H Y Y O N I N S TA G R A M : H Y Y _ H U S
WELCOME TO THE STUDENT UNION, FRESHMAN!
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COULD LIFE BE SOMETHING ELSE THAN JUST STUDYING?
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STUDENT UNION SERVICES OFFICE
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F I N A N C I A L S U R V I VA L G U I D E
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G E T I N T E R N AT I O N A L
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WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
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YOUR STUDENT UNION, YOU DECIDE
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F R O M S T U D E N T T O R E P R E S E N TAT I V E
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W H O W O U L D M A K E T H E D E C I S I O N S AT T H E U N I V E R S I T Y ?
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ADMIN PRO ALREADY AS A FRESHMAN
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LIFE IS OUTSIDE THE LECTURE HALL
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V O L U N T E E R W O R K S TA R T S I N C O M M I T T E E S
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GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BELONGS TO ALL
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STUDENT UNION’S EVENTS
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STUDENTS’ SARTORIAL ELEGANCE
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S P O R T S AT U N I S P O R T – O R A N Y W H E R E !
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HYY GROUP
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UNICAFE = FO OD, COFFEE AND FRIENDS
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Student Union of the University of Helsinki | hyy.helsinki.fi
Freshman Guide 2017
Facebook | facebook.com/HYY.HUS
Editor | Tapio Reinekoski
Twitter | @ylioppilaskunta
Content | HYYn asiantuntijat, hallituksen jäsenet 2014–2017
Instagram | @hyy_hus
Photos | Mikko Virta s. 35, Ömer Acar s. 37, HYY (muut)
Bi-weekly newsletter to your university email
Layout | Mikko Raatikainen
General Secretary Jannica Aalto 0400 816 426 paasihteeri@hyy.fi
Publisher | Helsingin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta
Communications Tapio Reinekoski 050 543 9609 tiedottaja@hyy.fi
Print | Trinket
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WELCOME TO THE STUDENT UNION, FRESHMAN!
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Laura Luoto, @lauluoto on Instagram, @luotolau on Twitter, Member of the Student Union since 2009 Chair of HYY’s Board 2017
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ou must have already heard several times how the freshman year is the best year of your life. That is completely true! Your freshman year can turn out exactly as you want as long as you give it your all. Be curious: get to know new people, organisational activities, hobbies and subjects. Try out the UniCafes and libraries in each campus. Take a minor subject just because it sounds interesting. Be curious – you will learn more about yourself as well. Wise people have repeatedly said that you will pass all exams by graduation. I encourage you to get lost in the wondrous world of the University and the Student Union, because it is unique. Shape it to suit yourself, participate in it and change it. The Freshman Guide provides you with ideas and support to begin your student life.
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WHERE COULD LIFE INCLUDE SOMETHING ELSE T H A N O N LY R E A D I N G AND EXAMS? O N LY I N T H E S T U D E N T U N I O N !
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he Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) is your very own organisation, just as it is every student’s at the University of Helsinki. HYY looks after the interests of its 27,000 members and creates student life in cooperation with its over 250 organisations. Being active at the Student Union can include anything from organising parties to volunteering around the world, from demonstrations and political influencing to campus farming. You might only encounter HYY properly once, at the largest event for new students in Finland, the Freshman Adventure. Then again, you might also gather years of invaluable work experience from various organisational activities as well as lifelong friends – it is your call. In any case, the Student Union is there for you, supporting, giving advice and helping you, whatever it is that you want to do while studying at the University. This Freshman Guide is you survival package for student life, culture and politics, whatever you choose to participate in during your studies. These pages will also provide you help with looking for apartments, subsistence, healthcare, student discounts or even sewing overall badges.
G U L I S ÄV E N T Y R E T / F R E S H M A N A D V E N T U R E
STUDENT UNION SERVICES OFFICE
FOR MEMBERS: STUDENT CARDS MEMBERSHIP FEE ISSUES ADVISORY SERVICES INFO@HYY.FI, 050 551 6146
FOR ORGANISATIONS: MEETING ROOMS EQUIPMENT LENDING TOIMISTO@HYY.FI, 050 551 6145
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They’re open between 10 AM–4 PM on Mondays and between 10 AM–3 PM from Tuesdays to Fridays. Exceptions to the opening hours will be posted on HYY’s website and Facebook. At the Services Office, you can take care of issues related to your student card or the student union membership and find advice about everything regarding your studies and student life in Helsinki. The Services Office also serves student organisations.
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The Student Union’s Services Office is located at the New Student House at Mannerheimintie 5 B, 2nd floor. (Please note: Until the end of September 2017, the Services Office will be located in Hansatalo at Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5C, ground floor.)
HYY’S MEMBER BENEFITS
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Members can rent HYY’s attic sauna in the city centre for their own use. For more information on rent terms and prices, see HYY’s website or ask at the Services Office.
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Child care services offer temporary child care assistance for HYY’s members. The minimum age of children is 6 months, and the maximum duration of child care is three hours at a time. The street address is Siltavuorenpenger 3 C. Inquiries and reservations: pikkuhyy@hyy.fi. See also: hyy.fi/littlehyy.
