HANDBOOK
SPRING 2011
FOR THE EXCHANGE STUDENTS OF SATAKUNTA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME MANAGEMENT
welcome Dear Student, Welcome to Finland and to Satakunta University of Applied Sciences! You are about to start your exchange at the Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management. This handbook is made for instructional purpose without taking responsibility for damage or costs by inadeguate or outdated information. It is made to help you getting ready for your stay with us. We hope that the coming months will be an experience of a lifetime for you.
CONTENT
Welcome..............................................................2 General Informations................................................3 About Satakunta Region and SAMK.......................4 Becoming a SAMK student ....................................5 Exchange students.................................................. 6 Visa/Resident permit and healt insurance..................7 After arrival: right to reside and emergency cases....8
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, SAMK, wants to do its best to make your exchange an enjoyable and interesting time. However, your contribution will be very important as your ability to meet people, to communicate, to study, to make friends, to familiarize yourself with the Finnish culture and to visit interesting places will contribute to a great time in Finland.
Accomodation ......................................................... 9 Rules and Regulations of the student dormitory .....10 Living in Satakunta...............................................13 Leisure activities.....................................................14 Public holidays in Finland ........................................ 15 Pori in the music season ...........................................16 Travelling to Pori......................................................18
the education at samk
Public transports in Finland .................................... 19 Before leaving Pori..................................................21
The Universities of Applied Sciences offer education tailored to the practical needs of working life – an appropriate mix of theory and practice. The Universities of Applied Sciences award both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. It takes from 4-4,5 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree. After three years of work experience, a student may commence studies leading to a Master’s degree. SAMK continues to increase the number of courses offered in English language. There are also international programs available for the students. Through our agreements with several universities in different countries worldwide, we are offering many exchange possibilities for the students. We have partners from the United States to Asia and in between. SAMK will support you during your stay in Finland and will help you to make your exchange an unforgettable experience. Welcome to SAMK!
Personal Experience...............................................22 Name and telephone numbers...............................23
GENERAL INFORMATION This guide has been designed for international students who are participating in an exchange period at SAMK in the Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management. Please note that some practices may differ from one faculty to another, so if you have friends in other faculties, not all the practices are the same.
ABOUT FINLAND
The name of Finland in Finnish language is Suomi - and the name of the university is Satakunnan Ammattikorkeakoulu. Finland is situated in the north of Europe and is a member of the Nordic Countries and the European Union. It is bordered by Sweden on the west, Norway on the north and Russia on the east. The capital city is Helsinki. Finland is a parliamentary republic with a central government
based in Helsinki and local governments in each municipality. It has around 5.4 million inhabitants with the majority concentrated in the southern Finland. It has an average population density of 17 inhabitants per square kilometer. Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and islands; 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands. The distance from the southernmost, Hanko, to the northernmost point in the country, Nuorgam, is 1,445 kilometres. Finland has a humid and cool semi-continental climate. Winters of southern Finland are usually 4 months long and the average day time temperature is below 0 °C. The snow typically covers the land from middle of December to early April. In the southern coast, it can melt many times during early winter, and then come again. The coldest winter days of southern Finland are usually under −30 °C, and the warmest days of July and early August can be over 30 °C. Summers in the southern Finland lasts 4 months, from the mid of May to mid of September.
ABOUT SATAKUNTA REGION AND SAMK
SATAKUNTA REGION
SAMK
The Satakunta region is located on the west coast of Finland. The total population of the region is about 240.000 people. The largest city of the region is Pori, which has more than 80.000 inhabitants and the second largest is Rauma with about 40.000 inhabitants.
SAMK is located in the Satakunta region. There are about 6500 students in total, and more than two hundred international students studying in our campuses every year. Your campus is located in the city of Pori.
The cities are big enough to offer all the necessary services but also small enough to have a cozy and friendly atmosphere. These web sites are useful to know a little more about Finland: www.finland.fi (Virtual Finland) www.studyinfinland.fi www.visitfinland.fi (Satakunta region) www.maisa.fi (Maisa, Pori Regional Tourist Agency) www.visitrauma.fi (Rauma region) www.justlanded.com (living abroad guides by lands)
the city of pori
Pori is a city on the west coast of Finland and is the most important town in Satakunta region. The city is located some 15 km from the Gulf of Bothnia, on the estuary of the Kokemäenjoki river, which is the largest in Finland. The municipality has a population of 82 000 (Jan/10) and covers an area of 1,372.04 square kilometers of which 854.9 km2 is water. The population density is 148.2/ km2. Pori is the 11th largest city in Finland, and the 7th largest urban area. Pori is known, among other things, for the sandy beaches of Yyteri and for hosting Pori Jazz, an annual international jazz festival. Map of Pori With your acceptance letter you received a map of Pori. In addition, check a bit different map on www.samk.fi/mapofpori
SAMK is a multidisciplinary higher education institution that offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the faculties of Business and Culture, Social Services and Health Care and Technology and Maritime Management. We have campuses in the biggest cities in the Satakunta region. Pori, Rauma, Kankaanpää and Huittinen offer safe living conditions, a lot of green nature and excellent opportunities for leisure activities. The school facilities are practice oriented with good laboratory equipment.
