HYY ON INSTAGRAM: HYY_HUS
5 for you, freshman 6 could life be something else than reading and exams? 8 services office 9 member benefits and services 13 don’t take it from us, but from marguerite 14 where can i find help? 16 your student union, your vote 18 use your power at the university 18 your degree and studies will change soon! 19 students’ opinions matters 20 hyy’s organisations 24 the committees need you! 26 chairs of the committees have their say 27 development cooperation week 2016 30 student union’s events 34 students’ sartorial elegance 36 sports at unisport – or anywhere! 38 hyy group – the students’ business 40 unicafe = food, coffee and friends
Secretary General Jannica Aalto +358 400 816 426 paasihteeri@hyy.fi
Photography Mikko Virta pages 4 & 34 Ömer Acar page 37 HUS Gruppen page 40
Communications Officer Siiri Salo +358 50 543 9609 tiedottaja@hyy.fi
Layout Mikko Raatikainen
Editorial staff Susanna Jokimies, Tapio Reinekoski, Siiri Salo, Marianne Mäkelin, Hanna-Maaria Hynynen, Akseli Huhtanen, Emi Maeda
Publisher Student Union of the University of Helsinki Print Trinket
Facebook www.facebook.com/HYY.HUS Twitter @ylioppilaskunta Instagram hyy_hus Internet www.hyy.helsinki.fi Services office Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor (00100 Helsinki)
FOR YOU, FRESHMAN
What memories will you cherish when you are old? Those made when studying, of course – and that begins now! You will meet lots of new people, experience unforgettable moments and realise that your understanding of the world increases by the minute. You are now a part of the largest student union in Finland, a community that includes all the students at the University of Helsinki, and this will change your life. You might fall in love, conquer your fears, learn new things and change the world. Almost anything is possible, and you will have the time to try all kinds of interesting things during your studies, whether they include science, hobbies, organising parties or politics. Congratulations to all of you, and do not worry: you’ll pass all your exams before graduation!
Susanna Jokimies, @jokisus in Instagram, @sjokimies in Twitter, a Student Union enthusiast since 2012, HYY’s Chair of the Board 2016
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WHERE COULD LIFE BE SOMETHING ELSE THAN READING AND EXAMS? ONLY IN THE STUDENT UNION! The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) is your very own organisation, just as it is every student’s at the University of Helsinki. HYY looks after the interests of its 27,000 members and creates student life in cooperation with its over 250 organisations. Being active at the Student Union can include anything from organising parties to volunteering around the world, from demonstrations and political influencing to campus farming. You might only encounter HYY properly once, at the largest event for new students in Finland, the Freshman Adventure. Then again, you might also gather years of invaluable work experience from various organisational activities as well as lifelong friends – it is your call. In any case, the Student Union is there for you, supporting, giving advice and helping you, whatever it is that you want to do while studying at the University. This Freshman Guide is you survival package for student life, culture and politics, whatever you choose to participate in during your studies. These pages will also provide you help with looking for apartments, subsistence, healthcare, student discounts or even sewing overall badges.
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freshman teams compete for amazing prizes
mark the date on your calendar!
tracks to dance to at the afterparty
SERVICES OFFICE
The Student Union’s Services Office is located at the New Student House at Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor. They’re open between 10 AM–5 PM on Mondays and between 10 AM–3 PM from Tuesdays to Fridays. Exceptions to the opening hours are mentioned on HYY’s website and Facebook. In the Services Office, you can take care of issues related to the student card or the student union membership, among other things. The Services Office also serves student organisations.
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For members: Student cards Membership fee issues Advisory services For organisations: Meeting rooms Equipment lending
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HYY’S MEMBER BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR STUDENTS Student calendar Student card HYY’s members can order the joint student card of all Finnish students. The card is the most convenient way to prove your student union membership. With the card, you receive discounts on the services of VR (the national railway company), Matkahuolto (bus and coach services) and student restaurants, and just about everything you will need. See www.frank.fi for the latest discounts.You get an annual year tag for the student card, which is available from HYY’s Services Office or the University’s Student Services. The tag proves that you have paid the Student Union membership fee. More information and instructions on how to order the card at www.frank.fi.
Advice HYY’s specialists advise members in issues such as students’ legal rights, housing, income or influencing the university. See contact information on HYY’s website.
Ylioppilaslehti student magazine HYY subscribes Ylioppilaslehti student magazine for all its members. The print magazine comes out three times during academic terms. The online version, with features also in English: ylioppilaslehti.fi. The magazine, founded in 1913, covers the academic world and higher education policy, as well as social and cultural phenomena – and is an active debater itself. If you want to write, take photos or illustrate for Ylioppilaslehti, please contact the Chief Editor (paatoimittaja@ylioppilaslehti.fi).
