following software is available to students on exam computers: MS Word (without the spell check function), MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Paint, a PDF reader, and a calculator. If necessary, you can outline e.g. essay answers for Word.

Exam visitor’s guide

Exam visit means that you can take your own university’s exam in another university’s Exam room. After you have registered to take an exam by your home university in the exam facilities of the University of Eastern Finland, you can pick up a day ID for a computer from Oppari during its opening hours. You can log in to a computer using the day ID you have been given.

More information servicedesk@uef.fi

The login page of the Exam system has been set as the browser’s homepage. Please select your higher education institution from the menu. Log in to the Exam system using your higher education institution’s login details.

Special purposes examination facilities

Special purposes examination facilities are at the disposal of students who have the right to special arrangements. The special purpose examination facilities are located in Carelia 162 on Joensuu campus and in Canthia CA206 on Kuopio campus. Access to these exam rooms is always through Oppari.

For further information, see How to use the special purposes examination facilities?

Instructions

Procedural instructions for taking an electronic exam including the deadlines for grading (in Finnish) (pdf)
Introduction to the Exam system

For exam registrations and reservations see: Exam service (opens in a new tab)
See also Kamu: Exam instructions to students
See also Heimo: Exam instructions to teachers (opens in a new tab, login required)

Further information: servicedesk@uef.fi

Credits, Grades and Transcript of Academic Records

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.

Grade
Definition
ECTS scale
5
Excellent
A
4
Very good
B
3
Good
C
2
Satisfactory
D
1
Sufficient
E
0
Fail
F
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

Academic Dishonesty

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


 

 
General Guidelines

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

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
  • 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

 

1. Procedure in cases of suspected fraud (from 29th of January 2021)

Procedure in cases of suspected fraud

Students must follow good academic practice in all their studies. Academic fraud is a dishonest act or measure done or taken deliberately, out of negligence or with the intent to deceive in order to give a false impression of the one’s own or another person’s competence.

It is the responsibility of a teacher to address a student’s conduct immediately and appropriately if they suspect the student of misconduct related to teaching or research. The teacher must investigate the nature and extent of the fraud verbally or in writing,  depending on the circumstances.

After the investigation, the teacher must take one of the following measures:

  1. transfer processing of the detected fraud to the Dean or Director of independent institute or service centre (Language Centre, Library, Centre for Lifelong Learning, Student and Learning Services) by submitting a written report
  2. guide and advise the student to take the appropriate corrective measures if, in the teacher’s assessment, the misconduct is minor or due to the student’s ignorance, or
  3. conclude that based on the investigation, there is no reason to suspect the student of academic fraud and inform the student verbally or in writing that the case is dropped.

The Dean of the faculty or the Director of the independent institute or service centre investigates the suspected fraud and decides on the use of appropriate investigation measures. The student must be informed in writing about which offence they are suspected of and reserved the right for a hearing on the matter. The primary means of hearing the student is by a written reply. If necessary, an oral hearing is held. The request for a reply or invitation to a hearing is sent to the student accompanied with an acknowledgement of receipt or by some other verifiable means. Other involved parties may also be heard on the suspected misconduct. If an oral hearing is held, it must be documented by means of a signed minutes of the meeting. The student may invite a support person to the hearing.

After the hearing, the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre decides whether misconduct has taken place (if not, the case is dropped) and whether it is minor or severe and on possible follow-up measures. A violation may be considered minor when, for example, it is non-recurring and due to negligence or ignorance and has caused only minor damage. The Dean issues a written complaint for minor violations. If necessary, the Dean may also recommend that the teacher assign a failing or lowered grade for the study attainment in question. The person in charge of the course assigns the failing or lowered grade for the study attainment. The disciplinary action issued by the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre is communicated to the student, teacher and head of department of the degree programme for information purposes and possible follow-up measures.

The teacher’s decision to assign a failing or lowered grade constitutes a decision related to the grading of a course which the student may appeal to the university’s Board of Appeal.

If, after hearing the student, the Dean or the Director of the independent institute or service centre finds the student guilty of severe misconduct, they must inform the Rector in writing and submit all documentation on the case to the Rector. When assessing the severity of the misconduct, factors to be taken into consideration are the repeated nature and extent of the fraud.

The Rector may issue a written warning to the student, propose to the Board that the student be suspended temporarily or decide that no misconduct has taken place.

The decision by the Rector or Board is communicated to the student, teacher and Dean or Director of the independent institute or service centre and Student and Learning Services for information purposes and possible follow-up measures.

Decisions on severe violations may be appealed to the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland. The decision must include appeal instructions. A decision of the Administrative Court that concerns a disciplinary action against a student referred to in Section 45 of the Universities Act may not be appealed.

Cases of suspected fraud that concern a thesis included in advanced studies and are detected before evaluation are processed in accordance with this university policy. If a suspected violation of good scientific practice is detected in a thesis included in an upper university degree after the thesis has been accepted, the case is processed in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. Notice of suspicion of violation of good scientific practice to the university’s Rector.

University of Eastern Finland procedure in cases of suspected fraud, diagram (Appendix)

Procedure In Cases Of Academic Fraud is written in page https://kamu.uef.fi/en/student-book/ethical-guidelines-for-teaching-and-studying/

Legislation, regulations and instructions on academic fraud

According to Section 45 of the Universities Act, a student may be issued a written warning if the student:

  1. disrupts teaching
  2. behaves in a threatening or violent manner
  3. acts fraudulently or otherwise violates the university’s regulations
  4. refuses to submit a drug test certificate, as referred to in Section 43 d, or
  5. has used narcotics, based on the statement referred to in Section 43 d, for purposes other than medical treatment in a way which undermines his or her functional capacity.

If the act or omission is severe or if the student continues the disruptive behaviour referred to in subsection 1 above despite a written warning, the student may be suspended from the university temporarily for a period of up to one year.

According to Section 45 a 2 of the Universities Act, the decision to issue a written warning or temporary suspension of the student is made by the university’s Rector and Board, respectively. Before deciding on the case, the act or omission warranting the disciplinary action must be specified, the necessary evidence must be obtained, and the student must be reserved the right for a hearing on the matter.

Section 45 of the Study Regulations of the University of Eastern Finland states the following on the procedure in cases of academic fraud and disruptive behaviour.

 “A study attainment may be rejected if a student is guilty of study-related or research-related misconduct, while completing the study attainment in question.  The exam’s supervisor shall have the right immediately to remove from the exam any student who is suspected of cheating or otherwise disturbs the exam.  The study attainment shall also be failed in cases where cheating is only discovered after the exam.

If cheating is suspected when an electronic exam system (e.g. EXAM) is used, the suspected cheating shall be evaluated by reviewing the video recording of the exam. If the exam supervisor has interrupted a student’s exam due to disturbance or suspected cheating, the supervisor shall enter the reason for the interruption into the student’s exam papers, and also whether the student admits or denies making the disturbance or cheating.

In a case where a student is suspected of cheating or disturbing an exam, they must be offered the opportunity to be heard.  If proven, the student’s misconduct shall be reported in writing to the Dean or the Director of the academic unit concerned, who shall decide whether any further measures need to be taken. The Dean or the Director of the academic unit may, at their discretion, report the cheating to the Rector, who may take the disciplinary measure(s) referred to in Section 45 of the Universities Act.”

According to the Academic Rector's decision (22 December 2015) confirming the process description for the electronic plagiarism detector:

“Based on his or her expertise, the supervisor decides whether citations and quotations are in line with good scientific practices and thus acceptable. The decision must be made within two (2) weeks of returning the thesis (electronic form). If they are in order, the student is informed that the originality of the thesis has been confirmed and the process ends. After this, the student is free to submit the thesis to examiners. If the citations and quotations are not in order, the supervisor rules on the severity of the detected plagiarisms.

  • Minor: The supervisor gives feedback to the student for correcting or finalising the thesis. The student corrects the thesis in accordance with the feedback. The student resubmits the corrected thesis for a Turnitin report. A corrected thesis may be resubmitted once for pre-examination and plagiarism detection.
  • Severe: The supervisor initiates a process to investigate the suspected study-related or research-related misconduct.

2. Remote supervision of exams

Remote supervision of exams

The guidelines apply to video and/or microphone supervision of exams taken outside the campus and other interactive learning evaluation situations held over the Internet. Where applicable, the guidelines can also be used in other similar situations.

Instructions for teachers and exam organisers
  1. Consider the following before deciding on the use of remote supervision
    • Check what is stated in the curriculum on the evaluation method for the course. The exam format must be specified in the course description. If remote supervision of exams is not mentioned in the course description, the use of remote supervision requires changing the curriculum. The Dean or, if so decided, the Vice Dean of the faculty has the authority to change a curriculum during the academic year.
    • Think about whether remote supervision of the exam is necessary. Can the achievement of learning objectives and competence be verified or evaluated by other means without real-time remote supervision, such as with an open-book exam that requires the ability to apply skills and knowledge? It may also be helpful to discuss the evaluation method with students.
      For more advice, contact servicedesk@uef.fi
      You can also write to the address in questions related to remote exams.
    • If you decide to use remote supervision, please note that it must be implemented using every means to protect students’ privacy and collect as little personal data as possible. The teacher in charge of the course assesses on a case-by-case basis which implementation method is suitable in the situation while acknowledging the above. For help in making the assessment, contact servicedesk@uef.fi.
  2. Use the digital services of the University of Eastern Finland for remote supervision: Zoom (Funet Meet) or UEF O365 Teams.
    • The maximum number of participants in a remotely supervised exam is 100 students. To ensure the privacy of personal data, however, the recommended number of participants is significantly lower than this.
  3. Students cannot be required to attend a remotely supervised exam from their home or another private location chosen by the student. At the student’s request, an alternative method for taking the exam that does not involve remote supervision and treats students equally must be offered. Plan the alternative method for taking the exam ahead of time. Whenever permitted by COVID-19 restrictions, students should be given the option to take the remotely supervised exam on the university’s premises. Another option is to consider organising the exam using other electronic exam systems.
    Any alternative method must also treat students equally. In other words, all students must be given a chance to take the exam within roughly the same period of time, such as by the end of the period.
    Note that students belonging to an at-risk group must be able to take the exam in a way that does not require attendance in person on the campus.
  4. Give students clear information well ahead of time on how the course will be evaluated. Inform them of at least the following:
    • Students have the right to request an alternative method for evaluating the course.
    • Students also have the right to discontinue remote supervision for unexpected personal reasons, for example. In such cases, the student can turn off the webcam, for example. If this happens, the exam may be failed.
    • Inform students ahead of time as clearly as possible and in writing whether the remote supervision will involve a video or audio connection, phone call, supervision through the use of activity or log data or something else.
    • Inform students of the type of Internet connection, device and environment required for the exam.
    • Advise students to choose a place for taking the exam that contains as few personal details as possible.
    • Clearly inform the students if they are required to share their camera with other students due to the way the exam is organised (such as a group exam).
    • Tell students which devices, applications, materials or other aids they are allowed to use during the exam.
    • Inform students about who will supervise the exam.
    • Protect the supervised exam with a password. The password is sent to students’ UEF email address.
    • Inform the students that if they want, they can use a virtual background offered by the electronic service.
  5. The exam supervisors must be assigned in advance and their names shared with the students. Access to the exam must be restricted by a password, for example. In Zoom, this can also be done by granting permissions to join the meeting when creating the meeting.
  6. Supervisors are permitted to check students’ proof of identity in a remote exam. The need for proof of identity and the verification method are assessed on a case by case basis. As a rule, information related to identity verification is not stored.
    • If it necessary to verify students’ identity, this can be done by any of the following means, using a secure connection and after ensuring that access to the information is restricted:
      • require students to login to the remotely supervised exam with their personal username and password
      • use some other means of identification other than a personal identity code (such as student number or student card)
      • make a phone call during the video call to verify the student’s identity
      • require that students show proof of ID to the camera during the meeting. In this case, you must use the breakout rooms command or some other method that allows students to identify themselves privately
    • Students’ identity may not be verified by any means necessary. For example, don’t ask students to email you a copy of their passport. Treat students equally when verifying their identity.
    • In situations where a face mask is used, assess the method for verifying identity on a case by case basis.
  7. Implementing remote exam supervision
    • If remote supervision is necessary, this should be done in a way that ensures the smallest threat to privacy and collects the least amount of personal data. For example, consider whether it is necessary to monitor students via webcam or if it is sufficient to use screen sharing. Requiring students to present their face, voice and home environment collects more personal data than simply sharing the student’s desktop during the exam without audio. On the other hand, screen sharing may expose students’ personal information.
    • The general principle is that students cannot see each other’s video feeds.
    • Do not save students’ video or audio feeds.
    • Exam answers are confidential information , and students may not be allowed to see each other’s answers during the exam.
  8.  Suspicions of cheating and other abnormalities during a remote exam are handled according to the standard procedure for academic fraud.
    • Apply the university’s guidelines on cases of academic fraud and abnormalities
    • If it is necessary to review log data or otherwise investigate the suspected fraud after the exam using data collected by remote supervision, this must be done in accordance with the university’s guidelines and principles of good governance.
    • In the event of an abnormality during a remotely supervised exam (such as a general connection failure, disruption in the supervisor’s connection or electronic system, outsiders joining the supervised exam), the exam supervisor decides whether the remotely supervised exam can be continued after the situation has been resolved as in a normal exam. User activity data and log data may be processed to investigate the abnormality in accordance with UEF’s log policy.
    • In the event of suspected cheating during the exam, the supervisor may take a screenshot of the incident for later investigation.
    • Students have the right to discontinue supervision (by turning off their webcam, for example), but doing this may result in failing the exam.
Instructions for students
  1. The university supervises exams in order to ensure that students are treated equally. In supervising exams, the university may use live video or the login, activity and log data collected by the digital system.
  2. Your identity will be verified when taking the exam.
  3. If you are taking the exam in a location of your choosing, participating in remote supervision is voluntary. By participating in remote supervision, you agree to the terms of the supervision, such as that you must keep your webcam turned on. You have the right to discontinue the supervision during the exam for unexpected personal reasons, for example, but this may cause you to fail the exam.
  4. If you refuse to agree to voluntary remote supervision for privacy reasons or lack of a suitable device, for example, the university will arrange for you to take the exam under remote supervision in a public space or by some other alternative means.
    Individual arrangements
    Instructions for students who are at risk of serious illness from COVID-19: course arrangements for the autumn term 2020
  5. Students are responsible for the functioning of their Internet connection, applications and devices
  6. Personal data are processed in accordance with the university’s data protection and security policies
    Processing of personal data (in finnish)
    Information security guidelines (sign in UEF account)
    Information security policy (sign in UEF account)
  7. Your teacher will provide more information about other details of the exam.
  8. For more information about remote supervision in general, contact servicedesk@uef.fi.
Key provisions governing remotely supervised exams
  • Under the Universities Act, education, teaching and granting of degrees are part of a university’s statutory duties. Universities must organise their activities in a manner that ensures a high international standard in research and education in conformity with research integrity and good scientific practice. Universities Act (Sections 2, 6 and 7)
  • Students’ skills and knowledge may be evaluated by means of a written or oral examination or other similar study assignment. For details, see the Study Regulations
  • The lawful bases for remote exam supervision and related processing of personal data are compliance with a legal obligation and exercise of official authority (EU GDPR Article 6(1)(c) and 6(1)(e)).
  • The exam supervisor is bound by professional secrecy regarding any personal circumstances of exam participants that the supervisor may learn while performing actions related to the processing of personal data (Data Protection Act 1050/2018, Section 35). Exam answers are confidential documents (Act on the Openness of Government Activities, Section 24(1), paragraph 30).