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The student organisation Pykälä of the Faculty of Law provides students with legal advice . The majority of questions addressed to the committee concern housing, employment, family and estate law, as well as studies and social security. The committee does not prepare documents but gives advice in these matters and reviews finished documents. Counselling is free of charge for HYY’s members. The committee is on duty during the academic terms at Pykälä’s office on Mon and Thu, 5pm–7pm, Mannerheimintie 3 b, 5th floor, 00100 Helsinki, tel. +358 9 278 5005, oikeusapu@pykala.fi.
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HYY subscribes Ylioppilaslehti student magazine for all its members. The print magazine comes out three times during academic terms. The online version, with feature articles also in English: ylioppilaslehti.fi. The magazine, founded in 1913, covers the academic world and higher education policy, as well as social and cultural phenomena – and is an active debater itself. If you want to write, take photos or illustrate for Ylioppilaslehti, please contact the Chief Editor (paatoimittaja@ylioppilaslehti.fi).
FREE LEGAL AID
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HYY’s specialists advise members in issues such as students’ legal rights, housing, income or influencing the university. See contact information on HYY’s website.
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ADVICE
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Union, student benefits and info on all student organisations within HYY. The calendar is available at HYY’s Services Office or at the year tag collection points at all university campuses (apart from Meilahti).
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union membership. With the card, you receive discounts on the services of VR (the national railway company), Matkahuolto (bus and coach services) and student restaurants, and just about everything you may need. See www.frank.fi for the latest discounts. You get an annual year tag for the student card, which is available from HYY’s Services Office or the University’s Student Services. The tag proves that you have paid the Student Union membership fee. More information and instructions on how to order the card at www.frank.fi.
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HYY’s members receive the official student calendar every year. The calendar also includes useful information on the Student
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HYY’s members can order the joint student card of all Finnish students. The card is the most convenient way to prove your student
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STUDENT CALENDAR
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STUDENT CARD
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Pay the Student Union’s membership fee and register for attendance by 31 August. This gives you the right to use HYY’s member services and the University’s IT services. Afterthis,youcangetastudycertificatefromtheUniversity.
Apply for student financial aid and general housing allowance as soon as you have accepted your study place. Read Kela’s guide for students at kela.fi/web/ en/students-quick-guide. Student financial aid includes the study grant and a government guarantee for the student loan. To receive student aid, you must progress in your studies and your other income must not exceed the annual income limit. Use Kela’s calculators to find out your income limits and the estimated amount of your general housing allowance.
Apply for a student apartment when you learn you have received a study place at the latest, and accept the offer you receive. Apartments are fiercely competed over at the beginning of the term, and you might not get another offer. For information on housing providers and tips for apartment hunting, see hyy.fi/asuminen.
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FINANCIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE
WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO?
ESTIMATE YOUR MONTHLY INCOME Study grant: €250/month, for how many months per year? Student loan: < €650/month Income from work: seasonal, varying, regular or none? Savings: are there any? For everyday use or emergencies? Assistance from relatives: none, irregular or regular?
CALCULATE YOUR HOUSING COSTS (incl. water, electricity and internet) and your housing allowance with Kela’s calculators. Use Kela’s website also to see how fluctuating earnings influence the amount of housing allowance. Read more at kela.fi/web/en/general-housing-allowance.
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Get to know your fellow freshmen and the University, and sign up for courses. Get involved with student organisations which you get to meet at the Opening Carnival on 4 September, and sign up for the Freshman Adventure! If you need any help regarding housing, student aid, subsistence, FSHS or your studies, you can always ask HYY for help. Have a great freshman year – and see you soon! E
Get a stamp and signature from the University for the Helsinki Region’s Transport’s (HSL) student discount application, and bring an ID card with you when picking up the card from HSL. The card entitles you to a 50% student discount on public transport. For more information, see www.hsl.fi/en/ tickets-and-fares /discount-tickets /students.
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- Other food on weekdays, €4/day: €84 - Food on weekends, €15/weekend: €67.50 Unisport with a 12-month training card: €9.67 Culture (movie, gig or museum visit): €20 Clothing: €25 Phone: €20 Study materials: €10 Spotify, Netflix, etc.: €10 Travelling to parents: €40 Savings for larger purchases: €30 Provisions for surprising situations: €50 F
Download the Frank App or order a plastic student card as soon as possible to get to use student benefits. Make the order at frank.fi.
T Y P I C A L M O N T H LY EXPENSES FOR STUDENTS
Home insurance: €10 HSL travel card: €27.40 or €53.30 for a regional ticket Hygiene and health: €20 Food in total: €206.10 - 21 lunches at Unicafe à €2.60: €54.60
GET INTERNATIONAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES
STUDENT O R G A N I S AT I O N S
Start planning and searching for an interesting exchange programme already during your first year. You’ll have time then to improve your language skills and prepare properly. Exchange periods are supported with different grants, and you are eligible for financial aid and subsidies during your time abroad. The university’s International Exchange Services are there to help you with everything from initial plans to returning home.
Several international student organisations in the student union work exclusively and gladly in English. Getting involved in student organisations – subject organisations, recreational or political groups and more-or-less-serious hobby clubs – is the best way to get to know both local and other international students. You may make your way to international umbrella and co-operation organisations after having started from the student union grassroots level. Check student organisation listings in your student calendar or on HYY’s website: hyy.helsinki.fi/en/organisations.
