OTSIKKO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CONGR ATS, FRESHER!
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INTRODUCTION
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HY Y’S SERVICES OFFICE
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SERVICES FOR MEMBERS
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HY Y’S EVENTS
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ORGANISATIONAL ACTIVITIES
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NATIONS
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COMMITTEES
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SURVIVAL GUIDE
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GET INTERNATIONAL!
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CHANGING THE UNIVERSITY AS A FRESHER
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BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE!
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W H A T S T U D E N T S D O T O D A Y, S O C I E T Y W I L L D O T O M O R R O W !
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WHAT DOES HY Y DO?
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THE REPRSENTATIVE COUNCIL
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HELP AND SUPPORT
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EQUALITY
HYY hyy.fi/en Facebook: @HYY.HUS Instagram: @HYY_ HUS Twitter: @ylioppilaskunta
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Editor: Janne Kajander Content: HYY’s employees and board members Photos: Janne Kajander Layout and visuals: Mikko Raatikainen Publisher: HYY Print: Trinket
FRESHER GUIDE
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CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATS, FRESHER! ongratulations! I want to wish you great success with everything the new stage of life brings you! Very soon the academic year will kick off, and you are one of the lucky ones that not only gets to study at a top university, but you will also become a part of an amazing student community. I would like to warmly welcome you to our Student Union, which is a community for all students at the University of Helsinki. The Student Union works with the assistance of the Board and various experts for a better tomorrow for the students. We work for your interests at the university, as well as in the city and the society. Moreover, the Student Union offers guidance and consultation services for students in case you are faced with challenges during your studies. Each student’s path from a first-year student up to acquiring their master’s degree is different. I highly recommend tailoring your path to match your personal needs and interests. I encourage you to be curious and brave. Choose interesting courses from another faculty, get involved in organisational activities, meet new people, create lifelong friendships, and come along with us and make the world a better place. In addition to having courage, I urge you to keep a close eye on your own personal well-being and workload management. Learning to say no when there is simply too much on your plate is essential. It is also highly advisable to take time to fully rest both mentally and physically. Once again, I want to give my warmest congratulations on getting into university! JESSIKA ISOMERI CHAIR OF THE BOARD, STUDENT UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI – HYY IG @JESSIKAISOMERI TWITTER @JESSIKAISOMERI
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INTRODUCTION
ongratulations on becoming a member of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY)! HYY’s members consist of all basic degree students at the University of Helsinki as well as the postgraduate and exchange students who have joined HYY as members. This Fresher Guide contains a summary of all the information you need to start your studies and student life. It includes information on issues such as HYY’s member benefits, student advocacy work, the possibilities of student life, what you should consider when looking for an apartment and much more! Student life is more than just studying. You can make your time as a student unforgettable by participating in HYY’s student events and getting involved in organisations, for instance. Or perhaps you would like to help make the University, the Student Union or society a better place for students as a student representative in administration or a member of HYY’s Representative Council. COMMUNITY We are, above all, a student community. You can take part in HYY’s activities according to your own interests. We organise fun events throughout the year, from fresher events to May Day. Everyone is a part of the student community in the way that suits them the best.
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ADVOCATE We look after your interests. Our long-term and often invisible advocacy work allows students to enjoy perks such as student meals subsidised by Kela, affordable student apartments and the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). SERVICE PROVIDER HYY’s members are entitled to several member benefits, including subsidised student meals, legal aid, the Ylioppilaslehti and Studentbladet magazines, the student calendar, the Fresher Guide, the student card and student discounts all over Finland.