BECOMING A SAMK STUDENT STUDENTS FOR THE STUDENTS
Registration at SAMK In order to be a recognized student of SAMK, you will need to register at the student office after arrival. You have to present your passport when registering. The tutor student will help you with the practicalities. Upon registration at SAMK, you can register for the courses which you intend to take. It is important that SAMK has your valid contact information during your stay in Finland. Please also provide contact information in your home country for possible emergencies. Note also, that when arriving, you have to present your insurance information to the international contact person.
After paying the membership fee, you will receive your student card. This card will give you many discounts and benefits in shops, restaurants, museums, theatres, public indoor swimming pools and public transportation. The International Student Card (ISIC) is not valid in the busses and trains in Finland. If you decide not to become a member of SAMMAKKO, you will get a certificate from the student office, with which you can buy a student card to trains and long distance busses (price is 8 â‚Ź, a photograph is needed).
International tutor students Students Union SAMMAKKO (Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulun opiskelijakunta) is the student union for all students enrolled at SAMK. SAMMAKKO is a member of the Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK). The purpose of the student union is to help students with matters related to studying and student life.
Each exchange student is introduced to a tutor student right in the beginning of the studies. Student tutor is a fellow student, who has volunteered to help new students with practical matters concerning their studies, and also help them in general issues related to living in the new country and the city. In most cases the incoming international students get a message from their tutor student before arriving to Pori.
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
SAMK has co-operation agreements with a large number of universities around the world, which creates good possibilities for the students and/or staff to do an exchange. The Faculty of Technology is offering also one degree program, Environmental Engineering, totally in English language. This will increase the number of international students in our faculty. Learning agreement
the grading system
5
A EXCELLENT
4 B
Very Good
3 C
Good
2 D
Satisfactory
1 E
Sufficient
0 F
Fail
The Learning Agreement contains the list of course units or modules which the student plans to take during the exchange. For each course unit or module the title, the code number and the ECTS credits are indicated. The Learning Agreement has to be signed by you, by the official representative of your home university, and by SAMK. SAMK thereby agrees that the incoming student can study the planned course units or modules. Note still, that in some cases it may happen that a program of study must be modified after the arrival of the student, if for example the course has to be cancelled. In such cases, the Learning Agreement must be amended as soon as possible and signed again by the three parties concerned: the home university, the host university and the student. Only in this way can complete recognition of study results be guaranteed. The Learning Agreement guarantees the transfer of credit for courses passed successfully by the student. The competent body or authority of the home university carries out the recognition on the student’s return. The student does not need to negotiate recognition with individual professors. The Learning Agreement, together with the Transcript of Records is designed to guarantee complete recognition.
ECTS credits
SAMK is using the European ECTS credit system. One ECTS credit requires 27 hours of students work (practical and theoretical work, seminars and individually produced work i.e. research and writing). As a rule, for the whole academic year a student should pass 60 credits. 30 credits are equivalent to a semester and 20 credits correspond to a trimester of study. ECTS credits are also awarded for practical placements and thesis preparation when these activities are a regular part of the study program at the home or host institution. ECTS credits are applicable to courses and awarded to students who successfully complete the courses, passing their exams and other evaluations.
ECTS information
The ECTS Guide contains the courses offered in English for the incoming exchange students during the next academic year: www.samk.fi/ects As an exchange student you can construct your own programme according to your needs and wishes. Note, however, that: • you are advised to take courses primarily from the faculty that you are applying to; • SAMK has campuses in several cities, if you choose to take courses from another city, you are responsible for the travelling cost; • the courses will be realized only if certain amount of students have enrolled; • the students will be taken into courses in the enrollment order (in the beginning of the semester). There is limited number of places in the courses; • some courses have prerequisites. For example, you might need to have previous studies in the field of the course; • the exchange students are expected to arrive for the beginning of the course. If student arrives late (over 5 days), he/she could be denied the attendance to the courses. The academic year is divided into five periods, each lasts approximately 8 weeks. However the last period is reserved for work placements, meaning that there is normally no tuition during the fifth period. You can see the periods during the academic year in this link: www.samk.fi/ects Please check the starting day of tuition from your acceptance letter. Sometimes there could be a different starting day on the SAMK web site. This is due to the fact that different students are starting on a different day. Always rely on the information shared by your contact person in SAMK.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT AND HEALT INSURANCE
Students from EU/EEA countries If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you do not need a visa or a residence permit in Finland.
Notice! If for some reason the student does not fulfill the visa requirements, SAMK takes no responsibility. www.migri.fi Health insurance
Students from non-EU/EEA countries If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you need a visa or a residence permit. The visa/the residence permit shall be applied for at the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa or the residence permit must be obtained before your departure to Finland. When you apply for a visa / a residence permit, a financial statement and the information of the health insurance will be requested in addition to the application form, photograph and a passport (check the validity requirements from the officials). An invitation letter to study in SAMK is also necessary. It has been sent to you by SAMK. Notification: always check the valid information from the authorities. The immigration office is responsible of the issuance of visa/residence permit. SAMK has no influence or responsibility of the visas/residence permits, and the information provided in this handbook is only normative.
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EU and EEA students have the same social welfare benefits in Finland as Finnish. Students who are citizens of the EU/EEA countries are advised to obtain the European Health Card from their local health insurance office before arriving in Finland. In addition, you must provide a copy of your insurance details in arrival. The copy is stored in the international office for emergencies. You can check also if your university has some insurance for you. All non-EU/EEA students in Finland are required to have a valid health insurance when applying for a visa/residence permit (if the studying period lasts for more than 3 months). Contact the closest Finnish Embassy for further advice on the needed insurances. Please check what kind of insurance your home university offers for its students. In addition, you must provide a copy of your insurance details in arrival. The copy is stored in the international office for emergencies.
