Freshman guide 2011 by Helsingin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta

The Student Union of the University of Helsinki

Freshman Guide 2011 Welcome to study life

The Student Union exists for students

Service Office

HYY is democratic community, Committees

The Representative Council elections

HYY Group – business operations owned by students

Cultural events for every tatste

No studies without culture

Organisational actives are an important part of the student life

Space for students, premises for meetings and parties

Solving the puzzle of subsistence

Efforts in house hunting are rewarded

Students’ own healt care

Food and coffee in students’ own UniCafes

Exercise in between lectures

Smooth public transport in the Helsinki region

Helsingin yliopisto – tietoa maailman parhaaksi

Students are part of the university administration

Plan your studies

Support for the student life

HYY promotes equality

The internationalising university provides opportunities for everyone

For a better tomorrow in Zambia and Indonesia

Be smart and look after the environment

Buildind a common union

Contct information

Welcome to study life! Dear freshman, congratulations on your choice of the University of Helsinki!

hether you come to our university directly from school or after a long career, the study years are unique and memorable time at their best. Study years are designed to provide us with academic skills, but also – and above all – teach us to seek new knowledge and offer tools to build a better world. And get to know people and have fun! The University of Helsinki offers you plenty of opportunities for all this. It is the best and the oldest university in Finland providing you with extensive opportunities both in terms of studies and the student life. After you were selected for the University, you also became a member of the Student Union, hyy. The purpose of the Student Union is to offer students peer support, help members with their problems and represent their interests on the levels of the university, city and state. As the student of the year N (a student who has studied longer than the officials would hope), I want to give you some advice for the student life:

It is naturally great if you have time to study quickly, but it is not the end of the world even if you do not achieve the pace of the target schedule. Study years should not be mere hard work. Support and assistance is available. Think with your own brain Use your study years to learn how things could be seen and done differently. Get to know new kinds of people, phenomena and affairs. Do not take things as given and dare to deviate from the mainstream (try other than trendy ways sometimes). Enjoy the academic life The academic life does not have to be stiff and formal. Academic mentality at its best is the education of the brain and the heart: the appreciation of diversity and the broad-minded and liberal examination of the surrounding world, society and people. The academic life includes everything from in-depth discussions at UniCafes to top-class research to partying hard together to black-tie festivities. You can make traditions to suit yourself, and do not take anything too seriously. To quote Professor Emeritus Matti Klinge: ”After twenty or forty years from now on, no one will ask you if you completed your degree in four, five or six years. Instead, they will ask you how you used your unique youth and whether it included the learning of the community spirit, understanding instead of rote learning and – friendship and joy!”

”The academic life does not have to be stiff and formal.”

Get involved! Few will regret getting involved in activities which sound interesting. 250 organisations operate within the Student Union, ranging from subject organisations to student nations and the wide range of recreational and political organisations. Find a suitable community for you! Don’t stress too much A lot of pressure is loaded on students’ shoulders right at the beginning of studies. You should complete plenty of courses and graduate quickly. At the same time, many students have to work to ensure their income, and it would also be nice if you had the time for your hobbies and see your friends.

I wish you memorable study years! Leena Pihlajamäki Chair of the hyy Board The Student Union of the University of Helsinki

The Student Union exists for students The University provides education and study counselling, while the Student Union is students’ own interest and service organisation. HYY supervises students’ interests at university and in society.

Where can I get information about HYY’s activities? ”Every other week, HYY sends a member newsletter by email which is delivered by the student organisations operating within the Student Union. The Event Calendar is available on the address hyy.fi/tapahtumat. It is also advisable to follow HYY’s page in Ylioppilaslehti student magazine and the Student Union website (www.hyy.fi) and browse this Freshman Guide. You can also follow HYY’s news on the University’s intranet Alma or become a fan of HYY on Facebook!” t Communications Officer Jenni Heikkinen tiedottaja@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9609

ll students of the University of Helsinki are part of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki, hyy. hyy is the oldest and largest student union with 30,000 members. All basic degree students of the university are automatically part of the Student Union. Postgraduate students can join the Student Union if they wish to do so. In the Universities Act, the 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, we act for more diverse education and foster academic citizens. The values of the Student Union are responsibility, education, pluralism, equality and openness.

dent 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. Individual students may turn to the Student Union in various matters related to studies and the everyday student life. hyy aims at influencing political decision making in matters concerning students, in particular. At times, we comment more extensively on environmental and equality affairs, for example. Our ways of influencing include the drafting of statements and comments, other communications and lobbying, as well as campaigns and demonstrations, if necessary. The Student Union is a renowned and active societal debater. 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 gives voice to students in education policy matters both on national and international levels.

Services against the membership fee In order to register for the attendance at the University of Helsinki, you have to pay the membership fee of hyy, your student union. In the academic year 2011–2012, the fee for basic degree students is 89,00 euro. The membership is a requirement for studies but the membership fee is not the university’s tuition fee. At least for now, university studies in Finland are free of charge (apart from the limited tuition fee experiment). The University and the Student Union are two separate institutions. After paying the membership fee, you are entitled to use all member services and benefits of the Student Union. With Lyyra card, you receive discount from many companies as well as public transport and cultural events. Member services include, among other things, UniCafe restaurants, free legal advice, the student magazine and the student calendar. hyy’s own member benefits and general student benefits are presented in this guide.

Stable finances hyy has relatively good financial resources. hyy’s property consists mainly of real estate and businesses belonging to the hyy Group. The annual budget of the operating funds of the Student Union is approximately four million euro. Approximately one fourth of this amount is covered with membership fees and the rest is financed with the profit distribution of the hyy Group. You can read more about the finances of the Student Union and the hyy Group in the chapter ”hyy Group – business operations owned by students”.

HYY supervises the student’s interests In addition to material benefits, the Student Union provides interest representation for its members. hyy participates in the development of the University and its student services through the student representatives in administration. hyy’s office is located at the heart of Helsinki in the New Student House (Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor). The Stu-

HYY’s offic e right at the is located Helsinki at centre of th dent House e New Stuimintie 5 A (Mannerhe , 2nd floor) .

Service Offi

Service Offise The Student Union’s Service Office is located at the New Student House at Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor.

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he Service Office is open on Mondays at 10am–5pm and from Tuesdays to Fridays at 10am–3pm. Exceptions to the opening hours are mentioned on hyy’s website. In the Service Office, you can take care of issues related to Lyyra card or the Student Union membership, among other things. For members: t Lyyra cards t Membership fee issues t Advisory services

For organisations: t Meeting facilities t Equipment lending (details on lended items are available on the website)

Member benefits and services provided for students by HYY Lyyra student card HYY’s members can order Lyyra student card for the price of EUR 16,10. Lyyra card is the easiest 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. Lyyra website also has information on all the 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 HYY subscribes Ylioppaslehti student magazine for all members of the Student Union, which is published every two weeks during the academic terms. The magazine, founded in 1913, covers the academic world and high-

er education policy as well as the phenomena in society and the cultural world – and is an active debater itself. When you move houses, please remember to make the change of address both to the University’s student register and Ylioppilaslehti: www.ylioppilaslehti.fi/tilaajapalvelu. If you are interested in writing, photographing or drawing 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, the presentations of all organisations operating within HYY and student benefits. It also includes important dates in terms of

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 place where you get the student card and the year tag, from HYY’s Services Office or the Orchestra Lounge of the University’s main building, for example.www.hyy.fi Free legal assistance The Committee for Legal Assistance of Pykälä provides legal advice for HYY’s members by mail, telephone, e-mail or in person. The most of the questions presented to the Committee concern housing, employment, family and estate rights, studies and social security. The Committee does not draft documents but advises you in drafting them and checks finished documents. The Committee is on duty during the academic terms at Pykälä’s office (Mannerheimintie 3 B, 5th floor) on Mondays and Wednesday, 5pm–7pm, tel. (09) 278 5005, email oikeusapu@helsinki.fi.

