The Student Union of the University of Helsinki
Freshman Guide 2012
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Events for Students 3.9. The Opening Carnival on Centre Campus 3.9. The Opening Party at the Old Student House 4.-14.9 HYY-tours for Freshmen 10.9. Night at the Campus –festival at Senaatintori 22.10. Students’ Panel Debate for Municipal Election Candidates at Vanha ylioppilastalo (Old Student House) 31.10.-1.11. Advance voting in HYY's Representative Council elections 6.-7.11. HYY's Representative Council elections 8.11. Ahtisaari-day 19.-25.11. HYY’s Anniversary Week 26.11. HYY’s 144th Anniversary 6.12. Torchlight procession of Independence Day More events: twww.facebook.com/hyy.hus t twww.hyy.fi t
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The Student Union of the University of Helsinki
Freshman Guide 2012 2011 Dear new student 02 The Student Union Is Yours 04 Services Office 06 Making a difference 08 HYY is a democratic community
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HYY Group – Students’ Business Operations
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Organisational activities are an important part of the student life 14 Space for students, a place for events
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Cultural events for every taste 18 No studies without culture
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Solving the puzzle of subsistence
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Special income circumstances
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Where do the students live?
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Students’ own health care
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Smooth public transport in the Helsinki region
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Exercise in between lectures 31 Plan your studies 32 HYY promotes equality 35 Students are part of the university administration
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An international university provides opportunities for everyone 38 For a better tomorrow in Zambia and Indonesia
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Be smart and look after the environment
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Building a common union 42 Contact Information 46 Notes 47
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Dear new student, I wish you a smashing start to your new student life! You have received a study place in the best university in Finland and as a bonus, you also gained your very own student union. And what is that exactly? The Student Union of the University of Helsinki, also known by the abbreviation HYY, is your student union. All undergraduate students are automatically members of the Student Union, and exchange students are very welcome to join us. Your student union offers you a variety of services, such as health care, student card, student restaurants and plenty of other fun things. This guide will help you find solutions for a number of problems you might have on your mind. The best part of the Student Union is the members. You will meet new people constantly, so do not hesitate to make new acquaintances. After some years, you will best remember those people who made your student life so much fun. So after a lecture, go and have a picnic in a park together, hang out in the Old Student House or exercise at UniSport! The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest university which offers unlimited opportunities to make your study years unforgettable. Get to know new people and explore the wonderful world of the university. Do not just hang out in your own home campus but get to know Kaisa Library on City Centre Campus, the sports facilities on Kumpula Campus, the cows with holes and the rubber gorilla on Viikki Campus and the secret tunnels in Meilahti. Open your mind, learn something new and question everything. Forget your own subject and try out new and interesting-sounding minor subjects. From 11 different faculties, you will certainly find many new and exciting things that challenge everything that you have learned and inspire you to learn more. So do not hesitate, dive straight into the academic community!
Jannica Aalto The Student Union’s Chair of the Board 2012
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The Student Union Is Yours The University provides teaching and study counselling, while the Student Union is the students’ benefit and service organisation. HYY represents students’ interests at university and in society. The Student Union consists of students – therefore it could be anything that its members want it to be.
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ll students of the University of Helsinki are part of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki, and HYY is the oldest and largest student union with nearly 30,000 members. All undergraduate and graduate students of the university are automatically part of the Student Union. Doctoral students and exchange students may join the Student Union if they wish to do so. In the Universities Act, student unions are defined as corporations subject to public law, which have rights and responsibilities. Their purpose is to act as liaison for their members and promote students’ societal, social and intellectual aspirations. In HYY, this means the diversity of various organisations, events organised for all students, benefits negotiated by the Student Union and guidance provided for members. HYY also supervises students’ interests both at university and outside the academic world.
and benefits of the Student Union. Student union members can also order Lyyra student card which provides student discount in public transport, cultural events and many companies. Membership services include UniCafe restaurants, free legal assistance, Ylioppilaslehti magazine and the student calendar. HYY’s own membership benefits and general student benefits are presented in this guide. HYY’s office is located at the heart of Helsinki in the New Student House (Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor). The Student Union Services Office helps with matters related to the membership fee and the student card, among other things. Organisational services also operate at the same service point. HYY’s Board and the Secretariat also work at HYY’s office. HYY supervises the students’ interests The Student Union’s duty is not only to provide benefits and services, but also to promote the students’ interests. HYY works actively to promote students’ affairs at the university and the rest of the society. Influencing work includes campaigns, statements and lobbying, for example. Influencing work mainly focuses on topics which directly concern the students, but sometimes we also comment on more extensive issues, such as equality and urban affairs. HYY is part of the National Union of the University Students in Finland (SYL). Founded in 1921, SYL is one of the largest student organisations in Finland. All the student unions of Finnish universities are part of SYL and the total number of members is approximately 135,000 students. SYL represents students’ voice in education policy matters both on national and international levels.
Benefits and Services for Members The Student Union’s membership fee is paid annually. The Student Union’s membership is a requirement for studies of undergraduate and graduate students, but the membership fee is not the university’s tuition fee. Exchange students can voluntarily pay the membership fee and thus join the Student Union. After paying the membership fee, you are entitled to use all member services
How do I get information about the Student Union and its operations? Every other week, HYY sends a member newsletter which is delivered to students by the organisations’ communications officers. All Ylioppilaslehti (and Studentbladet) issues also have HYY page reserved for the Student Union’s newsletters. All news will also be published on HYY’s website (www.hyy.fi/helsinki) which includes the event calendar where organisations can advertise their own events. You can become a fan of HYY on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HYY. HUS) and conveniently get information on current affairs.”
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Events and organisations During the year, the Student Union organises many events and parties where all members are welcome. These include the opening carnival, anniversary and the torch parade of Independence Day. Over 200 organisations operate within HYY, where members can organise interesting activities for themselves. More information on events is available on page 18 and you can read more about the organisations on page 14.
ttCommunications Officer Jenni Heikkinen tiedottaja@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9609
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Services Office The Student Union’s Services Office is located at the New Student House at Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor.
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he Services Office is open on Mondays 10am–5pm and from Tuesdays to Fridays 10am–3pm. Exceptions to the opening hours are mentioned on HYY’s website. In the Services Office, you can take care of issues related to the Lyyra card or the student union membership, among other things. For members: ttLyyra-cards ttMembership fee issues ttAdvisory services
For organisations: ttMeeting rooms ttEquipment lending (details on lended items are available on the website) HYY’s
member benefits and services for students Lyyra student card HYY’s members can order the Lyyra student card for the price of EUR 16.10. Lyyra card is the easiesti way to prove your student union membership. With Lyyra, you receive discounts on the services of VR (national railway company), Matkahuolto (bus and coach services) and student restaurants, for example. Lyyra website also has information on other student benefits and discounts. You do not need other student cards. Read further information and ordering instructions on the web service. www.lyyra.fi Ylioppilaslehti student magazine The student magazine Ylioppilaslehti is sent out to all HYY members. The magazine is published every two weeks during the academic terms. 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 would like to write, take photos or draw for Ylioppilaslehti, please contact the chief editor (paatoimittaja@ylioppilaslehti.fi). Freshman Guide HYY offers you this information package on the Student Union, studies and everyday student life. Student calendar HYY’s members annually receive the student calendar which helps with time management. The calendar also includes useful information on the Student Union, student benefits and presentations of all organisations operating within HYY. It also includes important dates for studies and student life, such as the University’s teaching periods and many events of the Student Union. The calendar is available from the same places where you can collect the student card and the year tag. You can get the calendar from HYY’s Services Office or the University’s main building. www.hyy.fi
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Free legal assistance Pykälä’s Committee for Legal Assistance provides legal advice to HYY’s members by mail, telephone, e-mail and in person. Most of the questions presented to the committee concern housing, employment, family and estate rights, studies and social security. The committee does not prepare documents but will advise you in drafting them and checks the finished documents. The committee is on duty at Pykälä’s office (Mannerheimintie 3 B, 5th floor) during the academic terms on Mondays and Wednesday, 5pm–7pm, tel. (09) 278 5005, e-mail oikeusapu@helsinki.fi. Child care Child care services offer temporary child care assistance to HYY’s members. The minimum age is 6 months and the maximum duration is three hours at a time. Further information: lapsiparkki@hyy.fi and www.hyy.fi.
HYY’s premises
1. The New Student House
Healt care
11. FSHS
- Service Office, premises of organisation and student nation
- Finnish Student Healt Service
2. The Old Student House
- Kahvila Vanhan kuppila
Public transport
3. Domus Gaudium 12. Kamppi
- premises of organisations and student nation
- Buses to Espoo
HYY’s Student restaurants
13. Railway station - Buses to Kumpula, Meilahti and Viikki
4. Unicafe Kaivopiha 5. Unicafe Porthania 6. Unicafe Päärakennus 7. Unicafe Rotunda
8. Unicafe Topelias 9. Unicafe Soc & kom ja valtiotiede 10. Unicafe Olivia
Others
14. Stockmann 15. Sokos 16. Kaisa House Library
* More Unicafe-restaurants on other campuses
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Making a difference
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he Student Union is a channel for students to get their voices heard and to influence society and the university. This can include rising to the barricades but it may also be, for example, discussions with university employees about the development of teaching, creating ideas for better cycle paths with city planners or organising an item exchange table in the student house lobby. HYY’s Board works practically every day in the New Student House and organises a wide range of events and campaigns together with the Student Unions employees and volunteer students (such as the members of the Representative Council and committees). In addition, the Board continuously meets both the representatives of the university as well as decision-makers of the city and the state to discuss issues important for students. The Board also works closely with other student organisations, particularly with other student unions and the National Union of University Students in Finland. In practice, the Board is the Student Union’s face and voice. You may contact board members and tell them which matters need improvement and which issues to tackle next.
Nouse jo! In 2006, HYY members participated in Nouse jo! demonstration which demanded an increase in student financial aid.
Valiokunnat ESN Committee Committee for Organisational Affairs Committee for Bilingual Affairs Committee for International Affairs Committee for Development Cooperation Committee for Cultural Affairs Committee for Academic Affairs Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation Committee for Tutor Affairs Committee for Environmental Affairs
Join the activities! The Committee for Bilingual Affairs aims at securing the position of the Swedish-speaking students at the University and the Student Union and promoting bilingualism in the Student Union. This
Committees HYY has ten committees whereby you can participate in the student union’s activities according to your own interests. You can join the committees at any time of the year, and be involved in activities exactly as much as you have interest and time. Committees provide an opportunity to organise interesting events ranging from parties and sitsit to exhibitions and seminars. The committees also have important tasks, such as the administration of HYY’s development cooperation projects and the organisation of various trainings for organisations operating within the Student Union. In addition to committee websites, you will find information on the committee events on HYY’s website at: www.hyy.fi.
year, the Committee’s targets include bilingual communications and the opportunities provided by bilingualism at the University and the student community. The Committee also organises events and campaigns to promote bilingualism on Swedish Day, for example. Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation coordinates the use of HYY’s kindred nation funds for projects which support the culture of Finno-Ugric nations in Russia in their own language. The committee also organises other activities concerning kindred nations such as evening gatherings or study circles in different languages. Committee for Tutor Affairs is in charge of planning and organising HYY’s tutor training and it participates in the evaluation and development of the University’s tutor training. The Committee for Tutor Affairs is also in charge of welcoming the new students on behalf of HYY.