After arrival RIGHT TO RESIDE AND EMERGENCY
Right to reside
normal cases of becoming ill
Because your stay in Finland lasts for more than three (3) months, you have to be registered at the local police station. You need one photo for the registration. Registration costs 45 €, the fee will be charged when registering.
There is a Nurse at the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences for the Technology and Business students: Ms Päivi Westerlund: Mon-Fri 10-12 (subject to change), tel. +358 2 6203196, paivi.westerlund@pori.fi
Local police station, address: Satakunnankatu 5, tel. 026237500. Open Mon-Fri 08.00-16.00. In order to register you need to have the following: • A valid health insurance • A passport or other identification document • Two passport size photographs • A certificate confirming your registration as an exchange student at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (you will get the certificate from the student office after arrival).
You can contact also the Doctors in the Health Centers. The main Healt Center is in Maantiekatu 31, Pori. To make an appointment call the number 02-621 3547. Remember, the time not used or cancelled without informing costs 33.80€ The dentist center, based on appointments, is in Vähäraumantie 91 28600 Pori, Telephone: 02 621 36 53.
Population Information System
emergency cases
The local register office maintains a national Population Information System, which includes information on individuals, buildings, apartment houses and real estate property. The local register office stores information and changes occurring within its own area of operation.
If you need an Ambulance, Police, Fire Department call the number 112.
You must make a Change of address notification within a week from the arrival by filling out a Change of Address Form, which is available at local register offices, post offices, tax offices and the Social Insurance Institution offices (KELA). The nearest post office is located in the address Korpraalintie 36. You have to make a change of address notification also when moving out from the dormitory before returning home. If you want to have a bank account in Finland, you have to apply for a Finnish social security number. You can apply it in Maistraatti, Isolinnankatu 28, 28100 Pori. Open Mon-Fri 09.00 - 16.15. You have to bring the passport with you.
Acute patients, suddenly fallen ill and in need of urgent treatment, are treated in Satakunnan Keskussairaala Päivystys (Satakunta Central Hospital Emergency). The personnel makes the decisions on priority, it may take some time (Triage). Satakunnan Keskussairaala Päivystys is in Sairaalantie 3, 28500 Pori, Telephone: 02-621 3501 The fee for the treatment depends on the time. During the week days between 8.00-20.00 the cost is 13.70€. During the week days and for all the week end the cost is 27,40€. The time not used or cancelled without informing costs 33.80€
We strongly recommend for students from EU member countries to have at least the European Health Card, but also a private health insurance e.g. for accidents. For students from non EU-member countries, Private Health Insurance is a must.
accomodation
The student dormitory SAMK can help you to get a room in a student dormitory. The accommodation application procedure will be sent to selected students along with the letter of acceptance. International contact persons will make the reservations for the incoming students according to the applications. Most of the exchange students are living in dormitory Etappi or Tommilantie, anyhow it is possible that some of the students are appointed to other dormitories if there are not rooms available. The housing agency is a private company, and we don’t have any influence on the room allocation. Allocating rooms in the big dormitories with a lot of movement is like a “moving jigsaw puzzle”, in which you have to calculate students going in and out continuously.
the rent Rent varies between 220 € and 300 € depending on the size and location of the room. The rent includes electricity, heating, water, the possibility to wash and dry clothes in the laundry room of the building, and in some dormitories sauna once a week and the use of Internet. Residents of the shared apartments are responsible of the cleaning of their own room and shared kitchen and toilets. Note that the building owner can check if everything looks ok and if premises are not cleaned properly the dormitory keeper can deduct the price of cleaning from the residents warranty rent. The rent is due in the beginning or middle of the month according to the rental agreement. It can be paid either in cash at the office of the housing company (YH-Asunnot) or through a bank,
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note the index number. When paying in cash, remember to take an invoice with you. The student will be charged 480 € as a warranty rent and 20 € as office cost. It is to be paid in cash at the housing office when signing the rental agreement or you can pay it advance in your home country (which we recommend to do). Details of the payment are delivered to you together with the letter of acceptance. The room number is delivered by email. The warranty (480€) is paid back to the student’s account in home country after moving out, assuming that the rent has been duly paid and the room and furniture are clean and in good condition. Note that the additional bank charges will be reduced from the returnable warranty rent. Also the first rent has to be paid when getting the keys from the housing agency. Take the IBAN account number and information of your home bank (BIC/SWIFT code) with you, so that the warranty rent can be paid back to you after you have left. The rent will be adjusted every year on 1st January.
the apartment: furniture and utensilis The apartment in the dormitories are provided with all the furniture needed (kitchen, table, chairs, bed, wardrobe). Be prepared to share the apartment with some other student. You will be able to borrow the basic thinks from SAMK: a blanket, two pillows, bed linen and basic eating utensils (glasses, dishes, cups, forks, spoons, and knifes ). A deposit will be required also for that. The deposit is 50 € of which you will get back 30 € (rest goes to professional laundry expenses).
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE STUDENT DORMITORY
The dormitory are near SAMK; the distance between Etappi and SAMK is approximately 1 Km. The distance between Tommilantie and SAMK is 2.5 Km. There is a bus stop near the buildings with regular bus services to the railway/bus station, the university and the hospital.