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International experience is integral to being a part of the scientific community at the university right from the start. Internationality will improve your language skills and intercultural communication abilities, increase your sensitivity towards diversity and grow in resilience. All this will benefit you in working life in every field, and getting to know people from all around the world is sure to enrich your life.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L TRAINEESHIPS International work experience is a great way to develop sought-after skills. Erasmus+ trainee grants are available for internships within the EU for both Bachelor’s and Master’s studies – and even after graduation. The university Career Services will help you with finding and trainee position. See also “UH Career Forum” on Facebook.
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MARGUERITE
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come from the middle of nowhere in Virginia, U.S. During my bachelor’s studies there, I completed two best-time-of-my-life exchange semesters in Costa Rica and Sweden, and worked as an au pair in Denmark. Now I’m doing my master’s, and having another best-time-of-mylife at the University of Helsinki. When you live abroad, you learn that there are many ways of communicating and accomplishing the same goal. New perspectives all add tools to the metaphorical toolbox. If a solution I was taught growing up does not work in a certain context, I have learned alternatives. Learning alternatives and cultural nuances are all the more important in the globalizing workplace and world. I’m currently active in two international and three Finnish organizations. I looked for Finnish organizations because I wanted to meet Finns, integrate, and learn Finnish. It has been very rewarding in friendships, knowledge, and networks. I have also joined international organizations so that I can also feel like a more integral part and be more involved without the burden of a translation. Student organizations are vital for bringing international and Finnish students together. At the University of Helsinki I have learned that organizations are what bring new students together. International and Finnish students naturally segregate due to language and common experience, so it takes extra effort on both sides to reach out, but I think it’s worthwhile for both. Join lots of organizations to find which are the best fit for you! It’s the best way to build relationships and a new home here. When I first came, I had no idea how this university worked. I felt a little lost first, but gradually learned about different student organizations, started attending events, and built my new home.
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
LACKING STUDYING SKILLS; TOO MUCH PRESSURE; EVERYTHING KEEPS PILING UP?
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Studying or life during studies surely makes everyone anxious or stressed out at some point. Support and help exist though – to very differing situations and problems in life.
Study psychologists are here to help. Study psychologists offer guidance to all basic degree students at the University of Helsinki who are in need of support in questions related to studying skills, motivation, time management, coping or making theses. For more information, see the University’s intranet Flamma (Directory and services > Students > Health care and wellbeing), or send an email to opintopsykologi@helsinki.fi.
I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY OWN OR A FRIEND’S M E N TA L H E A LT H FSHS’ mental health services. Problems with mental health are among the most common health problems for university students. Problems related to studies or difficulties in life can put a strain on your mental health. FSHS offers crisis help for people who encounter sudden, traumatic events and both urgent and non-urgent mental health treatment. You can seek help by calling FSHS’ general treatment assessment and appointment scheduling service, available on Monday–Thursday at 8 AM–3 PM and on Friday at 8 AM–2 PM: +358 46 710 1027. FSHS uses a call-back service, which means they will register your call and call you back during the same day. For more information on mental health services, see FSHS’ website at www.yths.fi/en/services/mental_health.
I W O U L D L I K E TA L K T O SOMEONE BUT DON’T R E A L LY K N O W T O W H O M University chaplains. Both students and staff members can have confidential discussions with the University chaplains. This does not require religious beliefs or denomination of any kind.
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Get in touch with HYY’s free legal counselling for members. The Legal Aid Committee of the student organisation Pykälä at the Faculty of Law provides students with free legal advice by letter, telephone and e-mail and in person. The committee is on duty during academic terms at Pykälä’s office on Monday and Thursday, 5 PM–7 PM. Find us at Mannerheimintie 3 B, 5th floor, 00100 Helsinki, tel. +358 9 278 5005, oikeusapu@pykala.fi.
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Harassment contact persons at the Student Union and the University can help you. Any contact with HYY’s harassment contact persons and the equality adviser at the University are confidential, and the contact persons are bound by an obligation of secrecy. Furthermore, they will not proceed in the matter without the request or consent of the person contacting them. HYY’s harassment contact persons: hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi The University’s equality adviser: terhi.somerkallio@helsinki.fi.
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B U L LY I N G , D I S C R I M I N AT I O N , RACISM OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
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HYY defends students’ rights. No student will be left alone to fight with legal paragraphs or against the faceless administration! Because a single student cannot possibly know about all of the University regulations or legislation that concerns themselves or any possible problems, HYY offers both the support of its specialists in educational policy and free legal advice (see below). Do not remain alone with your problems – ask for help! You can also contact the student advisers and academic affairs secretaries at faculties.
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Are you looking for information on well-being or means for relaxation and feeling good? Do you want to share experiences with other people who are in a similar place in life? Are you interested in sharing thoughts in nice company and a casual atmosphere? Or would you rather produce content related to these themes yourself? All this and much more can be found at www.nyyti.fi.
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LIFE MANAGEMENT AND M E N TA L W E L L - B E I N G
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Leena Huovinen (City Centre and Meilahti), tel. 050 301 9613, 09 2340 2518, leena.huovinen@evl.fi Laura Mäntylä (Kumpula and Viikki), tel. 050 591 9874, laura.mantyla@evl.fi
I D O N O T K N O W W H AT M Y R I G H T S A R E AT T H E UNIVERSITY AND I AM IN TROUBLE
YOUR STUDENT UNION, YOU DECIDE What is your Student Union membership fee used on? Does the Student Union act in line with your values? Who makes the decisions? The elected Representative Council. That means you.