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Bread campaign. In the spring of 2011, HYY’s Board distributed bread to citizens in order to remind them about the challenges of students’ income. 9
HYY is a democratic community Who makes the important decisions in the Student Union? Who decides what the opinion of HYY is? What could I do?
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YY is a corporation formed by university students, a community formed by all its members, which makes decisions collectively and by listening to everyone. HYY is also administered as a corporation: the Representative Council has the decision-making power which is equivalent to that of a municipal council or a parliament. The Representative Council of 60 members is elected through the elections every two years where each member of the Student Union can vote or run as a candidate.
(HYY) will be conducted on November. The campaigning is often carnivalistic, but HYY’s elections should not be underestimated. Quite the contrary. The Student Union is an influential organisation and a respected public debater in many areas. HYY’s budget of approximately four million already provides plenty of opportunities for various operations. By voting or running as a candidate, you can have a significant effect on how the Student Union discusses, comments and uses its money. In the Representative Council elections, there are approximately 28.000 persons entitled to vote so this is not a small matter. In the Representative Council elections, candidates are mainly set by various political groups, subject organisations and student nations. HYY’s members, almost 30,000 students of the University of Helsinki are eligible, which means that they are entitled to vote and run as a candidate. This year, the term of the elected Representative Council will be two years: 2012−2014. You can use your voting right on four campuses of the University of Helsinki at 15 polling stations and also in the offices of the University of Helsinki in Lahti and Vaasa. The election result will be revealed in the election coverage on 7 Nov.
HYY’s administration – this is how the Student Union operates The Representative Council is the highest decision-making body of the Student Union. The Representative Council meets approximately four times in an academic term. The current Chairperson of the Student Union is Esa Perkiö. The Student Union operations are led by the Board which is appointed by the Representative Council for one year at a time. The board members are students as well and they run the everyday operations in cooperation with the hired Secretariat which performs expert tasks. The Board has parliamentary accountability for the Representative Council and it includes 7–13 members. Additionally, the Board has founded other organs to manage various affairs. The Financial Committee prepares the internal affairs of the Student Union related to finances, and the committees manage their own matters. The Committee for Development Cooperation, for example, is mainly in charge of the operations related to development cooperation all the way to project management. HYY is also engaged in significant business operations, the direction of which is decided by the students. This is explained later in the Freshman Guide.
Why vote? The Student Union’s Representative Council decides on the Student Union’s major policies. The Representative Council decides on the Student Union’s budget, the Student Union Board and the chief editor of Ylioppilaslehti student magazine, among other things. Only by running as a candidate or voting you can influence matters that HYY will focus on. If voting does not seem like an efficient way to influence, a freshman can also run as a candidate in the Representative Council elections. The opening carnival, for example, is a good opportunity to get to know different groups and hear more about the elections. Information is also available on HYY’s election site at www.hyy.fi/vaalit.
The Representative Council elections – the most important means to exercise power The next Representative Council elections of the Student union of the University of Helsinki
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HYY Group – Students’ Business Operations
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YY’s property began to accrue in 1858 when the recently established Student Union acquired a plot for its own student house. The original plot was located in the place of the current National Archives. The plot was later changed to the current plot where the Old Student House was completed in 1870. At the time, the area of Aleksanterinkatu and Itä-Heikinkatu (current Mannerheimintie) was gradually changing from a rural landscape to a busy commercial area. In addition to HYY’s own student houses, HYY has constructed business premises on the plot over the years. Profit from business operations is used for funding organisational activities and students’ interest representation. Today, HYY is also engaged in responsible investment and this is expected to be the second cornerstone of the student union finances in the future. In addition, HYY Group provides services primarily for students and the wider academic community. HYY Group strongly supports corporate responsibility. Responsible business operations include responsibility for the environment, customers, personnel, cultural heritage and the economy. In their communications, HYY Group companies use the following signature: HYY’s responsible business operations. Today, the Group’s annual distribution of profit to HYY is approximately two million euro a year. The Group not only makes profit but also provides services for students.
unions. Through the web service, you can purchase the cheapest Apple computers in the country and find over a thousand other student benefits. Through Lyyra’s housing service, you can search for rental apartments and flatmates, or rent your own apartment for your student exchange period, for example. HYY owns Lyyra together with the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL). www.lyyra.fi UniCafe provides student meals and cafeteria services in 19 student restaurants and four cafés on four campuses. Additionally, its operations include four festive restaurants: Old Student House, Restaurant Domus, Viola and Gustus & Vera. UniCafe was among the first organisers of student meals in Finland and just like back then, students can continue to have influence on student meals provided in our restaurants. During the summer, HYY Group also manages Hostel Acade¬mica which operates in Leppäsuo. www.unicafe.fi and www. hostelacademica.fi The Group’s profit, which is distributed to HYY, comes mainly from the rental income of Kaivopiha premises (Kaivotalo Building, New Student House, Hansatalo Building and Citytalo Building). The premises include offices, restaurants and stores. In addition, HYY Real Estate includes Domus property and other individual properties. During its history, HYY has managed a cinema and a cultural centre, engaged in development aid business and acted in many other fields.
Student Union Companies Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press is Finland’s largest academic scientific publisher. Gaudeamus publishes scientifically uncompromising but easily readable books in the fields of social sciences, philosophy, culture, environment, technology and economy. The books become familiar to many students during their study years. www.gaudeamus.fi Lyyra is the web media and student card of Finnish higher education students. When you use Lyyra student card, you can purchase cheaper meals at UniCafes, for example, and travel by train and bus with a 50 % discount negotiated by the student
Corporate governance of business When the business operations expanded from the 1970s onwards, the Student Union made a decision that professional executives would be recruited to lead business operations, and they would try to make the most profitable business on behalf of students, whereas students define the major policies of business operations. This takes place in the corporation boards, the Student Union Board and Representative Council. Students have the majority in the boards of the largest companies. In addition, expert members who know the industry well are involved.
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HYY Group in figures (2011)
To conclude: HYY Group is the Student Union’s preferred way of organising its business operations. In addition to the distribution of profit, students benefit from having their own business as their wishes and needs can be genuinely taken into account in services, such as student restaurants.
Employees: 228 Turnover: 32.9 million euro Market value of properties owned by the Student Union, based on external evaluation: 189.9 million euro. UniCafe within HYY Group owns 19 student restaurants, four cafeterias and four festive restaurants. In 2011, UniCafe sold over two million student meals.
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Organisational activities are an important part of the student life
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he Student Union is the umbrella organisation for hundreds of student organisations from which each student can easily find a suitable organisation for one’s interests. Many organisations also have their own clubs and committees where a group of people with similar interests get together for the most amazing activities. Approximately 260 various subject, recreational and benefit organisations, international organisations and student nations operate within HYY. Everyone can find a suitable place to have a good time and participate in these organisations. Subject organisations bring together people who study the same subject, whether you are a historian or a geologist. Subject organisations operate as the interest representatives of their own major subject at the university and ensure that studying is pleasant for everyone in the department. Events which are characteristic to a certain field are the core of subject organisation activities. Student nations are the oldest organisations of HYY and they gather people together from different regions. Student nations have long traditions and plenty of wide-ranging activities. If you get homesick, you will certainly find support from the student nations. In accordance with their name, recreational organisations are organisations where members gather together around a certain hobby. Recreational organisations vary from sports to chess clubs to role playing. Everyone can find at least one if not several interesting recreational organisations. Don’t hesitate to get involved! Through political organisations, you can have effect on the student union and the surrounding society. Political organisations can be seen on campuses every other year when HYY’s Representative Council elections are organised and it is a good time to get to know these organisations properly. Find the a small politician inside you and have influence on HYY’s operations. In organisations, you can learn many skills which are not covered by the actual university curriculum, yet they are an integral part of university studies and the growth of becoming an academic citizen. In organisational activities, you can also get
new friends and unique experiences. In organisations, you get to do things which you might not otherwise do, such as a three course meal for a hundred people, learn the academic celebration etiquette, perform in a choir, orchestra or theatre, organise a demonstration and plenty of other things. The Student Union supports student organisations in many ways by providing direct or indirect financial support as well as guidance and counselling. HYY provides premises for organisations at the New Student House in the centre of Helsinki and at Domus Gaudium in Etu-Töölö. Presentations of the organisations are available on HYY’s website and Student Calendar.
Organisational activities sound really nice. Where can I find a nice organisation? How can participate as an international student? You can join the activities of any organisation by showing up and participating in activities of the organisation. You can start by getting to know the Student Union’s organisation selection on HYY’s website. The site includes a list of organisations operating within HYY, sorted according to the organisation type, and links to their websites. Although the majority of organisations are officially Finnish or Swedish, they are also open to international students. Organisations and student nations of faculties introduce themselves during orientation studies in almost all faculties. In the opening carnival on 3 Sept, many organisations have presentation stands where the organisation representatives tell about what their organisation does, how to become a member and what kind of activities the organisation offers. In the early autumn, almost all organisations have some activities targeted at new students, such as introduction nights, freshman nights and beginner’s courses. You can also ask your tutor to arrange an excursion for your freshman group to visit an interesting organisation. Keep an eye on notice boards and HYY’s event calendar in case of interesting freshman events.”
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ttEmi Maeda, Specialist (organisations) emi.maeda@hyy.fi, p. 050 537 3798
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Come along! Committee for Organisational Affairs. The purpose of the committee is to discuss the organisational services provided by HYY and inform about these services. The committee is also in charge of the organisation and festive premises as well as other organisational affairs. The committee aims at developing the cooperation between different organisations. 15
Space for students, a place for events The Students’ own houses: the Old, the New and Domus Gaudium
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uring the 143-year history of HYY, students have received three student houses for their use; the Old Student House (1870), the New Student House (1910) and Domus Gaudium (2008). The houses provide space for students – specifically their own space – to get together. The buildings also include many facilities of student nations and organisations as well as festive and meeting facilities for students. At the end of 2008, the so-called third Student House, Domus Gaudium, was completed in connection with Domus Academica. The Student Union thus received new facili-
ties for students and student organisations. Along the years, social gatherings, clubs, meetings, balls and theatre performances have been organised in the students’ own houses.
The Old Student House The Old Student House (originally Student House) was completed in 1870. In addition to students’ meetings, social evenings and balls, the Old Student House has acted as a cultural centre and the meeting place of a political stu-
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dent movement, and it was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1978. The building is known for the occupation of the Old Student House on 25 Nov 1968 and its numerous works of art, such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s fresco Kullervo Leaves for War. Today, the Old Student House acts as a versatile event venue where plenty of different events of student organisations and corporations are organised. The Student Union’s so-called music and theatre corporations also have club and training facilities in the building.
The New Student House The New Student House accommodates club rooms, meeting rooms, festive facilities with kitchens and HYY’s central office. The New Student House (originally Student Nation House) was constructed next to the Old Student House when its premises became too small for the growing number of students. Section A of the building was designed for student nations and it still is used by various student organisations for club, meeting and festive purposes. Other parts of the building were planned for commercial use, and during these hundred years, they have served hotels, cinemas, restaurants and a car shop.
Domus Gaudium The latest student house, Domus Gaudium, was completed in 2008. It is located right next to Kamppi in connection with student housing in Domus Academica, Leppäsuo. HYY owns the building together with Aalto University’s postgraduate unit AEE. The building, which is also known as the ”third student house”, includes HYY’s archives, rooftop sauna Sivistys and student organisations’ club and meeting rooms. Domus Academica’s underground facilities are located in the building and they include band rehearsal rooms managed by HYY Group and the multi-purpose facility Pohjanhovi.