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Uusi Ylioppilastalo 1.1. The New Student House -HYYn palvelutoimisto, järjestö- ja osakuntatiloja

11. FSHS -Opiskelijoiden oma terveyden- Finnish Student Healt Service huoltopalvelu

- Service Office, premises of organisation and student nation

2. Vanha Ylioppilastalo

2. The Old Student -Kahvila Vanhan House kuppila

Public transport Julkinen liikenne

- Kahvila Vanhan kuppila 3. Domus Gaudium

- premises of organisations and student nation

12. 12.Kamppi Kamppi

-Järjestöja osakuntatiloja 3. Domus Gaudium

HYYn opiskelijaravintolat

-Seutuliikenteen busseja, kaukoliikenne - Buses to Espoo

13.Railway Rautatieasema 13. station

HYY’s Student restaurants 8. Unicafe Topelias 4. Unicafe Kaivopiha Unicafe Kaivopiha 5. 4.Unicafe Porthania

8. Unicafe Topelias 9. Unicafe Soc & kom ja valtiotiede 5. Unicafe Porthania 9. Unicafe Soc & kom ja valtiotiede UnicafePäärakennus Päärakennus 10. 10. Unicafe Olivia Unicafe Olivia 6. 6.Unicafe 7. Unicafe Rotunda

Unicafe-ravintoloita löydät muilta kampuksilta 7.*Unicafe Rotunda *Lisää More Unicafe-restaurants on other campuses

-Bussit Kumpulan, Meilahden ja Viikin - Buses to Kumpula, Meilahti and Viikki kampukselle lähtevät täältä

Department Stores Tavaratalot

14.Stockmann Stockmann 14. 15.Sokos Sokos 15.

HYY is a democratic community Who makes the important decisions in the Student Union? Who decides what the opinion of HYY is?

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. The Representative Council makes the most significant financial decisions and defines the Student Union’s future and development. Like the state and municipalities, hyy appoints the Board to manage the daily affairs.

tive Council meets approximately four times in an academic term. The current chairperson is Chairperson of the Student Union M.Soc.Sc, B.A. Maija Jäppinen. 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.

HYY’s administration – this is how the Student Union operates The Representative Council is the highest decisionmaking body of the Student Union. The Representa-

Committees HYY’s Board has delegated part of its duties, and therefore its power, to the committees formed by ordinary students.

ny member of hyy can participate in student union activities in the committees depending on one’s interests. The committees have various activities ranging from interest representation to development cooperation projects and from administrative affairs to organising parties. In 2010, hyy has nine committees. You can find information on the events of the committees on their own websites and in hyy’s event calendar on:

t ESN Committee t Committee for Cultural Affairs t Committee for Organisational Affairs t Committee for Bilingual Affairs t Committee for Development Cooperation t Committee for Academic Affairs t Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation t Committee for Tutor Affairs t Committee for Environmental Affairs

t www.hyy.fi.

The Representative Council elections – the most important means to exercise power

he next Representative Council elections of the Student union of the University of Helsinki (hyy) will be conducted on October. 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 30.000 persons entitled to vote which is roughly the same number as in the municipal elections of Järvenpää, 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. This time, the electoral term of the elected Representative Council is exceptionally only 1 year. This is to ensure that in the future the elections will not be arranged in the same year as the University’s administrative elections (more information on the administrative elections on page 34).

Representative Coucil Election 2011 18-19 Oct. Advance voting 12- 13 Oct. How is the member fe

e used?

What services should HYY

provide?

– business operations owned by students

yy’s property began to accrue in 1858 when the recently established Student Union bought its own plot for the student house. The original plot was located in the place of the current National Archives. The plot was changed later to the current plot where the Old Student House was completed in 1870. At the time, the region of Aleksanterinkatu and ItäHeikinkatu (current Mannerheimintie) was gradually changing from a rural scenery to a busy commercial area. Over the years, hyy has constructed business premises on the plot in addition to hyy’s own student houses. Profits from business operations are used to fund organisational activities and students’ interest representation. Currently, hyy is also engaged in responsible investment and we hope that this will be the second cornerstone of the Student Union finances in the future. In addition, hyy Group

provides services primarily to students and more extensively to the academic community as well. hyy Group strongly supports responsible business operations. Responsible business operations include the responsibility for the environment, customers, personnel, cultural heritage and the economy. Currently, the Group’s annual distribution of profit to hyy is approximately two million euro per year. The Group not only makes profit but provides services for students. The Student Union’s 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. t www.gaudeamus.fi

Lyyra is the web media and student card of Finnish higher education students. When you use Lyyra student card, you can have cheaper meals at UniCafes, for example, and travel by train and bus with a 50 % discount negotiated by the student unions. Through the web service, you can purchase the cheapest Apple computers in the country and have thousand other student benefits or look for rental apartments and flatmates. In addition, Lyyra is a web media owned and made by students themselves. If your freshman group needs a calendar tool or if you want to share files, Lyyra is an excellent platform for you! hyy owns Lyyra together with the National Union of University Students in Finland (syl).

HYY Group in figures (2010) t Employees: approximately 247 t Turnover: 31,3 million euro t Market value of real estate owned by the Student Union, based on external evaluation: 173,4 million euro. t UniCafe within HYY Group owns 19 student restaurants, four cafeterias and four festive restaurants. In 2010, UniCafe sold over two million student meals.

t www.lyyra.fi

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UniCafe provides student meals and cafeteria services in 19 lunch restaurants and three cafes on four campuses. Additionally, its operations include four festive restaurants: the 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 the student meals provided in our restaurants. During the summer, hyy Group also manages Hostel Academica which operates in Leppäsuo. www.unicafe.fi. The Group’s profit distributed to hyy comes mainly from the rental income of our city centre real estate; Kaivotalo building, New Student House, Hansatalo building and Citytalo building. The buildings include offices, restaurants and a gallery. Kaivopiha Ltd is in charge of rental operations. In addition, hyy Real Estate includes Leppäsuo property and other individual real estates. During its history, hyy has managed a cinema and a cultural centre as well as engaged in development aid business and many other fields.

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, who would try to make the most profitable business on behalf of students. Students, for their part, define the major policies of business operations. This takes place in the corporation boards, the Student Union Board and the Representative Council. Students are the majority in the boards of the major corporations. In addition, expert members who know the industry well are involved. 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 meals.

DEAR NEW STUDENT

whose spoon        

       

As a member of HYY, you also own UniCafe together with other students. As an owner-customer you have a genuine opportunity to influence what kind of restaurant operations we have now and in the future. We hope that you will become a frequent user of the services of your own restaurant company. For further information about Oy UniCafe Ab, please visit our website and participate in the raffle for five lunch packages – you might win a week of free lunches! www.unicafe.fi

Psst… The student calendar includes a coffee coupon, use it and take advantage of your benefits.

Cultural events for every taste HYY will organise several student events in the academic year 2011–2012 and many of them are recurring annual traditions. HYY not only maintains the traditions of university students but its cultural activities are actively involved in creating cultural events which are cutting edge and suitable for the students of today.

hyyn arkisto

Which cultural activities of the autumn would you recommend to a new student? ”I can sincerely recommend the opening carnival to all members of the university community but particularly I can recommend it to a new student. In the carnival, you can see for the first time the whole range of hobbies that the university community can provide. Going through the stands, you can grab the magazines and leaflets of interesting organisations, and when you walk around the carnival area you can bump into some interesting performances. Also, do not forget the popular carnival refreshments, after which you can continue to the Old Student House in the evening to enjoy excellent music in the first big party of the autumn. Everyone will be there, you should come as well!” t Secretary for Cultural Affairs Ville Sinnemäki kulttuurisihteeri@hyy.fi, tel. 050 537 2831

provided. Several student parties are usually organised in the evening.