3. Principles of publicity in remote university teaching

Principles of publicity of university education in remote teaching
  • The publicity of education does not mean that links to remote teaching are shared publicly on a website.
  • Publicity should be understood as the opportunity to attend teaching.
  • The publicity of teaching is supported and enforced by the public availability of the university’s curricula.
  • The option to attend remote teaching must be arranged upon request.
  • While publicity is the guiding principle, it can and sometimes must be restricted.
  • The publicity of teaching can be restricted for a justified reason. These reasons include but are not limited to the following:
    •  The space used in teaching does not permit participation. In remote teaching, this may mean that the licence of the service being used is not sufficient to accommodate guests, for example.
    •  The nature of the content of teaching prevents participation by outsiders. Such situations include, for example
      • review of an individual study attainment
      • evaluation of a student’s work
      • feedback on learning
      • other non-public teaching events
      • the content of teaching is confidential or sensitive (such as hospital training, presentation containing business secrets used in teaching)
  • The visibility and processing of students’ personal data must also be assessed separately if outsiders participate in remote teaching. Efforts must be made to minimise the amount of personal data being shared.

Opportunities to participate in remote teaching can also be organised separately. These may include, for example, various open days organised by the university that can be attended remotely.

The ethical guidelines for teaching and studying at the University of Eastern Finland also include instructions on incidents of disruption in teaching, that are issued in a separate decision at a later date.

For more information, please contact the Director of Student and Learning Services Miia Turtiainen, miia.turtiainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 504382610.

Tapio Määttä
Academic Rector

UEF Register No.84/03.08/2021

14th of January 2021

Student Support

Here to support you and your studies

Student and Learning Services

Student and Learning Services (including International Mobility Services) of the University of Eastern Finland offer services to all students to support their studies throughout the entire study path. They also support the pedagogical and technical development of higher education in the University of Eastern Finland. Student and Learning Services help students with general student advising, registration to the university, issues relating to the right to study, study certificates, student register etc.

Student and Learning Services include Oppari Learning Centre, which has self-study computers for the students, as well as the Helpdesk, where students can easily obtain a variety of information and advice regarding the use of computers, including printing and changing the computer password.

See support channels to students.

Student Tutors

The University of Eastern Finland will provide each new student, both Finnish and international, with a student tutor.  Student tutoring is mainly available at the beginning of the semesters. If you are an exchange student or a Master’s degree student coming to UEF, your tutor will contact you by e-mail a few weeks before the semester begins. Therefore, please make sure that you have given a valid email address, which you keep checking regularly. When your student tutor contacts you, please reply to the message so that they know you received it. And as soon as you know your arrival details, please inform your student tutor about your travel plans.

The student tutors are UEF students themselves who have volunteered to help new students at the beginning of their studies. The tutors are trained to help the incoming students to adapt to Finland, to the new town, and to the University of Eastern Finland. The tutors will help you to familiarise yourself with everyday routines (studying, shopping, housing) and show you around the town and the university campus. Tutors are also an excellent source of tips for studying and about other aspects of student life.  Please note, that student tutors have their own duties and studies as well and therefore they are not available at all times.

When you have arrived in Finland, you will meet your tutor(s) and other students in your tutoring group. Your student tutor will meet you on arrival if agreed.

Academic advising

Note that if you wish to have information on the courses or on the content of the studies, please contact the study coordinators of the programmes.

UEF contact person for student tutoring for international students

Kirsi Konttinen, International Mobility Services, kirsi.konttinen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 44 5817

 

The Coordinator of International Affairs of the Student Union (ISYY)

The Coordinators of International Affairs of the Student Union (ISYY) are there to help you with any matters related to student life. The Coordinators’ job is to look after the interests of the international students and to get their voice heard on the campus. You may turn to the Coordinators or any other staff member who works at the Student Union whenever you need help or guidance - there is no such thing as a stupid question! Just pop into the ISYY office, call or send an email.

Kuopio: +358 44 576 8413,  kv.kuopio@isyy.fi
Joensuu: +358 44 576 8456, kv.joensuu@isyy.fi

The Student Union is here for you and works hard to ensure you are happy with your life and studies during your time in Finland. We hope you will make yourself at home at the Student Union by joining our events, activities and clubs. You only have one (student) life - make the most of it!

IT Service Desk

If you encounter problems with IT services (e.g. related to user accounts, email, software, workstations, passwords, user rights etc.), you can contact IT Service Desk.

IT Service Desk

Joensuu: Carelia 1st floor, IT Service's and Oppari's service desk

Kuopio: Canthia 2nd floor, IT Service's and Oppari's service desk

Service contacts (very end of the page)

Tel: +358 294 458 880

Email: servicedesk@uef.fi

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 only available to exchange students for the autumn term 2020!

Student facilities

To find your way around your campus, please use Tuudo

Library

University library

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Library is a public scientific library offering state-of-the-art library and information services especially for the university’s 3000 staff members and 13 000 students. However, the library is also open to everyone else who is seeking information. The University of Eastern Finland Library is one single administrative entity which comprises the campus libraries in Joensuu and Kuopio, and the Kuopio University Hospital Medical Library.

UEF library offers a wide selection of printed and electronic resources such as course books, research literature, scientific journals and academic theses. UEF Library is one of the six legal deposit libraries in Finland. The collection has accumulated partially since 1981, and it includes printed and electronic publications and journals as well as databases for information retrieval.

Information on the printed and electronic materials can be found in the UEF-Primo – course books, other books, periodicals, databases, loan renewals, reservations, remote access and much more. The university aims at multidisciplinarity which is supported by the easy accessibility to the UEF library’s collections and digital services from each campus. It the material cannot be found from the UEF Library’s collections, it can be requested from other libraries.

Library’s basic services are free of charge and available during the library’s opening hours. They also offer chargeable services. Information on the library’s services and materials as well as fees and payment you can find on the library’s websites.

Students will be acquainted with the library at the beginning of the studies on the introductory course Information skills and sources for International Students (1 cp) and with the tutor group visits to the library. Every autumn, the library organizes new reception hours for students, focusing on sharing information effectively from the library. As the studies progress, library information specialists give instructions and guidance on information retrieval. Course information is available in Peppi.

The library and information retrieval can be independently explored through short guides and videos.

Self study facilities

The self-study facilities are available for quiet studying and group work. The university’s guidelines relating to safety and hygiene must be followed in all facilities.

Access badge

Access to the 24/7 self study facilities is with an access badge only. You can apply the Access badge by using this online form. If you already have an Access badge, you can apply for extending the right of access. You will be notified by email when the access badge can be retrieved from key services or the permissions on an existing badge have been updated.

Campus Libraries 24/7 Self-Study facilities

Libraries on both campuses have self-study facilities (Carelia building/Joensuu and Snellmania building/Kuopio) available 24/7 with an access badge.

Please note that the meeting and teamwork rooms in Snellmania building’s lower lobby in Kuopio are not 24/7 spaces, and students can’t reserve them. The facilities are available until 6pm on weekdays when there are no meeting reservations.

In the facilities, you can use the library self-check machines for borrowing and returning, multifunction printers for printing, copying and scanning and work on computers. See the opening hours and more information on the Library website (opens in a new tab). We will inform you about any exceptions on UEF 24/7 Kirjasto | Library Yammer group (opens in a new tab), library premises and library home pages.

The self-study facilities in Joensuu and Kuopio campuses

JOENSUU

Carelia

Self-study facility, Oppari, Carelia building: 1st floor. Please check the opening hours.

Carelia teamwork rooms

The teamwork rooms can be used for working together or for private studying. All rooms are equipped with a computer and a large monitor.

Reservations for teamwork rooms can be made straight to university´s online-calendar (room resources room-Teamwork_x_Carelia). Please see this video. It is possible to reserve a teamwork room for three hours at a time.

In addition to these teamwork rooms there are spaces of different sizes on the third floor: 3A1, 3A5, 3A6, 3B1, 3B2 and 3B3.

Computer labs

The following computer labs are also available if there is no scheduled teaching in them:

Building Room
Agora AG211
Aurora II Atrium (KTL)
Borealis BOR102
Futura F226c, F109
Natura N202, N111, N114

Other facilities

Aurora-building

Atrium is located on the ground floor of Aurora II building, in the Carelian Institute, entrance B. Atrium is intended for quiet studying – it is possible to work alone or in a group. The room is equipped with computers, and it has spaces for relaxation. Printing is not possible. Open from Monday to Friday  7:45 am until 4:15 pm.

Natura-building

Self-study N110 is located near stairwell E on the ground floor, entrance A.

The space is intended for quiet studying alone or in a group. Equipment: sofas,  adjustable tables,  no computers, no printing possibilities. Open during hours of the building (opens in a new tab, requires log in).

24/7 classes

Computer classes N111 and N114 are open 24/7 and they are situated in the Natura building.

KUOPIO

Canthia 2nd floor

Self-study facility, Oppari, Canthia building 2nd floor. Please check opening hours.

The study space in the front is intended for casual studying – it is possible to work alone or in a group, and discussions with others are allowed. The space is divided by the service desk that offers help during opening hours.

The same space offers two accessible working stations that have height-adjustable desks. They are located so that it is easy for the person using the station to ask for help from the service desk when necessary.

The spaces in the back are meant for quiet independent study. These stations are divided with screens.

Printers are located next to the service desk.

Canthia teamwork rooms, 2nd floor

The teamwork rooms are open to students. 

There are two kinds of teamwork rooms. The bigger ones,  have a large monitor, a computer, video conference equipment, digital tv, and a flip chart. The smaller ones  are equipped with a computer, a scanner, a large computer desk and two smaller group stations.Reservations for group study rooms can be made straight to university´s online-calendar (room resources room-Teamwork_x_Canthia). Please see this video. Reservations can be made for maximum three hours at a time.

Place to relax

Oppari offers also a space for relaxation. You can watch TV or read newspapers.

Canthia 1st floot

Rooms 1177/1, 1177/2, 1176 ja 1175 for selfstudy and groupwork, Canthia building, 1st floor.  There is wifi for using your own laptop. Rooms are open on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm. See location.

Computer labs

The computer labs CA103, CA104 ja CA105 (Canthia building 1st floor), MD101 (Mediteknia building 1st floor) are available if there is no scheduled teaching in them. See the opening hours.

24/7 classes

Computer lab MD101 in Mediteknia building can be used for quiet studying during the academic year from 6 pm until 08 am and during days if there is no scheduled teaching in the class. Otherwise the class can be accessed 24/7. If the main entrance of Mediteknia is closed, it is possible to access the side door (entrance 2) of the building.

Taitostudia

Taitostudia is located in Medistudia building, 5th floor. It is a place place for practicing clinical skills using phantoms and other equipment. Please check for more information on Taitostudia (in Finnish, opens in a new tab).