General rules and regulation The residents of dormitories should follow the rules and regulations of common law, rules and regulations of town of Pori as well as orders given in the hire contracts. In addition, they are expected to show good conduct and respect these students dormitory rules and regulations. Nobody is allowed by one´s inappropriate behavior or any other way to disturb living conditions of other residents. The dormitory residents are in all situations obliged to behave in a manner not to violate normal domestic peace. • The guests are always on the responsibility of the dormitory resident who has invited them. • Singing, playing etc. disturbing behavior must be avoided when possible and it is forbidden between 22.00-07.00. Causing noise and staying in stairs and corridors without reason is forbidden as well (the rules and regulations of town of Pori). It is not allowed to store any goods in stairs or corridors (Law on fire and rescue operations). • Please avoid taking a shower during night time between 22.00-06.00. • The outer doors are locked at all times. The persons passing through the stairs are asked to take care that the doors are properly locked. • The use of washing machine is forbidden between 22.0007.00. It is not allowed to book more than two hours of washing one day.
• Keeping pets is not allowed in dormitories (except dormitories in Tommilantie). In case of wanting to bring a pet, contact SAMK. • Car parking is allowed only on a marked parking area. Causing any damage to grass and plantings is forbidden. It is not allowed to store any goods in the yard without permission of the housing company. • The residents should inform the caretaker immediately if they notice any problems with heating and aquatic equipment or sewer system. Neglect of information duty may cause to the person in question the liability for damages. The common lighting equipment should be used savingly and the lights should be switched off always when going out of the cellar. The fire doors leading from stairs to cellar must be closed during all the seasons. • It is strictly forbidden to put any wires hanging out from the windows (e.g. for a car motor heating). Finding this kind of electrical equipment, it will be removed immediately or electricity will be switched off from the apartment in question until the forbidden equipment is taken away. The tenant is responsible for the costs caused by this operation. • Cleaning and airing of linen and carpets is possible by using the rack in the yard • The apartment and the storage must be emptied and properly cleaned when moving away from the apartment. • The caretaker should be informed if a resident’s absence from the apartment takes more than three days.
Smoking Smoking is strictly forbidden everywhere inside the building.
...and PLEASE remember ALSO thESE
Key
Let’s start from this because it might be important and very costly thing. Using your key you can open your room, your corridor food box, laundry and sauna, entrance, and bike cell. Be careful with the lock of the door of the door. There are two position of the lock. First, that you can open your door from outside and inside and second only from inside. This means that if you leave your key inside you will have a small problem. Do not laugh now! – this is serious problem, and has happened couple of times before! Remember that in this case you should be ready for unplanned expense. In case of leave your key inside your room with locked door you should call to emergency service: tel. 0-44-0222660 and ask for help. Remember that this service is not free! Fee (depending on the time) is between 10€ and 30€, paid in cash. During the week days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the cost is 10€. During the week days from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. the cost is 30€ and also during the weekend. But it is not end of bad news. If you lost your key the re-serialization will cost you 230€. Remember, it is illegal to make an extra copy of the key!
the “Palautus” (Return) box. If there is parcel to you, the postman will try to deliver it into your room. If the addressee is absent you will find information about your parcel in your postbox. You should pick it up from post office in K-Market. Remember that post service can ask you for your ID card.
Trashes Throwing trashes or other dirt on stairs, corridors and walls is strictly forbidden. The one who commits these actions is responsible for cleaning the dirt away immediately. Domestic waste and other trash must be packed and put into trash cans. Residents are responsible for transporting away other than domestic waste (by themselves). According to the waste legislation it is obligatory to assort the waste into separate trash cans. You can find trashes with labels presented below.
• BioJÄTE – for biodegradable waste(e.g. scraps of foods). No liquids. • LASIJÄTE – only glass – without screws and caps. No ceramic and plastic.
elevator
The elevator should not be kept out of active use by keeping the door open on the floors. It is not allowed to use the elevator for the transportation of such goods that might cause some damage to an elevator. A special attention should be paid when transporting baby prams or goods with sharp edges. The transportation of removal furniture is not allowed.
• METALLIJÄTE – for all metal and aluminium things (e.g. empty cans) • PAPERIJÄTE – for all things made from paper (e.g. newspapers, cartons etc.) • SEKAJÄTE – for other non-recycling waste • ENERGIAJÄTE – for plastics (not pvc), styrox
Post
Piles and batteries should be recycled. You The postboxes are located downstairs (boxes are open so be sure to collect your mail frequently). The post delivered into your address but with a different address should be taken to nearest post office (in K-Market, Korpraalintie 36, open Mon-Fri 7.00 – 21.00), or put into
can return them to K-Market or to Prisma recycling box.
...and PLEASE remember ALSO thESE
internet connections
Laundry room
Internet connections in dormitory rooms are available. You have to set up your pc. The dormitory is wired with an internal network to broadband. There is no wireless connection.
Laundry room is located on the ground floor. Using laundry room is free of charge for Etappi and Tommilantie residents. Every time you want to wash your clothes you have to put your room number before into the list which you can find in the laundry room. At your disposal are washing machine and dryer. Remember that you should book dryer time one hour after washing machine. Collect your laundry immediately after washing/drying.
In Etappi you need an Ethernet cable to access the network. In Tommilantie you need HomePNA-Ethernet adapter. You will find all the instructions on the form from Porin YH-Asunnot OY. In case you have problems with Internet, please contact Rauno Malmi +358 40 0720299. rauno.malmi@lantele.fi.