Det är visst Du, HYYläinen, som äger det ledande vetenskapliga förlaget i Finland.
Ave, Capo di tutti capi!
Vastuullista hyyn liiketoimintaa.
Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press is pleased to greet its new owners and directors! No funny business! Gaudeamuksen kirjat kulkevat opintojesi rinnalla aina pääsykokeista graduun, gradusta jatko-opintoihin ja sen ylikin, kaikkiin elämäsi eri vaiheisiin. Julkaisemme eri tieteenalojen perusteoksia, klassikkoja, poleemisia keskustelunavauksia, maailmanparannusta ja maamme huippututkijoidenn teoksia. Avaamme 23.8. tietokirjakauppakahvilan yliopiston uudessa pääkirjastossa. Tervetuloa viihtymään herkkujen ja tiedon ääreen Gaudeamus Kirja & Kahviin! Lyyra-alennuksia kirjoista ja muista tuotteista!
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i s et a j a Av 8.
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· www.gaudeamus.fi · Tiedon puolella.
Cultural events for every taste HYY will organise several student events in the academic year 2012–2013 and many of them are recurring annual traditions. HYY not only maintains the traditions of university students but it is actively involved in creating cultural events that are cutting edge and tailor-made for the students of today.
Which cultural activities of the autumn would you recommend to a new student?
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I can sincerely recommend the opening carnival to all members of the university community but particularly I can recommend it to new students. In the carnival, you can see for the first time the whole range of hobbies that the university community can provide. When you go round presentation tables, you can grab magazines and leaflets of interesting organisations, and at the same time bump into an interesting performance. In the evening, you can continue to the Old Student House to enjoy excellent music in the first big party of the autumn. And when you get your first touch to the student union and its cultural activities in the carnival atmosphere, it is hopefully easy to join HYY’s other events from clubs to the anniversary. HYY’s events are precisely for you – welcome!” ttVille Sinnemäki, Specialist-producer (culture)ville.sinnemaki@hyy.fi, tel. 050 537 2831
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The Opening Carnival and the Carnival Party, 3 Sept The opening carnival of the academic year will be organised on Monday, 3 Sept, on Centre Campus. Students have the opportunity to participate in the University’s official opening ceremony during the day. In the carnival itself, organisations operating within HYY, university services and other interesting organisations present themselves; a detailed programme is available on HYY’s website. In the evening, we will celebrate in the opening party at the Old Student House – see the advertisement on the next page!
Ullanlinnanmäki. The Shrove Tuesday Hullabaloo starting at noon offers an academic sliding competition as well as pea soup and juice. Several student parties are usually organised in the evening. May Day, 30 Apr–1 May Havis Amanda, or more familiarly known as Manta, is capped on May Day Eve at 6pm. From that moment onwards, you can wear the student cap for the whole summer if you like! The student unions in the capital region take turns in the capping of Manta and HYY’s next turn will be in 2014. In the May Day Eve, there are numerous student parties in the city. In the morning of May Day, head to Ullanlinnanmäki and listen to the YL Male Voice Choir and the speeches of the student union representatives and enjoy the cheerful picnic atmosphere. The celebration begins already at 9am. Swedish-speaking university students gather for a picnic in Kaisaniemi Park.
HYY Tours on 4-14 Sept and the Freshman Orienteering of the Committee for Tutor Affairs, 27 Sept Events particularly aimed at new students are HYY tours where you get to know HYY’s activities and art treasures in the New and Old Student Houses, which you also own as a member of HYY and the laid-back freshman orienteering of the Committee for Tutor Affairs on 27 Sept. HYY tours are booked in advance for tutor groups, so ask your tutor to book a tour for your group! Naturally HYY tours will also be arranged in English!
Flower Day, 13 May HYY’s own spring festival, Flower Day, is celebrated at Kumtähti Field near Kumpula Campus on 13 May. The white-capped hopes of the nation have gathered at the same location already since the beginning of the 19th century and they sang Maamme national anthem for the first time in 1848. In addition to the anniversary, Flower Day is the other official celebration of HYY. Nowadays, Maamme anthem is still sang together in the celebration but the programme also includes other kind of music and spring speeches. Take your student cap, picnic basket, blanket and your friends and come to celebrate Flower Day in a relaxed atmosphere before leaving for the summer holidays. The programme starts at 12noon. In addition to the above mentioned annual events, HYY also organises something new and surprising in the cultural field every year, often in cooperation with a partner. In recent years, the events have included, among other things, popular Art for us! student days in Ateneum Art Museum, various music clubs, Pecha Kucha and stand up nights, special performances in theatres, poetry battle as well as various courses and competitions. Through the Committee for Cultural Affairs, open to all HYY members, you can create precisely those cultural activities which interest you!
HYY’s Anniversary Week, 19–25 November The Student Union’s birthday will be celebrated on HYY’s anniversary week (week 47). HYY and the Student Union’s committees and organisations will arrange versatile events during the week, such as film screenings, discussions and club nights – the programme offers something to everyone. HYY’s Anniversary, 26 Nov 26 November is HYY’s official anniversary, and the anniversary with traditional academic ceremonies is one of the best parties of the year and certainly an event worth experiencing. This year is HYY’s 144th anniversary. Torchlight Procession of Independence Day, 6 Dec University students in the capital region celebrate Independence Day with the traditional torchlight procession on Finland’s Independence Day. The procession is arranged in Hietaniemi and it leaves towards Senate Square at 4.45pm. The joint celebration of citizens and university students starts at the square approximately at 6pm.
You can find further information on all events on HYY’s website hyy.fi, Ylioppilaslehti student magazine and HYY’s fan site on Facebook!
Shrove Tuesday Hullabaloo at Ullanlinnanmäki, 12 February On Shrove Tuesday, university students dig out their sledges, slides and other sliding equipment and head to 19
Opening party
OPENING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR
The Opening carnival will continue in the evening with the Opening party at the Old Student House (Vanha) from 9pm to 2am. Herra Ylppö & Ihmiset, Spiha and DJ Mikke will perform at the first big party of this autumn. Tickets in advance cost only 8 € for HYY members and are available at Café Vanha and the HYY stand in the opening carnival! Normal price tickets (10 €) are on sale at Café Vanha, Tiketti and at the entrance.
12 P.M. in the Great Hall of the Main Building (Aleksanterinkatu 5). The programme includes, among others, the Rector’s opening speech and musical performances by the Academic Choral Society and the Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra. An ecumenical service in the Cathedral or a non-denominational ceremony in the National Library follows.
OPENING CARNIVAL
2 P.M. TO 6 P.M. at the City Centre Campus. The carnival includes music, dance, performances, beverages and snacks, presentations of different organisations, etc. Start your academic year in a carnival atmosphere!
COMPLETE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE AT WWW.HYY.FI 20
No studies without culture The range of cultural activities in the Student Union is almost as wide as the concept of culture, and it has traditions varying from the premiere of Maamme national anthem to the publishing of the avantgarde record of Love Records, the legendary Finnish record label. Cultural activities in organisations In addition to HYY’s own cultural activities, the organisations within HYY also provide a wide range of opportunities for cultural activities. You have an excellent opportunity to begin, continue and develop singing or playing during your study years. Traditional music corporations Akademiska Damkören Lyran, Akademiska Sångföreningen, YL Male Voice Choir and Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra operate at the Old Student House. Other music organisations vary from techno and heavy music lovers to several choirs and from live music organisation Helmut to Academic Wind Orchestra. HYY’s film club operates in the field of cinema, and those interested in photography can join Ylioppilaskamerat photography club. The auditions of the legendary Ylioppilasteatteri student theatre are traditionally organised right at the beginning of the autumn. In addition to cultural organisations, student nations and larger subject organisations also have their own activities varying from choirs to theatre groups and from film clubs to band rehearsal rooms.
all students. HYY has collected extensive information on a student’s cultural benefits to our website and Carpe Culturam booklet which is available at HYY’s Services Office.
Member benefits and discounts In addition to arranging HYY’s own cultural events, HYY negotiates and offers discounts to its members on other cultural events in the metropolitan area. During the past years, HYY members received a discount on the festival pass of Love & Anarchy (20-30 Sept 2012, see www.hiff.fi) and DocPoint (22-27 Jan 2013, see www.docpoint.info) film festivals and special screenings on both festivals as well as varying additional discounts on tickets of other events and festivals. In addition to special discounts provided by HYY, numerous cultural institutions and producers in the metropolitan area have granted discounts to
Come along! Committee for Cultural Affairs participates in the planning and implementing of HYY’s cultural activities. The committee members can also take part in the organising of traditional and cultural events of the student union or they can prepare their own projects such as clubs or competitions. In 2010, the committee participated in the capping of Havis Amanda statue, among other things.
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Solving the puzzle of subsistence A student’s basic source of income is student financial aid which consists of the study grant, the housing supplement and the study loan guaranteed by the government.
Y
What are the issues with which I can contact the Student Union’s specialist? If you have any problems with benefits or you are in a particularly difficult situation, I can help you to find more information and tell you about possible support you could apply for in your situation.”
ou can be granted the student financial aid if your studies are progressing and you have the need for financial aid, which means that you do not earn more than your annual income limit. If you study in Finland but you are not a Finnish citizen, you can receive student financial aid if you live in Finland permanently and if the reason for your residence in Finland is other than studies (such as employment, family ties or return migration). If you have come to Finland to study, you cannot receive student financial aid from Finland. You can apply for student financial aid for the whole period of your studies at one time. The application must be submitted no later than the end of the first month for which you apply the aid. The decision is automatically made for the period 1 Sept–31 May. Later, you can apply separately for student financial aid for the summer months. Kela’s electronic services (www.kela.fi) are the most convenient way to apply for student financial aid and make a notification of changes.
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ttAnnika Häggblom, Specialist (subsistence, international students, equality) annika.haggblom@hyy.fi, tel 050 543 9608
spend the maximum of 37 support months for the bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or the maximum of 28 support months for the master’s degree (120 credits). However, the total number of months is the maximum of 55. If a student uses over 27 months of aid for a lower degree one will, receive less than 28 months of aid for the higher degree. If the lower degree is completed with less than 27 support months, one can still receive the maximum of 28 months of aid for the higher degree.
Two-phase student financial aid Student financial aid will be granted in two phases, separately for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. A higher education student may receive a total of 55 months of student financial aid. 3 x 9 (27) months of aid are reserved for the bachelor’s degree and 2 x 9 (18) months of aid for the master’s degree. In addition, a student may receive 10 months of aid, which may be allocated for either degree phase (see the picture) according to the student’s needs. That is why a student can
Your income affects student financial aid Many students work during the summer or during the semesters in order to secure their income. A student who receives student financial aid, however, must ensure that other income does not exceed the annual income limit determined by Kela. For each month during which you receive financial aid, the exempt amount is 660 euro and for each aid-free months the amount is 1,970 euro. The income check is performed afterwords when the taxation data is finished. If a student’s income exceeds the exempt amount with the maximum of 220 euro, Kela does not claim the aid back. If the exceeded amount is more than 220 euro, Kela claims back the study grant and the housing supplement of one month with a 15 per cent interest for each surpassing 1,310 euro.