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HYY’s members annually receive the student calendar. The calendar also includes useful information on the Student Union, student benefits and info on all student organisations within HYY. The calendar is available from the same places where you can collect the student card and the year tag: from HYY’s Services Office or the year tag collection points at the University campuses.
Free legal aid The student organisation Pykälä of the Faculty of Law provides students with legal advice by letter, telephone, e-mail and in person. The majority of questions addressed to the committee concern housing, employment, family and estate law, as well as studies and social security. The committee does not prepare documents but gives advice in these matters and reviews finished documents. Counselling is free of charge for HYY’s members. The committee is on duty during the academic terms at Pykälä’s office on Mon and Thu, 5pm–7pm, Mannerheimintie 3 b, 5th floor, 00100 Helsinki, tel. +358 9 278 5005, oikeusapu@helsinki.fi.
Child care “Little HYY” Child care services offer temporary child care assistance for HYY’s members. The minimum age of children is 6 months and the maximum duration of child care is three hours at a time. The street address is Siltavuorenpenger 3 C. Inquiries and reservations: pikkuhyy@hyy.fi.
The Sauna Members can rent HYY’s attic sauna in the city centre for their own use. For more information on rent terms and prices, see HYY’s website or ask at the Services Office.
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I come from the middle of nowhere in Virginia, U.S. During my bachelor’s studies there, I completed two best-time-of-my-life exchange semesters in Costa Rica and Sweden, and worked as an au pair in Denmark. Now I’m doing my master’s, and having another best-time-of-my-life at the University of Helsinki. When you live abroad, you learn that there are many ways of communicating and accomplishing the same goal. New perspectives all add tools to the metaphorical toolbox. If a solution I was taught growing up does not work in a certain context, I have learned alternatives. Learning Freshman Guide
alternatives and cultural nuances are all the more important in the globalizing workplace and world. I’m currently active in two international and three Finnish organizations. I looked for Finnish organizations because I wanted to meet Finns, integrate, and learn Finnish. It has been very rewarding in friendships, knowledge, and networks. I have also joined international organizations so that I can also feel like a more integral part and be more involved without the burden of a translation. Student organizations are vital for bringing international and Finnish students together.
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At the University of Helsinki I have learned that organizations are what bring new students together. International and Finnish students naturally segregate due to language and common experience, so it takes extra effort on both sides to reach out, but I think it’s worthwhile for both. Join lots of organizations to find which are the best fit for you! It’s the best way to build relationships and a new home here. When I first came, I had no idea how this university worked. I felt a little lost first, but gradually learned about different student organizations, started attending events, and built my new home. 2016
new p ers p e ct i ves a l l a d d to ol s to the m eta p h ori c a l to olb ox
DON’T TAKE IT FROM US, BUT FROM MARGUERITE!
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP ? Studying or life during studies surely makes everyone anxious or stressed out at some point. Support and help exist though – to very differing situations and problems in life. Lacking studying skills, too much pressure, everything piles up? Study psychologists are here to help. Study psychologists offer guidance to all basic degree students at the University of Helsinki who are in need of support in questions related to studying skills, motivation, time management, coping or making theses. For more information, see the University’s intranet, Flamma, or send an email to opintopsykologi@helsinki.fi. HYY also has a guide for developing studying skills called Antoisampaan opiskeluun (‘towards more rewarding studying’), available at HYY’s Issuu: issuu.com/ylioppilaskunta/docs.
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I’m worried about my own or a friend’s mental health FSHS’ mental health services. Problems with mental health are among the most common health problems for university students. Problems related to studies or difficulties in life can put a strain on your mental health. FSHS offers crisis help for people who encounter sudden, traumatic events and both urgent and non-urgent mental health treatment. You can seek help by calling FSHS’ general treatment assessment and appointment scheduling service, available on Monday–Thursday at 8 am–3 pm and on Friday at 8 am–2 pm: 046 710 1027. FSHS uses a callback service, which means they will register your call and call you back during the same day. For more information on mental health services, see FSHS’ website at http://www.yths. fi/en/services/mental_health.
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I would like to just talk to someone but don’t really know who to University chaplains. Both students and staff members can have confidential discussions with the University chaplains. This does not require any kind of religious belief. Leena Huovinen (City Centre), tel. 050 301 9613, (09) 191 22195, leena.huovinen@evl.fi Laura Mäntylä (Kumpula and Viikki), tel. 050 591 9874, laura.mantyla@evl.fi
Life management and mental well-being Are you looking for information on well-being or means for relaxation and feeling good? Do you want to share experiences with other people who are in a similar place in life? Are you interested in sharing thoughts in nice company and a casual atmosphere? Or would you rather produce content related to these themes yourself? All this and much more can be found at www.nyyti.fi.