IT Services

Up-to-date and well-functioning computers and technical equipment enable smooth studying and working at the University of Eastern Finland. There are hundreds of computers at the university – in the classrooms, self-study facilities, libraries, corridors and offices of the university staff. In addition to the computers, students and members of the staff also have access to other technical equipment, e.g. printers and scanners.

More information on self-study facilities (How to access, where to get the key card, if needed, opening hours etc.).

All users of the university’s information systems are responsible for complying with the university’s information security policy. The Information Security Guide for Students contains lots of useful information about information security, e.g. access rights and passwords, the Internet and email, maintenance and use of personal computers and portable memory devices. The guide can be found here Information Security

Information security guide

Student’s information security in a nutshell

  1. You are responsible for all activities carried out under your user ID. Apart from your personal data,
    also remember to protect other people’s information that is in your possession. Never tell your
    password to anyone else.
  2. Choose a password that is easy for you to remember but impossible for others to figure out.
    Choose different passwords for the university systems and any external services.
  3. Don’t open e‐mail messages if you are uncertain of their origin. E‐mail messages may contain
    malware or direct you to sites that contain malware.
  4. Beware of phishing, i.e. messages asking you to share your user ID and password or enter them on
    a website. System administrators never ask for your password.
  5. Always check the actual target address before clicking a link. Be extra careful with regard to links
    received in messages. Learn to tell which Internet addresses are genuine and which indicate fraud.
  6. Before registering as a user of an online service, always check the terms and conditions to make
    sure that data ownership will not be transferred and no data will be disclosed to third parties. Think
    carefully before sharing information about yourself or others in various online services (Facebook,
    photo sharing services, etc.).
  7. Malware spreads efficiently through social media and online services. Be cautious about pop‐up
    windows, advertisements and invitations ‐ click carefully!
  8. Protect your own computer with a firewall, anti‐virus software, back‐up copies and software
    updates. In addition, protect your smart phone and other mobile devices e.g. with a lock code. Only
    install applications that you really need on your computer and mobile devices.
  9. Don’t use a USB flash drive as the primary or only data storage. If you intend to save sensitive data
    on a flash drive, get one that encrypts the data.
  10. If you print something using a shared printer, pick up your printout immediately.
  11. If you suspect a security breach or system abuse, contact the person in charge of the service.

Student’s information security guide (PDF, new tab)

Mobile security guidelines for staff and students (PDF, new tab)

Staff member’s information security in a nutshell

  1. Handle work-related tasks using the equipment provided by your employer whenever possible.
  2. You are responsible for all activities carried out under your user ID. Protect all information in your
    possession, both your personal as well as university-related matters. Never tell your password to
    anyone else.
  3. Choose a password that is easy for you to remember but impossible for others to figure out.
    Choose different passwords for the university services and any external services.
  4. Make arrangements to ensure that your e-mail is monitored even when you are absent. Set
    automatic out-of-office responses when necessary.
  5. Don’t open e-mail messages if you are uncertain of their origin. E-mail messages may contain
    malware or direct you to sites that contain malware.
  6. Beware of phishing, i.e. messages asking you to share your user ID and password or enter them on
    a website form. System administrators never ask for your password.
  7. Always check the actual target address before clicking a link. Be extra careful with regard to links
    received in e-mail messages. Learn to tell which Internet addresses are genuine and which indicate
    fraud.
  8. Before registering as an online service user, always check the terms and conditions to make sure
    that data ownership will not be transferred and no data will be handed over to third parties. Think
    very carefully about sharing information about yourself or the university in various online services
    (Facebook, photo sharing services, etc.).
  9. Malware spreads quickly through web services and social media. Be cautious about pop-up
    windows, advertisements and invitations – click carefully!
  10. Protect your own computer with a firewall, anti-virus software, back-up copies and software
    updates. Also, protect your smart phone and other mobile devices e.g. with a lock code. Only install
    applications that you really need on your computer and mobile devices.
  11. Don’t use a flash drive as the primary or only data storage. If you intend to save sensitive data on a
    USB flash drive, get one that encrypts the data.
  12. If you print something using a shared printer, pick up your printout immediately.
  13. If you suspect a security breach or system abuse, contact the university’s IT support or the person
    in charge of the service.
  14. When your employment relationship ends, agree on the hand-over of necessary work-related
    materials to the university with your supervisor.

Information security guide for staff (PDF, new tab)

Mobile security guidelines for staff and students (PDF, new tab)

Printouts, Scanning and Photocopying

Printers that also copy and scan

You can print, copy and scan with the multifunctional printers found in Oppari self-study space, libraries and computer lecture rooms. The multifunctional devices are located in Joensuu in Carelia, Agora, Borealis, Educa, Futura, Metria, and Natura campus buildings, and in Kuopio in Oppari in Canthia and Snellmania Library: see Joensuu campus map ja Kuopio campus map (links open in a new tab).

Printing queue name

All shared printers in UEF are connected to a network. When you need to print to paper, you should select a proper printing queue name that is a bit different for Joensuu and Kuopio. You will find the following printing queues in the Windows Printers listing:

  • in Joensuu: \\uef-unif-rps1\uef-canon1
  • in Kuopio: \\uef-unif-rps2\uef-canon2

If you don’t see the printing queue mentioned above in the Printers list, go to the Windows Desktop of the computer you are working on and locate the Add UEF-Canon icon. Click on it and let the printer queue adding process complete. Now, when you open a Print dialogue window anew, the campus-wide printing queue shows in the Printers listing.

Printing via email

You can also print small documents from your computer or mobile device via email as follows: send an email with the file to be printed as attached, from your UEF email address to the following address: ext-print@uef.fi. Do not add an email subject or any text to the email body/message, but only add the To: address as follows: ext-print@uef.fi, and attach the file to be printed to the email message.

However, printing via email is not recommended for printing long lecture notes, books or scientific articles, due to a big file size or special characters present in the file. These types of files should be printed by opening them first at an Oppari/UEF computer and printing them to the correct campus-wide printer queue, as described in the section above.

Fast printer login

Only you yourself have access to your own printing queue, therefore you need to login to a printer using the short version of your UEF username and password (username without the @uef.fi suffix). This means, that only you, and noone else, can print your documents.

UEF shared printers are equipped with RFID chip scanners that streamline the logging-in process. You can associate your UEF username and password with a student card, debit/credit card or any other card, electronic key or even a mobile phone that has an RFID chip, eg. the contactless payment feature (opens in a new tab). Associating a card with a printer does not harm the card or your mobile phone in any way. You can create such an association by first scanning your card/electronic key/mobile device with a printer’s RFID scanner, before entering your UEF username and password to the printer’s login screen.  If your login attempt is successful, the association is completed and henceforth you can log in just by scanning your associated card/electronic key/mobile device at a RFID scanner.

If you find youself in a situation that no RFID card or electronic key is available to you, you may purchase a sticky RFID tag (its price is 1,80 €). You can attach this RFID tag onto any card that doesn’t have an RFID chip/contactless payment feature of its own.

See step-by-step printing instructions (pdf).

Prices

As a basic, Master’s Degree or an exchange student you get 18€ to your printing account for each whole study year, at the 1st of August, or as soon as you activate your study rights. With this sum you can print 400 grayscale/black-and-white pages or 90 color pages during a study year. If you come to study at the UEF only for one semester, you will get 9€ to your printing account. Any unused print quota will not be transferred to the next academic year. Black-and-white/grayscale prints and copies cost: 0,045 € / page (A4 or A3 page size).
Color prints and copies cost: 0,20 € / page (A4 or A3 page size).
Scanning is free of charge.

The cost of prints is charged from your personal printing account during each printing job. You can pay for extra printouts at the IT Service Desk buy them online. If you have any problems with using the machines, ask for help at the IT Service Desk.

Adding money to your printing account

The printing balance cannot be purchased during the beginning of 2023.

Due to the renewal of UEF’s printing service contract, the printing balance will be free of charge for basic, Master’s Degree and exchange students for some time in the beginning of 2023. The online store for the printing balance is no longer functional and the printing balance cannot be purchased at Oppari’s service counters either. We will inform you about the payment of the print balance and the opening of the online store as soon as possible. For the sake of sustainable development, we hope that everyone prints thoughtfully and only for real needs.

---------------------------------------------------------------

You can refill your printing account online (opens in a new tab), or by buying a printing package at the Oppari Service Desk in Joensuu or Kuopio (we only accept debit or credit cards, cash is not accepted as a means of payment). There are following printing packages available for purchase:

Package # Greyscale pages
A4/A3 size
Price
​1 ​50 ​2,25 €
​2 ​100 ​4,50 €
​3 ​150 ​6,75 €
​4 ​200 ​9,00 €
​5 ​250 ​11,25 €
​6 ​300 ​13,50 €
​7 ​350 ​15,75 €
​8 ​400 ​18,00 €
​9 ​450 ​20,25 €
​10 ​500 ​22,50 €

Troubleshooting

Printing queue cannot be found in the printing menu

If you can't find the printing queue on an Oppari workstation, double-click the "Add Canon1/2-tulostin" icon on the desktop, let the installation script finish its job, and re-start the program you're trying to print from (Word/Adobe PDF/web browser/etc.).

If you can't find the icon mentioned above, do the following:

  • Click the Windows logo on the taskbar or the Windows key on the keyboard
  • Click the Settings/Asetukset gear
  • In Windows Settings/Windowsin asetukset, click the Devices/Laitteet icon
  • Click "Add a printer or scanner"/"Lisää tulostin tai skanneri"
  • In the Printers list, find and click either "uef-canon2 on UEF-UNIF-RPS1" (in Joensuu) or "uef-canon2 on UEF-UNIF-RPS2" (in Kuopio)
  • Click "Add device"/"Lisää laite" under the printer's name to add the missing web printing queue to the system
Document isn't shown in the Secure print table on the printer

Make sure you have sent your document to the right printer, i.e. that you have chosen the correct printer or printing queue in the printing window of the program you're using. Read the detailed instructions for printing at the beginning of this page.

Document is shown on the printer but won't print

If you have a printing budget (prints are liable to charges) make sure that your printing account has enough balance to print the document. See the prices and instructions on adding money to your printing account above.

Document is shown and disappears from the printing table when printing begins, but no paper comes out, or the content of the document is incorrect, e.g. random symbols

Make sure that the paper hasn't jammed in the printer. If the paper has jammed inside the printer, there is a notification on the printer's screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to remove the paper from the printer.

If the paper hasn't jammed, there is a compatibility problem between the printer and the computer program. The printer hasn't been able to decode the document sent by the program. Solution:

  • if the document isn't in PDF form, save it as a PDF by printing the document with Microsoft Print to PDF or Foxit Reader PDF Printer. These are virtual PDF printers that will save the document as a PDF file on the hard drive and ask the user to type a new PDF file name. Take note of the folder where you save the PDF file, and the name of the new file.
  • open the recently created PDF document in Adobe Reader: open File Explorer with the keyboard shortcut Windows + E; open the folder where the file is located; activate the file; choose "Open with..." / "Avaa sovelluksessa..." by right-clicking or from the context menu; choose Adobe Reader.
  • press Ctrl + P to open the Adobe Reader printing window. Click Advanced and when the Advanced Print Setup dialogue box opens, activate the Print As Image setting.
Cannot print a PDF form, Adobe Reader notifies of a drawing error

This is about a compatibility problem between Adobe Reader and the printer. The Print As Image setting cannot be used with electronically fillable PDF forms. The solution is to open the filled form in the Edge browser and print it from there.

  • open File Explorer with the keyboard shortcut Windows + E; open the folder where the file is located; activate the file; choose "Open with..." / "Avaa sovelluksessa..." by right-clicking or from the context menu; choose Microsoft Edge.
  • press Ctrl + P to open the Microsoft Edge printing window. Press Enter to begin printing.

Advanced printing features

Binding location in 2-sided printing

You can find 2-sided printing from the first tab of the controller's user interface. From the 1-sided/2-sided/Booklet menu choose 2-sided printing (Kaksipuolinen tulostus).

From the Binding Location (Sidontakohta) menu you can choose how your print is read. Here Long Edge (Pitkä reuna) means that the 2-sided print is read like a book by turning the paper with the long edge first. Short Edge (Lyhyt reuna) means that it is read like a calendar by turning the paper with the short edge first.

The icon on the left shows how your document will be printed. If you don't need other finishing functions, accept your choices by clicking OK.

From the 1-sided/2-sided/Booklet Printing menu, choose 2-sided Printing.

Stapling

You can choose your print to be stapled. From the Staple/Collate/Group menu choose Staple + Collate (Nidonta & Lajittelu).

You can also choose the placement of the staple separately. As default it will be on the top left corner of your document. If you want to change the setting, choose Staple Position (Niitin paikka).

From the Staple/Collate/Group menu, choose Staple + Collate.

Booklet

You can also print your document as a booklet. Then the machine will place the pages side by side on an A4 or A3 paper, folds it, and staples the papers with two staples in the middle, if your printer's finisher supports this stapling option.

The document can have a maximum of 60 pages. If there are more pages, the finisher will not fold the papers or staple them in the middle, but it will place the pages in the correct order like a booklet.