The Opening Carnival and the OpeningParty, 5 Sept The opening carnival of the academic year will be organised on Monday, 5 Sept, on Centre Campus. Students have the opportunity to participate in the university’s official opening ceremony during the day. In the carnival itself, the organisations operating within hyy, the university services and other interesting organisations present themselves; a more specific programme is available on hyy’s website. In the evening, we will celebrate at the Old Student House in the opening party – see the advertisement on the next page!

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 hilarious picnic atmosphere. The celebration begins already at 9am. Swedish-speaking university students gather for a picnic in Kaisaniemi Park.

HYY’s Freshmen Night, 28 Sept For the delight of new students, the freshmen night is organised in restaurant Pohjanhovi. Free tickets to this excellent party are distributed to new students and tutors in connection with hyy tours on 6–16 Sept, among others, so ask your tutor to book a tour for your group! Further information on hyy tours is available on hyy’s website, for example.

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.

HYY’s Anniversary Week, 21–27 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, courses and club nights – the programme offers something to everyone. HYY’s Anniversary, 26 Nov 26 November is hyy’s official anniversary and the anniversary is celebrated traditionally at the Old Student House. This year is hyy’s 143rd anniversary.

t In addition to the above mentioned annual events, HYY also organises something new and surprising in the cultural field every year, often with some partner in cooperation. 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, poetry battle and various courses. You can create precisely the kind of cultural activities that you want through the Committee for Cultural Affairs which is open to all HYY’s members! t t You can find further information on all events on HYY’s website hyy.fi, Ylioppilaslehti student magazine and HYY’s fan site on Facebook! t

hyyn arkisto

Torchlight Procession of Independence Day, 6 Dec University students in the capital region celebrate Independence Day with the traditional torchlight procession. 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. Shrove Tuesday Hullabaloo at Ullanlinnanmäki, 21 February On Shrove Tuesday, university students dig out their sledges, slides and other sliding equipment and head to Ullanlinnanmäki. The best sliding equipment is awarded at the Shrove Tuesday hullabaloo starting at noon. Pea soup and juice are

5.9.2011

The opening party

The opening ceremony

The Opening Carnival will continue in the evening with the Opening Party at the Old Student House (Vanha) from 8pm to 2am. Don Johnson Big Band, Hellcity 13 and DJ Drifter will perform at the first big party of this autumn. Tickets in advance cost only 8 â&#x201A;Ź for HYY members and are available at Vanhan Kuppila and the HYY stand in the opening carnival! A limited number of normal price tickets (12 â&#x201A;Ź) are on sale at the entrance.

AT 12 P.M. in the Great Hall of the Main Building (Aleksanterinkatu 5). The programme includes, among others, the Rectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening speech, the Academic Male Voice Choir of Helsinki, the Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra and the opening mass at the Helsinki Cathedral.

The opening carnival

FROM 2 P.M. TO 6 P.M. at the City Centre Campus. Begin your academic term in a carnival atmosphere! The carnival includes music, dancing, performances, drinks and snacks, introductions of different organisations, etc.

Complete programme available on www.hyy.fi 14

No studies without culture The range of cultural activities in the Student Union is wide, as is the concept of culture. There are also 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 Brass Orchestra. hyy’s film club operates in the field of cinema, and those interested in photography can join Ylioppilaskamerat photography club. The entrance exams 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.

CARPE

culturam

opiskelijan kulttuuriedut

20 - 20 2 www.hyy.fi/kulttuuriedut www.lyyra.fi

More information and a list of cultural commitees:

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 capital region. During the past years, hyy members received a discount on the festival pass of Love & Anarchy (1525 Sept 2010, see www.hiff.fi) and DocPoint (2429 Jan 2011, see www.docpoint.info) film festivals and special screenings on both festivals. In addition to special discounts provided by hyy, numerous cultural institutions and producers in the metropolitan area have granted discounts to all students. hyy has collected extensive information on a student’s cultural benefits to our website and Carpe Culturam booklet which is available from hyy’s Services Office, among other things.

www.hyy.fi

Join the fun! Committee for Cultural Affairs participates in the planning and execution of cultural activities. The committee members can also take part in the organising of traditional and cultural events or they can prepare their own projects such as clubs or competitions. t More information: www.hyy.fi.

Organisational activities are an important part of the student life The 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.

pproximately 250 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. Organisational activities can teach many skills which are not part of the actual university curriculum, yet they are an essential part of university studies and the growth of becoming an academic citizen. 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. The presentations of organisations are available in the Student Calendar.

Why should I participate in organisational activities? ”Student organisations offer plenty of good services which make students’ lives easier and which cannot be provided by the university or the student union, such as housing, peer support, remedial teaching, study circles and various leisure time opportunities for different interests. In organisational activities, you can get to know new people, make life-long friendships and experience many things which are not part of the university’s official curriculum – when operating in organisations, you will learn surprisingly many things from the most varying fields. When studying at the university, you should not only be in a hurry to complete a degree. Participating in organisational activities does not take time from efficient studies, it is an essential part of the university experience and culture.”

Join the fun! Committee for Organisational Affairs. The purpose of the committee is to discuss and advertise the organisational services offered by HYY, the organisational and festive premises as well as other organisational affairs. The committee also aims at developing the cooperation between different organisations. More information: www.hyy.fi.

t Secretary for Organisational Affairs Emi Maeda jarjestosihteeri@hyy.fi, tel. 050 537 3798

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 make sure that studying is pleasant for everyone in the department. Events which are characteristic to a certain field are the core of the 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 surely 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, recreational organisations for one’s interests. Don’t hesitate to get involved!

Through political organisations, you can have effect on the student union and the surrounding society. Political organisations are visible 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 a small politician inside you and have influence on hyy’s operations.

Space for students, premises for meetings and parties Students’ own houses: the Old, the New and Domus Gaudium

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 the premises of student nations and organisations as well as festive and meeting premises for students.

At the end of 2008, the so-called third Student House, Domus Gaudium, was built next to Domus Academica. The student union thus received new premises for students and student organisations. Along the years, evening parties, clubs, meetings and theatre performances have been organised in students’ own houses. These three student houses offer a home for all the organisations which operate within hyy.

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 Dahlström, 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.

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 additional 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, changing 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 inaugurated on the Student Union’s anniversary. The house included a self-service 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 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.

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. If you are not a finninsh citizen, please remembet to check if you are elygible for the benefits!

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. You need to apply only once for student financial aid for the whole period of your studies. 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 also apply separately for the 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.

can spend the maximum of 37 months of aid for the Bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or the maximum of 28 months of aid for the Master’s degree (120 credits). However, the total number of the months of aid is the maximum of 55. If a student uses over 27 months of aid for a lower degree one can, respectively, receive less than 28 months of aid for the upper degree. If the lower degree is completed with less than 27 months of aid, one can still only receive the maximum of 28 months of aid for the higher degree. Income limits Income of a student who receives student financial aid must not exceed the annual exempt amount. For each month during which you receive financial aid, the exempt amount is 660 euro and for each aid-free montht the amount is 1,970 euro. The income check is performed afterwards 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 1310 euro.

Two-phase student financial aid Student financial aid will be granted in two phases to students who begin their studies after 1 Aug 2011; separately for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. A 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 to either degree phase according to a student’s needs. That is why a student

Two-cycle student financial aid 3 x 9 = 27 Bachelor (180 op)

55 months of student financial aid

10 flex 2 x 9 = 18 Master (120 op)

You can avoid the recovery by making sure that your income does not exceed the annual income limit. When you cancel on time the months of aid which you have already applied for and return the excess aid by the end of the following March, you can reclaim the months in which you receive the aid. Kela’s website has income calculators and information on the monitoring of free income.

mittee. The monitoring is based on the number of credits received from the study register. Do not use student financial aid for sick leave If your illness is prolonging your studies, ask for a medical certificate and save it. You may need it later when your study progress is monitored or if you have to apply for the extension of student financial aid. It is not advisable to use your student financial aid if you are ill for a long period of time. If you have a long-term illness, you may be entitled to the sickness benefit and the general housing allowance. You can apply for these benefits from Kela, you need to attach a doctor’s certificate to the application.