Bullying, discrimination, racism or sexual harassment? Harassment contact persons at the Student Union and the University can help you. Any contact with HYY’s harassment contact persons and the equality adviser at the University are confidential, and the contact persons are bound by an obligation of secrecy. Furthermore, they will not proceed in the matter without the request or consent of the person contacting them. HYY’s harassment contact persons: hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi The University’s equality adviser: terhi.somerkallio@helsinki.fi.
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I do not know what my rights are at the University and I am in trouble HYY defends students’ rights. No student will be left alone to fight with legal paragraphs or against the faceless administration! Because a single student cannot possibly know about all of the University regulations or legislation that concerns themselves or any possible problems, HYY offers both the support of its specialists in educational policy and free legal advice (see below). Do not remain alone with your problems – ask for help! You can also contact the student advisers and academic affairs secretaries at faculties.
I think I need legal advice Get in touch with HYY’s free legal counselling for members. The Legal Aid Committee of the student organisation Pykälä at the Faculty of Law provides students with free legal advice by letter, telephone and e-mail and in person. The committee is on duty during academic terms at Pykälä’s office on Monday and Thursday, 5 PM–7 PM. Find us at Mannerheimintie 3 B, 5th floor, 00100 Helsinki, tel. +358 9 278 5005, oikeusapu@helsinki.fi.
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a few vote s ca n of te n ma ke th e d i f ference i n th e el e ct i o ns
YOUR STUDENT UNION, YOUR VOTE What is your membership fee used on? Does the Student Union act in line with your values? Who makes the decisions? Would you want to do it yourself? The Student Union has around 27,000 members besides you. Its annual budget is around 3.5 million euros. This money belongs to every one of our members, and it is the Student Union’s Representative Council and its 60 representatives that decide how the money is used. A new council will be elected again this autumn, with the elections held during 26–28 October and 31 October–2 November 2016. The elections are held electronically for the first time. It is entirely possible to become a candidate during your freshman year – a few votes can often make the difference in the Representative Council elections! You can start by asking your tutor about the elections. For more information, see hyy.fi/elections. The Representative Council also appoints the Student Union’s Board every year. The Board is responsible for HYY’s operations: large events, advocating students’ interests, political influencing and allocating premises and grants to student organisations, for instance. Finding your own candidate will be made easier by Ylioppilaslehti’s candidate matcher, published on 20 October. You can also find all candidates at hyy.fi/elections. Freshman Guide
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By voting in the Representative Council elections, you will have your say on what students’ membership fees are used on and how big they are what issues the Student Union works for what the political goals of the student movement are how students are taken into account at the University – as a part of the community or as a nuisance and how the student-owned HYY Group manages its business operations
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YOUR STUDENT UNION, YOUR VOTE
s tu den t r ep r es e ntat ives ma ke s ure th a t s tud ents’ i nteres ts wi ll n o t b e i gnore d
USE YOUR POWER AT THE UNIVERSITY – BECOME AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Is the work required for completing a course not in line with the number of credits received from it? Why can I not work at the library at night? Why are the real learning outcomes of a course not mentioned anywhere? These are the kinds of questions you could solve yourself – as a student representative in administration! The best part of Finnish university democracy is that students have power, too. Hundreds of students are constantly involved in decision-making at the University of Helsinki: in individual subjects, degree programmes and faculties, but also on the highest level, in the University Board. Student representatives make sure that students’ interests will not be ignored when decisions concerning studying and students are made at the University. The Student Union elects the student representatives in administration every other year in
elections. The next elections will be held in 2017. During the winter of 2016–2017, hundreds of student representatives will also be chosen to the new degree programmes – this means that you have the chance to get involved as early as your freshman year! Follow HYY’s website, Facebook and newsletters, and you will find out when to send in an application. Current student representatives need help from you and your student organisation. Tell them about any problems you have encountered. You can find all student representatives at www.halloped.fi.
YOUR DEGREE AND STUDIES WILL CHANGE SOON! New degree programmes start at the University of Helsinki immediately at the beginning of the next academic year, on 1 August 2017. The current Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the faculties of the University of Helsinki will be changed into new entities: degree programmes. In other words, your studies will change soon and you will have to transfer into a new degree Freshman Guide
programme before graduation. If you want to influence the contents of the new programmes, apply to become a student representative in administration during the winter! You can keep up to date on the upcoming changes by following HYY’s newsletter for members, sent to your email, as well as HYY’s website and Facebook.