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SERVICES OFFICE
HYY’S SERVICES OFFICE
FRESHER GUIDE
HYY’s Services Office is open from Monday to Friday during academic terms. Up-to-date opening hours are available on its website at hyy.fi/en/services-office. At the Services Office, you can take care of issues related to your membership in the Student Union, for instance. The office also serves student organisations. FOR MEMBERS Year tags Membership fee matters HYY products (e.g. college sweaters, t-shirts, tote bags, overall badges) info@hyy.fi or 050 551 6146 Chat service available on HYY’s website FOR ORGANISATIONS Meeting room reservations Keys to organisational premises Equipment and device rental toimisto@hyy.fi or 050 551 6145
SERVICES FOR MEMBERS
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SERVICES FOR HYY’S MEMBERS STUDENT CARD HYY’s members can activate a free digital student card (Frank App) or order a traditional plastic card from Frank’s online service. The card is the easiest way to prove your membership in the Student Union. It also gives you discounts on the services of VR (the national railway company), Matkahuolto (bus and coach services) and student restaurants as well as hundreds of other stores and services. For the traditional student card, you need an annually renewed year tag from either HYY’s Services Office or the temporary year tag collection points. The year tag proves that you have paid the Student Union’s membership fee. Instructions for ordering the card and an impressive, constantly growing selection of student discounts: www.frank.fi/en GUIDANCE HYY’s specialists provide members with guidance on issues such as students’ legal protection, housing, subsistence and studying at the University. Their contact information can be found on HYY’s website. YLIOPPILASLEHTI HYY provides all its members with a subscription to the Ylioppilaslehti student magazine, published six times a year. Founded in 1913, Ylioppilaslehti deals with phenomena related to society, culture and the student world before other media have realised they exist, offering fresh perspectives, thoughts and emotions. If you are interested in writing, taking photos or illustrating for Ylioppilaslehti, please contact the magazine’s editor in chief (paatoimittaja@ylioppilaslehti.fi)
STUDENT CALENDAR HYY’s members get a new student calendar every year. The calendar features useful information about the Student Union, descriptions of organisations operating under HYY and student benefits. You can pick up the calendar at HYY’s Services Office or the temporary year tag collection points at the beginning of the academic year. FREE LEGAL AID HYY offers its members free legal advice provided by Pykälä ry, the subject organisation of law students. Most of the questions they receive concern housing, employment, family and estate law, studies and social security. The service does not provide tax advice, nor does it prepare documents – although it does provide guidance on drafting them and reviews finished documents. During academic terms, the service is on call at Pykälä’s office at Mannerheimintie 3 B, 5th floor, oikeusapu@helsinki.fi. Further information: pykala.fi/legal-assistance LITTLE HYY The Student Union provides its members with temporary childcare at Siltavuorenpenger 3 C. The minimum age is 6 months, and the maximum duration of childcare is four hours at a time. Further information: pikkuhyy@hyy.fi and hyy.fi/en/guides/survival-guide#little-hyy
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EVENTS 2021
ADD SPARKLES TO STUDENT LIFE THROUGH HYY’S EVENTS! WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET STUDENTS FROM ALL CAMPUSES, LEARN ABOUT ORGANISATIONS OVER DISCIPLINARY BOUNDARIES AND ENJOY COMMUNALITY ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, CITY STREETS, PARKS AND NIGHT CLUBS? COME TO OUR EVENTS!
OPENING CARNIVAL 6.9.2021 Come and meet the nearly 200 organisations operating under us as well as your Student Union and the University’s actors! You can also add to your overall badge collection, enjoy the atmosphere and meet new friends. FRESHER ADVENTURE 23.9.2021 The largest event for new students in Finland takes over the streets of Helsinki after one missed year! Form your own team for the adventure and complete tasks at the checkpoints of HYY, student organisations, the University and our cooperation partners. The best teams will be rewarded with fabulous prizes! Team registration opens on 2 September 2021. Read more at en.fuksiseikkailu.fi
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HYY’S 153RD ANNIVERSARY 27.11.2021 At HYY’s grand academic dinner party, we will raise a toast to the 153-year-old Student Union. STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION 6.12.2021 The Independence Day procession of all students of the Capital Region will illuminate the streets of Helsinki from the Hietaniemi cemetery to the Senate Square. Come and enjoy communality and traditions together with other students!
EVENTS 2022
SHROVE TUESDAY Students gather at Ullanlinnanmäki for students’ shrovetide celebrations. MAY DAY 30.4–1.5.2022 The most important celebration for students is, of course, May Day! Students often begin their May Day celebrations early, but the bubbly drinks will definitely open at the Crowning of Manta, the Havis Amanda statue, at 6 pm on 30 April. Student unions take turns in charge of crowning the statue, and in 2022, it is HYY’s turn once again! The celebrations continue on 1 May at the reception of May Day at Ullanlinnanmäki. The legendary May Day picnic follows afterwards, with numerous student organisations and residents of the city participating together. The crowning of the statue is planned and carried out by a group of volunteer students – the Manta Crew. Freshers also have a unique opportunity to apply for this team and get to help with the crowning of Manta during their fresher year. Follow HYY on social media and apply to join the Manta Crew in autumn 2021!
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FLORA 2022 May is a party month, with May Day closely followed by Flora’s Day. The event is a joint springtime celebration of HYY and the University of Helsinki – a culmination of spring that campuses take turns hosting. The 2022 Flora’s Day is held on the Kumpula campus. TUTOR ADVENTURE 2022 Before the end of the academic year, HYY and the University of Helsinki welcome the tutors of 2022 in the Tutor Adventure. All students of the University accepted as tutors will get to join. The application process for new tutors opens at the turn of the year.