Emergency numbers. kitchen
In two and three-room apartments all users of the common kitchen equipment are obliged to take care of the appropriate cleaning of dishes, cooking accessories and cutlery as well. This includes washing and rinsing after use as well as putting in storage place after use. The users should also take care that the cooker is switched off after use. It is not allowed to pour anything into a drain which could cause a blockage. Domestic waste and other trash must be assorted and taken to the trash cans outside.
The general emergency number, for fire department, ambulance and police is 112. Note: for emergency use only! The follow-up of these rules and regulations is under control of the board of the housing company, house manager and caretakers. The orders given by them must be obeyed.
Fire alarms The tenant is responsible for the fire alarm in the room. Please check that you have batteries in your fire alarm.
Sauna STOVE Sauna is free of charge once a week for Etappi residents. For women on Wednesday and for men on Thursday from 17.00 to 20.00. In Tommilantie you can book your own sauna turn from the housing company. It costs 10â‚Ź/ month. Read well the instructions of use at the sauna entrance.
To switch it on you have to turn the timer, oven temperature into lowest level and proper burner. Remember to switch everything off after use. Dish washer and washing machine should not be left running unattended. When not in use, the incoming water tap should be turned off.
LIVING IN SATAKUNTA
Living costs per month On average, the living costs in Finland are similar to the rest of Europe. Of course the monthly expenses depend on where you live and how much you spend on your leisure time activities, food, social life, books, and travelling in Finland or to neighboring countries. You are advised to have 150€ monthly for leisure time activities because there are always unforeseen expenses.
Food: 200-300€ (lunch at the student restaurant is 2,60 €) Accommodation: 220-300€ Hobbies & leisure time: 150€ Total: 570-750€ The budget above is an estimate to cover one month’s expenses.
Bikes
first expenses: Please be prepared for first expenses upon you arrival: • deposit rent: 220€ - 300 € • First rent: 500 € • Deposit for the utensils box: 50 € of which you will get back 30 € (rest goes to laundry expenses) • Registration: 45 € • Student Card: 8 €- 13 €’ • Transport: 30 days tickets for the local busses for students costs 34 € and remember when buying the ticket for the first time you also have to pay a deposit of 7 € for the card The TOTAL is between 864 € and 949€
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The organization called “Porin Seudun Työttömät” rents bikes. The address is Mikonkatu 21, Pori. You can rent a bike from them (deposit 60 €, back 40 €). Remember to always lock your bike and when you are in dormitory to keep it in a storage room or in another safe place. Note that you have to take care of your bike. You will get the money back if you return the bike in the same conditions.
Telephone Mobile phones (kännykkä) are very common in Finland. There are several mobile phone operators and the prices are relatively low. Most popular operators are DNA, Sonera, Elisa, and Saunalahti. If you want to buy prepaid cards, you can buy them in the operator’s shop or in the R-Kioski shops.
Supermarkets Most of supermarkets are open 6 days a week. From Monday to Friday they are open till 21:00, and on Saturday till 18:00. Some of them are open also on Sundays. There is also 24h shop called ABC, which is located about 500 meters from Etappi in Tikkula shopping center, on the way to city center. Most common supermarkets are: K-Market, S-Market, CityMarket, Lidl, Prisma.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES SAUNA ICE HOCKEY
Cinema Finnkino is the company owner of the cinema in Pori. The cinema is in the city center. The tickets cost about 9€. The movies are mostly played in original audio version, with Finnish and Swedish subtitles.
Night clubs The night clubs are located in the city center. Entrance fee depends very often from hour when you are come in. Very often before 24:00 there is a half price. Normal price is 5-7 €. There are also special offers on Wednesday, when many students go out. Remember still that there are classes normally on Thursday mornings!
SAUNA Saunas are an integral part of the way of life in Finland. It was invented here and today there are about 1.9 million saunas in the country. They are found on the shores of Finland’s numerous lakes, in private apartments, and at the Parliament of Finland. The sauna is an important part of the national identity and those who have the opportunity usually take a sauna at least once a week. Taking a sauna begins by sitting in the hot room, typically warmed to 80-110 degrees Celsius (170-230 degrees Fahren-
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heit), for some time. Water is thrown on the hot stones topping the kiuas, a special stove used to warm up the sauna.
City of Rauma City of Rauma is most famous for its UNESCO world heritage site Old Rauma, and numerous cultural events, such as the Lace week, Rauma Blues and Blue Sea Film Festival.
Yyteri beach Yyteri beach is located about 17 km away from the centre or Pori, bordering the Baltic sea. Yyteri is not an urban district, instead it is mostly like a holiday resort. It is most famous for its beach, which stretches for about six kilometers. The beach is one of the longest in Finland and all of Nordic countries, and has also many distinctive dunes.
ice hockey An important part of the culture in the region is the ice hockey. The ice hockey team of the city of Pori is Porin Ässät.
For more information about touristic issues, check the web site of Pori Regional Touristic Agency, Maisa.
THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN FINLAND
During the official public holidays in Finland banks, post offices and most shops are closed and there is no tuition during the following public holidays. The day before public holidays, some shops close earlier.