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STUDENTS’ OPINIONS MAT TER
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no th i ng i s a chieve d by s ta y i ng s i le nt
Johanna Riitakorpi is a long-standing student representative who has held a total of ten positions in different administrative bodies. She emphasises the role of student representatives as much more than just a necessity dictated by legislation. “It’s important that each group in the university community has genuine opportunities to affect the University’s activities. Active students give out a strong message to the University management: students have their own opinions too,” Riitakorpi states. While acting as a student representative, Riitakorpi has learned important communication skills that have come in handy in working life too. One of the most important skills for student representatives is the ability to stay sharp. “If there’s something I’ve learned during the years, it’s that nothing is achieved by remaining silent. We don’t always agree with the members of the University Board. That is why it is important to always read the materials in advance and stay sharp in the meetings to win any arguments.” Having clear objectives has resulted in concrete successes. For instance, Riitakorpi managed to get her suggestion on taking into account and maintaining study ability included in the University’s new strategy. “Participation is still the most important thing. Be there, listen and share your own views. People really want to hear what students think.” 2016
new fri e nds a n d s ki lls ar e at th e s tud ent o rg a ni s a t i o ns
HYY’S ORGANISATIONS – LIFE IS OUTSIDE THE LECTURE HALL
There around 250 student organizations within the Student Union. Their members are passionate about their own major subject and student life, their home region, political zeal, hobbies or sports – and above all students with whom to share the enthusiasm. Student life is born in organisations. They are parties both academic and not, trips, picnics and travel, shared nights, debates, sweating and tinkering – whatever a group of like-minded people happens to come up with. The best memories of study years are not likely about cramming in the library or nodding off in the back row at a lecture. New friends and skills are in the student organisations; you can become a pro event organiser, magazine AD, debater, facilitator or project manager!
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HOW TO JOIN? ASK your tutors and friends which organisations could have the best activities for you.
GO to the university’s Opening Carnival 5 Sept: organisations present their activities there and tell about events aimed at new members, introductory courses and how to become a member.
FEELING SHY? Then ask a friend to come along or suggest that your tutor organize an excursion for your freshman group to an event of an attractive organisation!
OFFER HELP! Organisations are always looking for helping hands. Nothing is more valuable to them than an enthusiastic and helpful freshman. Except maybe a bunch of them. Do things with others – a tight group of freshmen working together often turns out to be the closest and most long-lasting friendship you’ll have during your years in university. Freshman Guide
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SUBJECT AND FACULTY ORGANISATIONS are organised around subjects.
Largest: “Kannunvalajat” of the Faculty of Social Sciences (2,399 members) Smallest: University of Helsinki’s polymer and wood chemists (14 members)
STUDENT NATIONS
are organised around geographic regions. The oldest Swedish student nation: Nylands Nation (founded in 1643) The youngest Finnish student nation: Kymenlaakson Osakunta (founded in 1933)
RECREATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
The majority of the organisations in the Student Union are recreational: they can be into anything from arts and/or crafts, sports to games or gourmet. You’ll find the exhaustive list of them on HYY’s website or in the pages of your official HYY Student Calendar.
Societal and spiritual organisations
Non-profit organisations from all corners of the political landscape, societal activities ranging from nature conservation to human rights, as well as various spiritual societies.
International organisations
International subject organisations, student exchange and organisations for international students
Cultural organisations Choirs, orchestras and theatres of all levels, clubs engaging in cultural activities together.
Sports organisations Martial arts, team sports, individual sports – everything related to exercising and sports.
Other recreational organisations
Academic hobbies ranging from food and drink clubs to role playing, video gaming and debating.
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AROUND
27 000 40 499 15 272 71 STUDENT UNION MEMBERS
M E M B E R S I N O R G A N I S AT I O N S
EVENTS IN 2015
MAGAZINES PUBLISHED BY ORGANISATIONS IN 2016 Freshman Guide
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THE COMMIT TEES NEED YOU! In HYY’s committees, you can organise just the kind of mega events you would like to participate in yourself, take part in development cooperation, have your say in societal affairs or grow coriander at the City Centre campus or spring greens at Viikki! Committees consist of groups of people that want to influence the state of affairs. They
are open to everyone and help make our Student Union a place that genuinely feels and looks like students and where you can learn new skills and meet new friends. Read more about committees at hyy.fi/committees. Do not hesitate to contact the chair of an interesting committee and to join our work to create new student life!