Study progress is monitored A student should have the average of at least 5.5 credits per each month during which one receives the aid. However, the aid can still be granted if the average of 5 credits are completed per each month during which a student receives the aid. A student must also have at least 2.0 credits per supported month from the previous academic year even if the average number of credits for the whole study time would be adequate.Those who receive student financial aid from the beginning of September to the end of May should therefore have over 45 credits at the end of the academic year If your average number of credits for the months when you receive the 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 the prolongation of studies; there must be a clear causal relation. You must always attach written certificates from the authorities concerning the reasons you are appealing (a doctor’s certificates, for example). Your own clarification is not adequate. The discontinuation or temporary continuation of the aid is decided by the Financial Aid Com-

t Further information: www.kela.fi > Opiskelijat 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

The compononents of student financial aid Study grant Usually 298 euro per month for university students. A 10 per cent preliminary tax is withheld from the study grant. If you want to change your tax per cent, you can deliver your tax card or a revised tax card to the Financial Aid Committee or Kela office. Housing supplement 80 per cent of the maximum rent of 252 euro. The housing supplement is not paid for the exceeding amount. If you are not entitled to the housing supplement (due to having a family or a transfer to the sickness allowance, for example), you can apply for the general housing allowance from Kela.

What are the income matters in which the Student Union’s Secretary for Social Affairs could help me? If you have any problems with the benefits or you are in a particularly difficult situation, I can help you to find more information and tell you about the possible support you can get in your situation.

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 the whole loan which is guaranteed to you. Banks receive the guarantee decision from Kela. Interests and other conditions are negotiated with your bank.

t Secretary for Social Affairs Katja Långvik katja.langvik@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9608

Special circumstances Studies supported by the unemployment allowance. You can receive the unemployment allowance during full-time studies if you are registered with an employment office as a jobseeker and your registration is valid. You must also be at least 25 years old when the supported studies begin. It is possible to complete studies leading to a higher education degree at university with the unemployment allowance only if the purpose is to continue studies which are proven discontinued for at least one year. However, the limitation does not concern studies which began during one’s employment if there is a particular reason to continue them. For a specific reason, a jobseeker may also have the opportunity to begin new studies at university. The unemployment allowance also consumes the maximum period of 500 days of the unemployment allowance.

sickness allowance, you need to attach a doctor’s certificate concerning your incapacity for work. You can apply for the sickness allowance within four months of your illness. t www.kela.fi > Sickness

Family benefits Parents who study are entitled to maternity, paternity and parental allowances. If studying parents receive the study grant at the same time, they are entitled to the minimum rate of the allowance. Studies also have to progress in accordance with the requirements of the student financial aid. A studying parent is entitled to the extension of the study time which is equivalent to the parental allowance period. After the parental allowance period, the student can receive the child home care allowance if the student has a child under the age of 3 who is not in municipal day care. The child home care allowance is regarded as a source of annual income in the income check for the student financial aid. A student living with one’s child or a spouse’s child can apply for the general housing allowance.

t Employment and Economic Development Offices t Kela (www.kela.fi) t The Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland (www.tyj.fi)

t www.kela.fi > Families t www.kela.fi > Housing benefits

Social assistance Social assistance is the ultimate form of securing one’s subsistence. A student’s primary form of subsistence is the student financial aid. The government-guaranteed student loan is also regarded as income even if the student does not take the loan. Social assistance is applied for at the social station of one’s residential area.

Adult education allowance The Education Fund grants the adult education allowance for employees who have worked for at least five years and have been employed by the same employer for at least one year. The applicant must be on a study leave to qualify for the allowance. If you are entitled to the adult education allowance, you may also be eligible for a government-guaranteed student loan.

t Social station of your municipality t www.HYY.fi/toimeentulotuki

Sickness allowance for a sick leave It is not advisable to use the student financial aid while ill. During your sick leave, you can receive the sickness allowance and the general housing allowance. However, if you know for sure that your illness will last no longer than two months, you can still receive the 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 and keep your medical certificate. If you suspect that your illness might last over two months, the sickness allowance is a more suitable form of subsistence. When applying for the

t Employment and Economic Development Offices t www.koulutusrahasto.fi

Grants and scholarships The National Union for University Students (syl) 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 the 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 a traineeship placement through CIMO.

Ave,

capo di tutti capi! Det är ju visst Du som äger det ledande vetenskapliga förlaget i Finland. 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, menetelmäoppaita, väitöskirjoja, maailman parannusta ja maamme huippututkijoiden teoksia. Tutustu valikoimaamme verkossa www.gaudeamus.fi. Lyyra-kortilla opiskelija-alennuksia Yliopistokirjakaupasta (Porthania ja Otaniemi)

ja Kolmen sepän kirjakaupasta (Kaivopiha).

Gaudeamus. Tiedon puolella.

Efforts in house hunting are rewarded Flexibility, speed and information search are assets when looking for a home. The metropolitan area has housing forms suitable for each wallet but the general price level is higher than in the other parts of the country.

inding a suitable apartment in the metropolitan area is not impossible but it can be challenging. There are plenty of options and housing providers, as well as applicants. The busiest time to find accommodation is at the beginning of the academic term and the best advice is to use several application channels at that time. You can submit an application to Hoas and a student nation, for example, as well as browse Lyyra’s rental apartments in the private housing sector – just remember to cancel unnecessary applications after finding your apartment.

Hoas apartments or other previously mentioned organisations. Private rental housing can be rented either directly from the owner (through Lyyra’s housing service, for example) or through a housing agency. Official housing agencies usually charge a commission in the form of the increased rent or a contract with a minimum period or they might demand the landlord to make an assignment which is paid separately. The landlord often requires a deposit which is usually a rent of 1–3 months. The Act on Residential Leases regulates rental housing It is always advisable to make a rental agreement in writing. A ready-made rental agreement is available on the address http://www.finlex.fi/data/sdliite/liite/4854.pdf, for example. Before signing a rental agreement, it is important to read the agreement carefully and to clarify to what you are committing yourself. All terms of the agreement should be entered in the agreement so that they can be invoked at a later date. The rental agreement can be valid for a fixed term or a non-fixed term. A non-fixed term agreement will terminate when either party terminates the agreement. When the tenant terminates the agreement, there is a one month notice period.

Wide range of rental housing Hoas, the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region, offers a wide range of rooms in shared apartments, friends’ and family apartments, studios and small one-bedroom apartments in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. Hoas has approximately 8,200 apartments and 16,000 residents. Hoas processes applications throughout the year so you should apply as soon as your study place is confirmed. If you do not have specific requirements for the location, for example, you are usually offered housing faster. You can live with Hoas throughout your study time. You can also apply for a friends’ apartment together with your friend. Families with children or two adults can also apply for a family apartment. If you want to apply for a studio apartment, you have to be in the final stage of your studies and already live in Hoas apartment. Some Hoas apartments are accessible. Many student nations provide inexpensive apartments for their members or for those who become members. Some student nations have a specific application period for freshmen in May–July and other application periods throughout the year. You can also apply for rental housing of the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa or for the apartments of various foundations. Some foundations provide housing for the students of specific faculties. Read more about these options on hyy’s website or from Need a Roof? brochure which you received with your confirmation letter. Many students end up renting an apartment from the private sector. They are often more expensive than

I still don’t have an apartment. What should I do? ”The best advice is to use several application channels. You can apply for the housing of Hoas, a student nation or the city at the same time. Other tips are available on HYY’s website in Need a Roof? guide for house hunters: www.hyy.helsinki.fi/english/36. When you get an apartment, please remember to cancel unnecessary applications! You can turn to me if, despite all your efforts, you don’t have an apartment when your studies begin.” t Secretary for Social Affairs Sofia Lindqvist sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9605

Tips for house hunting Dig and search When searching for a home, you should use all possible channels. There are plenty of housing ads online and in newspapers. Read housing ads in Helsingin Sanomat and other newspapers at the Student Union’s Central Office, for example. The University website also has a marketplace which has its own section for rental housing t (www.helsinki.fi/ajankohtaista/ ilmoitustori).

in order to provide more student housing in convenient locations. HYY also owns some apartments in Etu-Töölö at Do¬mus Academica and in PohjoisHaaga on Ida Aalbergin tie. The apartments are applied for through Hoas. Applications can be submitted anytime but freshmen are the priority in the housing queue. It is advisable to submit a housing application as soon as your place of study has been confirmed. t www.hoas.fi

Rental apartments for students The inexpensive apartments of Hoas, the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region, for example, are available for you as a student. HYY is one of the founding communities of Hoas and it has effect on Hoas operations. HYY and Hoas together influence the municipalities in the metropolitan area

Students’ housing service in Lyyra Lyyra’s housing service provides private short-term and long-term rental housing for students around the country. Check out the apartments on www.lyyra.fi/ asunnot. You can also find roommates through the service and get information about student housing. The service is free of charge but registration is required.