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ORGANISATIONAL ACTIVITIES
ORGANISATIONAL ACTIVITIES – LIFE OUTSIDE THE LECTURE HALLS THERE ARE AROUND 250 DIFFERENT STUDENT ORGANISATIONS OPER ATING UNDER US. THEIR MEMBERS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR OWN SUBJECT AND STUDENT LIFE, HOME REGION, POLITICAL I D E O L O G Y, H O B B Y O R S P O R T S – A N D A B O V E A L L , T H E S T U D E N T S WHO THEY SHARE THEIR ENTHUSIASM WITH.
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STUDENT LIFE BLOOMS IN ORGANISATIONS Academic dinner parties, trips and travel, get-togethers, debates, sweating and tinkering – whatever the members come up with. The best memories of your study years are likely to be created outside lecture halls, with likeminded friends. There are new friends waiting for you in student organisations, along with skills that you would not get anywhere else: from organising parties for hundreds of people to laying out magazines and from argumentation skills to project management. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF ORGANISATIONS Subject and faculty organisations are formed around a specific subject or faculty. Student nations are open to all students and divided based on geographic regions. In hobby organisations, you will get to focus on something together – sports, crafts, games or food, for example.
ASK YOUR TUTORS AND FRIENDS WHICH ORGANISATIONS THEY RECOMMEND Both the student calendar and HYY’s website feature a list of all organisations. We suggest that you do not hesitate to participate in organisational activities – getting involved in them can easily lead to finding great new friends across disciplinary boundaries! If you are feeling shy, ask your friends to join you or your tutor to organise a visit to some organisation’s event for your entire fresher group.
ORGANISATIONAL ACTIVITIES
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ORGANISATIONS
SUBJECT ORGANISATIONS
FACULTY ORGANISATIONS
NATIONS
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STUDENT NATIONS
STUDENT NATIONS
STUDENT NATIONS tudent nations are cross-sectoral student communities that bring together students of different ages and fields of study. The University of Helsinki has 15 nations that have members from all faculties at the University as well as other higher education institutions. Often, students join student nations based on their home region, student apartment, hobby, friendships or family ties, for instance. All student nations have their own building or apartment where their members gather to pursue shared hobbies, party, organise their activities and, above all, spend time together. You can join the student nation of your choice by paying their membership fee and registering as a member at their premises. UPCOMING EVENTS 18 September: Student nations’ Fresher Park 1 October: Nation Crawl
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COMMITTEES OTSIKKO
FRESHER GUIDE
SEVEN COMMITTEES WORKING FOR THE COMMON GOOD OUR COMMITTEES FOCUS ON BRAINSTORMING AND DEVELOPING ACTIVITIES FOR OUR STUDENT UNION’S DIFFERENT SECTORS. THIS TR ANSL ATES INTO ORGANISING EVENTS, SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS, ADVOCATING S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T, G E T T I N G INVOLVED IN HY Y’S OWN DEVELOPMENT C O O P E R A T I O N P R O J E C T, A D V O C A C Y WORK REL ATED TO EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND PROMOTING EQUALITY IN O U R U N I V E R S I T Y C O M M U N I T Y, F O R INSTANCE. COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES ARE ALL ABOUT COOPER ATION! THE COMMITTEES ARE OPEN TO ALL OUR MEMBERS, AND YOU CAN JOIN THEIR ACTIVITIES AT ANY POINT DURING THE YEAR. YOU CAN FIND OUR COMMITTEES O N FA C E B O O K A N D I N S TA G R A M . A L L O U R COMMITTEES ALSO ORGANISE LOWTHRESHOLD NEW MEMBERS’ EVENINGS IN SEPTEMBER – A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR ACTIVITIES AND MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THEM.
COMMITTEES OTSIKKO
STUDENT ORGANISATIONS COMMITTEE The Student Organisations Committee helps support the organisations that operate under us as well as develop their activities. During the year, it organises many training events for people involved in organisations, and in the autumn, it rewards distinguished organisation heroes. BILINGUALISM COMMITTEE Do you want to promote the Swedish language at the University, in the Student Union or in the FSHS, for instance? In the Bilingualism Committee, you will get to both conduct advocacy work and organise events. The most important event of the committee’s year is the Finnish Swedish Heritage Day in November. DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION COMMITTEE Do you want to make the world a better place? Are global responsibility and equality important to you? Join the Development Cooperation Committee! The committee is in charge of HYY’s development cooperation projects and organises global education events. This year, the Mozambique project focuses on equality among young people. STUDIES COMMITTEE Are you interested in study affairs? The Studies Committee is a place for all students interested in study affairs and educational policy to get information, form networks and discuss study affairs. The committee is a network for student representatives and the study advisors of organisations in particular: it can provide you with help, advice and peer support for your duties.