COMMIT TEE FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The Committee for Academic Affairs gathers up all students interested in study-related matters. The committee organises trainings, acts as a discussion forum, offers peer support and conducts advocacy work at the University. You will learn how to become networked and how to influence matters both quietly and loudly. Facebook: HYYn kopovaliokunta
COMMIT TEE FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION The Committee for Development Cooperation runs the Student Union’s development cooperation activities. If you want to save the world, learn about project management, write into our magazine, Kimppu, or meet like-minded students around the University, come and join our activities! blogs.helsinki.fi/kehy-valiokunta
COMMIT TEE FOR SOCIETAL AFFAIRS The Committee for Societal Affairs is a route for students at HYY to be active in society. Whether you are interested in becoming a master lobbyist, want to learn how to organise a demonstration or wish to discuss current issues, the Committee for Societal Affairs is the place for you. http://blogs.helsinki.fi/yhva-valiokunta/shortly-in-english/
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COMMIT TEE FOR FINNO-UGRIC COOPERATION Are you interested in the cultures of the linguistic relatives of Finnish? The Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation carries out projects and other things to help our kindred peoples in cooperation with the rest of the Student Union. helsinki.fi/hyy/skv
COMMIT TEE FOR ORGANISATIONAL AFFAIRS HYY’s Committee for Organisational Affairs is the second home for enthusiastic organisational actors! The committee trains student organisations, takes part in HYY’s decision-making and notifies people of organisational activities. facebook.com/HYYnJarjestoasiat
COMMIT TEE FOR FRESHMAN AFFAIRS We should offer freshmen an unforgettable first year at the University. The committee plans tutoring, events and good freshman life – because being a freshman is the best thing ever! Facebook: HYYn fuksitoimintavaliokunta
CAMPUS FARMING COMMIT TEE Grow your own vegetables! You can care for your own crops both at the City Centre campus and at Viikki. blogs.helsinki.fi/kampusviljely-campus-farming/blogi
COMMIT TEE FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS With us, you can take part in brainstorming and implementing the many events of HYY as well as in creating student culture that looks like you Facebook: HYY Kulttuuri
COMMIT TEE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS HYY is a forerunner in environmental affairs. Whether we talk about individual consumer choices, public transport or the climate act, HYY wants to strive for asociety that is ecologically more sustainable. blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp
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CHAIRS OF THE COMMITTEES HAVE THEIR SAY Matias Nurmi, Committee for Organisational Affairs Going into my first meeting of the Committee for Organisational Affairs – encouraged by a friend – has been one of the best decisions I have made while studying. The new people I met and the world of organisations got me hooked. I have been involved in organising many different kinds of events with other people active in organisations, from street sitsit to organisation contests. I have made many good friends – we usually stay on to hang out together after meetings.
Amanda Pasanen, Committee for Development Cooperation I wanted to do something concrete to combat global problems to counter my theoretical studies. I also wanted to learn what development cooperation means in practice. People often criticise it and question its usefulness, but not many know how well the development cooperation projects are planned and implemented in Finland, for instance. I have gained more confidence, and I am now sure that I will be able to apply the things I learn on lectures in practical work, too. HYY’s development cooperation projects that have more often than not received funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Not all universities can boast that their students have their own development cooperation projects around the world!
Piia Pasanen, Committee for Academic Affairs Decisions that affect all students from freshmen to doctoral students are constantly made at the University. Despite this, it often seems to remain unclear who really makes the decisions and when. We try to make decision-making more open, to let students know about the changes and, if necessary, to stop the worst decisions from being made. In the Committee for Academic Affairs, you will have a better understanding of who uses power at the University – and talking to professors does not seem nearly as scary as it used to. After a couple of meetings you might even know more about certain issues than they do.
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WEEK 2016 – THE WORLD IN 2030?
The five days of the Development Cooperation Week have been placed under five subheadings – just like the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Our events invite you to consider possible futures from the perspectives of culture, economy, human rights, ecology and social justice. All students of the University of Helsinki are welcome to attend the week’s events, which will include discussions on ethical volunteer work and the future of development cooperation, stories concerning refugees and movies from Africa and elsewhere. The final programme will be published in August. The Development Cooperation Week is the high point of the year for HYY’s Committee for Development Cooperation. Its organisers include both active committee members and other students interested in development cooperation, sustainable development and event organisation. Teena Asikainen, a member of the organising team, heard about the week through the Committee for Development Cooperation. “Event organisation and development coopFreshman Guide
eration are both close to my heart, and I get to combine the two in this project,” Teena states. She adds that the theme, the 2030 Agenda, is perfect for inspiring people to think big, on a larger scale. The coordinator of the week, Marianne Mäkelin, similarly views the week’s theme as a large arch that connects different questions. “We have the question on what kind of world we would want to live in as our title, not any specific theme as such. Our goal has been to make the week’s events provoke thoughts and discussion and, on the other hand, reveal concrete possibilities for action.” Get excited and join us! kehitysyhteistyoviikkohyy.wordpress.com instagram.com/hyy_kehitysyhteistyovaliokunta/ facebook.com/kehyviikkoHYY kehyviikkohyy@gmail.com #kehyviikko #Agenda2030
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th e th eme i s p er fe ct fo r insp i ri ng p e op le to th i nk bi g
What kind of world do you want to live in in the future? This is the question posed during the Development Cooperation Week held at the campuses of the University of Helsinki on 10–14 October. The week’s theme has been inspired by the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, published this year. The goals of the 2030 Agenda show what the countries that have signed it are committed to promote during the next fifteen years.
S T U D E N T U N I O N’ S EVENTS
5 Sep | Opening carnival takes over the city centre campus HYY, student organisations and the University join forces at the Opening Carnival. Sing your heart out at the street sitsit and karaoke, explore various student organisations and start your collection of overall badges!