Domicile As a student, you can decide if you want to be registered in your previous municipality or if you want to register to the municipality where you study. In governmental and municipal elections you can vote in your place of domicile; even if you live in Helsinki, you cannot vote in the electoral district of Helsinki if you are registered elsewhere. Other services and benefits are also reserved only for the local residents. These services in the metropolitan area include a student discount in public transport, among other things. You also pay taxes to the municipality in which you are registered. You can change your domicile at the Registry Office. t www.maistraatti.fi/en/index.html t www.posti.fi/changeaddress/

Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own health care As a basic degree student of the University, you are entitled to use inexpensive and high-quality health services. In addition, you are entitled to municipal health care.

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. Consultations with a public health nurse or a general practitioner are free of charge. Small fees are charged for consultations with a specialist or a dentist. Laboratory and xray services are free of charge if an fshs doctor has issued the referral. First year degree students

will receive an information letter by e-mail with a link to an electronic health questionnaire. 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 want to. The first dental check-up by a fshs dentist is free of charge regardless of the phase or duration of basic degree studies.

Holistic health Public health nurses take care of minor injuries and mild 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 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. In all cases requiring treatment, you need to call the fshs number to evaluate the need for treatment and make an appointment. In acute cases, please contact fshs preferably in the morning between 8am and 9am. If the number is busy, fshs uses the callback service. fshs aims to treat acute cases on the same day or no later than the next day, depending on the illness. fshs does not have actual emergency health care, so depending on the situation you may also be instructed to go directly to health centre emergency services. The oral health care services of fshs include acute treatment, oral and dental health care and ba-

sic and special treatment. Mental health care services cover mental health consultation, psychiatric examination and consultation, psychotherapy, preventive mental health care and online counselling. Appointment numbers and other contact information and opening hours are available on fshs website. Municipal health care when necessary fshs is open only on weekdays so in case of sudden illness during the weekends, in particular, you have to rely on municipal services. Students are entitled to use them like other residents of the municipality. Municipal health services are intended for those registered in the municipality, but in acute cases, services can also be used by non-local residents. 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 prove their student status by showing the Lyyra card, for example. All municipalities have an additional fee for emergency care.

Checklist for your health!

FSHS health services As a basic degree student, you are entitled to use health care services provided by Finnish Student Health Service. The FSHS fee of basic degree students is included in HYY’s membership fee. After paying the student union membership fee, you can use the FSHS services throughout the country until the end of August in the following year. Lyyra card is the most convenient way to prove your membership.

FSHS serves you in many locations It is recommended to get to know the website of FSHS. You can find information on services, opening hours, answers to health-related questions and the form to cancel your appointment. You can also ask for advice from the online counselling. t www.fshs.fi

Remember to cancel if you cannot use your appointment If you cannot use your appointment, please remember to cancel it no later than 12noon on the previous day either by phone or by using the cancellation form at t www.fshs.fi/cancelling. If you cancel your appointment later than the previously mentioned time period, you will be charged the consultation fee. If you do not cancel your appointment at all and do not use the appointment, you will be charged the appointment fee and a 15 euro fine. The 15 euro fine is also charged when the appointment is free of charge.

FSHS Otaniemi: Otakaari 12

FSHS Töölö: Töölönkatu 37 A

Services in Lahti and Vaasa: t www.yths.fi Health counselling phone at your service Health counselling phone is open 24 hours and answers questions related to health and medical treatment and guides you to suitable health services. The charge for the call includes a fee charged by the operator and a local call cost but there is no separate service charge. t Tel. (09) 10023

tudents can have inexpensive lunch in UniCafes owned by the Student Union and in other student restaurants. Kela’s student financial aid centre (kotk) subsidises each student lunch by 1,77 euro (in 2011). UniCafes differ from other student restaurants, as they are business owned by hyy which means the students themselves. In addition, students can have effect on the operation of the restaurants by providing feedback or participating in the operations of the restaurant committees operating on the campuses. The price of the basic lunch in the autumn of 2011 is 2,50 euro – and when paying with Lyyra card, you receive an additional discount of ten cents. In addition to the serving, 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 actual student meals. On all campuses (except Meilahti) one UniCafe also serves inexpensive breakfast. UniCafe caters for the most common special diets, there are always good vegetarian options, for

example. 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, for example. Another 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, at 11.45am –12.15pm and at 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 you receive the same discounts with your Lyyra Card or by presenting other certificate on your studies. In Kaivopiha UniCafe, you can also have a student-priced lunch on Saturdays! t UniCafe restaurants, menus and feedback: www.unicafe.fi

petri artturi asikainen

Food and coffee in students’ own UniCafes A decent lunch gives you energy and helps you to focus on your studies.

Exercise in between lectures As a student, you can easily continue your old sport or start a new one. Exercising opportunities at the University of Helsinki and in the capital region are almost endless.

petri artturi asikainen

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 carefree shoulders 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 (€85). 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.

health in general.The website has information 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. t Further information: t UniSports brochure t www.unisport.fi t www.opiskelijaliikunta.fi/english t Sports 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. t Further information: t www.hyy.fi t HYY 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

t The 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.

he traditional sell Student Games will be organized in Espoo, Otaniemi, on 17-20 May 2012. sell Games are a multi-sport student sports event open to all university students in the world.

The games include basketball, volleyball, minifootball, salibandy, ultimate, athletics, judo, bowling, frisbie golf, tennis, wrestling, table tennis, chess, badminton, orienteering, swimming. Registration will begin in the autumn of 2011. sell Student Games are hosted by Aalto University Sports Club and Aalto University Student Union.

XXVIII SELL

student games

t More information: www.sell2012.fi

17.-20.5.2012 Espoo, Finland

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.

he most convenient way to get around in the capital region is to use public transport. You can travel almost anywhere by tram, metro, bus and commuter trains. If 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. The Journey Planner on the address www.reittiopas.fi/en is a service which helps you to find the best transport connections or cycling routes to any address in the capital region. 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 Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 the following year. If you already have the travel card, you can update your student status directly in temporary service points during August. One temporary service point is located in the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Building (Fabianinkatu 33). You can load time (period) or money (value) into the card. t www.hsl.fi/en/ t www.reittiopas.fi/en/

By foot, bike, bus, train... Student discount in the travel card Students registered to Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Kerava or Kirkkonummi receive a 50 per cent discount both from internal tickets and regional tickets. If you are over 30 years old, you are only entitled to the student discount if you have a favourable study grant decision. t www.hsl.fi/en/ t www.hkl.fi Student discount in long-distance traffic VR grants a 50 per cent discount on train tickets in long-distance trains. In order to receive the discount, you must present a student card which is valid for the current academic term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a paid membership fee is not sufficient. 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 the 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. t www.vr.fi/eng t www.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. An outdoor map with cycling routes is published in the capital region. You can get the free map from the service points of the Sports Department or online on the address http://pk.hsl.fi/en/. Bikes may be transported freely in the metro but preferably outside the rush hour. The transport of bikes in buses or trams is not allowed. In commuter trains, you can take your bike with you outside the rush hour (6am-9am and 3pm-6pm) if there is room on the train. The University provides bike racks as well as lockers and shower facilities for cyclists. A Car Free Day on 22 September HYY also participates in the Car Free Day on 22 September, follow our website t www.hyy.fi.