Date
Holiday 2011
Sat 1 January Thu 6 January Fri 22 April Sun 24 april Mon 25 April Sun 1 May Thu 2 June Sun 12 June Fri 24 June Sat 25 June Sat 5 November Tue 6 December Sat 24 December Sun 25 December
New Year’s Day Epiphany Good Friday Easter Day Easter Monday Labour Day Ascension Day Whitsunday Midsummer Eve Midsummer All Saints’s Day Independence Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Mon 26 December Boxing Day
pori IN THE MUSIC SEASON PORI jazz 9-17th July 2011
PORI JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Jazz Street
Pori Jazz festival is one of the oldest and best known jazz festivals in Europe, having been arranged every year since 1966. Tens of thousands of music lovers gather in Pori every summer, on July. Nowadays more than 250,000 people attend the festival that lasts nine days. The main concerts are in the Kirjurinluoto Arena concert. The festival includes many other venues as well, among them the Jazz street with many free concerts and the Pori Jazz Kids concerts for children. During the nine days of the Pori Jazz Festival 2010, there were 116 concerts (which 80 free of charge) with 129 performer groups and 649 individual artists. The music was 2/3 jazz and 1/3 rhythmic music.
Along the Kokem채enjoki river, the Jazz Street is alive day and night with thousands of people, many different bars and restaurants and live music.
The 46th Pori Jazz Festival will be held 9-17th July 2011 in the beautiful Kirjurinluoto park that is located in the heart of the city by the Kokem채enjoki river.
The Jazz Street offers a hundred different kiosks and stands, including the Pori Jazz ticket office, Festival Info, and Pori Jazz Shop. There are several restaurants and other food and drink vendors along the street.
Sonisphere Festival It is a rock festival celebrated on early August in the Kirjurinluoto Arena. Last year Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, Alice Cooper, Slayer, Apocalyptica, HIM and other bands played in Pori.
The picture is from www.porijazz.fi
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” Finns are very cool and friendly people and they have quite the same occupations than other Europeans. In Belgium, we worship Football and beers; Finnish people love Ice-Hockey and beers too. On another way, Belgians can’t have a week without Belgian fries, and Finns can’t have a week Sauna-less! ” FRANçOIS
personal experience at pori jazz festival and sonisphere 2010 I would like to say a word about my Erasmus experience in general. I chose Pori as my destination because I wanted to change my point of view about northern European countries. I had the chance to get an internship in a Finnish company in Pori and realize my master’s thesis there. Moreover, I got a project that I could complete over 6 months, so I decided to stay all the summer until the middle of August. Therefore, I could enjoy Pori Jazz Festival and the Sonisphere Metal Meeting in August!
Let’s talk about the Pori Jazz. As a student, I’m not a wealthy man, so when I got my ticket for Sonisphere (125 € for 2 days), I decided to forget about a concert ticket in Kirjurinluoto Arena during the Pori Jazz (Jeff Beck, Massive Attack or Gotan Project for 80 €), and I gave all my attention to the Jazz Street (Jazzkatu) along the river. There I could enjoy a lot of little free concerts and listen to regional bands from Pori, other parts of Finland and from all over the world. You can feel this international atmosphere before, during and after the festival week, and for a foreigner like me, it was really funny and entertaining. I met Americans, Germans, some Belgians, English, Russian and more and more ... During one week, every Finnish people became an English speaker.
Now, let’s debate about the Sonisphere Metal Meeting. I’m used to frequent a lot of summer festivals in my country and in Finland, I was really amazed by the high level security that rules all the Sonisphere festival organization. Besides, it is possible to sleep in the camping reserved for all festival participants. This area is located just next to the Arena and the 2 stages, and it is really easy to get access from your tent to the festival. The line-up’s head in the 2010 edition was of course Iron Maiden
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and HIM, but a lot of other amazing bands played their best songs during the festival. I noticed, when Finnish bands were playing (Mokoma, HIM, The 69 Eyes), that Finns were getting completely crazy and it made a really pleasant atmosphere ! Jumping, dancing, shouting, singing and drinking .... wow ! I felt like at home !
Finally, I would like to give you some tips, to the foreigners who will arrive for their first time in Finland. First, don’t stay alone and don’t be shy:go to meet your neighbour and build your new relations quickly, especially with the Finns. They are the best guides and friends you can find in Pori. I met Finnish guys and girls very friendly and open-minded. Try your first Finnish sauna with Finns.
Secondly, go to visit Yyteri beach, Pub Karhu Panimo, Coco bar, Beer Hunter’s, Urheilukeskus, Ice Hockey Porin Ässät Arena, Helsinki, Rauma, Turku, Tampere... and so on. Don’t take too much clothes, you can find some for a very cheap price in second hand’s shops. Travel, meet people, be adventurous, drink beers, try the local food (reindeer, elk, fresh salmon, piirakka, pee soup every thursday), briefly: enjoy! I would like to say one more time a thousand thanks to SAMK international coordinators and student tutors, because they made my experience here unforgettable and very rewarding.
François Zune, Exchange student from Belgium. Spring semester 2010
DIRECTION PORI
TRAVELLING TO PORI
FEW CHOISES TO TRAVEL TO PORI
arriving to tampere airport
When arriving to Finland, you have a few choices how to travel to Pori. There is an airport in Pori, you can also check the possibility to fly directly to Pori.
If you arrive to Tampere Pirkkala aiport there is a bus connection to the center of Tampere: line 61, app. 40 minutes or the AirPro Bus connection. You can find the schedules of AirPro Bus- between Terminal and Tampere Railway Station on www.finavia.fi/airports.