28 Sep | Experience the student union in the freshman adventure The biggest freshman event in Finland is one of the things you must experience during your freshman autumn! The Freshman Adventure is a city orienteering event for first-year students organised by the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. Gather up your freshman friends into a team, tour the checkpoints of HYY, student organisations and the University and complete assignments to win superb prizes! Antti Tuisku will perform at the afterparty. For more information, see www.fuksiseikkailu.fi.
21–26 Nov | Celebrate HYY’s 148th anniversary HYY may turn 148 years, but it can still party like a student. The anniversary week is full of events and culminates in the anniversary held at the Old Student House. The anniversary party afterwards includes activities such as swimming in a ball pit.
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6 Dec | Students’ torchlight procession This is a unique opportunity to march in the middle of the street from Hietaniemi to the Senate Square while holding a torch! The university students’ torchlight procession will have both songs and colourful organisation flags. This procession is not a demonstration but an expression of celebration!!
12 May | Flower day – celebrating the end of the academic year The Flower Day is celebrated by both the students and the staff of the University. The event is booked full faster than Justin Bieber’s shows, so please be alert. In recent years, the programme has included activities such as street food, refreshments, music, alpacas, brain poetry and wild dancing.
That is not all there is The Student Union’s student organisations organise more events than a single student could possibly hope to attend in a year. The best way to hear about the events is HYY’s Culture & Events Facebook page at Facebook.com/hyykulttuurivlk/
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hyy presents
O P E N I N G C A R N I VA L 5 SEPTEMBER 2PM–6PM CITY CENTRE CAMPUS hyy.fi/avajaiskarnevaalit
STUDENTS’ SARTORIAL ELEGANCE
Overalls give students away
ove ra ll s g i ve s tu dents away
Overalls are students’ uniform. They protect party-goers’ bums from muddy land and wind on May Day. Their colouring and the symbol on the back tell about the owner’s place of study. Different badges from various events, for example, are sewn on the overalls. Typically, almost all of the student organisations have their own badges, and they can be exchanged with students in other fields and cities. It is also common to swap a leg or a sleeve of the overalls with your partner or friend.
Student cap is worn at least on May Day The student cap has been the symbol of university students already since the 19th century. 2015 is the 150th anniversary of the student cap, and HYY celebrated the occasion in May with celebratory overall badges. It’s common to wear the student cap in your own upper secondary graduation party, on May Day and at various academic ceremonies. Traditionally, the cap is not used during the winter, except for special occasions. On the eve of May Day, you can put the cap on at 6pm. In Helsinki, people traditionally put the cap on at the same time as the Havis Amanda Statue gets her cap at the Market Square. Freshman Guide
With few exceptions, all Finnish student caps have a golden lyre of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. This is due to the fact that the University of Helsinki was the only university in Finland for a long time. Some student unions may replace it with their own lyre.
Ribbons state your organisations In the academic world, various ribbons show a membership in organisations or groups. Organisations and communities have various customs on who is entitled to wear their ribbon. A ribbon and related badges can also serve as a tribute on various merits, such as being active in a community. There are various rules on how to wear ribbons. On women, the ribbon runs from the left shoulder to the right hip or it is attached as a rosette on the left side of the dress. On men, student nation or organisation ribbons traditionally run from the right shoulder to the left hip. A ribbon should not touch the bare skin. Sometimes a person may have several ribbons. In this case, it’s tactful to refrain from using more than three ribbons at the same time. Further information is available on HYY’s organisation wiki: hyy.helsinki.fi/wiki
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HOW TO ATTACH AN OVERALL BADGE Top 5 tips of Tekstiilarit (subject organisation of textile teacher and craft science students) for sewing overall badges:
1 For sewing badges, you need a needle, sewing thread and a lot of patience. You should sew badges as soon as you get them, don’t leave it for May Day Eve.
2 A thimble is an excellent tool for sewing hard badges. In case of emergency, any hard surface will do better than using your index finger!
3 Sewing badges can also be done with the sewing machine, but be careful not to sew the sleeve or the leg closed!
4 If you don’t have enough patience to sew, you can try a stapler, safety pins, hot glue or fabric glue. Do not glue badges while wearing the overalls, as your jeans under the overalls may get glued as well.
5 At first, you can design fine tapestries of badges. A rule of thumb, though: sow the badge of an event or occasion on a stain or a tear that has occurred in that particular event.