The University of Helsinki: Knowledge for a better world Congratulations! You have gained admission to one of the best universities in the world.

UH website The uh website offers current information and news on science, education and academia. You will also find blogs, videos and a calendar of events.

he University of Helsinki (uh) ranks among the world’s top 100 universities and the leading universities in Europe. We hope you will enjoy your studies at our multidisciplinary and international university! Together, we work to become the best.

t www.helsinki.fi/yliopisto

Helsinki.fi city portal The city portal features a calendar that covers events in Helsinki and at uh.

Education at four campuses in Helsinki City center campus: 20,100 students in the Faculties of Theology, Law, Arts, Behavioral Sciences and Social Sciences Meilahti campus: 2,900 students in the Faculty of Medicine Kumpula campus: 6,300 students in the Faculty of Science Viikki campus: 6,400 students in the Faculties of Forestry and Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

t www.helsinki.fi

Elsewhere on the Internet You can find uh and many of its units and faculties on, for example, Facebook. The Kumpula and Meilahti campuses are on SecondLife. Moreover, uh is on Twitter and YouTube’s Education Channel. You can also find videos on the uh website. Follow your university and contribute! Alumni Network Alumni (Lat. alumnus, alumna, alumni, alumnae): foster son, pupil Alumni are former students and graduates of a specific university. After graduation, you will become an alumnus or alumna of uh. The Alumni Network offers you a lifelong opportunity to keep up with your Alma Mater, your university. You can join right away!

Information sources and tools Finland’s largest intranet The uh intranet, a communication tool for students, teachers and other personnel. Alma has approximately 46,000 users. In addition to internal news and event information, Alma offers students guidelines, content and tools to support their studies. Through the intranet, you can also access WebOodi to sign up for classes and examinations and to order a credit transcript. uh is developing Alma into the Flamma e-desktop, an information management platform that will be implemented in the next year. During the transition period both intranets will be in use. From the beginning of 2012 Flamma will be the main medium for communication inside the University. Access to both Alma and Flamma:

t www.helsinki.fi/alumni

. www i.fi/ k n helsi ersit y/ univ

x mats engblom

t www.helsinki.fi/alma

x mats engblom

UH in brief t • t • t • t • t • t • t • t • t • t •

36,600 students 8,700 employees 5,800 degrees completed each year 400 doctoral degrees completed each year 17 locations in Finland, in addition to Helsinki 11 faculties 20 independent institutions 4 campuses in Helsinki 2 official languages: Finnish and Swedish Teaching also in English

Students are part of the university administration You are part of the academic community and its sovereign member. As a student, you can develop the University’s activities if you want.

Join the activities If you are interested in developing your university, the easiest way to join is through your subject or faculty organisation.You can get information on the university administration from student representatives in administration, your subject or faculty organisation, a faculty office and the Student Union. You can also participate in the development of teaching and other operations of the University in the Student Union’s Committee for Educational Affairs.

ven if the university administration might seem distant at first glance, the various administrative organs discuss matters which affect the everyday life of the academic community. The University’s various administrative organs also include hundreds of students and you can become one of them. The will to improve the level of teaching and to develop the learning environment is the starting point for action and there is a genuine opportunity for it. Students’ views are generally taken well into account, as long as ideas and thoughts are well-justified and courageously developed.

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 express 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 can influence by contacting them or run as a candidate when representatives are elected to organs.”

We have power The Student Union closely follows the University’s everyday life and is involved in the decision making of the University Board and the various committees through the representatives it has appointed. The Student Union also keeps in touch with other student representatives in administration, the University’s management and presenters. Student representatives at all levels of administration are in their position for you. Do not let your representatives get away easily but contact them and tell them your ideas! A representative cannot guess or invent all needs and shortcomings. Your feedback and ideas are needed. The contact information of the representatives is usually available on the website or the intranet of the unit.

t Secretary for Academic Affairs Juha Hurme juha.hurme@hyy.fi, tel. +358-50-543 8460

The ladder of the university administration t The faculty is managed by a faculty council led by a dean. It decides on degree requirements, the approving of theses and the development of teaching and operations at the faculty. t Some faculties are divided into departments. The department council and the director of the department manage the administration of the department. The departmental level is the closest to students and many decisions, which are

directly visible in the student’s everyday life, are made on that level. t Professors, other staff members and students are represented in faculty councils and department councils. t The University’s highest decisionmaking organ is the board. Its duties include, among other things, deciding on the long-term development of the University, the University’s budget, appointing the University’s rector and

drafting the most important statements of the University. The Board of the University of Helsinki has been previously called the senate. The University Collegium supervises the operations of the University Board. Its duties include deciding on the approval of the University’s financial statement, the number of board members and their term, and discussing important affairs which concern the whole University.

Two sides has different stories HYYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elections 2011 Representative Council Elections 18-19 Oct. Advance voting 12-13 Oct.

Administration Elections

14-15 Nov.

Nomination of canditates till 2nd of Nov.

WWW.HYY.FI/elections

WWW.HYY.FI 35

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.

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 traineeship 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 together with a tutor. You can ask your tutor or a teacher tutor about the current practice at 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.

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 goaloriented 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, not only when the target duration is approaching. The amendment concerning the duration of studies does not regard military service or maternity, paternity or parental leave as absence. In these cases, however, it is advisable to check the current policy from your own student counsellor. Etappi system is the system of the University of Helsinki which 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 guidance 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 done 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.

”If you have problems with your studies, seek guidance and support immediately”

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. It is an unfortunate fact that a university degree does not guarantee a permanent well-paid job in these days. However, it is still worth to study. The employment of the graduates from the University of Helsinki is good in most areas. In addition to your diploma, the subjects of which your degree consists and the other skills that you have are important when looking for a job.

Get your studies together! Advice services The Student Union secretaries can advise you in various problem situations related to studies and students’ everyday life. See contact information on the website (www.hyy.fi) or in this guide. Versatile study path – JOO! Forget a limited and narrow degree! Find out about a more extensive course selection and plan your own study module. You will have even a more versatile degree if you include a minor subject which is not taught at the University of Helsinki.

Under the national JOO (=the flexible study rights scheme) agreement, the degree students of the University of Helsinki can apply for the free study right in another Finnish university. The student affairs office at your own faculty can help you and advise you with issues concerning the crediting of studies, among other things. You can get advice from HYY in bureaucratic issues and ideas for alternative forms of learning. The Student Union also allocates grants for the implementation of innovative learning methods. t www.joopas.fi t Student affair offices at the faculties

Antoisampaan opiskeluun guide (in Finnish) HYY has published Antoisampaan opiskeluun guide for all students. If you have not received the guide from your own faculty, you can download it in an electronic form on HYY’s website on www.hyy.fi (communications – publications). The guide is designed to help you develop your own learning skills.

The degree consists of modules at different levels. It is important that you can piece together the courses in suitable modules. Naturally, it is possible and even useful to choose some courses purely according to your own interests. Take advantage of hops when you create your own personal study path and develop your own identity as a future academic specialist. 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 university. Have the courage to be an individual and choose your own path.

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 the request for revision of your grade, 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 the Legal Protection Committee. The teacher must provide the decision in writing if the student is unsatisfied with the decision on the request. Please remember that the appeal to the Legal Protection Committee must also be done within 14 days from when you were informed of the decision.”