From the 1-sided/2-sided/Booklet menu in the middle of the first tab of the controller, choose Booklet (Vihkotulostus). From the Saddle Stitch Settings (Satulanidonnan asetukset) menu, choose Fold+Saddle Stitch (Taitto+Satulanidonta). Without this option activated the document will be printed with a booklet layout but without middle stitching.

From the 1-sided/2-sided/Booklet Printing menu, choose Booklet Printing.

Printing on film or specialty paper

Put the material that is suitable for the printer to the bypass tray (small hatch at the right end of the machine). On the touch screen the machine asks for the paper size. Choose the right size, for example A4. Press Next. Tell the type of the material in the bypass tray and press OK. It is important to input the thickness of the material/paper correctly, otherwise it will get stuck inside the printer.

In your computer program, move to the printing menu and then to the printer properties. Choose to show the printer configuration on the left by clicking the small printer icon at the top of the page. Click the bypass on the graphic printer icon. Accept by clicking OK and begin printing.

Choose to show the printer configuration on the left by clicking the small printer icon at the top of the page. Click the bypass on the right side of the graphic printer icon.

 

Language Centre and Finnish Courses

The UEF Language Centre offers elementary and intermediate courses in the Finnish language for international degree students and a Survival Finnish course for exchange students. Students may attend courses in other languages as well, depending on the availability of study places and the language of tuition. Courses at the Language Centre require registration in advance, as the number of study places on courses is limited. Please make sure you sign up for a course in time.

See more on Language Centre website

University Restaurants and Student Discount on Meals

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students and international exchange students are eligible for discounted meals at most campus restaurants. You qualify for the meal subsidy at the restaurant by presenting a valid student ID card. As the Student Union membership is not compulsory for exchange students, those students who decide not to obtain the student card may request a meal subsidy card from the Student and Learning Services in order to get the discount.

Please note that the official study certificate, which you will obtain upon registration, can be used as a temporary proof of your student status at the university restaurants for one month (September or January) before you receive the proper student card.

Student discounts do not apply to cafeteria products.

Doctoral students are entitled to have lunch at staff prices at the campus restaurants. To get the discount, the person must present a researchers’ ​lunch card signed by the department head, which can be obtained from the department. Note! In Joensuu, the Amica restaurant located in the Carelia building offers prices to doctoral students that are lower than the staff prices. To get the doctoral student prices, the person must present their doctoral student study certificate or student card.

List of restaurants on campus (opens in a new tab.)

Meal subsidy and eligibility / Kela  (opens in a new tab).

Orientation for International Students

We wish to make the start of your studies with us as smooth as possible. This is why we offer an orientation programme at the beginning of each semester. The orientation programme includes a lot of practical information and tips on how to get things rolling. We hope all the new students will be able to join the orientation.

Webinars for the New Students in 2023

Welcome webinar for the new Master’s students at 2.30 – 4.00 pm (local Helsinki time, GTM +2) 5 April 2023. This webinar is for the students who have been accepted to UEF to start their Master’s degree programme at in Autumn Semester 2023.
The link to the webinar will be available here.

Pre-arrival webinar for the new degree students and for the exchange students will be held at 2.30 pm (local Helsinki time, GTM +2) on 7 June, 2023.
The link to the webinar will be available here.

Orientation Programme for New International Students on 1 Sept, 4-5 Sept 2023


General Orientation Programme

General orientation webinars will be held online at 12-16 on 1 and 4 Sept. On 5 September we will have face-to-face programme on both campuses at 12-16.

The general orientation programme will be published here in June. The links to the general orientation webinars will be available here.

Field-Specific Sessions

In addition to these general sessions most departments/schools will have their own field-specific sessions. They will send the information on these sessions directly to the students. These sessions are organized by the programme/academic coordinators. (opens in a new tab)

The Master’s degree programmes will have their own sessions for their students, too.

Here is the orientation programme of the Spring Semester 2023
Monday 9 January 2023 

Online webinars, link to the webinars (opens in a new tab)

12.00-12.10  Welcoming Words, Riikka Pellinen, Director of International Affairs
 12.10-13.00  How to use Peppi and Tuudo?,  Kaisu Kärkkäinen and Tellervo Hirvonen
13.00-13.15 Break 
 13.15-14.20  Orientation Info and General Info about Studying at UEF, Päivi Haltilahti and Kirsi Konttinen
14.20-14.30 Peer Counselling: Student2Student, Marinia Sorjonen-Ward
14.30-14.45 Break
14.45- 15.30 For Exchange Students ONLY: Requirements and Paperwork for Exchange, Päivi Haltilahti and Kirsi Konttinen 

Tuesday 10 January 2023 

Online webinars, link to the webinars (opens in a new tab)

12.00-13.00  Official Matters, Päivi Haltilahti and Kirsi Konttinen 
 13.00-13.30  UEF Usernames and Information Security, Kaisa Soininen and Tommi Eskelinen 
13.30-13.45 Break 
13.45-14.15  Welcome to the UEF Library!, Riitta Holopainen and Olli Hiltunen
 14.15-15.00  Services of the Student Union, Salla Haapavaara and Elina Pitkänen 
15.00-15.15 Break

Two different meetings:
15.15-15.45 For the students in Joensuu: Activities for Students by ESN Joensuu, ESN president Furkan Karsavuran (People in Joensuu will stay in the same meeting.)
15.15-16.00 For the students in Kuopio: Activities for Students by ESN Kuopio and by ESN KISA, 20 min. each, people from ESN KISA and from ESN Kuopio, link to Kuopio meeting (opens new tab)
  

Wednesday 11 January 2023 

Separate programmes in lecture rooms on campuses

Joensuu Campus, Lecture Room C2, Carelia Building

12.30-13.30  Introduction to Finnish Society and Culture: Outsider’s View,  Paul Fryer
13.30-14.15 Questions and Answers and a Break, Päivi Haltilahti
14.15-15.15 Signatures and Stamps for the Exchange Documents, Päivi Haltilahti

Kuopio Campus, room CA102, Canthia Building

12.30-13.30 Getting to Know Each Other, Kirsi Konttinen
13.30-14.30 How to Make the Most of Your Stay?, Kirsi Konttinen
14.30-15.00 Questions and Answers and a Break, Kirsi Konttinen
15.00-15.30 Signatures and Stamps for the Exchange Documents, Kirsi Konttinen

***

How to complete the credit for the orientation?

In order to complete the credit (1 ECTS) for the course Orientation for the New International Students, you should

  1. Join the orientation sessions (both the general ones and the field-specific ones).
  2. Study the orientation material in Kamu and in eLearn Moodle (opens in a new tab).
  3. Complete all the assignments in the Digistartti (opens in a new tab).
  4. Register for the course Orientation for International Students in Peppi by the deadline 31 January. The course code 1131003.

Please make sure to complete all of these in case you wish to earn the credit.
The deadline for completing the requirements is 31 January 2023.
The credits will be marked within 3 weeks, by 21 February.

Please note that in some UEF degree programmes the orientation is a compulsory course.

Pre-arrival Webinar

Pre-arrival webinar for the students who will start their studies (exchange or Master’s degree) at UEF during Spring Semester 2023 was held on 1 Dec 2022.

In order to access the recordings, please click the links below.

Programme

13.30-13.45 Arriving in Finland and at UEF (about 10 minutes, opens in a new window)
PowerPoints (opens in a new window), Kirsi Konttinen and Päivi Haltilahti
13.45-14.15 Accommodation in Elli in Joensuu,
PowerPoints (opens in a new window), Marita Ahonen from Elli
13.45-14.15 Accommocation in Kuopas in Kuopio  (about 14 minutes, opens in a new window), 
PowerPoints (opens in a new window), Annamaija Niemelä from Kuopas

14.15-14.30 Break

14.30-15.00 The Services of the Student Union, ISYY (about 19 minutes, opens in a new window)               
PowerPoints (opens in a new window), Salla Haapavaara and Elina Pitkänen from ISYY

15.00-15.30 Registration as a UEF Student and UEF Username for New Students (about 17 minutes, opens in a new window)
PowerPoints (opens in a new window), Saija Hokkanen, Salla Turunen

UEF Usernames for New Students (about 19 minutes, opens in a new window) Tommi Eskelinen and Kaisa Soininen

15.30-16.00 Questions and Answers, Päivi Haltilahti and Kirsi Konttinen

***

How to start your studies?

  1. Make sure you keep in touch with your programme/academic coordinator and with your student tutor.
  2. Study the orientation material in Kamu (opens in a new tab) and in Moodle (opens in a new tab, log in with a UEF account). More material (including the Power Point presentations of the webinar sessions) will be added to Moodle later on.
  3. Complete the UEF Digistartti.
  4. Join the orientation webinars.
  5. Join the orientation session of your own programme if offered.
  6. After registering as a student at UEF and activating your username, start registering for courses and feel free to contact UEF staff members if you have any questions or concerns.

***

What is the orientation for?

We recommend that all the new international students will participate in the orientation programme. The orientation offers a lot of practical information in order to help the new students to have a smooth start for their studies at UEF.

The orientation offers

  • essential information on studying and university life at UEF
  • tips on different practical matters
  • information on Finland and on the Finnish culture
  • a possibility to meet other students

Those who complete all parts of the programme will earn 1 ECTS credit. Even if the orientation is a course, there is no need to register for the orientation beforehand. The instruction at the departments begins usually after the Orientation Programme.

***

Orientation starts the Semester

The orientation for the Autumn Semester starts at the beginning of September and the orientation for the Spring Semester starts usually on the first working day right after 6 January . The programmes will be published here about a month before the start of the orientation.

Other introductory courses

Other introductory courses (opens in a new tab) to studying at UEF:
University Study Skills (only for the degree seeking students), University Computing Skills, and Information Skills and Sources.
Language courses are offered by the Language Centre (opens in a new tab).

For the Master’s Degree Students at UEF

If you are studying for a Master’s Degree at UEF, your studies will start with the Orientation Programme at the beginning of September. However, the Master’s  programmes  of European Forestry, Forestry CBU and Transfor-M will start already earlier in August.

For the incoming Exchange Students at UEF

The Autumn Semester starts at the beginning of September and the Spring Semester on the first working day after Epiphany 6 Jan. The semesters start with the Orientation Programme. Usually the exchange students start their exchange period at UEF at the beginning of the semester but it is possible to start the exchange studies at another time, too, if the suitable courses are available. The students coming for a research project or  for a practical training can negotiate their schedule with their supervisor at UEF and with their home university.

For information on the Academic Calendar at UEF.

Welcoming Words from Our Rector

Choose English subtitles from the settings.

Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland

Student Union

Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)

ISYY is an independent organisation, although closely linked with the university. The purpose of the Student Union is to promote the rights of its members (i.e. all UEF students) and to negotiate better benefits – so you can focus on studying. ISYY also arranges a lot of social activities and events around campuses in Joensuu and in Kuopio and provides students with affordable sports services.

All Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students of the University of Eastern Finland are automatically required to join ISYY as a part of the registration process. Additionally, doctoral students and exchange students may join ISYY on a voluntary basis. All students who join ISYY can acquire a student card (opens up in a new tab) and make use of student benefits. Read more about Student Union Membership fees.

The Student Union publishes Weekly Feed (opens in a new tab) which is a weekly newsletter in English that you may subscribe to your email. Weekly Feed is the best way to keep up with what’s happening on the campus as well as with local events, news and anything that might be relevant to international students – all in one place.

For more information:

  • Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (link opens in a new tab)
  • Opening hours and contact information of offices (link opens in a new tab)

News and information in English can be found on ISYY’s webpage (opens is a new tab). ISYY also has a Facebook page (opens in a new tab) and you can follow their Instagram@isyyuef (opens in a new tab). You may also ask ISYY’s Coordinators of International Affairs to be your friends on Facebook and follow their posts about life and studying on our campuses. Search for “International-Joensuu Isyy” or “International-Kuopio Isyy”on Facebook.

The Student Union is also a member of SYL (opens in a new tab), the National Union of Students in Finland.

Survival package

Exchange students who are members of the Student Union can rent a survival package which includes several things that are needed in everyday life, such as kitchen utensils, plates and bed sheets. The idea is reusing, so most of the items are second-hand. The package content is different in Joensuu and in Kuopio.

For more information: ISYY survival package (opens in a new tab).

ISYY clubs and ESN sections

ESN Joensuu (Joensuu campus) and ESN Kuopio (Kuopio campus)

ESN Joensuu and ESN Kuopio are  Student Union (ISYY) clubs dedicated to organising fun free time activities, events, and trips (to for example Lapland and Norway) for all students.

The most important task of ESN Joensuu and ESN Kuopio is to introduce Finnish culture and lifestyle to international students and to give Finnish students an opportunity to gain international experiences in Joensuu and Kuopio by organising diverse events and activities. In addition, ESN Joensuu and ESN Kuopio are active in promoting intercultural understanding on and off campus.

For more information: ISYY International clubs (opens in a new tab).

Campus organisations

Are you interested in theatre or music? What about politics? Or do you want to join our choirs? Check out the selection of campus organisations in Kuopio and Joensuu and their activities!

For more information: ISYY Campus Organisations (opens in a new tab).

Student organisations

University of Eastern Finland has a wide range of Student Organisations. They gather together students who study the same subject, which allows them to get to know their peers, organise fun events for their members and work together with ISYY in the field of student advocacy. The Student Organisations are run by students, for students.