ARRIVING TO HELSINKI-VANTAA AIRPORT
If you arrive to Helsinki-Vantaa airport, there is a bus and train connection from the airport to Pori. It depends on you airline if you arrive to terminal 1 or terminal 2. You can see that on your plane ticket or from the web: www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/airlines.
From Tampere city center you can continue to Pori by bus or by train.
The bus times from Tampere airport to Pori The bus leaves the Helsinki-Vantaa airport at bay 13 or 14. After a short drive all the passengers will be transferred to another bus, but don’t worry, the driver will help you with the change.
By bus the journey takes 1 hour and 45 min and costs 18 €. All the bus schedules can be checked from: www.matkahuolto.fi
The bus times from Helsinki airport to Pori FROM TAMPERE TO PORI BY TRAIN The journey to Pori takes about 4 hours and cost approximately 37€ (normal price). Tickets are available on board from the driver. You can try to get the student discount with the international student card and the copy of the acceptance letter from our university, but note that the driver may refuse, since you don’t have the official discount card. Please check the schedules from www.matkahuolto.fi/en
If the ticket office is close you can buy the ticket on board without any fine. You can also buy the tickets on internet. You can find the train schedules at http://www.vr.fi/eng/.
FROM HELSINKI TO PORI BY TRAIN
arriving to turku airport
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a bus from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Tikkurila train station or Helsinki city train station. You can find the train schedules at http://www. vr.fi/eng/.
If you arrive to Turku there is a bus connection from the airport to the bus station. The bus number 1 departs from airport every 20 min. The ticket costs 2,50 €. www.finavia.fi/airports
The journey to Pori takes about 4 hours and cost approximately 40€ (normal price). You can buy the ticket also on internet.
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The journey takes 1 and 1/2 hours and costs about 16 €. Tickets are available on the station, so buy a ticket before entering the train.
From the bus station to Pori the journey takes about 21/2 hours and costs about 26 €. The bus schedules can be checked from www.matkahuolto.fi/en/
PUBLIC TRANSPORTS IN FINLAND PUBLIC TRANPORTS IN FINLAND
CITY BUS
long distance buses
The ticket for 90 minutes during the day costs 2,70 € and about 4,10 € for night busses.
There is a bus connection from Pori to every city in Finland. You can find all the informations about the schedule on www.matkahuolto.fi/en. Busses start their trip from the bus station (Porin linja auto-asema) which is located on Itsenäisyydenkatu 44.
You can buy also 30 days ticket for the students, which is valid in all the bus lines at the area of City of Pori. It costs 34€ and you can buy it on Promenadikeskus, Yrjönkatu 17. It is open Mon-Fri 9.00 - 16.30. To buy the ticket you need to have a student certificate, you will get it from the student´s office. The ticket/card can be recharged at the same office. When buying the ticket for the first time you also have to give a deposit of 7€ for the card. With the ticket you are entitled to travel during 30 days on all the bus lines in the Pori city area. The bus schedule might be difficult to read first time – the time shows hour when bus leave first stop, so you should know how long it takes to drive into your stop.
Public tranSport in Finland Travel prices discount - you can travel by train and bus with student discount while you present your student card (opiskelijakortti). You can acquire it on the bus/train station, which are located on Itsenäisyydenkatu 44 (bus station) and on Asemaaukio 3 (train station). Remember to have with you the certificate from university which is confirmative that you are a student. Student card costs approximately 8 €. Note that this card does not entitle you to receive discounts using city buses in Pori. You can also become a member of the student union Sammakko, and get the discount card from there.
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Example prices for students from Pori - to Helsinki – approximately 16€ - to Tampere – approximately 8€ - to Rauma – approximately 6€ - to Harjavalta – approximately 4€ - to Rovaniemi – approximately 35€ International trips There are some possibilities to visit interesting place abroad, like for example Stockholm in Sweden, Tallinn in Estonia or Riga in Latvia. Stockholm – with Silja Line or Viking Line ferry – from Turku or Helsinki. The price depends from the day of cruise and start from about 20€ one way. Unfortunately hostels in Stockholm are quite expensive. The cheapest is about 25€ per night. Tallinn – with ferry Tallink or Viking Line – from Helsinki. The price depends from the day of cruise and start from about 25€ one way. Riga – with Ryanair – from Tampere. The price depends from time you reserve your ticket. The cheapest you can find for about 40€ round trip with all taxes.
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BEFORE LEAVING PORI TERMINATION OF THE HIRE CONTRACT
Fixed term hire contract
If you know already when signing the hire contract, how long you are going to stay, it is better to make a fixed term hire contract. This means the hire contract will end on that day mentioned.
between the notice of termination and removal. For example; if you leave in the middle of June, you should give the notice of termination by the end of April, so that there will be full month (May) in between. (Notice the difference between termination at the end of the month and in the middle of the month).