Students have their 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 abovementioned regulations are available at the faculty and department offices, the Student Union and the Universit’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.

t Secretary for Academic Affairs Anne Rautanen anne.rautanen@hyy.fi, tel. +358-50-543 8458

Further information on career planning: t The University of Helsinki Career Services t (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) t Academic advisors in Kluuvi Employment and Economic Development Office, contact information on www.mol.fi Further information on the student’s legal protection: t www.helsinki.fi/yliopisto/hakemisto > Johtosäännöt t HYY’s secretaries for academic affairs t Study counsellors and the head of academic affairs/ student affairs secretaries (see the study guide) t Secretary of the Legal Protection Committee, Lawyer Hannele Markkanen, tel. (09) 1912 2655 t

Elämä haltuun. nyyti.fi Tietoa verkossa.

Elämäntaitokurssi

Hengailuillat

Nettiryhmät

Elämän ja opiskelun hallintaan.

Mukavaa yhdessäoloa.

Osallistu tai seuraa muiden keskustelua.

Nyyti - opiskelijoiden tukikeskus

Support for the student life Studies or the student life can sometimes feel stressful. However, students are provided with several support services tailored precisely for their situation in life and you should take advantage of these services. Nyyti Students’ support centre Nyyti promotes and supports students’ emotional well-being and life management. Nyyti organises hang-out nights, among other things, and offers online groups where you can discuss a variety of issues.

or being single. The course is led by University Pastor Laura Mäntylä. The course is open to everyone regardless of one’s belief VAKAUMUS or sexual orientation. The course is suitable for singles and those in a relationship. The course will cover themes depending on the group’s needs. Please sign up at sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi by Wednesday, 28 Sept 2011.

FSHS Each student is entitled to have a free health check-up. In the hour-long meeting, you can discuss your own situation in life, stress, anxiety, sleeping, coping and health history.

t Further information is available at www.hyy.fi.

University pastors Two university pastors serve the students and personnel of the University of Helsinki. You can have confidential discussions with the university pastors and make an appointment by e-mail, telephone or by visiting during their office hours. They can also be invited to various events related to the work community or the student’s well-being. Church ceremonies (baptism, weddings, blessings) are included in their job description. University pastors are available during the academic terms:

Ahtisaari Day 10 Nov On Ahtisaari Day, hyy and university pastors will organise an event which extensively discusses bullying and seeks to find solutions to problems. The goal is to bring bullying to discussion, increase understanding and reduce bullying. In the event, you can hear professionals and the experiences of the bullied. The event is open to everyone. More information will be available on hyy’s page in Ylioppilaslehti student magazine and at www.hyy.fi later in the autumn.

Leena Huovinen t Centre Campus: Wed, 2pm-3pm, Unioninkatu 34 (Main building of UH) tel. 050 3019613, (09) 191 22195 leena. huovinen(at)evl.fi Laura Mäntylä t Kumpula: Wed, 11am-12noon, Exactum, room B114 t Viikki: Thu, 12noon-2pm, Info centre, room 110c. t Tel. 050 591 9874, laura.mantyla(at)evl.fi

HYY’s own activities in the autumn of 2011: -Single or in a relationship? course On 5 Oct 2011, hyy will organise a course for those who ponder issues related to relationships

www.unisport.fi

HYY promotes equality Do not tolerate inappropriate conduct

iverse students of all ages in very different situations in life study at the University of Helsinki. “The average student” is quite rare and almost a fictive person. A student may be over 40 years old, hearing impaired, Russian, gay, Muslim or a father of four. Situations in life also change during the studies.

their actions. Equality plans are available on the websites of the University and the Student Union. Harassment contact persons help you Do not tolerate harassment. Inappropriate and insulting speech, racist, homophobic or sexist jokes, inappropriate touching and suggestions that cross the limits of pleasant flirting do not belong to the University or any other work or study place. If you think you are being bullied, discriminated against or sexually harassed, it is important to bring up the matter. 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 professional secrecy and do not take any action without your request or consent.

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. Promotion of equality is a duty of every member of the academic community, and equality must be part of all decision making and preparation. A person who is being discriminated against at the University may contact the University’s Equality Adviser whose task is to give advice and negotiate. If necessary, the Equality Adviser forwards the matter to the Equality Committee for consideration. hyy is also committed to promoting equality and non-discrimination and encourages its members and employees to promote a more equal society with

t Further information and HYY’s harassment contact persons: www.hyy.fi, hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi t The University’s Equality Advisor: Tel. (09) 1912 4292, tasa-arvovastaava@helsinki.fi

Look after your rights Is this discrimination? Discrimination means placing a person in an unequal position without an acceptable reason. Discrimination can be direct or indirect. The recognising of indirect discrimination may be difficult as a discriminatory practice or act may seem neutral on the surface but its consequences may be discriminating. Harassment is also discrimination. Harassment means unwanted conduct which is intended to violate human dignity or which creates an intimidating, hostile, offensive or disturbing atmosphere. Therefore, harassment may also include racist or homophobic jokes.

Accessibility – the right to participate Accessibility makes participation as easy as possible for as many as possible. An accessible environment refers to an environment that supports everyone’s opportunity to use it. The concept of accessibility covers both physical and social environment as well as communications and interaction, such as accessible websites. An inaccessible physical environment appears concretely as stairs and doorsteps in buildings. Accessibility also refers to functional seeing and hearing conditions such as the colour contrasts of premises, good lighting system, short

echo time on the premises and induction loops. Special examination arrangements at University If you are disabled or have other acceptable special needs which make you unable to complete a regular examination, you may have the opportunity to have the examination oganised in the most convenient way for you. Further information on special arrangements is available on the University’s intranet and by email at t vammaisneuvonta@helsinki.fi.

The internationalising university provides opportunities for everyone Along with the internationalisation, a student’s opportunities for useful and interesting international contacts are now better than ever. Everything depends on your own activity. International exchange brings life experience. Internationalising university Many students of the University of Helsinki complete part of their studies abroad as an international degree student or through various exchange programmes, for example. Similarly, over two thousand international students study at our university, of whom about 1,500 are degree students. In addition, more than 800 exchange students arrive at our university every year. 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.

Go for exchange studies Numerous exchange programmes of the university are an opportunity worth taking. Annually approximately 800 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. In this way, continuing your studies in Helsinki is less complicated. It is advisable to clear the compatibility and the crediting of courses with your own department at an early stage.

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, and Finnish and international students can get to know each other through the committee. Further information on the committee activities is available at blogs.helsinki.fi/esn-hyy. A number of international organisations also operate within hyy, such as the organisation of international degree students Tsemppi. In addition, Finnish and Swedish organisations are encouraged to include international students in their activities. Further information on the organisations is available at hyy.fi. hyy’s international activities also include immigration and education policy as well as social political interest representation, planning and implementation of international projects and much more. Activities are planned by hyy’s board member in charge of international affairs and the secretary for international affairs.

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.” t Secretary for International Affairs Juha Töyrylä international@hyy.fi, tel.. 050 543 8450

Join the fun! ESN Committee is part of the European student network, the Erasmus Student Network. The aim of the committee is to familiarise foreign students with the Finnish student life. The committee coordinates the Buddy Project, and weekly international student partners, among others. t blogs.helsinki.fi/esn-hyy

Information on student exchange Your faculty has a planner of international affairs who provides information on student exchange opportunities at your own faculty and other exchange matters. Information can also be found on the website of the faculty and the 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. When the exchange period is taken into account in the personal study plan (hops), it is easier to implement and integrate it into your studies. Usually, student exchange does not depend on one’s financial situation. During the exchange, it is possible to receive the regular student grant, and the housing supplement can even be slightly increased depending on the exchange destination. Also, the monthly share of the loan in student financial aid is higher when studying abroad. Scholarships can often be allocated for various exchange programmes, which can be used to cover travel

Study abroad! Exchange programmes t You can apply for numerous highquality universities around Europe through ERASMUS exchange programme of the EU. t You can apply for student exchange in the Nordic Countries through NORDPLUS programme. t The 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. t Your own faculty is the most conven-

costs, for example. In accordance with exchange agreements, students are neither required to pay possible tuition fees. Good application opens up opportunities Applications should be made carefully. The university wants to send motivated and hard-working students abroad, and therefore clearly and briefly presented basic information (contact information, the phase and goal of studies, language skills), 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 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.

ient place to receive more information on exchange opportunities. • Further information: • Flamma intranet • Studies abroad • Yliopisto magazine, notice board and • departments • ulkomaillaopiskelu@helsinki.fi • erasmus@helsinki.fi Work abroad? t 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, (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. t Further information on international job search and training programmes is available on Alma Intranet (Opiskelu, tuet ja palvelut > Opintopalvelut ja kansainväliset asiat > Harjoittelu ja työ ulkomailla). You can apply for a travel grant or Erasmus trainee exchange grant for your traineeship abroad from the Career Services.