For more information: Student organisations (opens in a new tab).

Health Care

Insurance

Health insurance for incoming international students

UEF requires that all incoming international students must have a valid personal (travel) insurance policy 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 to check that your insurance also covers your travel 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 basic public health 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.

Please note, that addition to this card the student always needs a travel insurance.

Non-EU citizens

Students from non-EU/EEA countries must have a health insurance and a travel insurance.

Students coming from non-EU/non-EEA countries must be covered by a private health insurance from an internationally recognised, 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. Please check requirements for the insurance. 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 that 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 municipal health care services. Please remember to apply for a place of residence at the Local Registry Office in Finland as soon as you arrive to receive municipal health care.

You can choose from any reliable and solvent insurance company to obtain your health insurance. Check the insurance providers recommended by the Finnish Immigration Service. The Finnish Immigration requires an insurance from all non-EU students and they assess each insurance policy and its terms and conditions individually when they process the permit applications. Check what the insurance policy must include on Migri’s site. Please note that you, the student, are the policyholder and the University of Eastern has no right to discuss any issues with the insurer.

NOTE: Bachelor’s and Master’s students have the right to use Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS/YTHS), but this does not exclude a student from having to take out the health insurance.

University’s accident policy

Students completing a degree at the University of Eastern Finland are covered under the university’s accident insurance policy, which is compliant with the Act on Studies-related Accidents. 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. 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.

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 (i.e. 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

Emergencies

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).

Poison Information Centre

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

Finnish Student Health Service

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 Student Union fee.
  • NOT available for exchange students starting from 1 Jan 2021.
  • NOT available for the PhD students.

A video on FSHS: Finnish Student Health Service (3:10)

Finnish 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 are not members of the Student Union are advised to use the public or private health services.

Public health care in Finland

If you are an EU citizen and not a member of the Student Union or an exchange student, and therefore not entitled to student health care, you can use municipal 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 (opens in a new tab)

Making an appointment at a health care centre in Joensuu.

Making an appointment at a health care centre in Kuopio.

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:

  • TerveystaloMehiläinen
  • Pihlajalinna
  • Pohjolasairaala

Occupational health care (for uef staff)

Available for the UEF staff members. Further information in Guide for International Staff (opens in a new tab).

***
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.

Residence-Based Social Security

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 in crises

Help for different life situations are gathered in this site.

Crises and mental health

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 (opens in a new tab)

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.

Safety and security at UEF

More information about safety and security at UEF in Heimo (requires logging in)

General health

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.
Coronavirus and war in Ukraine

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)
  • When you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
  • Joensuu city's information about coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
  • Kuopio city's information about coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
Inappropriate treatment, harrassment and equality

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 Persons

  • Joensuu Campus Erja Widgrén-Sallinen (erja.widgren-sallinen@uef.fi tel. +358 50 355 600)
  • Kuopio Campus Janne Saarela (janne.saarela@uef.fi tel. +358 44 500 5678)

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 (opens in an new tab).

Social supports and fincances

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
Learning difficulties and support
  • 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.

Loneliness and relationships

Support for loneliness

  • Campus pastors
  • Red cross online friend (opens in a new tab)

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
  • Family Support Centre in Kuopio (opens in a new tab)
  • 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)
Study Psychologists

Read more on Study Psychologists -page.

Student2Student peer councelling

Read more on Student2Student -page.

Nyyti

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.

Other health related issues

Pharmacies

In Finland, supermarkets and grocery stores are not allowed to sell medicine. Medicines are sold only at pharmacies (apteekki). Most pharmacies display a notice giving the address of the nearest pharmacy on call by night. There are several pharmacies in Kuopio and Joensuu, most of which you can find in the internet.

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in Finland in comparison to most other European countries. Visitors have little need to fear for their personal safety or their property. Nevertheless, reasonable caution with personal belongings is always recommended as a precaution. Incoming international students are reminded to take into consideration that although Finland is a safe, tolerant and open nation by international standards where inappropriate behaviour is not usually present, this does not necessarily mean that one does not encounter such events in Finland.

What you should be aware of to ensure your safety in Finland:

  • Avoid walking alone at night; take a taxi or walk home with your friends.
  • Tell your friends where you are going.
  • Do not hesitate to contact the proper authorities if necessary.
  • Do not mingle with unknown people, especially if they are intoxicated.
  • Avoid being provocative and mind your temper, especially on weekends in bars.

The university’s safety and security is the result of collaboration involving several actors. The coordination responsibility lies with the university.

In matters related to safety and security, the university engages in close collaboration with local authorities and other educational institutions.

We seek to make sure that the University of Eastern Finland is a safe place for our students, staff members, and guests.

If you notice an accident, emergency, or crisis situation, please report it in order to make it possible for us to make the university a safer place for all. Report a safety or security incident (webropol-form, opens in a new tab).

Safety and Security at UEF

Safety and Secuirity pages in Heimo (opens in a new tab, logging required) contain information and instructions relating to safety and security at the University of Eastern Finland.

Each of our campuses has an appointed Campus Crisis Support Team and, in the event of a crisis, the task of these teams is to arrange psychological support and post-crisis care. More detailed instructions for members of the university can be found on the Intranet. It is advisable to get to know the instructions beforehand, as in the event of an emergency, there usually isn’t time for reading.

Campus Crisis Support Teams: joensuunkriisiryhma@uef.fi, kuopionkampuskriisiryhma@uef.fi

Emergency telephone number: 112

In the event of an emergency, call 112.

  • Answer the questions asked.
  • Follow the instructions given.
  • Do not hang up until you are told to do so.

Guide the rescuers to the scene of the accident / emergency. Redial 112 if the situation changes.

How to use the emergency number 112 in Finland (opens in a new tab)

Police of Finland

The police force in Finland is reliable and honest. The police maintain public order and security, primarily by giving advice, instructions and orders. Each police officer has a badge which he or she must carry and present if needed or requested.

Police of Finland (opens in a new tab)

Video: Safety and security concern all members of the academic community! (1:31)

Link: Report a Safety or Secuirity Incident (webropol-form, opens in a new tab).

 

 

Narcotics

It is prohibited to possess any narcotics during your stay in Finland, as all narcotics are illegal in Finland. The use and possession of narcotics are punishable acts in Finland, as are production, sale, import and transport of narcotics. Anyone in possession of illegal narcotics, including hash and marihuana, runs the risk of being arrested and expelled from the country or being imprisoned. Drug dealing carries a heavy prison sentence.

Imports of medicinal products are controlled. Limitations on amounts of medicinal products that can be imported by a passenger are dependent on whether a product is considered a self- medication product, a prescription drug, a narcotic drug or a veterinary drug according to the Finnish classification. There are restrictions concerning the import of narcotic drugs and other drugs, and therefore it is important to check the regulations before your arrival to Finland. Mail order sales of drugs to Finland are prohibited, as is delivery of a medicinal product by courier. Medicinal products can be sent to Finland from EU countries on the conditions stated in the regulations. Moreover, obtaining medicinal products via the Internet is not allowed.

Substance abuse programme for students

Sexual Minorities

In general, Finland is open-minded towards sexual minorities, although people’s personal attitudes may naturally differ a lot. Younger generations, in particular, are usually very tolerant and welcoming. In Finland, it is also prohibited by law to discriminate people based on their sexual orientation. Seta (Association for Sexual Equality in Finland) organises local activities, meetings and parties. Seta also provides support services for their members. Hobiles (page only in Finnish) is a member organization of Seta functioning in the Joensuu area and Pohjois-Savon Seta in Kuopio.

Sexual Health

We hope our students remember to take care of their sexual health. Find more information:

Student Health Service:

City of Joensuu Perhesuunnitteluneuvola (Only in Finnish)

City of Kuopio:

  • Sexual Health Care Clinic
  • Clinic for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Cultural Adaptation

Coming to a new culture might be a very strong and emotional experience because of the differences between the culture in your home country and the culture in your new country. There are some obvious differences between countries, such as language, food, educational system, climate, absence of family and friends, housing and transportation. However, there are some not-so-obvious differences and often these cause confusion and sometimes, even frustration. These differences include for example the behaviour and habits of people, reflecting the cultural norms, beliefs, values, morals and religion.

These differences can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. You might have questions. Am I speaking properly? Will I find friends? Why is no one talking to me? Did I do something wrong? Do they hate me? Some of the reactions you may experience are feelings of isolation or loneliness, anger or hostility from others, frustration, unhappiness or homesickness. Some people might also feel sleepy or tired more than usual or find it difficult to sleep. Culture shock can also sometimes cause physical symptoms like bodily pain. The most important thing to know

about culture shock is that these feelings are perfectly normal. It is a sign that you are adjusting to a new situation both physically and mentally. Adaptation to a new culture is a process that gets easier with time.

You can cope with culture shock by giving yourself time to adjust and not pushing yourself too hard with your studies. Remember that you may not earn as many credits during the exchange period as normally in your home university, because you are studying in a foreign language and you live in a different environment. This is natural and you should not be too hard on yourself. It is also important to talk to people (other exchange students, Finnish students, staff members at International Mobility Services, tutors, roommates, teachers), because when you talk about the strange feelings and stress, you will feel better. Also, make use of your own ways of reducing stress in everyday situations. What would you do in a difficult and stressful situation in your home country to ease your feelings?

Acknowledge your progress in adjusting to the new culture and try to see the advantages in having lived in two different cultures. Try to see all the new things that you are facing as a possibility to learn something new and not as a problem. You can make the difference yourself and turn your stay in Finland into a unique, valuable and unforgettable experience.

Re-entry shock refers to acculturation stress people experience when returning home. Because returning is once again a big change, it means that adjustment to the new situation and home culture is needed. Difficulties in adjusting to the familiar society is an issue that has often been neglected consciously or unconsciously. People often fail to acknowledge that the adjustments they have made to the other culture have made them a bit like foreigners in their own culture. This might become a topical issue when returning home from Finland and it is good to be able to identify these feelings and to give yourself some time to readjust.

See more about cultural adaptation.

Transportation

Bicycles

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 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).

City Bikes Joensuu

City Bikes Kuopio

In Joensuu you can also rent a bike from the Community Resource Centre Citizen’s House (Kansalaistalo)

Local Buses

The basic fare when paid in cash in a local bus depends on the zone(s) you are travelling in. On Sundays and at night time the fare is more expensive.

You can buy bus tickets from the driver on the bus. Please be prepared to pay the exact amount or close to it. The bus driver is allowed to deny large notes, so do not try to pay for a single ticket with a EUR 50 note.

The cheapest and the most convenient way to travel on the bus is to buy a personal Waltti card for the region buses. There are two kinds of Waltti cards: Season and Value. The Season ticket is valid for 30 consecutive days at a time, during which time you can use it as often as you like. The cost depends on the number of zones you need. This is a good option for those who live further away for the city centre or the university and will be using the bus daily.

The Value card is a good option for those who do not necessarily use the bus every day. You can load between EUR 5 and EUR 500 into the card to use whenever you like. It is also cheaper, as a single ticket paid in cash is cheaper with the prepaid Waltti card.

You can buy a Waltti card from several ticket offices. You will need to take an ID or a valid student certificate with you to get a youth or student discount. There is a smalla purchase price for the Waltti card and after purchasing the card you can load more money into it at ticket offices, in city buses or online. There may be a small free for loading money into the card.

To search for bus routes, you can use the links listed below. If you have a smart-phone or a tablet, you can also download an application called “Nysse – Journey Planner” and use that. It has the public transportation schedules for some other cities in Finland as well. The app is currently available at Google Play and Windows Store.

Useful links:

  • Jojo Joensuu
  • Jojo contacs
  • Waltti Online Uploads 
  • Public transport in Joensuu
  • Vilkku Kuopio
Coaches

For coach travel outside your campus town, you are eligible for special student rates on some coaches. You get a discount on the routes operated by Matkahuolto, if you have a valid student card and you are travelling for a minimum distance of 80 km. If you do not yet have your Student Union student card, it is possible to get a separate discount card that is valid in both long- distance buses (Matkahuolto) and trains (VR). For this, you will need a special certificate issued by the Student and Learning Services and one passport-sized photo. The discount card has a small fee and you pay it to Matkahuolto or VR. Please note that you cannot get travel discount before you have registered to the university.

The coach companies often have good on-line offers, too. Further information about coach companies and Service Points.

OnniBus offers cheap options and they require no student card.

Trains

VR

The Student Union student card entitles you to buy discount tickets with the Finnish Railways (VR), if you are an undergraduate student (studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree). The price of train tickets varies depending on which train you take and how early you book the tickets. It is best to buy tickets online. Students need to present their Student Union student card for discount when purchasing tickets at a Service Point as well to the conductor on the train. If you do not have the Finnish student card, it is possible to get the discount by showing the study certificate that you have received when you registered. Please note that you cannot get the travel discount before you have registered to the university.

Train Station
Joensuu: Itäranta 12, 80100 Joensuu

Kuopio: Asemakatu 1, 70100 Kuopio

No staff, only 2 ticket machines.

