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).