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he Student Union has around 27,000 members besides you. Its annual budget is around 3.5 million euros. This money belongs to every one of our members, and it is the elected Student Union’s Representative Council and its 60 representatives that decide how the money is used. The representatives are elected every other year in university-wide election in which every HYY member has a vote. The Representative Council appoints the Student Union’s Board every year. The Board is responsible for HYY’s operations: they are in charge of producing large student events, they advocate students’ interests at the university and allocate premises and grants to student organisations. Do you feel like all the interesting introductory courses in the autumn are organised at the same time? Should we get Haloo Helsinki! to perform in the Freshman Adventure? Does Helsinki need more cycle lanes and light rail lines or a central tunnel? Students acting in HYY have an influence both in the University’s decision-making and in society: they are involved in administrative bodies, working groups and committees, make statements and comment on proposals, organise demonstrations and lobby in corridors and lifts. All advocacy work conducted by HYY is always guided by students’ interests: if you
have any wishes or ideas, you can contact the members of the Representative Council or the Student Union’s Board at any time. hyy.fi/representativecouncil & hyy.fi/board The next Representative Council elections are held in autumn 2018. Ask around from people involved in student politics in your subject and faculty organisations, and get acquainted with the values and activities of the different Representative Council groups in HYY – and run as a candidate yourself!
THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL DECIDES:
WHAT STUDENTS’ MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE USED ON AND HOW BIG THEY ARE
WHAT ISSUES THE STUDENT UNION WORKS FOR
WHAT THE POLITICAL GOALS OF THE STUDENT MOVEMENT ARE
HOW THE STUDENT-OWNED HYY GROUP MANAGES ITS BUSINESS OPERATIONS
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manda Pasanen is a third-year student of Environmental Change and Policy in Viikki. She became interested in the Student Union’s Representative Council when acting in HYY’s Development Cooperation Committee. Disgruntled by the cuts to development cooperation made by the Finnish Government, Amanda wanted to influence matters to ensure that her Student Union would not make cuts to development cooperation. Amanda was elected in the 2016 Representative Council elections and wants to advance the interests of all students both at the University and in life in general. ‘Besides environmental issues and responsibility, I consider it important that the Student Union takes into account non-Finnish-speaking students, too, and is boldly international and outwardly oriented.’ The biggest surprise to Amanda in the Representative Council has been the good spirit between different Representative Council groups throughout the political spectrum. ‘Even though we might have heated arguments on various issues in the Representative Council meetings, we can still go for a beer afterwards and forget our differences.’
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WHO WOULD MAKE THE DECISIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY IF NOT YOU!
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Why can all exams not be taken in electronic exam rooms or online? Are there never enough set books? Is there too little contact teaching? Do you sometimes feel like you cannot get guidance for your studies?
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ne of the best things about Finnish university democracy is that students have power at the University, too. Students have their own representatives everywhere in the University’s decision-making: in degree programmes, faculties and the Board of the entire University. Student representatives ensure that students’ interests are not trampled upon when making decisions that concern studies and student life. They voice students’ opinions in meetings, advance and defend issues that are important to students and develop the University to look increasingly like its students. Anyone can become a voice for students. The Student Union selects new student representatives to each degree programme and faculty again this autumn, which means that you can start influencing things already in your freshman year! You will get information on when the calls for applications open in September by following the Student Union’s website, hyy. helsinki.fi, our Facebook page and our newsletter for members. Student representatives also need help from you and your subject organisation. Let your student representative know of any problems you encounter in your studies, and they can take the matter forward. All student representatives can be found at halloped.fi. You should, of course, also give feedback directly to the University – students and their opinions matter!
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WITH THE PROFESSOR NEXT TO ME’
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‘These tasks give me a lot more than they take. Meetings let you see a lot and they do not have the hierarchy familiar from teaching situations. Everyone is equal in decision-making, and people really want to hear what students think!’ Lappalainen believes that the voice of freshmen is not audible enough in the University’s decision-making, as regrettably often student representatives are older students. Freshmen know how to look at things with fresh eyes. ‘A fifth-year student does not know what freshmen want. In the end, freshmen are the ones who spend the most time here, so have your say in what your student years end up being like!’
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lmari Lappalainen started as a student representative already in his freshman year. New student members were needed for the Faculty Council, and his friends encouraged Lappalainen to apply. ‘I was afraid whether I was experienced enough for the job, but the fear was unwarranted. I was welcomed with open arms, I got support from older student representatives and I learned by doing.’ Lappalainen thinks it is great to be able to voice students’ opinions in decisions that directly affect the lives of his friends at the University. Acting as a student representative has taught him a lot about cooperation and opened up new vantage points to the University.
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HYY’S ORGANISATIONS – LIFE IS OUTSIDE THE LECTURE HALL
There around 250 student organizations within the Student Union. Their members are passionate about their own major subject and student life, their home region, political zeal, hobbies or sports – and above all students with whom to share the enthusiasm. Student life bloom in organisations. They are parties both academic and not, trips, picnics and travel, shared nights, debates, sweating and tinkering – whatever a group of like-minded people happen to come up with. The best memories of study years are not likely about cramming in the library or nodding off in the back row at a lecture. New friends and skills await in student organisations; you can become a pro event organiser, magazine AD, debater, facilitator or project manager!