Driving in Finland

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

  • Avis
  • Budget 
  • Europcar 
  • Hertz 
  • Scandia Rent 
Taxis

Taking a taxi is quite expensive in Finland. If you take a taxi, make sure you check the price from the driver beforehand. The price of a journey can change depending on the day or the time of the day. It is usually cheaper to share a taxi with your friends whenever possible.

There are several taxi companies and they have different prices so comparing the prices can be a bit tricky.

Taxis can be ordered by using apps (such as Valopilkku) or by phone. You can find the taxi companies in the internet.

Airlanes

Helsinki Airport

The Joensuu Airport is located approximately 11 km from the Joensuu city centre. There is an airport bus operating between the airport and Joensuu on weekdays (Mon–Fri). The fare fee is different for adults and children. Bus service applies only to domestic flights on the route Joensuu–Helsinki–Joensuu. The bus will wait up to 45 minutes for a flight that has been delayed. If you miss the bus, or the schedule does not coincide with your flight, you can also take a taxi. There are often taxis available at the airport, but if not, you can order one.

The Kuopio Airport is located approximately 14 km from the Kuopio city centre. There is a bus operating between the airport and Kuopio. For more information on fares, routes and timetables, please see here: https://vilkku.kuopio.fi/en. If you arrive late at night or during the weekend and there is no bus available, a shared airport taxi is the cheapest way to travel from the airport to your apartment. Fare to the Kuopio city centre, Särkiniemi, Neulamäki and Puijonlaakso may vary so please check the fare from the driver beforehand. If you are travelling together with two or more persons, the regular taxi has been cheaper. There is no need to call the airport taxi at the Kuopio airport. You can just ask or search for the airport taxi sign. However, if you wish to travel from Kuopio to the airport, please call the taxi no later than three hours before the departure of your flight. Please specify that you wish to order an airport taxi. The airport taxi does not operate on weekends (from 3am on Saturday to 4am on Monday).

Some airlines:

  • Finnair 
  • Air Baltic 
  • SAS 
  • Ryanair
Ferries

If you decide to travel to Finland by a ferry, there are a couple of good ferry connections. For example, you can take a ferry from Travemünde, Germany to Helsinki as well as from Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki or Turku.

Some ferry connections:

  • Finnlines 
  • Nordic Ferry Center 
  • Tallink Silja Line 
  • Viking Line

Essentials of Finland

Living Expenses

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.

You can get an idea of average prices in Finland.

Public Holidays

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
Time Zone, Electricity and Conversion Tables

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
Currency and Banks

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
  • Handelsbanken
  • Nordea
  • Osuuspankki
  • POP Pankki

Some students have used European on-line banks, for example N26 Smart.

Post

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.

Phone Calls

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.

Internet and Media

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: Elisa, Dnatv.

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.

Shopping

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.

Alcohol and Smoking

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).

Finnish Character and Way of Life

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

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.

For more information about sauna.

Winter

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:

  • Layering basics / Rei 

Student Accommodation

Student housing

The student housing is offered by independent, non-profit student housing companies, that are not part of the University of Eastern Finland. They offer accommodation in different parts of the city but no on-campus dormitories are available.

As an exchange student you can apply for housing as soon as you have received the official Letter of Acceptance from the University of Eastern Finland but no sooner than three months before your arrival. You don’t need to send the housing company your formal letter of acceptance, just your application.
If you are a non-EU citizen and coming for the Master’s degree,  you should take into consideration that you will be able to arrive only after you have received the residence permit.

Student Accommodation in Joensuu

Student Housing Company Joensuun Elli
Merimiehenkatu 30
tel. +358 (0)13 337 7800
e-mail: kodit@joensuunelli.fi
Check the website for opening hours

Accommodation in Joensuu for both international and Finnish students is offered by Joensuun Elli (opens in a new tab), an independent Student Housing Company that provides housing for more than 3000 students. Joensuun Elli has several housing units located in different parts of Joensuu and  they are situated within 0.5–7 km from the Joensuu campus. Most students live in a shared flat where they have a private room and they share kitchen, bathroom, and toilet with 1-4 other students. Exchange students are usually accommodated in a furnished room with a bed and a mattress, a desk, a chair and a wardrobe. There are no curtains, rugs, linen, dishes, cutlery, etc. in the flats. The Student Union rents survival packages to cover the basic needs. Both Finnish and international degree and post-graduate students are normally accommodated in a room without furniture (only wardrobe). Students arriving with their family (i.e. spouse and/or children) may apply for a two-bedroom family flat. Please note that you can apply a family apartment also with a friend or a relative.

Rent for a room in a shared flat is about 190-300 euros/month. Rent includes electricity, heating and water. Tenants who have a furnished room need to pay a reasonable additional fee for the furniture. In all flats there is a possibility to have the ElliNet internet connection for 20 euros/month. There are no computers in the flats, and in order to be able to use the internet connection, tenants may have to buy a suitable adapter for their personal computer. Note that the internet will not be available right away. (There are also other possibilities, for example, a mobile broadband modem that you can purchase from a tele-communications company and is usually a cheaper alternative.). There is a free laundry room and a public sauna in every housing unit. Private sauna or a parking space for car can be reserved for an extra fee. There are no meals or cleaning service available.

How to apply for housing (opens in a new tab) with Joensuun Elli. Fill out the application carefully. Please note that if your staying requires the Resident Permit, you will get an offer only after receiving it.

As soon as the applicant receives an offer of accommodation by email, he or she should reply whether he or she accepts or refuses the offered accommodation. Usually you will receive a housing offer about one month before your planned arrival. Acceptance of offered accommodation is legally binding and will be considered as a signature on the lease. Rent must be paid from the confirmed date onwards. Unconfirmed reservations will automatically be cancelled and the applicant will lose the accommodation offered and the application will no longer be valid.

A tenant’s lease begins always on the first day of the month and it can be made for full months only, ending on the last day of the month. This means that the tenant has to pay the rent for a whole month even if he or she does not need the apartment for the entire period.

For further information about apartments, their location, applying, etc., see the Joensuun Elli website (opens in a new tab).

You may need to find temporary accommodation if you arrive in Joensuu before your room is vacant. There are several hotels and hostels in the centre of Joensuu – here are a few examples:

  • GreenStar  (opens in a new tab)
  • Apartamentos Joensuu (opens in a new tab)
  • Scouts’ Youth Hostel (opens in a new tab)

Student accommodation in Kuopio

Kuopio Student Housing Company
Torikatu 15
tel. +358 (0) 17 264 0700
e-mail: customerservice@kuopas.fi
Check the website for opening hours

Kuopas (Kuopio Student Housing Company) is a public company owned by the City of Kuopio that builds and maintains student housing in Kuopio. More than 3000 students and their families live in Kuopas housing and most of our international students live with Kuopas. Kuopas has 30 apartment buildings around Kuopio and they are situated within 0.5–8 km from the campus.

The rent of shared student apartments includes internet, water, heating and free laundry, but it does not include utility bills, such as electricity and parking. Common sauna session (women and men separately) is free once a week. If you prefer to go to sauna by yourself, you can reserve a sauna term for yourself (1 hour/week, always at the same time). There is a free Internet connection (10Mbit) in every Kuopas apartment. You can upgrade it if you need a faster connection, but they will charge you for it. All furnished shared apartments have a modem.

Most international students live in shared and furnished apartments (communal apartments). Each student has got his/her own room but kitchen and bathroom is shared with 1-4 other students of the same gender.

If you are coming to Kuopio with your family you can apply for a family apartment. Family apartments’ sizes vary from two bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments. Family apartments are mainly for families, but sometimes if they are free, it might be possible to rent them amongst friends.

Further information on Kuopas housing (opens in a new tab)

Apply for accommodation by filling out an on-line application form (opens in a new tab). You can apply for housing as soon as you have received the official Certificate of Admission from the University of Eastern Finland. You don’t need to send Kuopas your formal letter of acceptance, just your online application. Fill out the application carefully and send. Keep checking your email regularly, because Kuopas will send you a proposal for tenancy agreement on a room or an apartment by email. Usually you will receive this proposal about one month before your planned arrival. You also have to pay a deposit.

Application deadline for housing in Kuopio:

15 June

  • for autumn semester (Aug-Dec)
  • full academic year (Aug-May)

15 November

  • spring semester (Jan-May)

You can apply at other times as well, but accommodation cannot be guaranteed if you miss the deadlines above. Please also note that in the beginning of the autumn semester you have to pay rent starting from 1 August even if you come later (for example in September). This is because there is a lack of student apartments in Kuopio in the autumn and Kuopas cannot keep apartments empty during August.

Please also note that the tenancy agreement always begins at the beginning of a calendar month and it finishes at the end of a calendar month. For example, if you wish to arrive at the very end of the month, you should be prepared to pay rent for the whole month.

You may need to find temporary accommodation if you arrive in Kuopio before your room is vacant. There are several hotels and hostels in the centre of Kuopio. You can find them in the internet.

Campus cities

City of Joensuu

General

Culture and Tourist Centre Carelicum

Opening hours: Check the website

Tel. +358 13 267 5222

Address: Koskikatu 5, 80100 Joensuu

Information about the Joensuu region:

  • Joensuu
  • VisitKarelia

Joensuu is the administrative centre of the North Karelia region in Finland. The city was established by Czar Nikolai I of Russia in 1848 and it has flourished in the estuary of a notable waterway. Joensuu is located next to the Russian border. It is a vital city with a growing and relatively young population. The population of Joensuu is approximately 75 000. Joensuu believes in regional and international cooperation as one of the motors for the development.

Currently, the most important business areas include metal industry, wood and forestry sector, information and communication technology as well as expertise related to the border region and cross-border collaboration. Joensuu is also the forestry capital of Europe with a stronghold in research, inclusive the European Forest Institute and Joensuu Science Park. In the city centre of Joensuu you can find silence, peace and nature like nowhere else in Europe.

Besides the science and business scene, Joensuu is also a city where a number of recent Finnish films have been made. In Joensuu, you can find the Karelian folk, the most talkative ones in Finland. Furthermore, Joensuu is home to the famous summer rock festival called Ilosaarirock, which is sold out every year months before the event.

Distances and travelling times (approximately) to Joensuu from

Distance By car By rail By air
Helsinki 437 km 5 h 30 min 5 h 60 min
Tampere 395 km 4 h 55 min 5 h (via Helsinki)
Turku 540 km 6 h 45 min 6 h 45 min (via Helsinki)
Kuopio 136 km 1 h 45 min 3 h 30 min (via Helsinki)
Savonlinna 133 km 1 h 40 min 2 h 15 min (via Helsinki)
Immigration Services

International House Joensuu

Joensuu District Multicultural Association

The Joensuu District Multicultural Association (Joensuun seudun monikulttuurisuusyhdistys ry, also known as JoMoni) was founded in January 2009. The founding meeting included around 30 people from approximately ten different countries. The association’s intention is to promote multicultural diversity and to prevent immigrants from being discriminated and isolated. The association is open to people of all origins, nationalities, religions and political views. The association organises cultural and recreational events, seminars, press conferences and other activities that bring together people from different backgrounds. The association helps immigrants around the Joensuu area to deal with various authorities and bureaucracy issues, and raises awareness of multicultural diversity. More information about multicutural diversity.

Community Resource Centre of Joensuu

The Community Resource Centre of Joensuu (Kansalaistalo) supports voluntary work, develops co-operation and creates dialogue between the public welfare system and the activities of the voluntary sector. It also promotes partnership orientation in community, develops regional social and health policies and creates and develops new initiatives and innovations that increase welfare and decrease exclusion. You can find a meeting place, bikes for rent and an Internet Café at Kansalaistalo.

Citizen’s House (Kansalaistalo)

Address: Torikatu 30, 80100 Joensuu

Tel: +358 13 123 132

Day-care and Schools

Joensuu has an English Kindergarten (Englanninkielinen leikkikoulu) in which children from several nationalities spend their days. English is used in the daily activities.

The Kanervala School provides English-speaking education. Teaching is meant mainly for children who speak Finnish as their mother tongue and the English education is meant primarily for children living in Joensuu. Children who speak English as their mother tongue will also be accepted to the class. When teaching English-speaking children, their command of the Finnish language and the anticipated duration of their stay in Finland as well as their individual needs (when applicable) will be taken into account.

The Finnish-Russian School of Eastern Finland in Joensuu is a school maintained by a foundation. Students study an advanced syllabus in the English and Russian languages in comprehensive education. Finnish children and children who speak Russian as their mother tongue are accepted to study at the school. After comprehensive school, the studies and the advanced syllabus in English and Russian can be continued in the upper secondary school.

Community College of the Joensuu Area

The Community College of the Joensuu Area (opens in a new tab) (Kansalaisopisto) is a non-profit organisation owned and maintained by the City of Joensuu. The community college is open for everyone wishing to explore new educational areas and develop their abilities, both personally and professionally, for a reasonable investment of time and money.

Open University and Summer University

Both the Open University (Avoin yliopisto) and the Summer University (Kesäyliopisto) of Joensuu offer a wide variety of courses (including Finnish language courses) to all interested students. Please note that fees are usually charged.

Open University, Joensuu Campus
Address: Yliopistokatu 2 A, Aurora building, 2nd floor

Tel: +328 50 467 8460

Email: avoinyliopisto@uef.fi

Joensuu Regional Library

Joensuu Regional Library (Vaara-kirjastot) has books in several languages, music, videos, magazines, international newspapers and a café. The library also has material for studying the Finnish language. Library cards can be obtained from the main desk of the library. The main library is located near the city centre and there are several branch libraries in different residential areas.