Two-cycle student financial aid 3 x 9 = 27 Bachelor (180 op) 10 flex
55 months of student financial aid
2 x 9 = 18 Master (120 op)
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You can avoid the recovery by making sure that your income does not exceed the annual income limit. At the end of the year, it is advisable to count your income and the received aid carefully. If you cancel the months of aid in time, or return the excess aid by March of the following year, you will reclaim the right to these months of aid and you can use them another year.
The Student Union informs its members on matters affecting subsistence, such as changes in student financial aid granted by Kela, and reminds about important dates concerning income. If something is concerning you, please feel free to get in touch! Further information: www.kela.fi > Students Kela’s national student service number 020 692 209 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) Service points of Student Services: www.helsinki. fi/neuvonta/english/index.htm
Study progress is monitored A student should have an average of at least 5.5 credits per each month of aid. However, the aid can still continue to be paid if the average of 5 credits are completed per each month of aid. A student must also have at least 2.0 credits per month of aid from the previous academic year even if the average number of credits for the whole study time would be adequate. If your average number of credits for the months of aid is less than the required amount, you will receive a request for clarification concerning the delayed studies from the Financial Aid Committee in the following autumn. Acceptable reasons for the delay may be considered to be, for example, the student’s own illness, a close relative’s illness or a difficult situation in life which coincides with delayed studies. You must always attach written certificates from the authorities concerning the grounds you are appealing (doctor’s certificates, for example). Your own clarification is not adequate. Discontinuation or temporary continuation of the aid is decided by the Financial Aid Committee. Monitoring is based on the number of credits received from the study register.
Components of student financial aid Study grant Usually 298 euro per month for university students. As a rule, a 10 per cent preliminary tax is withheld from the study grant. Housing supplement 80 per cent of the maximum rent of 252 euro. The housing supplement is not paid for the exceeding amount. It is not advisable to only receive the housing supplement as it consumes the support months available to you. If you are not entitled to the housing supplement (due to having a family or transfer to the sickness allowance, for example), you can apply for the general housing allowance from Kela.
HYY looks after you The Student Union actively supervises its members’ interests also in terms of income. HYY’s board member and the specialist in charge of subsistence issues are particularly familiar with the characteristics and problems of students’ subsistence. HYY also participates in public discussion related to the students’ income. Disadvantages are brought up and influenced both on local and national levels. National objectives and interest representation campaigns are often implemented with the lead of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL).
Government guarantee for student loans 300 euro per month for university students. A loan guarantee for the study grant months of the academic year is automatically submitted to all students with no payment defaults or guarantor debt. You do not have to take out the whole loan which is guaranteed to you. Banks receive the guarantee decision from Kela. Interests and other conditions are negotiated with your bank.
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Special income circumstances
I
f you have moved to Finland to study, you are probably not entitled to the Finnish social security, as your residence in Finland is temporary. If you have settled in Finland permanently or work during studies, the situation may change. Further information on Finland’s social security system is available on Kela’s website: www.kela.fi.
financial aid from Kela. In this case, the student loan guaranteed by the state is also regarded as available income even if you do not take out the loan. You can apply for social assistance if your own income is not sufficient to secure an adequate income. Social assistance can be applied for in the local social office. Further information:
Parental benefits Parents who study are entitled to maternity, paternity and parental allowances. If studying parents receive study grant at the same time, they are entitled to the minimum rate of the parental allowance. After the parental allowance period, the student can also receive the child home care allowance if the student has a child under the age of 3 who is not in municipal day care. A student living with one’s child or a spouse’s child can apply for the general housing allowance from Kela.
ttSocial station of your municipality ttwww.hyy.fi
Grants and scholarships The National Union for University Students administers a scholarship database on its website (www.syl.fi). This website also has links to other databases. Yliopisto magazine publishes the scholarships column where available grants and scholarships are published. It is advisable to inquire scholarships from Centre for International Mobility (www.cimo.fi) particularly if you have received an internship placement through CIMO.
Further information: Kela offices ttwww.kela.fi > Families
Adult education allowance Receiving the adult education allowance requires employment history of at least five years and at least one-year employment with the same employer. The applicant must be on an unpaid study leave to qualify for the allowance.
ttwww.kela.fi > Housing benefits
Don’t receive student financial aid while ill It is not advisable to receive the student financial aid while ill. During your sick leave, you can receive the sickness allowance and the general housing allowance from Kela. However, if you know for certain that your illness will last no longer than two months, you can still receive student financial aid. You might have to clarify your illness when the Financial Aid Committee monitors the progress of your studies. Therefore, see a doctor in time and save your doctor’s certificates. If you suspect that your illness might last over two months, the sickness allowance is a more suitable form of subsistence for you. You can apply for the sickness allowance within four months of your illness.
Further information and forms: ttEmployment and Economic Development Offices ttwww.koulutusrahasto.fi
Studies supported by unemployment allowance. You can receive the unemployment allowance during full-time studies if you are registered with an employment office as a job seeker and your registration is valid. You must be at least 25 years old when the supported studies begin. It is possible to complete studies leading to a higher education degree with the unemployment allowance only if the purpose is to continue studies which have been discontinued for at least a year.
Further information: Kela offices ttwww.kela.fi > Sickness
Further information: ttEmployment and Economic Development Offices
Social assistance The student must secure one’s subsistence throughout the studies. If you are included in the Finnish social security system, you can apply for student
ttKela, Social Insurance Institution of Finland ttThe Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland (www.tyj.fi)
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Food and coffee in The students’ own UniCafes Proper lunch gives you energy and helps you focus on your studies.
S
tudents can enjoy an inexpensive lunch atUniCafes owned by the Student Union and other student restaurants. Kela’s student financial aid centre (KOTK) subsidises each student lunch by 1.84 euro (in 2012). UniCafes differ from other student restaurants because they are owned by HYY, which means the students themselves. HYY’s members receive an additional discount when paying with Lyyra’s new payment sticker. The sticker will be distributed to Lyyra student card holders for free in the end of autumn 2012. More information on the new payment method is available at www.lyyra.fi website. In addition, students can affect on the operations of the restaurants by providing feedback or by participating in the activities of the restaurant committees operating on the campuses. The price of the basic lunch in the autumn of 2012 is 2.70 euro, when paying with Lyyra card the price is 2.60. In addition to the main course, all meals include a drink (milk, sour milk, soy drink, juice or water), bread and spreads, salad, as well as potato, rice or pasta as a side dish. In addition, desserts are always on offer. Almost all UniCafes provide both self-baked cafeteria products and student meals. One UniCafe on all campuses (except Meilahti) also serves inexpensive breakfast.
UniCafe caters for the most common special diets and there are always good vegetarian options available. All restaurants also have a vegan option (excluding Rotunda, Korona and Exactum). Product descriptions and the energy content of main meals are available in the restaurants. UniCafe also offers Fair Trade products from which farmers receive decent and fair compensation. In this way, you can support the education of the young on the other side of the globe. Other fair choices are organic products and development meals which support HYY’s development cooperation project. Eating in UniCafes is popular and therefore many restaurants have queues between the lectures, between 11.45am–12.15pm and 1.45pm–2.15pm. If possible, have your lunch break at a different time. However, the restaurants have many counters and usually the queues move quickly. You can eat at any UniCafe restaurant and receive the same discount by presenting your Lyyra card or a certificate of attendance. In Kaivopiha UniCafe, student-priced lunch is available also on Saturdays! UniCafe restaurants, menus and feedback: ttwww.unicafe.fi
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Where do the students live? Efforts in house hunting are rewarded Flexibility, speed and information search are assets when looking for a home. House hunting situation especially at the beginning of the semester is over-crowded. In the autumn, Hoas can provide housing only to approximately one-fifth of the applicants. At that time, the best advice is to use several application channels. You can submit an application to Hoas and a student nation, for example, and browse Lyyra’s rental apartments in the private housing sector. If you can afford to pay over 300 or 400 euro per month, your housing opportunities improve. In addition, the willingness to live further away from the centre or campus makes it easier to receive housing when either searching for student housing or private market housing. Please remember to cancel unnecessary applications after receiving accommodation!
Less than onethird of the students of the University of Helsinki live in student housing provided by Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region (Hoas), several student nations and housing foundations of certain fields. Student housing is usually the most afferdable option. Almost onethird of students live in private market rental housing, either alone or together with other people. The rent level on the private market is on average considerably higher than in student housing. The rest of the students live in owner-occupied housing, with parents or relatives or in rental housing provided by the city.
Temporary solutions when threatened by homelessness If you have not received a housing offer by midAugust, you will probably not receive housing from the beginning of September. If you have not already submitted several applications and used multiple application channels, this is the last moment to do so. You should also arrange temporary accommodation for yourself for the first few weeks of studies by booking a hostel bed or staying with your friends or relatives. In previous autumns, students who began their studies without housing found accommodation on average in a month.
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Once you have found a home and you have your own address, you can register in your local registry office and if certain conditions are met, you may receive the right of domicile. The right of domicile is a requirement for using many municipal services. The right of domicile may be granted to:
Tips and useful information All housing providers in one guide HYY, in cooperation with the University of Helsinki, has collected students’ most essential housing search channels into Housing Guide designed for new students. The brochure can be found in electronic format on HYY’s website: www.hyy.fi/ housing.
ttNordic citizens who live in the municipality for at least six months ttEU citizens who study in the municipality for at least one academic year
Rental market practices A private rental apartment can be rented either directly from the owner (through Lyyra’s housing service, for example) or through an agency. Official agencies usually charge a commission in the form of an increased rent or a minimum term contract, or they may require the tenant to make an assignment, which costs separately. Landlords often require a deposit which is usually the rent of 1–3 months. Read more about rental market practices from Lyyra’s electronic housing guide.
ttstudents coming from outside the EU and EEA region, with at least a residence permit entitling to temporary residence valid for at least one year (B permit) and who study in the municipality for at least two years
The right of domicile can be applied for in the local registry office. Residence of over one year must be registered in the registry office, regardless of whether one receives the right of domicile or not. Before visiting the registry office, EU citizens must register with the police. When visiting the registry office, it is advisable to bring any relevant certificates in original documents, the registry office will take copies in the office. You should ask your local registry office for instructions in advance, so you do not have to go there without the necessary documents.
The Act on Residential Leases regulates tenancies A rental agreement should always be made in writing. Before signing the agreement, it is important to read the rental agreement carefully and clarify to what you are committing yourself. All agreement terms should be entered in the rental agreement so that they can be invoked at a later date. A rental agreement is made for a fixed period or until further notice. A rental agreement made until further notice ends when either party terminates the agreement. When the tenant terminates the rental agreement, the notice period is one month.
Further information: ttwww.maistraatti.fi How does HYY supervise my interests? In the Student Union, one employee and one board member together attend to housing issues. HYY is one of the founders of Hoas and we have strong representation in the decision-making bodies of Hoas. Representation allows us to comment on the development of rental services, for example. By influencing the way the City of Helsinki is planning residential areas and distributing plots, the Student Union aims to ensure that there will be enough student housing for a larger number of students in the future. HYY also conducts and commissions statements and with the information provided we can influence the city’s decision-makers, university and public opinion. You can also influence HYY’s objectives by voting in the Representative Council elections and participating in convened working groups, such as the city working group. Please feel free to contact us, and we will tell you more!”
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Assistance in problem situations concerning tenancy If your landlord retains the security deposit without a valid reason or terminates the rental agreement at short notice, you may need legal assistance. Pykälä’s Legal Aid Committee offers HYY’s members free legal advice concerning tenancy, (see more details in Services Office section of the freshman guide).