For a better tomorrow in Zambia and Indonesia Did you know that you already have your own development cooperation project?

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 2011, the amount is 27,300 euro. A part of this amount goes to hyy’s project in Indonesia and the rest is granted annually to smaller development cooperation projects. hyy supports in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs women’s and girls’ reproductive and sexual rights in Zambia as well as sustainable agriculture and energy project in Indonesia. hyy supports the three-year development cooperation projects of Indonesian organisations Institution of Rural Technology Development (lptp) and Payo-Payo Foundation. Payo-Payo, which carries out the actual project on the island of Sulawesi, is an organisation of young farmers and students promoting sustainable agriculture. The project aims at improving food security and energy self-sufficiency and developing sustainable agriculture in three villages in southern and western Sulawesi. hyy supports the project for three years between 2009–2011, after which the aim is to transfer the knowledge learned from the project to other villages and local authorities. 85 % of the project funds comes from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the excess share of 15 % is covered by hyy’s 0.7 % budget. Those interested in the project are cordially invited to participate in the meetings of the project group. For further information, please contact Project Coordinator Ilona Kalliola at hyy.indonesia@gmail.com. hyy has supported the three-year development cooperation project of the eastern Zambian umbrella organisation for women’s organisations, Eastern Province Women Development Association (epwda) and the project has now been continued for the years 2010-2012. epwda operates to empower women in the rural areas of the eastern Zambia. The purpose of the first project was to improve the legal rights of women and girls, which are often not implemented

in rural areas. The follow-up project focuses on reproductive and sexual rights. The sub-organisations of epwda educate legal experts who provide information in clinics intended for women in rural areas. The project receives funding from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Every student of the University of Helsinki can support the project by purchasing the Zambia meal at UniCafes on the Zambia Day or by donating €0.10 of any product to the project. Development cooperation meals have been organised in student restaurants already since 1979. You can also support the project by paying €5.80 to the project in connection with the membership fee of the Student Union. Those interested in the project are cordially invited to participate in the meetings of the project group. For further information, please contact Project Coordinator Sara Alanen, epwda. hankekoordinaattori@gmail.com. The Committee for Development Cooperation coordinates the use of hyy’s development cooperation funds, publishes Kimppu magazine with the communications and development education grant provided by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and maintains a discussion on developing country issues at university during the annually organised Development Cooperation Week, among other things. In 2011, the development cooperation week is arranged in several university cities by National Union of University Students in Finland. Further information on the operations of the Committee is available on its website at: blogs.helsinki.fi/kehy-valiokunta. Join the fun! Committee for Development Cooperation aims at getting the Student Union members interested in developing countries and it provides practical experience within development cooperation. The committee attends to HYY’s development cooperation projects and organises excursions, the Development Cooperation Week in the spring and single public events, among other things, and it publishes its own magazine. t blogs.helsinki.fi/kehy-valiokunta

Be smart and look after the environment Environmentally friendly living and studying do not require a great deal of effort or financial investments. Please act wisely and reduce your own ecological footprint.

Don’t carry waste to your home The waste disposal of your household begins from the moment you select products to your shopping basket. Choose the most lightly-packed options and prefer bulk goods. Do not buy more than you need. Please separate bio waste and sort other waste as they are precious raw material. In Helsinki, paper, bio, cardboard, and glass waste are collected separately. Metal and energy waste are also collected in some locations. Do not mix hazardous waste with unsorted waste. Further information and the locations of waste stations are available on

Food food bring me food! Assessing the environmental burden of food may be difficult. Here are some rules of thumb. Organic production promotes sustainable farming practices and the well-being of animals. When you choose food supplies produced close to you, their transport emissions will be small. By eating food which is processed as little 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. By choosing Fair Trade products, you ensure that farmers and workers receive fair compensation.

t www.hsy.fi/en.

Reduce, reuse, recycle You can find cheap second-hand furniture and household products. Information on recycling centers is available on www.kierratyskeskus.fi and the contact information site for flea markets is www.vuolanne.net/kirpputorit.

Join the activities! hyy is involved in the Finland Big Ask campaign (www.polttavakysymys.fi). You can write a post card supporting the Climate Act to a Member of Parliament at hyy’s Services Office. The Committee for Environmental Affairs is open to all hyy members and you can join its activities at any time of the year.

Don’t drown in a paper flood Your room or a small studio apartment will soon be full of paper: lecture material, essay drafts, articles, not to mention free newspapers and advertising mail. 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 option when you get four sheets on one A4 paper (ask for help from IT services). Order newspapers and magazines together with your neighbour and save money at the same time.

t Further information and activities: HYY’s Committee for Environmental Affairs http://blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp/ Environmental Guide BoFF! – environmental acts for students (distributed at the opening carnival and HYY’s Services Office)

Join the fun! Committee for Environmental Affairs provides possibilities for HYY members to get involved in environmental affairs. The purpose of the committee is to increase environmental awareness and ecological sustainability in the activities of the University and the Student Union. The committee has organised various campaigns and implemented HYY’s Environmental Programme, among other things.

Switch to green electricity You can reduce your electricity bill by turning off the lights and other unused electrical equipment and by defrosting your fridge once a year. You can choose electricity produced by renewable energy forms in Hoas apartments. It is advisable to get tenders from various electricity providers on www.vaihdavirtaa.net. It is easy.

t Lisätietoa: http://blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp/

hyyn arkisto

Building a common unionÂ The 142-year history of the Student Union includes construction projects, political turmoil and reflections of structural changes in society.

hyyn arkisto

he 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.

age 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 subsidiary committees as well as separately hired officials, such as librarians and treasurers.

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 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. Year 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the New Student House. The inauguration date is 26 November.

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.

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 man-

Contact information Secretariat Katariina Styrman Secretary General c 0400 816 426 paasihteeri@hyy.fi Merja Viitasalo Administrative Director c 050 534 2963 merja.viitasalo@hyy.fi Anne Rautanen (From August 1 to October 7, Anu Aarnio) Secretary for Academic Affairs c 050 543 8458 anne.rautanen@hyy.fi Juha Hurme Secretary for Academic Affairs c 050 543 8460 juha.hurme@hyy.fi Sofia Lindqvist Secretary for Social Affairs c 050 543 9605 sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi Katja Långvik Secretary for Social Affairs c 050 543 9608 katja.langvik@hyy.fi Juha Töyrylä Secretary for International Affairs c 050 543 8450 international@hyy.fi

Member Services Office Emi Maeda Secretary of Organizational Affairs c 050 537 3798 jarjestosihteeri@hyy.fi

Member- and Organizational-services t Please check service hours: www.hyy.fi – Contact information

Ville Sinnemäki Secretary for Cultural Affairs c 050 537 2831 kulttuurisihteeri@hyy.fi

Tiina Kääriä Office Secretary, Customer Service c 050 551 6145 toimisto@hyy.fi

Jenni Heikkinen Communications Officer c 050 543 9609 tiedottaja@hyy.fi

Milla Suomalainen Office Secretary, HYY-documents Customer Service c 050 432 4939 milla.suomalainen@hyy.fi

Oscar Hagen (starting 3.10) Art Director, Non-military Service c 050 534 2965 oscar.hagen@hyy.fi

Emma Ronkainen Office Secretary, Member Service c 050 551 6146 lyyra@hyy.fi