Joensuu Main Library
Address: Koskikatu 25, 80100 Joensuu

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Big supermarkets like Prisma and Citymarket offer a variety of spices and, for example, halal meat. However, if you are looking something specific, there are a few ethnic grocery stores in Joensuu.

Halal Market - Ethnic groceries and halal meat at Kauppakatu 19, 80100 Joensuu

Phanthan Thai - Asian grocery store and restaurant at Nuottaniementie 2, 80140 Joensuu Deshi Bazaar - A meat shop in Helsinki that delivers to Joensuu approximately once a month. See their Facebook profile for delivery times and place your order in advance.

Second Hand Shops

Here you can find some examples of the second hand shops (kirpputori) in Joensuu. Please note that the opening hours vary and that most of them are not located at the city centre.

FIDA - Torikatu 19

SPR Kontti (Red Cross) - Voimatie 10

Valintakirppis - Teollisuuskatu 4

Second hand bookstores (books, CDs, DVDs):

Antikvaarinen kirjakauppa – Suvantokatu 8

Religious Denominations

There has been a complete freedom of religion in Finland since 1923. The Finnish Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship. This means that everyone is free to practice any religion they wish as long as they do not violate the fundamental human rights or break the law. Finns are not particularly active churchgoers although most of them are members of the church. There are two national churches in Finland, the Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church. Around 75% of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, while around 1% belongs to the Orthodox Church. There are also Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, and a number of small religious denominations represented in Finland.

More information

  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
  • The Orthodox Church of Finland 

Student Pastor Ms Tiina Belov, Joensuu Campus tiina.belov@uef.fi or +358 50 590 6527

Congregations

  • Catholic Church
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Catholic Church
  • Free Church
  • Islam: Joensuu Mosque
  • Lutheran Church in Joensuu
  • Orthodox Church of Saint Nikolaos 
  • Pentecostal Church
  • Seventh-day Adventist Church
Cinema, Theatre and Music

There is one cinema in Joensuu, Tapio (Kauppakatu 27). Films are shown in their original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles, also in 3D format. Tickets cost approximately EUR 7.50–12.50. You can get student discount on some films, remember to ask when you are buying tickets. Savonkinot website.

The Joensuu City Theatre (Joensuun kaupunginteatteri) is located in the Town Hall (Rantakatu 20). Information and tickets are available at Carelicum (tel. +358 13 267 5222) or the Town Hall one hour before the performance (tel. +358 50 437 1089). Performances are usually in Finnish.

If there are tickets left on the day of the performance, they can be bought with 50% student discount one hour before the show. Website is in Finnish.

There is also a Student Theatre in Joensuu.

The rock and pop music scene in Joensuu is very active. A popular rock festival called Ilosaarirock is arranged every year in mid-July drawing thousands of young people into the city. At other times, there are several live performances weekly. Please follow the advertisements and bulletin boards.

Kerubi (Siltakatu 1) offers a wide variety of Finnish music, live performances, disco nights, etc. See Kerubi website in Finnish.

The Joensuu Orchestra has concerts in the Carelia Hall (Yliopistokatu 2) usually on Thursdays. Information and tickets are available at Carelicum as well as one hour before the concert at the Carelia Hall.

Museums

Art Museum (Kirkkokatu 23, the large red brick building) has a permanent collection of Finnish art, sections of Chinese art, ancient Greek and Roman art, and Orthodox icons from the monastery of Megri. They also arrange temporary exhibitions.

Art Centre Ahjo (opens in a new tab) (Kirkkokatu 23, the yellow wooden building) gives a fresh view of North Karelian and other Finnish art. Exhibitions include photographic art, paintings and handicrafts.

Carelicum - North Karelian Museum (Koskikatu 5) is a modern museum of history and culture. There is a permanent exhibition called “Visiting Karelia”, which takes a look at the region of Karelia in its historical and cultural entity. For more information on this or on the smaller art galleries, please ask at the Information Desk at Carelicum.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden includes about 900 species of plants from 113 countries all over the world. The collection of greenhouses (570 m2) imitates five climatic regions: tropical, sub-tropical summer-rain, sub-tropical winter-rain, temperate and desert. There is also a small greenhouse (180 m2) for propagation and research purposes and two small plastic greenhouses for summer use only. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the outside garden in the summer. The Tropical Butterfly Garden is open for visitors from April to August–September. Also available for visitors are Café Botania and Boutique Botania.

Bars, Restaurants and Cafes

There are several bars, pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and cafés in Joensuu. The opening hours vary; usually the cafeterias are open between 8:00–18:00 (8am–6pm), but restaurants stay open until later in the evening. Most pubs open around 13:00 (1pm) and close around 02:00 (am). Nightclubs open at 22:00 (10pm) and close at 04:00 (am). More information about restaurants in Joensuu.

Sports

Please note that the Sykettä Sports Programme offers versatile possibilities for students on the Joensuu campus:

Nature tracks for hiking in Joensuu area. Check also the rights and the regulations for the outdoor activities (everyman’s right).

Swimming pools (Uimahalli):

  • Vesikko (Uimarintie 1)
  • Rantakylä (Pataluodonkatu 2)

You can try ice swimming with the Joensuu Polar Bears Ice Swimming Club. Swimming and sauna is available for non-members by a single payment. The wristband costs about EUR 6 and can be bought from a machine at the club. For more information about location, opening hours, etc. visit their website or call tel. +358 45 7845 1992.

Sports Hall (Joensuun Kuntokeidas) offers bowling, tennis, squash, badminton, indoor climbing, table tennis, mini-golf, billiards, and a golf simulator. Address Linnunlahdentie 10, tel.+358 13 126 558 .

There are also several fitness clubs and gyms in Joensuu.

If you want to try fishing, it is good to know that persons who are 18 years or older must pay a fishing management fee (kalastuksenhoitomaksu in Finnish) and a local fishing license (kalastuslupa). No fishing licenses are needed for ice fishing or angling. More information here:

  • Fishing in Finland
  • Fishing licences in Joensuu (in Finnish)
  • Regulations: http://www.ymparisto.fi/en-us/nature → Everyman’s right in Finland

Horseback Riding
There are several stables in the Joensuu area. To browse different options, please go here: http://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/Travelling → Activities → Horseback riding

Information on nature tracks in Joensuu area.

There are excellent opportunities for winter sports in Joensuu. You can find ice-skating rinks around the town in wintertime, and they can be used by everyone, free of charge. Skates can be purchased at sports shops, department stores or flea markets. Alternatively, you can borrow a pair of skates from a fellow Finnish student or from the storage of the Student Union office at Joensuu. Skiing is a very important part of Finnish culture. If you have never skied before, in Finland you have a unique opportunity to try both cross-country and downhill skiing. There are many publicly maintained cross-country skiing trails in Joensuu, for example in Mehtimäki, which is very close to the Joensuu campus. Trails are always open, naturally depending on the snow conditions, and some of the trails are lit. There are also many downhill skiing centres close to Joensuu, such as Mustavaara and Koli.

Koli is situated about 70 km north of Joensuu. It is a beautiful and popular downhill skiing centre. All ski centres also rent the necessary equipment for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as for cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is a new and popular form of winter sports, and the necessary equipment can also be rented at Koli.

City of Kuopio

General info about Kuopio

Kuopio Tourist Service (Kuopio Info)

Address: Apaja Shopping Centre, Kauppakatu 45, 70110 Kuopio

Opening hours: Check the website.

Tel: +358 80 018 2050

Email: palveluneuvonta@kuopio.fi

Information about the Kuopio region:

  • Kuopio
  • Student's Kuopio

The City of Kuopio was founded in 1775 to stimulate trade and other economic activity in the extensive region of Eastern Finland. Today Kuopio has a population of over 117 000 and it is the ninth largest city in the country. The City of Kuopio is the largest city in the Province of Eastern Finland. Kuopio has developed into a centre serving the entire region of eastern Finland. Some 600 000 people live within its sphere of influence.

Kuopio is a modern, developing centre of economic life in Eastern Finland. 70% of those living in Kuopio are employed in service professions. The unique nature and services of excellent quality make the city an appealing place to live in. The people of the growing city have not forgotten their roots and they still highly value the genuine Northern Savo region’s way of living. The unique summer atmosphere in the Kuopio region is provided by lakes and islands, and as well as by the landscape of forest-covered hills. Boating, hiking and other forms of outdoor recreation are plenty. The lakes, which are abound with fish, guarantee good catches throughout the year. Leisure spas with their bubbling pools and baths offer relaxation and invigoration whenever you feel the need.

In general, the climate varies a lot in Kuopio. Here you can enjoy the four distinctive Finnish seasons. The temperatures may vary from -30 C in the winter to +30 C in the summer. Read more information on the weather . The northern lights, although more common in Lapland, can sometimes be seen during winter nights also in Kuopio.

The main road of the region is Highway 5, which runs from Helsinki to Lapland. The Saimaa Canal links Kuopio to the Baltic Sea and is open for most of the year. By road, the distance from the capital Helsinki to Kuopio is about 390 km. There are also several daily flights from Helsinki to Kuopio. Coach and railway connections to Kuopio also are excellent from Helsinki as well as from the Tampere and Turku regions.

Distances and travelling times (approximately) to Kuopio from

Distance By car By rail By air
Helsinki 390 km 4 h 30

min

4 h 60 min
Tampere 300 km 3 h 45

min

3 h 30

min

(via Helsinki)
Turku 450 km 5 h 30

min

5 h 40

min

(via Helsinki)
Joensuu 136 km 1 h 45

min

3 h 30

min

(via Helsinki)
Savonlinna 161 km 2 h 6 h (via Helsinki)
Multicultural Centre Kompassi

Kompassi is the multicultural centre of the Kuopio Settlement Puijola, which is located in the city centre of Kuopio. Kompassi was established in 1999 and is funded by the City of Kuopio and RAY (Finland’s Slot Machine Association). Kompassi offers information, support and activity opportunities, multicultural events and Finnish language courses. In Kompassi you can use a computer, meet new people, get help in problematic situations, get information about, for example, immigration services in Kuopio, multiculturalism and internationality. Kompassi welcomes everyone and values all of its visitors equally without discrimination.

Multicultural Centre Kompassi (opens in a new tab, only in Finnish)

Opening hours: Check the website Address: Kauppakatu 40-42, 70110 Kuopio
Email: kompassi(a)puijola.net

Day-care and Schools

If you are coming to Kuopio with children, you should contact the Student and Learning Services for information on schools and day-care. There is an English and a German kindergarten in Kuopio and some schools have English language classes. There are two comprehensive schools offering bilingual teaching and one upper secondary school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) studies. For more information about day-care in Kuopio.

Some daycares and schools:

The English Kindergarten

Address: Tulliportinkatu 37 H, 70110 Kuopio

Tel: +358 44 767 5057

Website

Deutscher Kindergarten

Address: Kauppakatu 59-61, 70110 Kuopio

Tel: +358 45 111 2070

Website

Rajala Comprehensive School

Address: Sammakkolammentie 14, 70200 Kuopio

Tel: +358 44 718 4356

Website

Hatsala Comprehensive School

Address: Opistotie 3, 70200 Kuopio

Tel: +358 44 718 4503

Website

Lyseo Upper Secondary School

Address: Puijonkatu 18, 70110 Kuopio

Tel: +358 17 184 563

Website

Community College of Kuopio

The Community College of Kuopio (Kansalaisopisto) is an institution offering adult education, enabling people of all ages to study and participate in activities relevant to their interests. Courses range from languages and sports to music and social sciences. The autumn semester starts in September and the spring semester in January.

Open University and Summer University

Both the Open University (Avoin yliopisto) and the Snellman University (Kesäyliopisto) of Kuopio offer a wide variety of courses (including Finnish language courses) to all interested students. Please note that fees are usually charged.

Open University, Kuopio Campus

Address: Neulamäentie 2, Bioteknia building, 2nd floor

Tel: +358 294457 028

Email: avoinyliopisto@uef.fi

Website

SnellmannEDU

Address: Haapaniemenkatu 40 C 1, 70110 Kuopio

Tel: +358 44 746 2840

Email: asiakaspalvelu@snellmanedu.fi

Website

Kuopio City Library

The City Library (kaupunginkirjasto) is run by the City of Kuopio. In Finland, libraries are open to all and borrowing material is free of charge. In order to be able to borrow material from the library, you will need a library card (kirjastokortti). You can get a library card for free from any library in Kuopio. You need to present proof of identity and fill in an application form in order to get a card. If books are not returned by the date they are due, a fee will be charged. Remember to cancel your library card immediately, if you lose it as the material borrowed on your card is on your responsibility. Please note that the university library card is not valid at the city libraries, only at the university libraries. The Kuopio City Library also has a music library where you can listen to music or borrow records, CDs and notes. There is also a language centre for language studies and you can borrow language learning tapes.

Kuopio City Libraries

Opening hours, addresses and contact info: Check the website

Website

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Big supermarkets like Prisma and Citymarket offer a variety of spices and, for example, halal meat. However, if you are looking something specific, there are a couple of ethnic grocery stores in Kuopio.