Specialist Sofia Lindqvist ttsofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9605 27
Students’ own health care As an undergraduate student of the University, you are entitled to use inexpensive and high-quality health services. In addition, you are entitled to municipal health care.
U
niversity students have had their own health care for over 50 years. Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) provides the services of general practitioners, specialists, and physiotherapists, as well as laboratory and x-ray services. Oral health care services of FSHS include acute treatment, oral and dental health care and basic and special treatment. Mental health care services cover mental health consultation, psychiatric examination and consultation, psychotherapy, preventive mental health care and online counselling. Consultations with a public health nurse or a general practitioner are free of charge. The first dental check-up by a FSHS dentist is also free of charge regardless of the phase or duration of undergraduate studies. See the complete service price list on FSHS website. take care of vaccinations. If you need vaccinations for travel, you can clarify the need for vaccinations from the centralised FSHS vaccination and travel advice number which is available on FSHS website.
Freshmen’s electronic health survey During the first year of studies, new students will receive an e-mail with a link to an electronic health survey. Based on the responses, a public health nurse and an oral hygienist evaluate whether the student should be invited to a personal health check-up and they send a feedback message to the student with further instructions. Each student can, in any case, have a free health checkup if they wish to do so. An hour-long health meeting provides an opportunity to stop and discuss privately the student’s situation in life, stress, anxiety, sleep, coping, health history, vaccinations, blood pressure or the need for laboratory samples.
Call-back system guarantees access to services Public health nurses are also in charge of telephone service for the evaluation of the need for treatment and making appointments, which you have to call in all matters requiring health care. Currently, you do not have to queue on the phone, as FSHS has transferred to a call-back system. You just call the service once and act according to instructions – FSHS will call you back in a service language chosen by you. In acute cases, it is advisable to get in touch in the morning between 8am9am. FSHS aims to treat acute cases on the same day or no later than the next day, depending on one’s illness. FSHS does not have actual emergency health care, so depending on the situation you may also be advised to go directly to health centre emergency services.
Public health nurse is your first contact Public health nurses take care of minor injuries and illnesses and they can write a sick leave certificate for a short-term absence or issue a referral to the laboratory. You can also discuss issues related to health or illness. Public health nurses also
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Evaluation of the need for treatment and appointment number as well as other contact information and opening hours are available on FSHS website.
prove their student status by presenting their Lyyra card, for example. All municipalities have an additional fee for emergency care. ttwww.hel.fi/terveyskeskus
Municipal health care when necessary FSHS is open only on weekdays. Therefore in case of sudden illness during the weekends, in particular, you have to rely on municipal services. Students who have the home right of demicile (see page 27) are entitled to use municipal services in the same way as the municipality residents. Municipal health services are intended for those registered in the municipality, but in acute cases the services can also be used by non-local residents. Students coming from outside the EU and EEA countries must have a health insurance which covers expenses caused by necessary health care and medicine. Further information on health insurances is available on the website of the University of Helsinki, for example. In Helsinki and Vantaa, you have to pay the health centre fee whereas students living in Espoo using health services there do not have to pay the fee. Students using the services in Espoo have to
Checklist for your health!
ttwww.vantaa.fi/terveyspalvelut ttwww.espoo.fi/terveys tthttp://www.helsinki.fi/newstudents/insurance.html
HYY is your voice in FSHS HYY represents the students of the University of Helsinki in decision-making organs of FSHS, local board of directors and on a national level in the delegation of FSHS. These organs decided on the budget of FSHS, meaning the financial framework of operations, but they can also issue motions for the development of services. As a result of HYY’s investments in many years, among other things, FSHS communications operate in three languages and you can also choose the service language in the call-back system. You can leave feedback to FSHS through a form available on the website. HYY’s Specialist Sofia Lindqvist is also glad to answer any questions related to FSHS.
it no later than 12noon on the pre-
vice from the online counselling.
vious weekday either by phone or
ttwww.fshs.fi
FSHS health services
through the cancellation form at
ttFSHS Töölö: Töölönkatu 37 A
As an undergraduate student, you
www.fshs.fi/cancelling.
ttFSHS Otaniemi: Otakaari 12
are entitled to use health care servi-
If you cancel your appointment la-
ttViikki Service Point (Wed, 8am-
ces provided by Finnish Student
ter than the previously mentioned
3pm): Viikinkaari 11, 1st floor, room
Health Service as the FSHS health
time period, you will be charged the
110 C
care fee is included in HYY’s mem-
consultation fee. If you do not can-
ttServices in Lahti and Vaasa:
bership fee.
cel your appointment at all and do
www.yths.fi
After paying the student union
not use the appointment, you will
membership fee for the whole aca-
be charged the appointment fee
Health counselling phone at your
demic year, you can use FSHS servi-
and a 25 euro fine. The 25 euro fine is
service
ces in all FSHS health centres
also charged when the appoint-
Health counselling phone is open 24
throughout the country until the
ment is free of charge.
hours and answers questions related
end of August of the following year.
to health and medical treatment and
Lyyra card is the most convenient
FSHS serves you in many locations
guides you to suitable health servi-
way to prove your membership.
It is recommended to visit the web-
ces. The charge for the call includes a
site of FSHS. You can find informati-
fee charged by the operator and a
Remember to cancel if you cannot
on on services, opening hours, ans-
local call cost but there is no separate
use your appointment
wers to health-related questions
service charge.
If you cannot use your appointment
and the form to cancel your ap-
at FSHS, please remember to cancel
pointment. You can also ask for ad-
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ttTel. (09) 10023
Smooth public transport in the Helsinki region Public transport offers high-frequency services which are convenient to use. The Journey Planner guides you to any location in the Helsinki region.
I
f you only travel within one municipality, you need an internal ticket. With the ticket, you can use all public transport as much as you want in the municipality during the validity of your ticket. If you live in Vantaa, for example, and study at the University of Helsinki, you will need a regional ticket as you travel between the municipalities.
on long-distance train tickets (basic ticket and flexible ticket). The discount does not apply to 30-day tickets, pet fees, sleeping compartments or car-train packages. You can also get the discount on a 10 journey ticket. In order to receive the discount, the student must present a student card with a year tag – a paid membership fee is not adequate. If you do not have the student card (Lyyra
Pay with the travel card To receive the student discount in public transport, you have to purchase a travel card which entitles you to the discount. If you have not received your Lyyra student card yet, visit the University’s student counselling and fill in a form after which the officer proves you to be a university student. Then head to an office which sells travel cards in your municipality. Your student status is saved into the travel card and you are entitled to pay the student price for your tickets. The student status is valid for a year at the time and it ends on 31 August in the following year. If you already have the travel card, you can update your student status directly in temporary service points, such as the one in the University’s Main Building (Fabianinkatu 33), between the period 13 Aug–7 Sept. You can load time (period) or money (value) into the card.
card), you can purchase VR’s own student card (€8) which entitles you to the student discount. Matkahuolto grants a 50 per cent discount on single tickets when the trip covers at least 80 kilometres. To receive the student discount, you need a student card with Matkahuolto logo. The most convenient way to buy your ticket at VR and Matkahuolto is to show your Lyyra student card. You do not need other student cards. ttwww.vr.fi/eng ttwww.matkahuolto.fi/en Cycle to the campus Cycling is healthy, economic, environmentally friendly, convenient and, above all, pleasant. Helsinki has an extensive cycle path network which is improved constantly. There is a total of 1,180 kilometres of cycle paths of which over 730 kilometres are paved. The website of the city of Helsinki also includes a journey planner for cycling where you can find a convenient cycle path. http://kevytliikenne.ytv.fi/en.
ttwww.hsl.fi
An outdoor map with cycling routes is published in
ttwww.reittiopas.fi/en
the capital region. You can get the free map from the service points of the Sports Department or online on the
By foot, bike, bus, train...
address http://pk.hsl.fi/en/.
Student discount in the travel card
Bikes may be transported freely in the metro but pre-
Students registered in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniai-
ferably outside the rush hour. Transport of bikes in buses
nen, Kerava, Kirkkonummi or Sipoo receive a 50 per cent
or trams is not allowed. In commuter trains, you can take
discount both from internal tickets and regional tickets.
your bike with you outside the rush hour (7am-9am and 3pm-6pm) if there is room on the train. The University
If you are over 30 years old, you are only entitled to the student discount if you have a favourable study grant
provides bike racks as well as lockers and shower facilities
decision.
for cyclists.
ttwww.hsl.fi
You can buy a second-hand bike at a cheap price from
ttwww.hkl.fi
a recycling centre, for example. ESN website has useful links for purchasing bikes: blogs.helsinki.fi/esn-hyy
Student discount in long-distance traffic ttCar Free Day on Sat, 22 September
With the student card, you receive a 50 per cent discount
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Exercise in between lectures As a student, you can easily continue your old sport or try a new one. Exercising opportunities at the University of Helsinki and in the capital region are almost endless.
T
he University of Helsinki has its own UniSport which provides inexpensive sports services on all four campuses and also in Otaniemi and Töölö. Guided training is organised in numerous sports varying from bodypump to pilates and from gym training to badminton. Most of the selection of UniSport is also suitable for students who have not exercised previously. You can get the most versatile and inexpensive sports package by paying the sports fee of 12 months. You can naturally buy a shorter period, too. UniSport also organises leagues. Floorball leagues, for example, are organised both for women and men. A floorball game organised by a subject organisation, for example, is an excellent opportunity to spend relaxing time together. Numerous sports clubs also operate at the University.
formation about a student discount in major sports events. Also remember that most of the private exercise facilities grant some kind of a discount, so it is always worth showing your student card. ttFurther information: ttUniSports brochure ttwww.unisport.fi ttwww.opiskelijaliikunta.fi/english ttSports events for students Shrove Tuesday – Ullanlinnanmäki is filled with the students of the capital region in the Shrove Hullabaloo of the student unions on Shrove Tuesday. ttFurther information: ttwww.hyy.fi ttHYY page in Ylioppilaslehti student magazine
Exercise anywhere National sports activities are coordinated by Finnish Student Sports Federation (oll) which administers www.opiskelijaliikunta.fi website, among other things. The website provides information on benefits, events, competitions, and sports and health in general.The website has in-
ttThe sports facilities of the city 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.
MORE THAN EXERCISE
www.unisport.fi
31
Plan your studies A carefully considered selection of minor studies, diverse language skills and work experience will facilitate your employment after graduation. You can get help for making your study plans.
A
t the beginning of your studies, you devise a personal study plan (HOPS in Finnish). It helps you to perceive your studies and make long-term study plans. In HOPS, you can plan and schedule the completion of study modules at different levels, language studies, minor studies, student exchange and internship as well as other useful matters for your future career. The devising of HOPS varies at different departments. HOPS can be integrated into other studies, such as orientation studies or it can be planned to-
gether with a tutor. You can ask your tutor or a teacher tutor about the current practice in your own department. However, you do not have to draft your study plan alone. You can get help from teachers, older students or the student affairs office. Please bear in mind that stupid questions do not exist, especially at the beginning of studies. Asking questions is also a good way to get to know the people at your department.