Before leaving Pori Termination of a hire contract
The period of notice concerning the termination of a hire contract seems often not to be very clear. Notice! The period of notice mentioned in a hire contract is one full calendar month before moving out.. This means that if you intend to move away on the 30th October you should give your notice of termination during September, on the 30th September at latest. The notice of termination of a hire contract has to be given always in written. In practice the easiest way is to contact the housing company and fill in a hire contract termination form provided by them. It is also possible to give a notice of termination by a dated free-form letter. When a resident has given a notice of termination of his/her hire contract, it is not possible nor allowed to change the removal date. Also other hire contracts can be terminated in the middle of the month, but in that case there should be one full month in
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Before leaving the country you need to refill the notification of moving for the post office. Clean up your room (including wardrobes and drawers), trashes and common premises before moving out. Residents are jointly responsible for cleaning of common premises. Close the door of your room when you leave. Inspection of your flat, returning the key and getting back the possible warranty rent must be agreed at the office of the housing company YH-Asunnot in one month before the student leaves. All the keys must be returned to the housing company the last day when the contract is ending or the next day latest. If the office is closed while moving out, the keys should be returned to tutor or some other suchlike person who will bring all the keys to the office during the opening hours. Please, always agree this with the owner of the apartment.
personal experience Alessia Ritorto Italian Exchange student at SAMK, 2010. I decided to come to Finland for two main reasons: improve my English and study at SAMK. The SAMK is very appreciated in my home university and every Erasmus student in there would like to come here to study. Every student from Facoltá di Ingegneria knows Pori and SAMK. Every student who was here last years talks very well about this University. Here in Pori is like a “dream” for me and stay here it is completely different from my Italian life. I like a lot staying here because everything is very tidy and well organized. No traffic, no noise, no cement! People are very kind and gently and always helpful. During the lessons I learn a lot of things but I don´t fell ever tired. I love the “familiar environment” of SAMK. Moreover, I think that the poll, the ping pong table, and the gym are good tools to socialize with other people but the Finnish students are very shy. The tutors’ presence is very important too: knowing that they are available in any case allows me to feel safe. What would I say to the next Erasmus students? Come to Pori without any hesitation and don’t forget you wool hat!
Emilio Esteban Rubio Spanish Exchange student at SAMK, 2010. When I chose Finland as a destination for Erasmus, I guessed that I had the same doubts that everyone has before making the decision. But for me, I had very clear in my mind that I wanted an exciting experience, ... a totally different country to my country, different culture, different weather ... Finland meet these requirements and also a very important thing for me was that everyone knows that the quality of teaching and the education system is one of the best in Europe. The destination city was Pori. In principle, honestly, I didn’t know anything of this city. When I finally granted the Erasmus here, I was a bit worried because I knew other biggest cities like Helsinki, Tampere,Turku. The reality is that Pori is a small city and can sometimes be boring. But this depends on each one, I have not had time to get bored here. It is a family town, quiet, safe and people are very nice, typical Finnish character, always inclined to help you anytime. As Etappi, the first thing to say is that there are few destinations that offer all the facilities of accommodation that I have enjoyed here. Before coming, you have everything sure, your room, your stuff to your room and also a pretty good price for the rent. It’s great to live with all the Erasmus students in the same residence. Etappi is like a big family in which the experience here in Finland becomes more comfortable because you never feel alone. Besides sharing meals, dinners, excursions, sauna, of course parties, creates strong bonds and where you learn a lot
about other cultures. In conclusion, Finland is a kind of country that you either love or you don’t like anything. I love Finland. Why? ... A great culture, a special and unique language,...nice society, honest and safe... a unique weather, ...snow, all light, all dark, all day, all night, of course sauna ... and of course friends, great friends.
NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
International Contact person at faculty of technology and maritime management
Caretaker of Etappi and Tommilantie dormitory
Monday-Friday 8.00-16.00, tel 029 - 029 3200 Marika Seppälä (Placements, Exchange studies) Mobile: +358 44 710 3170. Fax: +358 2 620 3300. marika.seppala@samk.fi
Owner of the dormitory, contact information Housing Agency: Porin YH-Asunnot OY, Otavankatu 3, 28100 Pori www.porinyhasunnot.fi
asiakaspalvelu.pori@rtkpalvelu.fi Emergency service in urgent situations If you forgot your key outside office hours, problem with tubing etc. tel. 044-0222660 (RTK Palvelu Oy). Fee (depending on the time) is between 10€ and 30€, paid in cash.
Lantele (Internet connection)
Office is open Mon-Wed and Fri 9.15-16.00, on Thu 9.15-17.00
Janne Malmi, tel 040 522 8296 (English), janne.malmi@lantele.fi Rauno Malmi, tel 0400 720 299 (Finnish)
Secretary: Heidi Lindgren tel. +358 2 621 2419 email: heidi.lindgren@pori.fi, Susanne Viitala tel. +358 2 620 2418, email: susanne.viitala@pori.fi, fax (02) 621 2425
Internet connections in dormitory rooms are available. You have to set up your pc. All the instruction you will find on the form from Porin YH-Asunnot OY. In case you have problems with Internet, please contact Janne Malmi.
House manager Eeva Muinonen, tel. +358 2 621 2426, mobile: +358 44 701 2426 eeva.muinonen@pori.fi
general emergency number General emergency number for fire department, police and ambulance is 112. Notice! For emergency use only.
”I would like to welcome you to study at SAMK, Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management. Together with the staff and the tutor students we do our best to support you during your exchange period. However, remember to take with you a lot of positive energy, open mind and the willingness to learn about new cultures! I hope you have found many answers to your questions in this Handbook regarding the studies, the housing and the city. You can always contact me to ask more questions. Best regards, Marika.” Marika Seppälä, International Contact Person, Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management, Pori
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu | Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Tekniikantie 2, 28600 Pori | www.samk.fi
SAMK Tekniikka ja merenkulku 11/2010 | Taitto: Alessia Ritorto | Kuvat: Tomi Glad, P채ivi Lahdelma, Jussi Partanen, Vida Design, Futureimagebank.com ja Plugi Oy.
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