Marrakesh Shop, Pyörönkaari 26

Suker Shop, Alakatu 3,

Istanbul Market, Pyörönkaari 9 (halal meat available) Samruai, Thai restaurant and shop, address: Kauppakatu 63

Second Hand Shops

The Kuopio Recycling Centre (Kierrätyskeskus) sells clothes, furniture, kitchenware, televisions and bicycles, for extremely low prices. Remember that there are many second hand stores all over Kuopio, where you can also buy used furniture etc. They are popular among students.

Kuopion kirppari (online) 

CityPörssi – Lapinlinnankatu 21-23

Kirpparilla – Leväsentie 2

Rihma – Puijonkatu 39

SPR Kontti - Leväsentie 2

Elävä Kauppa - Teollisuuskatu 1 (also second hand household items and furniture)

Second hand bookstores (books, CDs, DVDs):

  • Antikvariaatti Kirja- ja Lehtilinna – Kuninkaankatu 23
Religious Denominations

There has been a complete freedom of religion in Finland since 1923. The Finnish Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship. This means that everyone is free to practice any religion they wish as long as they do not violate the fundamental human rights or break the law. Finns are not particularly active churchgoers although most of them are members of the church. There are two national churches in Finland, the Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church. Around 75% of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, while around 1% belongs to the Orthodox Church. There are also Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, and a number of small religious denominations represented in Finland. Information on international church services in Kuopio will be delivered through the ESN KISA.

More information

  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
  • The Orthodox Church of Finland

Student Pastor Mr Raimo Hakkarainen, Kuopio Campus Contact: raimo.hakkarainen@uef.fi or +358 40 484 8471

Prayer Room

There is a prayer room for Muslims on campus in Kukkola building. The building is locked so you will need a key to access the room. You can apply for the key of the prayer room at Buildings and Estate Services (Tilapalvelut) located in Snellmania building, ground floor, Ms Anne Sulkakoski, Room 1078/5. There will be an about EUR 40 deposit for the key.

Congregations

  • Catholic Church
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Evangelical-Lutheran Parish Union
  • Free Church
  • Islam: Kuopio Mosque, the Islamic Society of Savo Soikkokuja 12, 70780 Kuopio
    UEF Muslim Students’ Club in Facebook
  • Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas
  • Pentecostal Church
  • Seventh-day Adventist Church
Cinema, Theatre and Music

There are two cinemas in Kuopio, Scala (Ajurinkatu 16) and Kuvakukko (Vuorikatu 27). Films are shown in the original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles, in Scala also in 3D format. Tickets cost between EUR 7.50–15. Films usually run for one to three weeks. Film clubs show classic films and re-runs at reduced prices at Kuvakukko. Scala offers discounts for students.

There is also the Student Union Film Club (Hyvät Kuvat), which is open to everybody. You have to buy a personal movie card for the price of about EUR 25. Please note that there are free club cards available for exchange students every semester. The film club shows one film in two sessions on Thursdays in the cinema Kuvakukko (Vuorikatu 27). All the films are in their original language with subtitles in Finnish.

The Kuopio City Theatre has several stages and there are many other theatre groups in Kuopio. Even if you cannot understand the language (all the shows are in Finnish), the performances are worth seeing.

The Student Theatre (KYT) 

A popular rock festival called Kuopio Rock is arranged every year in mid-July drawing thousands of young people into the city. At other times, there are several live performances weekly. Please follow the advertisements and bulletin boards.

In Kuopio, ordinary bars and pubs are also venues for shows and concerts of Finnish pop and rock groups; especially The Circus (Vuorikatu 19), Ottopoika (Kauppakatu 40-42) and Sawohouse Underground (Tarhakuja 1) have many bands performing regularly. The KISA mailing list will provide you with more information whenever there are shows that might interest students.

Kuopio Symphony Orchestra has concerts at the Kuopio Music Centre (Kuopiolahdenkatu 23), usually on Thursdays. More information and tickets are available at Kuopio Music Centre and Kuopio Info (Apaja).

Museums

Kuopio Art Museum (Kauppakatu 35) is housed in a former bank building. The collections include primarily Finnish art from the end of the Nineteenth Century to the present, with an emphasis on local painters. The central theme of museum is nature and the environment.

Kuopio Museum (Kauppakatu 23) is a cultural historical museum. Their permanent collection consists of pieces from the history of the Northern Savonia region. They also arrange temporary exhibitions.

Old Kuopio Museum (Kirkkokatu 22) consists of a block of eleven old wooden houses. Their interiors represent living conditions and living styles of different families from the 1800s to the 1930s. In addition, there is a pharmacy house, an exhibition hall and a room dedicated to the renowned local author Minna Canth.

VB Photographic Centre (Kuninkaankatu 14-16).

J. V. Snellman Home Museum (Snellmaninkatu 19) is museum for the philosopher and statesman. The museum building is the house he used to live in during his years in Kuopio in the 1840s.

The Orthodox Church Museum of Finland (opens in a new tab, page in Finnish) preserves studies and displays the unique cultural heritage of the Orthodox Church of Finland and to uses this heritage for educational purposes.

Events in Kuopio

Please note, that Covid19 affects the events!

Kuopio is famous for a multitude of events and known as both a lively sports centre and a city of rich cultural life. Every summer in June the Kuopio Dance Festival (Kuopio Tanssii ja Soi) takes place in Kuopio. The festival is a significant international dance festival presenting a wide spectrum of dance art from different cultural backgrounds, as well as modern trends and traditional dance theatre. Students get a discount on tickets.

Every year Kuopio also hosts many other national and international events and festivities. Among them are the rock festival Kuopio RockCock, Kuopio International Wine Festivals, Ice Marathon on Lake Kallavesi, different food festivals and many more. There are also several sport events (ice hockey matches, football in the Keskuskenttä and Väinölänniemi and Finnish baseball in the Puijo Stadium).

The Kuopio Music Centre offers a variety of concerts throughout the year.

Anti, International Contemporary Art Festival held in Kuopio every autumn, free entrance to festival events

For further information on sport activities in Kuopio and cultural activities in Kuopio.

Bars, Restaurants and Cafes

There are several bars, pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and cafés in Kuopio. The opening hours vary: usually the cafés are open between 8:00–18:00 (8am–6pm), but restaurants stay open until later in the evening. Most pubs open around 13:00 (1pm) and close around 02:00 (am). Nightclubs open at 22:00 (10pm) and close at 04:00 (am). More information about restaurants in Kuopio.

In Kuopio, ordinary bars and pubs are also venues for shows and concerts of Finnish pop and rock groups; Puijonsarvi Night (Maaherrankatu 5) have many bands performing regularly. The KISA mailing list will provide you with more information whenever there are shows that might interest students.

Sports

Please note that the Sykettä Sports Programme offers a variety of activities for students on Kuopio campus.

Information on different sports and outdoor recreation possibilities in Kuopio.

Kuopio has a wide network of jogging and skiing tracks.

Nature trails for hiking.

Exercise tracks and skiing trails.

Check also the rights and the regulations for the outdoor activities (everyman’s right).

Swimming Pools (Uimahalli):

  • Lippumäen uimahalli Petosentie 8, 70820 Kuopio
  • Kuntolaakson uimahalli, Hannes Kolehmaisenkatu, 70110 Kuopio

You can try ice swimming with the Kuopio Ice Swimming Association (opens in a new tab, page in Finnish). Swimming and sauna are available for non-members by a single payment of about EUR 10.

Kuopio Hall (Opistotie 4) offers several sporting options and their facilities include a football field, a running track, a gym etc.

If you want to try fishing, it is good to know that persons who are 18 years or older must pay a fishing management fee (kalastuksenhoitomaksu in Finnish) and a local fishing license (kalastuslupa). No fishing licenses are needed for ice fishing or angling. More information here:

  • Fishing in Finland
  • Fishing licences in Kuopio (in Finnish)
  • Everyman’s right in Finland (pdf)

Horseback Riding

There are several stables in the Kuopio area. You can find the stables in the internet, but the most popular stable is Savisaaren Ratsastuskeskus (Savisaari 61, tel. +358 17 2822238, also SMS messages, talli@savisaari.com)

Ice Hockey Halls (Jäähalli) 

  • Kuopion jäähalli Olvi Areena
  • Hannes Kolehmaisen katu 4, 70100 Kuopio
  • Lippumäen jäähalli Rauhalahdentie 66, 70820 Kuopio

There are excellent opportunities for winter sports in Kuopio. You can find ice-skating rinks around the town in wintertime, and they can be used by everyone, free of charge. Skates can be purchased at sports shops, department stores or flea markets.

Alternatively, you can borrow a pair of skates from a fellow Finnish student or from the storage of the Student Union office. Skiing is a very important part of Finnish culture. If you have never skied before, in Finland you have a unique opportunity to try both cross- country and downhill skiing. There are many publicly maintained cross-country skiing trails in Kuopio, for example in Puijo. Trails are always open, naturally depending on the snow conditions, and some of the trails are lit. There are also many downhill skiing centres close to Kuopio, such as Kasurila and Tahko.

Skiing

  • Kasurila Ski Centre, Viitonen 1920, 71800 Siilinjärvi
  • Tahko Ski Centre, Tahkolaaksontie 4, 73310 Tahkovuori

Bowling Alley (Keilahalli)

  • Kuopion keilahalli, Tel. +358 17 282 4003
  • Rauhalahti Bowling, Kartanonkatu 11, 70700 Kuopio

Climbing

  • Kuopio Climbing Centre Voema, Kaivotie 23, 70700 Kuopio

There are also several fitness clubs and gyms in Kuopio.

Things to Do

Things to Do Before You Arrive
  • Apply for housing.
  • Apply for a passport (if you do not already have one).
  • Make sure your funding for your studies in Finland is sufficient.
  • If applicable to your studies, pay the tuition fees.
  • Apply for a residence permit if necessary. When you apply for the residence permit, apply for the Finnish Personal Identify Code at the same time.
  • Take an insurance and, if you are an EU citizen make sure your European Health Insurance Card is valid throughout your stay.
  • Make travel arrangements.
  • Inform your student tutor of your arrival details.
  • Take care of international banking and money matters and exchange some currency (euros) before your arrival in Finland.
  • If you are taking regular medication, make sure that you bring sufficient amount of medicines with you.
  • Pack suitable clothing. Check for advices about basics and winter.
Things to Do When You Arrive
  • Pay the Student Union membership fee prior to registration and bring the receipt with you to Student and Learning Services. If you have on-line banking, you can do this before arrival.
  • Register at the Student and Learning Services (Master’s degree students can register on-line.). After registering you will get a study certificate and instructions on how to obtain your username and password for the university’s IT systems.
  • If you are an exchange student, check if your university has given you an arrival form and get it signed at the International Mobility Services.
  • Plan your studies, register for courses and exams in WebOodi and meet with your Academic International Coordinator.
  • Check your flat and fill out the inspection card. Check the due date of the rent of your student flat and pay your rent. Keep the keys with you at all times when you leave the room. The door can be locked without a key so you may lock yourself out.
  • Visit the Student Union office, where you can pay and get a Survival Package, if you need one.
  • Visit the Local Register Office (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) to register your stay and to acquire a Finnish Personal Identity Code, if you do not have one yet.
  • Fill out the Notification of Move form. This can be done in a post office or in the Local Register Office or online.
  • Take part in the Orientation for International Students.
  • Open a bank account in the local bank, if you need one.
Things to Do Before You Leave
  • Give notice to end your student-housing lease at least one FULL calendar month before you leave. (For example, if you leave in May, give notice in March).
  • Exchange students: Fill out the “Departure Information Form” form and return it in person to Student and Learning Services and ask for your Transcript of Academic Records. It can be issued if all your courses and results are already in your records, otherwise the transcript will be sent to you later.
  • Exchange students: Ask for a Letter of Confirmation at the International Mobility Services, if you would like to have one. Please note that you can have this only seven days before your departure. If your home university has asked to return their own forms, please bring them with you for signing.
  • Give feedback of your stay and studies. You will get the link for the feedback form by e- mail from your coordinator.
  • Return all the library books you have borrowed and pay the possible overdue fees.
  • Return your Survival Package to the Student Union office, if you had one.
  • Check that all your bills are paid.
  • Close your Finnish bank account.
  • Confirm your travel arrangements (e.g. tickets) and check the regulations for luggage weight, if applicable.
  • Fill out Notification of Move
  • After cleaning up your room properly to avoid having an extra fee on the cleaning.

Basic Finnish Vocabulary

Common 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…?

Common signs

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

Days of the week

Monday - Maanantai
Tuesday - Tiistai
Wednesday - Keskiviikko
Thursday - Torstai
Friday - Perjantai
Saturday - Lauantai
Sunday - Sunnuntai
Weekend - Viikonloppu

Numbers
  1. Yksi
  2. Kaksi
  3. Kolme
  4. Neljä
  5. Viisi
  6. Kuusi
  7. Seitsemän
  8. Kaheksan
  9. Yhdeksän
  10. Kymmenen

Zero - Nolla
Hundred - Sata

Drink Vocabulary

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

Food vocabulary

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.

practical guide
University of Eastern Finland Joensuu, Kuopio © University of Eastern Finland
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