32
Your study time is limited The Universities Act defines that the maximum duration of your study right is five years with some exceptions. The higher degree must be completed in a time period which does not exceed the normative duration of studies by more than two years. The lower degree must not exceed the normative duration by more than a year. The target duration for the completion of the higher degree is usually two years and three years for the lower degree. Some faculties have exceptional target durations. If you exceed the normative duration of studies, you have to draft a goal-oriented and achievable plan leading to the completion of your studies. You can only continue your studies after the plan is approved. If you have problems with your studies, seek guidance and support immediately. The amendment concerning the duration of studies does not regard military service or maternity, paternity or
parental leave as absence. In these cases, check the current policy from your own student counsellor, rather sooner than later. What on earth is Etappi? Etappi system monitors the progress of studies. The system finds those students from the student register who have not completed the required amount of credits determined by faculties during their studies. The purpose is that these students receive intensified study counselling and are obliged to make a plan to complete their studies. The registration for attendance is only possible when the student completes the required studies or makes the plan. The first assessment is carried out already in the spring of the first year – however, there are no sanctions at that point. Do not be afraid of getting caught in the system: the purpose is to help you in your studies, not complicate them. If problems occur, you can always contact the Student Union.
Get your studies together! Advice services
Helsinki can apply for the free study
is designed to help you to develop
The Student Union’s specialists can
right in other Finnish university. The
your own learning skills.
advise you in various problem situa-
student affairs office at your own
tions related to studies and students’
faculty can help you and advise you
Nyyti – a support centre for stu-
daily life. In questions related to the
with issues concerning the crediting
dents
content of studies, you should pri-
of studies, among other things. You
Nyyti promotes the students’ mental
marily contact a teaching assistant in
can get advice from HYY in bureauc-
well-being, offers group activities
your own department or the study
ratic issues and ideas for alternative
and courses in the metropolitan area
counsellors of the faculty. See their
forms of learning. The Student Union
and organises theme nights and
contact information on the
also allocates grants for the imple-
hang out nights. Nyyti services are
University’s or HYY’s website (www.
mentation of innovative learning
intended to all university students
hyy.fi) or this guide.
methods.
and they include the Virtual Shoul-
ttwww.joopas.fi Versatile study path – JOO!
Student affair offices at the faculties
Forget a limited and narrow degree!
der service, online groups and the website. You can send a message to Virtual Shoulder and tell about your
Find out about a more extensive
Antoisampaan opiskeluun guide (in
concerns. You will receive a personal
course selection and plan your own
Finnish)
reply which is only readable for the
study module. You will have even a
HYY has published Antoisampaan
person who sent the message. Vo-
more versatile degree if you include
opiskeluun guide for all students. If
lunteers and employees, who are
a minor subject which is not offered
you have not received the guide
trained to support and help, reply to
at the University of Helsinki.
from your own faculty, you can
messages.
download it in an electronic form on
www.nyyti.fi
Under the national JOO (=flexible study rights scheme) agreement, the
HYY’s website at www.hyy.fi (Media
degree students of the University of
& Archive – publications). The guide
33
Versatility is an asset in finding a job The labour market demands increasingly versatile skills. Work experience, which the student may acquire especially during the holidays, is often crucial in finding a job. Language skills and international experience are valued in many sectors, as well as work experience in organisations and thoughtful subject choices. Employment of graduates from the University of Helsinki is good in most fields. In addition to your diploma, the subjects of which your degree consists and other skills that you have are important when looking for a job. If you are planning to be employed in Finland, you should study Finnish. It may be difficult to be employed if you do not understand Finnish at all. The degree consists of modules at different levels. It is important that you can piece together your courses in suitable modules. Some courses are compulsory, some you can choose and you should take advantage of the personal study plan when creating your individual study path and developing the identity of an academic professional. You can aim at doctoral studies and continue on the academic path or create a plan which allows you to discover and develop your own area of expertise in the working life outside the university. Have the courage to find your own personality and choose your own path.
department offices, the Student Union and the University’s website. Do not delay any legal right issues even for a day as the enacted time limits expire quickly. Please read the previously mentioned regulation and if there is something you do not understand, you can ask for advice over the phone. Further information on career planning: ttThe University of Helsinki Career Services (Fabianinkatu 33,1st floor), tel. (09) 1912 2125, urapalvelut@ helsinki.fi, www.helsinki.fi/urapalvelut (also alma.helsinki. fi > Opiskelu ja opetus or Opiskelun tueksi) Academic advisors in Kluuvi Employment and Economic Development Office, contact information on www. mol.fi Further information on the student’s legal protection: www.helsinki.fi/yliopisto/hakemisto > Johtosäännöt HYY’s specialists in academic affairs Study counsellors and the head of academic affairs/student affairs secretaries Secretary of Legal Protection Committee, Lawyer Laura Karppinen (laura.j.karppinen@helsinki.fi)
My exam was graded unfairly. What should I do? When you receive your exam results, you can ask additional information about your examination and the criteria for grading the exam by contacting the teacher in question. If you want to make a request for revision of your grade, please submit the appeal to the teacher within 14 days after you had the possibility of receiving information on the results. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may submit a new request for revision to Legal Protection Committee. The teacher must provide the decision in writing upon request if the student is unsatisfied with the decision. Please remember that the appeal to Legal Protection Committee must be carried out within 14 days from when you were informed of the decision.”
”
Students have rights In order to secure students’ legal protection, the University of Helsinki has enacted a regulation concerning the grading of studies and examinations, which is available in the study guide of almost every faculty as well as the university’s website. The regulation determines, among other things, the language of examinations, required examination literature, examination arrangements, disturbance and fraud in examinations, the grading of completed studies and the publication of results, the rectification procedure of grading, the legal protection committee and the registration of completed credits. Students’ legal protection is also enacted in the University’s own regulation. All of the above-mentioned regulations are available at the faculty and
ttSpecialist (Higher Education policy and the Development of Teaching) Anne Rautanen anne.rautanen@hyy.fi, p. 050 543 8458
34
HYY promotes equality Do not tolerate improper behaviour
D
Harassment contact persons help you Do not tolerate harassment. Improper and insulting talk, racist, homophobic or sexist jokes, improper touching and suggestions that exceed the limits of pleasant flirting do not belong to the university or any other work or study place. If you think that you are being bullied, discriminated against or sexually harassed, it is important to bring out the issue. HYY’s aim is to make the reporting of harassment easier through harassment contact persons. They are ready to listen and use their time to support the harassed person and consider how to get out of the situation. If necessary, they can also guide the harassed person forward to other suitable services. Contacting a harassment contact person is confidential, they are bound by a professional secrecy and do not take any action without your request or acceptance.
iverse students of all ages in very different situations in life study at the University of Helsinki. ”The average student” is quite rare, almost a fictive person. A student can be over 40 years old, hearing impaired, Russian, gay, Muslim or a father of four. Situations in life also change during the studies. Equality work at the university The purpose of equality work at the University of Helsinki is to promote equality and prevent discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, origin, religion, conviction, sexual orientation, disability or other equivalent ground. Promoting equality is a duty of every member of the academic community, and equality must be a part of all decision making and preparation. A person who is being discriminated against at the University may turn to the University’s equality adviser whose duty is to give advice and negotiate. If necessary, the equality adviser forwards the issue to be discussed by the Equality Committee. HYY is also committed to promote equality and non-discrimination. HYY encourages its members and employees to promote a more equal society. Equality plans are available on the websites of the University and the Student Union.
Further information and HYY’s harassment contact persons: ttwww.hyy.fi, hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi ttUniversity’s Equality Advisor: Tel. (09) 1912 4292, tasa-arvovastaava@helsinki.fi
Look after your rights Is this discrimination?
or which undermines dignity, or creates
concept of accessibility covers both
Discrimination means placing a person
a threatening, hostile, aggressive or dis-
physical and social environment as well
in an unequal position without an ac-
rupting atmosphere. Therefore, harass-
as communications and interaction,
ceptable reason. Discrimination can be
ment may also include racist or ho-
such as accessible websites. An inacces-
direct or indirect. It may be difficult to
mophobic jokes.
sible physical environment appears
recognise indirect discrimination as
concretely as stairs and doorsteps in
discriminating practices or actions may
Accessibility – the right to participate
buildings. Accessibility also refers to
seem neutral on the surface, but the
Accessibility makes participating as
functional seeing and hearing condi-
consequences may be discriminating.
easy as possible for as many as possible.
tions which include colour contrasts of
Harassment is also discrimination. Ha-
An accessible environment refers to an
premises, good lighting system, short
rassment refers to unwanted conduct
environment
echo time on premises and induction
which purpose is to undermine dignity,
everyone’s opportunity to use it. The
which
35
supports
loops.
Students are part of the university administration As a student, you can develop the University’s activities.
Y
ou are part of the academic community and its sovereign member. As a student, you can develop the University’s activities if you want. Does the library close too early? Do you feel that the number of credits does not correspond to the work amount required in the course? These are all issues which student representatives may have effect on. Hundreds of active students are involved in the university’s administrative organs.
the development of teaching and other operations of the University in the Student Union’s Committee for Academic Affairs.
How can a student have effect on the operations of the University? You can have effect on minor issues by giving feedback directly to the person attending to the issue. Departments collect feedback about their teaching, for example. When you explain what is good or bad, operations can be developed to better suit the requirements. More extensive affairs are influenced through the university administration. Department councils, faculty councils and university administration also include student representatives. You should contact them immediately if you notice that some course arrangements, for example, do not work as they should – it is their duty to refer the matter onwards.”
”
We have the power The Student Union closely follows the University’s daily life and is involved in decision making of the University Board and the various committees through the representatives which it has appointed. The Student Union also keeps in touch with other student representatives in administration, the University’s management and representatives. Student representatives at all levels of administration act in their position for you. Do not let your representatives get away too easily but instead contact them and tell them your ideas! Contact information of the representatives is usually available on the website or the intranet of the unit.
ttJuha Hurme, asiantuntija Specialist (higher education policy and university administration) juha.hurme@hyy.fi, tel 050 543 8460
Join the activities If you are interested in developing your university, the easiest way to join is through your subject or faculty organisation. Student representatives are elected every other year in administrative elections, the next elections will be conducted in the autumn of 2013. You can also participate in
Come along! Committee for Academic Affairs distributes information to HYY members on university’s internal affairs and societal academic affairs. In addition to issues related to teaching, studies and their support services, matters related to university administration are also essential in the committee
The ladder of the university administration ttThe faculty is managed by a faculty
partment. The departmental level is
include, among other things, deciding
council led by a dean. The faculty
the closest to students and many de-
on the long-term development of the
council decides on degree require-
cisions, which are directly visible in
University, University’s budget, ap-
ments, approving of theses and the
the student’s daily life, are made on
pointing the University’s rector and
development of teaching and opera-
that level.
drafting the most important state-
tions at the faculty.
ttProfessors, other staff members and
ments of the University. The Universi-
ttSome faculties are divided into de-
students are represented in faculty
ty Collegium supervises the opera-
partments. The department council
councils and department councils.
tions of the University Board.