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sations could have the best activities for you.
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GO to the university’s Opening Carnival 5 Sept: organisations present their activities there and tell about events aimed at new members, introductory courses, and how to become a member.
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FEELING SHY? Then ask a friend to come along or suggest that your tutor organize an excursion for your freshman group to an event of an attractive organisation!
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H OW T O J O I N ?
ASK your tutors and friends which organi-
OFFER HELP! Organisations are always looking for helping hands. Nothing is more valuable to them than an enthusiastic and helpful freshman. Except maybe a bunch of them. Do things with others – a tight group of freshmen working together often turns out to be the closest and most long-lasting friendship you’ll have during your years in university.
SUBJECT AND FACULTY ORGANISATIONS
are organised around subjects.
LARGEST: “Kannunvalajat” of the Faculty of Social Sciences (2044 members) SMALLEST: University of Helsinki’s polymer and wood chemists (10 members)
STUDENT NATIONS
are organised around geographic regions. THE OLDEST SWEDISH STUDENT NATION: Nylands Nation (founded in 1643) THE YOUNGEST FINNISH STUDENT NATION: Kymenlaakson Osakunta (founded in 1933)
S O C I E TA L A N D S P I R I T U A L O R G A N I S AT I O N S Non-profit organisations from all corners of the political landscape, societal activities ranging from nature conservation to human rights, as well as various spiritual societies.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L O R G A N I S AT I O N S International subject organisations, student exchange and organisations for international students.
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RECREATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
The majority of the organisations in the Student Union are recreational: they can be into anything from arts and/or crafts, sports to games or gourmet. You’ll find the exhaustive list of them on HYY’s website or in the pages of your official HYY Student Calendar.
C U LT U R A L O R G A N I S AT I O N S Choirs, orchestras and theatres, clubs engaging in cultural activities.
S P O R T S O R G A N I S AT I O N S Martial arts, team sports, individual sports.
O T H E R R E C R E AT I O N A L O R G A N I S AT I O N S Academic hobbies ranging from food and drink clubs to role playing, video gaming and debating.
AROUND 27 000 STUDENT UNION MEMBERS
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38 959 MEMBERS IN ORGANISATIONS
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63 NEW POSSIBLE HOBBIES ON OFFER
62 MAGAZINES PUBLISHED BY ORGANISATIONS IN 2017
In HYYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committees, you can organise just the kind of mega events you would like to participate in yourself, take part in development cooperation, have your say in societal affairs and grow coriander at the city centre campus or spring greens at Viikki! Committees consist of groups of people that want to influence the state of affairs. They are open to everyone and help make our Student Union a place that genuinely feels and looks like students and where you can learn new skills and meet new friends. Read more about committees at hyy.fi/committees. Do not hesitate to contact the chair of an interesting committee and to join our work to create new student life!
STUDIES COMMITTEE
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VOLUNTEER WORK STARTS IN COMMITTEES
A place for all students interested in study-related matters. The committee organises trainings, acts as a discussion forum, offers peer support and conducts advocacy work at the University. You will learn to network and to influence matters both quietly and loudly. You will also be kept up to date with themes in educational policy that affect students. Facebook: HYYn kopovaliokunta
D E V E L O P M E N T C O O P E R AT I O N C O M M I T T E E The committee runs the Student Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development cooperation activities. If you want to save the world, learn about project management, write into our magazine, Kimppu, or meet like-minded students around the University, come and join our activities! blogs.helsinki.fi/kehy-valiokunta
S T U D E N T O R G A N I S AT I O N S C O M M I T T E E A second home for enthusiastic organisational actors! The committee trains student organisations, takes part in HYY’s decision-making and notifies people of organisational activities. facebook.com/HYYnJarjestoasiat F R E S
FRESHMAN ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
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We should offer freshmen an unforgettable first year at the University. The committee plans tutoring, events and good freshman life – because being a freshman is the best thing ever! Facebook: HYYn fuksitoimintavaliokunta
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EVENTS COMMITTEE
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Grow your own vegetables! You can care for your own crops both at the City Centre campus and at Viikki. blogs.helsinki.fi/kampusviljely-campus-farming/blogi
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E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O M M I T T E E HYY is a forerunner in environmental affairs. Whether we talk about individual consumer choices, public transport or the climate act, HYY wants to strive for a society that is ecologically more sustainable. blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp
FINNO-UGRIC COMMITTEE Are you interested in the cultures of the linguistic relatives of Finnish? Do you want to help foster these cultures? Finno-Ugric Committee carries out projects and other things to help our kindred peoples in cooperation with the rest of the Student Union. helsinki.fi/hyy/skv
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With us, you can take part in brainstorming and implementing the many events of HYY as well as in creating student culture that looks like you – add some sparkles to the student life! Facebook: HYYn tapahtumavaliokunta
CHAIRS OF THE COMMITTEES HAVE THEIR SAY
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E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O M M I T T E E , JULIA HÄMÄLÄINEN If there is a little ecohippie living inside you and yearning for likeminded company, the Environmental Committee is the right place for you. I joined the Committee right away in my freshman autumn. I had moved here from a smaller town and only recently heard of vegetarianism, and I was eagerly looking for more ways to help the environment. The brave girl that I am, my first involvement was in as dry an affair as a meeting. However, the atmosphere was so good that I remained involved. After one and a half years I ran for the position of vice chair and for the position of chair a year later. EVENTS COMMITTEE, E M M I V I R TA N E N Getting involved with the committees was one of the best decisions I made, not only in my freshman year, but also during my entire studies. In the Events Committee, you get to meet people from different campuses and faculties as well as create exactly the kind of events you would want to attend yourself! The most important part is, of course, having fun with the group. Committee activities do not require too much commitment – you can take part in just the projects you want to. FRESHMAN ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE, VILMA TERVOMAA I was asked to join, and participation seemed natural, because I had previously been both a tutor and in charge of tutoring and freshmen in my own faculty. Guiding new students and organising events for them is important for the freshmen and close to my own heart. Our most important events for freshmen and tutors are the Tutor Night, the New Students’ Picnic and the Appreciation Night for tutors – all events we plan together in relaxed meetings. The best thing during my years in the Committee are the wonderful new people I have met along the way.
GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BELONGS TO ALL – HYY CONDUCTS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
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blogs.helsinki.fi/kehy-valiokunta facebook.com/HYYKehyvaliokunta Instagram: @hyy_kehitysyhteistyovaliokunta
HYY finances the Bangladesh project annually with 0.7% of its budget. The project is managed by HYY’s Development Cooperation Committee. Roosa Kontiokari from the Development Cooperation Committee considers it important to get to do something concrete to promote global equality. ‘Climate change causes severe problems to both people and the environment, and this is already clearly visible in Bangladesh. In this project, I am able to work for both the environment and people as well as to take steps towards a sustainable future.’ The Bangladesh project continues until the end of 2018, and the next project is already being planned. Besides the project group, the Development Cooperation Committee features several other interesting positions. You are more than welcome to get involved in development cooperation activities already in your freshman year!
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lobal responsibility belongs to all – HYY conducts development cooperation Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Particularly the poorest in the country are very dependent on agricultural income. Climate change has made the conditions in the region increasingly challenging. HYY’s latest development cooperation project is set in the area of Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh, where the local organisation Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) acts as our cooperation partner. The project, begun in 2016, promotes sustainable development and helps local communities adapt to the changing environment. The project includes the organisation of training, small-scale research projects and various campaigns. The activities also aim to increase equality and empower the most vulnerable people.
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HYY may turn 149 years, but it can still party like a student. The anniversary week is full of events and culminates in the anniversary ball 23 Nov. The afterparty has been sold out in advance for the past two years, so remember to check HYY’s Facebook and the member newsletter in your email in the autumn.
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The biggest freshman event in Finland is one of the things you must experience during your freshman autumn! The Freshman Adventure is a city orienteering event for first-year students organised by the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. Gather up your freshman friends into a team, tour the checkpoints of HYY, student organisations and the University and complete assignments to win superb prizes! Last years’ craziness: fuksiseikkailu.fi.
29 SEP: EXPERIENCE THE STUDENT UNION IN THE FRESHMAN ADVENTURE
HYY, student organisations and the University join forces at the Opening Carnival. Sing your heart out at the street sitsit and karaoke, explore various student organisations and start your collection of badges for your student overalls!
4 S E P : O P E N I N G C A R N I VA L TA K E S O V E R THE CITY CENTRE CAMPUS
Student organisations in HYY have more events than a single student could possibly hope to attend in a year. The best way to hear about the events is HYY’s Culture & Events Facebook page at facebook.com/HYYntapahtumat
AND THERE’S MORE. A LOT MORE.
Students and staff of the University celebrate spring together at Flora 2018. The event gets booked full faster than Justin Bieber shows, so please be alert in April. In recent years, the programme has included street food, refreshments, music, alpacas, brain poetry and wild dancing.
9 M AY : F L O R A 2 0 1 8 – C E L E B R AT I N G THE END OFTHE ACADEMIC YEAR
This is a unique opportunity to march in the middle of the street from Hietaniemi to the Senate Square while holding a torch! The university students’ torchlight procession will have both songs and colourful organisation flags. The procession is not a demonstration but an expression of celebration!