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EVENTS COMMITTEE Add some sparkles to student life! The Events Committee is the perfect place for HYY’s members interested in event organisation. You will get to take part in brainstorming and realising the Student Union’s events and creating the committee’s own activities according to your own preferences. We conduct our activities together with the Student Union’s producer and the member of the Board in charge of events – at a low threshold, of course! COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Do you want to be involved in making our Student Union more equal, inclusive and open? Have you noticed any flaws that you would like to work on? Let’s make HYY an even better community and student union than before – for all of us! Join the Community Development Committee, or Code for short, to promote participation, communality, equality and equal opportunities to participate and influence matters. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE Are environmental issues close to your heart? Join the club! In the Environmental Committee, we learn about, discuss and, above all, get inspiration from themes related to the environment. Besides various nature trips and documentary nights, our activities include larger campaigns ranging from events for exchanging clothes to dinners made from surplus food – all in good company, of course.
THE NEW STUDENT HOUSE AND THE OLD STUDENT HOUSE
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SURVIVAL GUIDE
€ FRESHER GUIDE
SURVIVAL GUIDE ON SUBSISTENCE
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Apply for student aid from Kela as soon as you have accepted your student place. Student aid includes the study grant and a government guarantee for the student loan. You can apply for the loan from your bank. To receive student aid, you must make sufficient study progress and your other income must not exceed the annual income limit. The study grant is subject to tax, which means that you need to take it into account in taxation if you have any other income. If needed, use the calculators of Kela and the Tax Administration. If you have been working before starting your studies, keep your payslips just in case. You may need them later for the income checks made by Kela.
Once you have an apartment, apply for general housing allowance from Kela. If you live in a shared apartment, remember to get separate rental agreements or make a sublease agreement – otherwise Kela may consider you to belong to the same household with your roomies and grant you a shared housing allowance. Pay HYY’s membership fee and register for attendance by 31 August. This entitles you to use HYY’s member services and get your student card. As a new student, you can apply for the card on 1 August at the earliest. The student card entitles you to numerous discounts. Make the order at frank.fi/en
Pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education to Kela by 30 September. An unpaid fee results in a reminder from Kela, with a €5 late fee attached. If you still do not pay the fee, it may be withheld from your student aid and, ultimately, referred to the enforcement authorities. You need to remember to pay the fee yourself twice a year, at the beginning of academic terms. Monitor your income and expenses to keep your finances in balance. What regular income and expenses do you have? Your income may include Kela’s benefits and work income, for instance, whereas your expenses could include housing costs, groceries and public transport. If you have financial troubles, do not hesitate to seek help from the Guarantee Foundation, for instance. If you need any help with subsistence, HYY’s specialist in social policy is happy to help!
INTO A NEW APARTMENT
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INTO A NEW APARTMENT
elsinki is a great city to live in! Finding an apartment in our capital may prove challenging, though. Unfortunately, student apartments are only available for a limited number of applicants. We thus recommend looking for apartments from several places. If you are offered an apartment, accepting the offer is usually recommended. Look out for scammers, though. Do not send any money or your personal details to anyone before you have seen the apartment and signed a written rental agreement. Also keep in mind that the rental deposit can correspond to three months’ rent at most. WHEN LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT 1. Reserve enough time for apartment hunting! Finding a suitable apartment may be difficult. Hoas, for instance, is able to offer an apartment to around one fifth of all applicants in the autumn. We recommend that you start looking for an apartment as soon as you get your letter of acceptance. 2. A room in a shared apartment is a cheap and communal option. There are often quite a lot of rooms available, and we recommend applying for them! 3. The selection of apartments is more diverse and rents somewhat cheaper outside the city centre. Public transport in the Capital Region is extensive, which means that connections work well outside the city cen-
tre, too. You can use HSL’s Journey Planner to easily work out connections between your home and place of study. WHEN MOVING, REMEMBER THIS 1. Be prepared to pay the rent and a rental deposit corresponding to 3 months’ rent at most when making your first payment. 2. Apply for general housing allowance as soon as you have signed the rental agreement. 3. Check the condition of the apartment before moving in. Take photos of any faults and report them. AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS FOR STUDENTS ARE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING, FOR INSTANCE: • Hoas – Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region, hoas.fi/en • Student nations, eng.nation.fi/housing • Students can also apply for the rental apartments of their city of residence. The apartments of the City of Helsinki are available here: hekaoy.fi/en Further information on housing and housing providers: hyy.fi/en/guides/housing
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GET INTERNATIONAL!