and the director of the department
ttThe University’s highest decision-
manage the administration of the de-
making organ is the Board. Its duties
36
Tehdään pääkaupunkiseudusta maailman paras opiskelijametropoli World Student Capital on opiskelijoiden oma designpääkaupunkivuoden hanke. Teemamme keskittyvät asumiseen, pyöräilyyn, elävään kampuskulttuuriin ja yhteiskunnalliseen yrittäjyyteen. Hankkeessamme opiskelijat muuttuvat toiminnan kohteista kaupunkien aktiivisiksi yhteistyökumppaneiksi. Tule mukaan: World Student Capital Helsingin yliopiston Tiedekulmassa (Aleksanterinkatu 7) 3.–16.9. 10.9. Night at the Campus, pääkaupunkiseudun korkeakouluopiskelijoiden kaupunkifestarit Senaatintorilla. Otetaan Senaatintori opiskelijoiden olohuoneeksi ja esitellään kaupunkilaisille opiskelijakulttuuria! Demos Helsingin kanssa järjestettävät yrittäjyys-ratkaisupajat 16.10. (hyvinvointi) ja 13.11. (ympäristö). Meidän mielestämme parhaat ratkaisut syntyvät, kun erilaiset ihmiset kohtaavat ja tuovat yhteiseen pöytään oman osaamisensa. Tule paikalle ja löydä sisäinen yrittäjäsi! worldstudentcapital.fi Tykkää meistä facebookissa: www.facebook.com/worldstudentcapital
37
An international university provides opportunities for everyone Student’s opportunities for useful and interesting international contacts are now better than ever. It all depends on your own activity. International student exchange brings life experience. An international university Many students of the University of Helsinki complete a part of their studies abroad as an international degree student or through various exchange programmes. Approximately 2,700 international students study at our university, of whom about 1,800 are undergraduate and postgraduate degree students. The number of international researchers and teachers is also increasing. Every year, international students need student tutors to help them at their arrival. You can apply as a tutor for international students through your own faculty.
equality or subsistence and can’t find answers to them, you can contact HYY’s specialists. Activities are planned by HYY’s board member in charge of international affairs and the specialist responsible for international students. Go for exchange studies Numerous exchange programmes of the university are an opportunity worth taking. Annually approximately 900 students from the University of Helsinki leave to study abroad. For many students, a year or a few months abroad is an enlightening experience which may also lead to new friendships and make students more independent. You can make the most of your student exchange if you carefully consider what it is that you want from your exchange period before leaving and make a specific study plan. It is advisable to confirm the compatibility and the crediting of courses with your own department at an early stage.
The Student union and international affairs The ESN Committee (ESN = Erasmus Student Network) operates in the Student Union. The committee produces plenty of events and services for international students. The committee is a good place to get to know Finnish and international students. Further information on the committee activities is available at blogs.helsinki.fi/esnhyy. A number of international organisations also operate within HYY, such as the organisation of international degree students Tsemppi. You can also join Finnish and Swedish-speaking organisations even if you do not know these languages yet. The majority of student organisations are open to everyone, so feel free to join their activities! Further information on the organisations is available at hyy. fi. The Student Union also advocates the international students’ interests. This includes interest representation concerning immigration, education policy and social policy, planning and implementation of international projects and much more. If you have any questions related to your studies,
Information on student exchange Your faculty has a co-ordinator of international affairs who provides information on student exchange opportunities at your own faculty and other student exchange matters. Information can also be found on the website of your faculty and department. You can apply for student exchange when you have completed at least one year of studies at your home university. Even though planning an exchange period at the beginning of your studies may seem too early, it is advisable to keep the exchange and its timing and length in mind when drafting your personal study plan. Usually, student exchange does not depend on one’s financial situation. During the exchange, those who are entitled to student financial aid can re-
Come along! The Committee for International Affairs follows and promotes internationalisation both at the University and the Student Union. In addition to interest representation, the Committee acts as a discussion forum for everyone who is interested in international affairs. The Committee has effect on the improvement of English communications and the integration of international students. The Committee may also arrange a variety of events which raise up the theme of internationalism. 38
Come along! The ESN Committee organises various events, excursions and social gatherings that aim to introduce international students to the Finnish student life. In addition, the Committee seeks to bring together Finnish and international students. The Committee coordinates the Buddy Project, develops international tutoring and the reception of new international students. The Committee also cooperates with similar organisations in other higher education institutions in Helsinki. The Committee is a part of the European student organisation, Erasmus Student Network. ceive it as usual, and the housing supplement can even be slightly increased depending on the exchange destination. Also, the monthly share of the student loan is higher when studying abroad. Scholarships can often be allocated for various exchange programmes, which can be used to cover travel costs, for example. In accordance with exchange agreements, students are not required to pay possible tuition fees.
combination even when the most popular locations are distributed. If your department does not provide student exchange, you should try to influence student representatives in university administration or the departmental steering group in order to acquire student exchange programmes.
Study abroad! Exchange programmes
A good application opens doors Applications should be prepared carefully. The university wants to send motivated and hardworking students abroad, and therefore clearly and briefly presented basic information, a detailed study plan for the country of destination, the certificates of accreditation and possible teachers’ recommendations are important. The university’s general exchange agreements have limited vacancies and therefore the faculty and department programmes can often be a slightly more secure way to be accepted for student exchange. A good application and a moderate success in studies, however, are a powerful
ttYou can apply for numerous high-quality universities around Europe through ERASMUS exchange programme of the EU. ttYou can apply for student exchange in the Nordic Countries through NORDPLUS programme. ttThe University also has several bilateral agreements through which you can apply for American, African and Asian universities, for example. The students of all faculties can apply for bilateral exchange. ttYour own faculty is the most convenient place to receive more information on exchange opportunities. ttFurther information: ttAlma/Flamma intranet - Studies abroad ttYliopisto magazine, notice board and departments ttulkomaillaopiskelu@helsinki.fi tterasmus@helsinki.fi ttScholarships and grants
At what stage of my studies should I leave for student exchange? The best time to leave for student exchange depends on your own study programme and plan. Usually, student exchange is not recommended for the very first or the very last study years. If you are interested in exchange studies abroad, it is advisable to include the exchange as part of your personal study plan. More information on exchange locations and guidance for student exchange is available from the study counsellors of your own department or faculty and from the University’s student services. If you don’t know whom to contact, you can ask your tutor or me for help.”
Work abroad?
”
You can travel abroad for a traineeship or volunteer work through various programmes. The Student Union website has information on CIMO’s traineeship programmes, Allianssi youth exchange, ETVO (Finnish Volunteer Programme), Nordjobb summer jobs and other interesting programmes. Centre for International Mobility CIMO (Hakaniemenranta 6, tel. 0207 868 500, www.cimo.fi) provides an extensive database concerning studies and traineeship abroad, extensive library and a wide range of study guides of international universities. You can apply for a travel grant or Erasmus trainee exchan-
ttSpecialist (subsistence, international students, equality) Annika Häggblom international@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9608
ge grant for your traineeship abroad from the Career Services.
39
For a better tomorrow in Zambia and Indonesia Did you know that you already have your own development cooperation project?
A
s a member of HYY, you are involved in promoting a good cause! Since 2008, HYY has used 0.7 per cent of its budget for development cooperation. Finland is committed to increase development aid to the level recommended by the UN ‒ 0.7 per cent of gross national income ‒ by 2015 and HYY aims at setting an example. In 2012, the amount is EUR 24,500 and the majority of this amount is granted to development cooperation projects of small organisations during a separate project fund application period. HYY supports women’s and girls’ reproductive and sexual rights in Zambia as well as a project on sustainable agriculture and energy in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. During the years 2009–2011, HYY has supported the three-year development cooperation projects of Indonesian organisations Institution of Rural Technology Development (LPTP) and PayoPayo Foundation. Payo-Payo, which implemented the actual project on the island of Sulawesi, is an organisation of young farmers and students promoting sustainable agriculture. The project aimed at improving food security and energy self-sufficiency and developing sustainable agriculture in three villages in southern and western Sulawesi. 85 % of the project funds were granted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the excess share of 15 % was covered by HYY’s 0.7 % budget. HYY and Payo-Payo Foundation will apply for a followup project from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for the years 2013–2015. Further information on cooperation in Indonesia is available at hyy.indonesia@gmail.com. In the years 2007–2010, HYY cooperated with the eastern Zambian umbrella organisation for women’s organisations, Eastern Province Women Development Association (EPWDA) in order to improve legal rights of women and girls. The follow-up project is in progress in the years 2011– 2013. EPWDA supports women’s empowerment in rural areas in Eastern Zambia, and the follow-up project focuses on reproductive and sexual rights. In Eastern Zambia, teenage preg-
nancies are common, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, and maternal and infant mortality rates are relatively high. In addition, one woman often has several children at frequent intervals, which reduces the mother’s health and for its part lowers a child’s ability to survive the first years. The project trains reproduction and sexual rights educators, who will teach the acquired information to remote areas in the form of workshops. The Zambia project receives 85 % of its funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the rest are covered with volunteer development cooperation fees paid in connection with the academic year registration and Zambia days organised in UniCafe student restaurants twice a year. Various development cooperation meals have been organised in student restaurants already since 1979 and on Zambia Day students can support the project by purchasing the Zambia Meal at UniCafe or by donating any amount to the project. Those who are interested in the project are warmly welcome to participate in the meetings of the project group. HYY’s development cooperation funds are coordinated by the Committee for Development Cooperation. The committee also annually publishes Kimppu magazine which focuses on development cooperation issues. The magazine is published with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The committee also promotes the discussion on developing country issues at the university during the annually organised development cooperation week, among other things.
Come along! Committee for Development Cooperation aims at creating interest in developing countries among the Student Union members and providing practical experience in the development cooperation. The committee is in charge of HYY’s development cooperation project and organises excursions, the Kehy week in spring with its various events and single public events, among other things.
40
Be smart and look after the environment Environmentally friendly living and studying do not require a great deal of effort or financial contributions. Please act wisely and reduce your own ecological footprint.
1
Bring me food! It may be tricky to assess the environmental burden of food. Here are some rules of thumb for your convenience. Organic farming promotes sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. When you choose locally produced food products, their transport emissions will be low. By eating food which is as little processed as possible, you have better knowledge of what you are eating. Meat production involves plenty of ethical and ecological problems which you can reduce by choosing vegetarian options on your plate. By choosing Fair Trade coffee, tea, fruit and other products, you will also ensure that farmers and workers receive fair compensation.
once a year. It is easy to get tenders from electricity providers at www.vaihdavirtaa.net. Hoas has also switched to green electricity.
5
Don’t carry waste home Your household’s waste disposal begins from the moment you select products to your shopping basket. You should choose the most lightlypacked options and prefer bulk goods. Try not to buy more than you need. Please separate bio waste and sort other waste as they are valuable raw material! In Helsinki, paper, bio, cardboard, and glass waste are collected separately. Metal and energy waste are also collected in some places. Hazardous waste must not be placed among mixed waste. Further information and the locations Reduce, reuse, recycle of collection containers can be found at www. You can find cheap second-hand furniture and hsy.fi/en. household products. Information on recycling centers is available on www.kierratyskeskus.fi Further information: ttHYY’s Environmental Guide for Students and contact information of flea markets is available on www.vuolanne.net/kirpputorit.
2 3
Don’t drown in the paper flood Your room or small studio apartment will soon be full of paper: lecture material, essay drafts, articles, not to mention free newspapers and advertising mail. Therefore, please glue ”Ei mainoksia” (”no ads”) sticker onto your mailbox. Use both sides of the paper when printing and copying and choose 2 pages per sheet feature and you get four sheets on one A4 paper. Order newspapers and magazines together with your neighbour and you will also save money.
Come along! The Committee for Environmental Affairs provides opportunities for action for HYY’s members interested in environmental issues. It aims at raising environmental awareness and increasing ecological sustainability at university and the student union The committee has organised various campaigns, movie nights and Walking Campus event. The committee is open to all HYY members and you can join activities at any time of the year. Information on meeting dates and other fun can be found at: http:// blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp/
4
Switch to green electricity You can reduce your electricity bill by turning off the lights and other unused electrical equipment and by defrosting your refrigerator
41
Building a common union  The 143-year history of the Student Union includes construction projects, political turmoil and reflections of structural changes in society.