6 DEC: STUDENTS’ TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
STUDENTS’ SARTORIAL ELEGANCE
Overalls are students’ uniform. They protect party-goers’ bums from muddy land and wind on May Day. Their colouring and the symbol on the back tell about the owner’s place of study. Different badges from various events, for example, are sewn on the overalls. Typically, almost all of the student organisations have their own badges, and they can be exchanged with students in other fields and cities. It is also common to swap a leg or a sleeve of the overalls with your partner or friend. THE STUDENT CAP
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OVERALLS
The student cap has been the symbol of university students already since the 19th century. 2015 is the 150th anniversary of the student cap, and HYY celebrated the occasion in May with celebratory overall badges. It’s common to wear the student cap in your own upper secondary graduation party, on May Day and at various academic ceremonies. Traditionally, the cap is not used during the winter, except for special occasions. On the eve of May Day, you can put the cap on at 6pm, after which you can wear the cap throughout the summer if you want to! In Helsinki, people traditionally put the cap on at the same time as the Havis Amanda Statue gets her cap at the Market Square. With few exceptions, all Finnish student
caps have a golden lyre of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. This is due to the fact that the University of Helsinki was the only university in Finland for a long time. Some student unions may replace it with their own lyre. RIBBONS In the academic world, various ribbons show a membership in organisations or groups. Organisations and communities have various customs on who is entitled to wear their ribbon. A ribbon and related badges can also serve as a tribute on various merits, such as being active in the community. There are various rules on how to wear ribbons. On women, the ribbon runs from the left shoulder to the right hip or it is attached as a rosette on the left side of the dress. On men, student nation or organisation ribbons traditionally run from the right shoulder to the left hip. A ribbon should not touch the bare skin. Sometimes a person may have several ribbons. In this case, it’s tactful to refrain from using more than three ribbons at the same time. Further information on academic symbols and traditions is available on HYY’s organisation wiki: hyy.helsinki.fi/wiki
HOW TO ATTACH AN OVERALL BADGE
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Top 5 tips of Tekstiilarit (subject organisation of textile teacher and craft science students) for sewing overall badges:
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For sewing badges, you need a needle, sewing thread and a lot of patience. You should sew badges as soon as you get them, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave it for May Day Eve.
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A thimble is an excellent tool for sewing hard badges. In case of emergency, any hard surface will do better than using your index finger!
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At first, you can design fine tapestries of badges. A rule of thumb, though: sow the badge of an event or occasion on a stain or a tear that has occurred in that particular event.
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If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough patience to sew, you can try a stapler, safety pins, hot glue or fabric glue. Do not glue badges while wearing the overalls, as your jeans under the overalls may get glued as well.
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Sewing badges can also be done with the sewing machine, but be careful not to sew the sleeve or the leg closed!
SPORTS AT UNISPORT – OR ANYWHERE! he University of Helsinki and Aalto University have their own place for exercise, UniSport, on six university campuses. With the affordable membership card (12/4/1 months) you can use the group exercise classes, open ball game shifts and gyms on all campuses. Unisport’s selection will expand in the autumn of 2017 even further when the brand new UniSport Kluuvi opens in the city center! There you can find excellent training services on three floors. UniSport offers diverse training courses, Personal Training, massage and testing services. Dozens of different courses in
various sports are on offer. Personal training coaching is available both individually and for small groups in three themes. UniSport also organizes ball games series: put together and sign up your own team! You can also make regular reservations for your group or attend open ball games either in casual players’ or experienced players’ shifts. From UniSport you will also receive information about active sports clubs at both universities. Follow us & keep on moving: www.unisport.fi and @unisportfi (Instagram and Facebook).
SPORTS TUTORS OF THE STUDENT UNION
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Don’t stay still – try out exercising with sports tutors! The autumn at the university is full of everything new and interesting. Sports tutors’ events offer you the opportunity to include physical exercise into your student life. Exercising with group is more fun than alone, and you get to know new people while at it. You may also wind up finding the best way for you to exercise. Sports tutors will show you the best sports facilities at Unisport and the metropolitan area, and organise sports try-outs and various sports events. All faculties have their own sports tutors – ask your tutor who they are at your own faculty!
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CHECK ALSO:
W W W. O P I S K E L I J A L I I K U N TA . F I W W W. F R A N K . F I C I T Y ’ S S P O RT S FAC I L I T I E S
City Centre • Kumpula • Meilahti • Töölö • Otaniemi • Viikki
UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOR YOU! With a Training Card you can train at the gym, participate in group training classes and in ball sports sessions! Half-day card from 92 €/12 months* All-day card from 132 €/12 months* @unisportfi
*From 1.9.2017 on.
MORE THAN EXERCISE
WWW.UNISPORT.FI
HYY GROUP
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YY Group is the responsible investment manager of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. HYY Group focuses on real estate and financial investments as well as accommodation and restaurant businesses. HYY Kiinteistöt (Real estate), HYY Sijoitus (Investment) and HYY Majoitus- ja ravintolatoiminta (Accommodation and restaurants) are the very own businesses of the students. Two thirds of the Student Union operations are funded with the profits from these businesses. UniCafe and WELL serve customers in several locations across Helsinki. We offer responsibly grown, nutritionally balanced and safe food – with prominently Finnish, organic and local flavours. www.unicafe.fi and www.wellcoffee.fi HYY Kiinteistöt rents out and manages modern business premises and office spaces in Helsinki city center and in the nearby Etu-Töölö. The two culture-historically significant buildings Vanha and Uusi ylioppilastalo, both located in the absolute center of Helsinki, have been the foundation of HYY businesses since the early stages of the business operations. www.hyykiinteistot.fi Hostel Domus Academica was awarded with the title”Hostel of the year 2016” by the Finnish Hostel Association. The hostel, dedicated to environmentally friendly service, is also the largest summer hotel in the country, opening 326 rooms to both domestic and international visitors on June 1 each year. www.hostelacademica.fi
The above mentioned companies make up HYY Group, whose turnover in 2016 was EUR 30 million. HYY Group’s net profit before extraordinary items reached EUR 4.6 million, allowing a profit distribution of EUR 2.5 million to the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. HYY Group wishes to set an example of high-quality and profitable business being conducted in a socially, culturally, economically and environmentally responsible way. More of the practical execution, values and news within HYY Group can be found at yhtyma.hyy.fi.