SPORTS AT UNISPORT – OR ANYWHERE!
fr e e gu i da nce i s of fe re d we ekl y a t th e g yms
UniSport The University of Helsinki and the Aalto University have their very own place for sports, UniSport, spread out on six university campuses. UniSport offers a comprehensive selection of inexpensive exercise and well-being services and, as a new service, a diverse instruction and measurement package. With a training card (for 12/4/1 month(s)), you get to use all campuses’ group training sessions, open ball sport practices and gyms. Free guidance and instruction is offered every week at the gyms. A personal trainer or gym instructor will be answering any questions you might have and guiding you in training and towards activities that suit you. Additional services offered by UniSport include measuring and monitoring your body composition and your physical condition as well as personal instruction in the Personal Training and PT Group services. You can also develop your skills on several different courses. As for hobby opportunities, available options include body and mind courses, dancing, ball sports and martial arts. UniSport also organises ball sport series where you can put together and sign up your own team. You can also reserve a regular practice time for your group or participate in open ball sport practice sessions for either casual Freshman Guide
or experienced players. Additionally, UniSport provides information on sports clubs that operate at the universities. Follow UniSport to keep moving: www.unisport.fi and @unisportfi
Sports tutors of the Student Union Don’t stay still – try out exercising with sports tutors! The autumn at the university is full of everything new and interesting. Sports tutors’ events offer you the opportunity to include physical exercise into your student life. Exercising with group is more fun than alone, and you get to know new people while at it. You may also wind up finding the best way for you to exercise. Sports tutors will show you the best sports facilities at UniSport and the metropolitan area, and organise sports try-outs and various sports events. All faculties have their own sports tutors – ask your tutor who they are at your own faculty!
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Check also: www.opiskelijaliikunta.fi On the Finnish Student Sports Federation (OLL) website you’ll find info on benefits, events, competitions, and sports and health in general. The site also features student discounts for major sports events. www.frank.fi Most private exercise facilities grant student discounts, so it’s always worth flashing your student card – and to keep up to date with the discounts at www.frank.fi. City’s sports facilities You often receive a student discount with your student card in the sports facilities of the city. In the swimming halls and outdoor swimming pools, for example, you can swim for half the price.
City Centre • Kumpula • Meilahti • Töölö • Otaniemi • Viikki
UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOR YOU! With a Training Card you can train at the gym, participate in group training classes and in ball sports sessions! Half-day card from 85 €/12 months* All-day card from 122 €/12 months* @unisportfi
*From 1.9.2016 on.
MORE THAN EXERCISE
WWW.UNISPORT.FI
two th i rds of th e stu de nt uni on o p era t i o ns a re f und e d wi th p r o f i ts f r o m th es e bus i nes s es
HYY GROUP – THE STUDENTS’ BUSINESS HYY Group is the responsible investment manager of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. HYY Group focuses on real estate and financial investments as well as accommodation and restaurant businesses. HYY Kiinteistöt (Real estate), HYY Sijoitus (Investment) and HYY Majoitus- ja ravintolatoiminta (Accommodation and restaurants) are the very own businesses of the students. Two thirds of the Student Union operations are funded with the profits from these businesses. HYY Ravintolat serves their customers at UniCafe student restaurants and Gaudeamus Kirja & Kahvi as well as in 80 staff restaurants across Helsinki. We offer meals made from responsibly grown, nutritious and safe food items – often with Finnish, organic and local flavours. www.hyyravintolat.fi HYY Kiinteistöt rents and manages modern business premises and office spaces in downtown Helsinki and nearby Etu-Töölö. The two culture-historically significant buildings Vanha and Uusi ylioppilastalo, have been the foundation of HYY business operations since the very beginning. www.hyykiinteistot.fi and www.kaivopiha.fi Hostel Domus Academica was awarded with the title “Hostel of the year 2016” by the Finnish Hostel Association. The environmentally friendly hostel, opens her 326 rooms for visitors from Finland and across the Globe every year on June 1. www.hostelacademica.fi Freshman Guide
The above mentioned companies make up HYY Group, whose turnover in 2015 was EUR 35 million. HYY Group’s net profit before extraordinary items reached EUR 4,2 million EUR, which allowed a profit distribution of EUR 2,4 million to the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. HYY Group wishes to set an example of high-quality and profitable business being conducted in a socially, culturally, economically and environmentally responsible way. More of the practical execution, values and current issues within HYY Group can be found at yhtyma.hyy.fi.
The ownership steering of business operations HYY Group’s operations are steered by ownership strategy, which reflects the objectives set and approved by the Representative Council of the Student Union. HYY Group’s main function is to maintain and grow the wealth of the Student Union in a sustainable manner, thus safeguarding the independence and performance of the Student Union. The voice of the students is heard in the decision making of the businesses, as well as in HYY Group Board, Administrative Council and the Board of the Student Union. Students represent the majority of HYY Group Board, while the other Board members are experts of the respective business field.
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E W KE MA OU #Y
TRYHARD,MAKEMISTAKES, LEARN,ANDTRYAGAIN Helsinki Think Company is a community that fosters entrepreneurship.