42
The University moved to Helsinki in 1828 after the Great Fire of Turku. Along with new regulations, Turku Academy was renamed the Imperial Alexander University of Finland. There were approximately 340 students in the first academic year of the University. The division of student nations was passed on from Turku Academy and it remained slightly changed in Helsinki. In the early years, university students gathered at the University or in teachers’ homes. However, the students longed for a ”free atmosphere” and began to rent specific apartments for their meetings. A steady increase in rental costs and lack of space prompted students to plan their own building.
years, the general meeting was convened almost every year to promote the construction project. In 1863, rules were drafted for the meetings and in 1868, general student meetings were legalised. The student house (nowadays the Old Student House) was partly financed with donated and collected funds and partly with debt. The inauguration ceremony took place on 26 November 1870. The inauguration was festive: it included music, speeches, poems and, naturally, the ball. To cover the costs that were higher than expected, the Student Union had to collect an additional fee from university students during the following four academic terms. After the turn of the century, the Student House premises proved to be too small for the increasing number of students. After the motion of Alina Mattsson from Varsinaissuomalainen student nation, the student nation and afterwards the Student Union began to promote the Student Nation House (nowadays the New Student House) which was built beside the Student House in 1910. The inauguration date is 26 November.
hyyn arkisto
helsingin yliopistomuseo / eson kokoelma
A plan of the student house On 15 March 1858, about three hundred university students convened at a general meeting under the direction of Master C. G. Estlander. At the meeting, it was decided to build a house which would be solely managed by the students and which would be a place where students could meet and hold festive events. In the following
Eteläsuomalainen osakunta puussa Karjalohjalla 1911.
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Building of the organisation Due to political reasons, �the right of the studying youth to present themselves as a corporation� was abolished in 1871. A committee was founded to manage the affairs related to the student house, a library and other financial affairs. The student nations could annually appoint two members to the committee. Since 1880, university students have been legally allowed to convene in general meetings as a corporation. A management committee, the Board, was appointed for administrative affairs. The Student Union became an organisation, the Student Union of Finland, which unified students who were divided into student nations. After the operations of the National Union of the University Students in Finland (syl) were established, the Student Union of Finland was renamed in 1927 as the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. For decades, the student union affairs had been decided in general meetings but in 1932, decision making was transferred to the Representative Council of sixty members elected through the elections. The immediate administration of the corporation was carried out by the Board and its Domus Gaudium. subsidiary committees as well as separately hired officials, such as librarians and treasurers.
Political activities in the 20th century In the 1920s and the 1930s, the student union activities mostly focused on Finno-Ugric nations and conservatism. In addition to the Nordic Countries, the activities were oriented towards the Baltic Countries and Estonia, in particular. The student union politics were dominated by the Academic Karelia Society, but the temperance movement was also visible. After the war, the atmosphere in the Student Union changed. Rural depopulation became more common and there was severe lack of housing for university students. For students, the 1950s was an era of opportunities and ideals. Rationing and reconstruction after the war were finished. There were jobs matching the education of students. In the 1960s, there was an oversupply of educated labour in some fields. In the 1960s and the 1970s, the Student Union was characterised by questioning of values, politics and internationalisation. The Left, however, never reached the majority in the Representative Council. Finnish students joined their European colleagues by taking over the Old Student House in 1968 and founding a cultural centre there. The self-governing status of the Student Union has always been defined by law or a regulation. The University has supervised the appropriateness of the Student Union activities but it has not directed its activities in detail during the independence of Finland.
The Old Student House 1858 University students decided to build a house for meeting and festive purposes and bought a plot located in the Vuohi (goat) city block which is the current location of the National Archives. 1867 The Senate exchanged without a cash payment a plot in Kallio for the plot in Soopeli block which is the current plot of the Old Student House.
1868 The construction committee, which represented university students, submitted the drawings of the Student House, drafted by Hampus DahlstrĂśm, to the registry office. The drawings were conveyed to the governor, the Senate, deputy chancellor, the University senate and chancellor, and finally the Emperor approved them with his signature in St. Petersburg.
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1870 Students celebrated the inauguration of the Student House, financed partly with donated and collected funds and partly with debt. 1876 University Chancellor Alexander Alexandrovitsh, the future Tsar Alexander III, visited the house. 1879 Water pipes were installed in the Student House. 1898 The ballroom was extended by six metres and a stage and addition-
al rooms were constructed. 1899 A temporary ban on dancing was imposed at the Student House due to the February Manifest. 1901 Akseli Gallen-Kallela painted a fresco ”Kullervon sotaanlähtö” (”Kullervo goes to war”) for the music hall. Louis Sparre and Walter Thomé designed the new interior. 1907 Kansan Näyttämö (later Helsinki City Theatre) became a tenant and remained a tenant until 1968, chang-
ing its name at times. 1929 An additional building for Suomalainen kirjakauppa bookstore was constructed. 1930 Ylioppilaskahvila Oy, located in the close proximity of the AKS, rented the restaurant premises of the Old Student House. 1966 ”Lapualaisooppera” performed in the ballroom caused discussion in the 40th anniversary of Ylioppilasteatteri student theatre.
1968 ”Ylioppilaat – Studenterna” (university students) took over the Old Student House. 1978 The fire at the Old Student House. 1979 The repairs and reconstruction work were completed.
The New Student House (Student Nation House) 1887 The Student Union bought a plot for the library next to the current Old Student House. 1906 University student Alina Mattsson suggested in VSO (Student Nation of Southwest Finland) meeting that a new house should be built due to lack of space at the Student House. Student nations considered the project expensive and recommended that the Student Union should build the house. 1908 After an architect contest, the Student Union chose Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn to design the house. 1909 Construction work began. 1910 The inauguration ceremony of the Student Nation House included, among other things, a cantata composed by Toivo Kuula with the lyrics
by Eino Leino Kuolemattomuuden toivo (”Wish of Immortality”) and, as a novelty, an ”automobile ride” for international guests. 1919 The Student Union rented the ballroom to Engineer Johannes Saraoja for the purpose of ”screening the living pictures”. 1924 The Student Nation House was heightened by two floors. At the same time, a roof and the lifts were renewed and hot water pipes were installed. New tenants included the Hotel Hansa and a car dealer Korpivaara & Halla Ltd. 1929 A cinema was rented to A. Adams Films Ltd. ”Bio Civis” was renamed as ”Bio Bio”. 1930 Ylioppilaskahvila Oy expanded its operations to the restaurant in the courtyard.
1931 Hämäläis-Osakunta student nation relocated to its own building on Kampinkatu. 1952 Satakuntalainen student nation relocated to its own building in Lapinrinne. 1957 Yliopiston apteekki pharmacy became a tenant. 1968 The Hotel Borealis and Cafeteria Linnea and Snack bar Ykskax on the street level, owned by the Student Union, began their operations. 1979 The ballroom of the New Student House was demolished in connection with the extension work of Kaivopiha. It was replaced by Hansa talo building. 1980 Eteläsuomalainen student nation returned to the New Student House.
Domus Academica (Houses A, B, C and D) and Domus Gaudium 1945 The Student Union bought from the City of Helsinki three plots and made a reservation for four plots for student housing purposes in Leppäsuo. Construction drawings were ordered from Architect Pauli Salomaa and interior design from Ilmari Tapiovaara. 1946 Construction work began under rationing. 1947 Houses A and B, financed partly with donated and collected funds, were inaugurated. 1950 The Student Union began the construction work of the house C. 1952 During XV Olympics, journalists were accommodated in the house C. The house was traditionally inaugu-
rated on the Student Union’s anniversary. The house included a selfservice restaurant with 60 seats and food lifts to students ”who for study or other concerns avoid going to the cosy restaurant”. 1962 The Student Union reclaimed a plot on Hieta¬niemenkatu for the building of a fourth dormitory. 1967 The Student Union began the construction work of the house D. Construction drawings were designed by Architect Pauli Salomaa who had designed the previous Leppäsuo dormitories. 1968 The house D was inaugurated. One per cent of the construction expenses were covered by selling
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10,000 ”Domus” towels. 1996 The Student Union sold the house A to Hoas. 2007 The construction of the third student house – Domus Gaudium – began in Leppäsuo next to Domus Academica. The new house is designed by the architect office Brunow & Maunula. 2008 The inauguration of Domus Gaudium was celebrated on HYY’s anniversary on 26 November. Domus Gaudium also got its own logo, designed by Graphic Designer Jukka Veistola.
Contact Information Personnel Katri Korolainen-Virkajärvi Secretary General c 0400 816 426 paasihteeri@hyy.fi Merja Viitasalo Chief Financial Officer (CFO) c 050 534 2963 merja.viitasalo@hyy.fi Anne Rautanen Specialist (higher education policy and the development of teaching) c 050 543 8458 anne.rautanen@hyy.fi Juha Hurme Specialist (higher education policy and university administration) c 050 543 8460 juha.hurme@hyy.fi Sofia Lindqvist Specialist (housing, health, city) c 050 543 9605 sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi Annika Häggblom Specialist (subsistence, international students, equality) c 050 543 9608 annika.haggblom@hyy.fi
Emi Maeda Specialist (organisations) c 050 537 3798 emi.maeda@hyy.fi Ville Sinnemäki Specialist-Producer (culture) c 050 537 2831 ville.sinnemaki@hyy.fi Jenni Heikkinen Communications Officer c 050 543 9609 tiedottaja@hyy.fi Tero Silvast Art Director, Non-military Services c 050 534 2965 tero.silvast@hyy.fi
Archives
Tiina Kääriä Office Secretary, Customer Service c 050 551 6145 toimisto@hyy.fi Sara Miettunen Office Secretary, HYY-documents Customer Service c 050 432 4939 hallinto@hyy.fi Nova Khalaf Office Secretary, Member Service c 050 551 6146 lyyra@hyy.fi
Student Union Crèche Marika Dolivo Childminder c 050 303 8333 lapsiparkki@hyy.fi
Jari Eerola Archivist c 050 534 2964 arkisto@hyy.fi
Member Services Office Member- and Organizational-services ttPlease check service hours: www.hyy.fi – Contact information
Katariina HaikalaTikander Childminder c 050 537 2811 lapsiparkki@hyy.fi
HYY Freshman Guide 2012 ttEditorial staff: Jenni Heikkinen, Jari Eerola (history). ttWe thank all who took part in revising the information. ttLayout and design: Oscar Hagen, Tero Silvast ttPhotos: Niko Metsälä, Antti Pihlajamaa, ttJani Pulkka ja Elina Mattila-Niemi. ttPrinted in: Painojussit Oy, Kerava ttPublisher: Helsingin yliopiston ttylioppilaskunta HYY tt
ttStreet adress: Mannerheimintie 5 A, tt2. krs, 00100 Helsinki ttPostal adress: PL 1099, 00101 Helsinki ttThe Student Union of ttUniversity of Helsinki ttMannerheimintie 5 A tt(2. krs) PL 1099, 00101 Helsinki tttiedottaja@hyy.fi ttwww.hyy.fi
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HYYn a si j at n e u a nt u nt i ja autt vovat O t a ro av a t . hk y htey t e a s t i tä!
Notes:
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Studies and life
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