THE OWNERSHIP STEERING OF BUSINESS O P E R AT I O N S HYY Group’s operations are steered by ownership strategy, which reflects the objectives set and approved by the Representative Council of the Student Union. HYY Group’s main function is to maintain and grow the wealth of the Student Union in a sustainable manner, thus safeguarding the independence and performance of the Student Union. The voice of the students is heard in the decision making of the businesses, as well as in HYY Group Board, Administrative Council and the Board of the Student Union. Students represent the majority of HYY Group Board, and the rest of the Board members are experts of their respective business fields.
UNICAFE = FOOD, COFFEE AND FRIENDS
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Dairy products come from Finnish farms /// Lunch meals are always made from 100 % Finnish poultry /// Lunch menu meats are over 99 % Finnish and 100 % safe /// Filtered coffee is Fair Trade or organic /// We offer Finnish bread from domestic bakeries /// We favour Finnish vegetables and seasonal root vegetables /// UniCafes offer responsibly caught fish products. We do not use any of the species included in the WWF yellow or red list /// We use only domestic potato and barley /// The dishes are washed with Finnish, Swan-labelled detergents /// UniCafe personnel wears workwear manufactured in Finland
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UniCafes offer their customers food made from high-quality, safe and responsibly produced materials. We aspire to support domestic work and the sustainability of domestic jobs – in addition to ensuring the traceability of goods and transparency of production.
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or water), bread and spreads as well as salad with potato, rice or pasta as side dish. Desserts are also always available. UniCafe restaurants are committed to helping our customers with their special dietary needs, for example vegetarian and vegan meals are always offered as options. Product contents and the energy intakes of the main meals are available at the respective restaurant and on the internet. Additionally, UniCafe Ylioppilasaukio at Kaivopiha offers student priced lunches in the evenings and Saturdays. Seven UniCafes serve also low-cost breakfast. This autumn brings you a new UniCafe experience, as we’ve created a free UniCafe app for smartphones and tablets. Download it now! www.unicafe.fi
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tudents can enjoy low-priced meals at UniCafes and other student restaurants owned by the Student Union. Kela’s Centre for Student Financial Aid offers a meal subsidy for each student meal. UniCafes are unique: unlike other student restaurants, the students genuinely are the owners of the businesses – as HYY Group is owned by the Student Union. Therefore the operations of UniCafe consistently follow the responsibility principles outlined in the ownership strategy of the Student Union. Students can influence the restaurant operations by giving feedback or attending restaurant committees at campuses. In the autumn of 2017 the basic lunch at UniCafes is priced at 2.60 EUR. On top of the food portion, all lunch meals contain beverages (milk, sour milk, soy milk, juice
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E W KE MA OU #Y
TRYHARD,MAKEMISTAKES, LEARN,ANDTRYAGAIN Helsinki Think Company is a community that fosters entrepreneurship.
Want to take your academic knowledge into action and change the world? Build a team to develop academic, entrepreneurial ideas and projects, or just pop in and work with your laptop at our open space. We have a great variety of events from inspiring theme events to interactive education and possibilities to network.
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HELSINKI THINK COMPANY
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Our action is interdisciplinary, open for everybody and very active. You don’t need to have a business idea in your head in order to visit us – just come as you are. Have a cup of coffee and talk with Think Company folk. You can also book the space for suitable events such as student association´s working life events.
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Helsinki Think Company is a place where you can try out your ideas, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and then try again. We are open for all curious and entrepreneurially minded people who want to explore new ideas. We are a community that supports people in a process of creating ideas into action.
THINKCOMPANY.FI CENTER YLIOPISTONKATU4 VIIKKI LATOKARTANONKAARI 3 MEILAHTI HAARTMANINKATU4 F
Project courses, entrepreneurship stories and other events for curious people can be seen as a first step of understanding the possibilities of commercializing academic know-how.
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Käytä huippuedut hyväksesi — ja nauti Suomen kiinnostavinta teatteria. Frank-opiskelijasarjalippu 60 €
voimassa myös viikonloppuisin ja sesonkiaikoina!
sisältää viisi lippua – jaa ystävien kanssa!
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Opiskelijahinnat 15–25 €
Stage-passi 54 € alle 25-vuotiaille sisältää neljä vapaavalintaista lippua ja vapaan pääsyn Suuren näyttämön toiselle parvelle saman illan näytäntöihin! Passit ja sarjaliput vain Kansallisteatterin lippumyymälästä Läntinen teatterikuja 1.
Liput 010 7331 331 (0,83 € + pvm/mpm) www.kansallisteatteri.fi Lippupiste 0600 900 900 (1,98 €/min+pvm) www.lippu.fi
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KANSALLISTEATTERI ON OPISKELIJOIDEN TEATTERI
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A 10 â&#x201A;¬ DISCOUNT ON THE FESTIVAL VOUCHER & HALF-PRICE TICKETS FOR HYY MEMBERS! MORE INFORMATION AT HYY.FI/HIFF
UniCafe WELL Hostel Domus Academica Kaivopiha
unicafefi well_coffee_helsinki kaivopiha hostelacademica