Want to take your academic knowledge into action and change the world? Build a team to develop academic, entrepreneurial ideas and projects, or just pop in and work with your laptop at our open space. We have a great variety of events from inspiring theme events to interactive education and possibilities to network.
Project courses, entrepreneurship stories and other events for curious people can be seen as a first step of understanding the possibilities of commercializing academic know-how.
Helsinki Think Company is a place where you can try out your ideas, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and then try again. We are open for all curious and entrepreneurially minded people who want to explore new ideas. We are a community that supports people in a process of creating ideas into action. Our action is interdisciplinary, open for everybody and very active. You don’t need to have a business idea in your head in order to visit us – just come as you are. Have a cup of coffee and talk with Think Company folk. You can also book the space for suitable events such as student association´s working life events.
THINKCOMPANY.FI CENTER VUORIKATU5 VIIKKI LATOKARTANONKAARI 3 MEILAHTI HAARTMANINKATU8 helsinkithinkco
HELSINKI THINK COMPANY
ve g e tar i a n and ve g a n me al s are a lwa ys o f fere d a s o p t i o ns
UNICAFE = FOOD, COFFEE AND FRIENDS Students may enjoy low-priced meals at UniCafes and other student restaurants owned by the Student Union. Kela’s Centre for Student Financial Aid offers a meal subsidy of 1,94 EUR for each student meal. UniCafes differ from other student restaurants, as their ownership lies within HYY - i.e. students genuinely are the owners of the businesses. Therefore the operations of UniCafe consistently follow the responsibility principles outlined in the ownership strategy of the Student Union. Students may affect the restaurant operations by giving feedback or attending restaurant committees at campuses. In the autumn of 2016 the basic lunch at UniCafes is priced at 2,60 EUR. Apart from the
food portion, all lunch meals contain beverages, bread and spreads as well as salad with potato, rice or pasta as side dish. Desserts are also always available. UniCafe restaurants are committed to helping our customers with their special dietary needs, for example vegetarian and vegan meals are always offered as options. Product contents and the energy intakes of the main meals are available at the respective restaurant and on the internet. Additionally, UniCafe Ylioppilasaukio at Kaivopiha offers student priced lunches in the evenings and Saturdays. Seven UniCafes serve low-cost breakfast as well. www.hyyravintolat.fi
UniCafes offer their customers food made from high-quality, safe and responsibly produced materials. We aim to support domestic work and the sustainability of domestic jobs – in addition to ensuring the traceability of goods and transparency of production. Dairy products come from Finnish farms Lunch meals are always made from 100 % Finnish poultry Lunch menu meats are over 99 % Finnish and 100 % safe Filtered coffee is Fair Trade or organic We offer Finnish bread from domestic bakeries We favour Finnish vegetables and root vegetables of the season UniCafes offer responsibly caught fish products. We do not use any of the species in the WWF yellow or red list We use only domestic potato and barley The dishes are washed with Finnish, Swan-labelled detergent UniCafe personnel wears workwear manufactured in Finland
Freshman Guide
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A 10 € DISCOUNT ON THE FESTIVAL VOUCHER & HALF-PRICE TICKETS FOR HYY MEMBERS! MORE INFORMATION AT HYY.FI/HIFF
Käytä huippuedut hyväksesi — ja nauti Suomen kiinnostavinta teatteria. Opiskelijahinnat 16–25 €
Frank-opiskelijasarjalippu 60 €
voimassa myös viikonloppuisin ja sesonkiaikoina!
sisältää viisi lippua – jaa ystävien kanssa!
Stage-passi 54 € alle 25-vuotiaille sisältää neljä vapaavalintaista lippua ja vapaan pääsyn Suuren näyttämön toiselle parvelle saman illan näytäntöihin! Passit ja sarjaliput vain Kansallisteatterin lippumyymälästä Läntinen teatterikuja 1.
Liput 010 7331 331 (0,83 € + pvm/mpm) www.kansallisteatteri.fi Lippupiste 0600 900 900 (1,98 €/min+pvm) www.lippu.fi
Kansallisteatteri on opiskelijoiden teatteri!
ELÄMÄN FAKTOJA NRO 1:
ten ei muu ä l l i e M ( jolla .) ole tarlaista leipää n u mu
TUORE LEIPÄ TULEE UUNISTA, TUOREIN TIETO SOMESTA . FA KTA O M L I V E T N R . 1 :
Färskt bröd kommer ut ur ugnen, färskaste information är i sociala medier. (Och apropå, vi har inte andra typer av bröd än färskt.) FAC T S O F L I F E N O . 1 :
Fresh bread comes straight from the oven, the freshest info is in social media. (And fresh bread is the only kind we serve by the way.)
T WIT T E R
@unicafeFI
FAC E B O O K
I N STAGR A M
UniCafe Gaudeamus Kirja & Kahvi Hostel Domus Academica
@unicafeFI