GET INTERNATIONAL DURING YOUR STUDIES!
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN FOREIGN LANGUAGES ALONGSIDE YOUR DEGREE, OR ARE YOU PL ANNING EXCHANGE STUDIES? BESIDES LANGUAGE SKILLS, INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WILL IMPROVE YO U R I N T E R C U LT U R A L COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND INCREASE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF DIVERSITY AS WELL AS B E I N G H I G H LY VA L U E D B Y EMPLOYERS. AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WILL MAKE YOU CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND F I N D N E W S I D E S O F Y O U R S E L F. ALL THIS WILL BENEFIT YOU IN WORKING LIFE REGARDLESS OF YOUR DEGREE PROGRAMME, WHILE GETTING TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND LEARN ABOUT NEW C U LT U R E S I S R E WA R D I N G I N ITSELF!
INTERESTED IN EXCHANGE STUDIES ABROAD? Studying abroad may not feel very topical due to the coronavirus pandemic, but planning your exchange right at the start of your studies is still a good idea. This improves your chances of getting into your top target and helps you plan the studies you will complete abroad and ensure that the exchange takes place at a natural time during your degree. Various grants exist for exchange periods, and you are also eligible for student aid and raised student loan during your exchange. The University’s International Exchange Services provide you with help on planning and realising the exchange. DO AN INTERNSHIP ABROAD Acquiring international work experience is a great way to develop your skills and stand out with your experience. You have to obtain the internship position yourself, but you can apply for grants from the University: an Erasmus+ trainee grant for an internship within the EU or a travel grant for international internships for an internship elsewhere. You can apply for Erasmus grants during both bachelor’s and master’s studies – and even after graduation. Further information on internships, grants and other practices is available in the instructions for students and the University’s International Exchange Services.
GET INTERNATIONAL!
STUDY IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES DURING YOUR STUDIES Complete language studies to improve your language skills and international competences while learning about foreign cultures. The University’s Language Centre offers courses in 16 languages as well as opportunities to meet the University’s international students! Besides these courses, the University has several English-language master’s programmes you can apply to, even if you complete your bachelor’s degree in Finnish. MEET INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Around 7 per cent of the students at the University of Helsinki are foreign-language students, and there are many international organisations operating under HYY. Organisational activities are the best way for many international students to meet Finnish students – and vice versa. Please remember to take them into account in your activities! In addition to organisational activities, you can, for instance, become a tutor for international students and help them learn about Finnish culture and student life.
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TRILINGUAL UNIVERSITY The University of Helsinki operates in Finnish, Swedish and English. Its duties include promoting and fostering the use of Finnish and Swedish as scientific languages, but it is also important that all members of the University community are able to participate in the everyday life, teaching and administration of the University. Please take those who speak another language into account and make yourself a promise to promote vibrant trilingualism!
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INTERVIEW
CHANGING THE UNIVERSITY AS A FRESHER DURING HIS FRESHER YEAR, BENJAMIN L AMBERG, WHO STARTED H I S S T U D I E S I N 2 0 2 0 , H A S S E R V E D A C T I V E LY A S T H E V I C E M E M B E R OF THE STEERING GROUP OF THE BACHELOR’S PROGR AMME OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS AND IN THE STUDENT U N I O N ’S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E C O U N C I L . I N T H I S S H O R T I N T E R V I E W, HE EXPL AINS WHY YOU SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN INFLUENCING MATTERS AT THE UNIVERSITY AND IN THE STUDENT UNION RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR STUDIES. WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE? I’ve always been interested in influencing matters and working for the common good. I had previous experience of this and felt like serving as a student representative in a bachelor’s programme at the University would be a natural continuation of this.
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WHAT ISSUES HAVE YOU MANAGED TO INFLUENCE? In the steering group, I’ve influenced the marketing of the degree programme as well as its course selection. In the Student Union, I’ve had the chance to participate diversely in making the University of Helsinki an even better place for students. WHAT KIND OF SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED? I’ve learned so much about cooperation and interaction between people. Understanding and listening to others is very important as a student representative. I also feel like I’ve learned a lot about self-management and the importance of scheduling.
WHY SHOULD FRESHERS TAKE AN INTEREST IN INFLUENCING MATTERS AT THE UNIVERSITY AND IN THE STUDENT UNION? Getting involved as a fresher helps you understand so much about the University and the world of higher education. For most of us, the University is a very new kind of environment, but student representatives get to peek behind the curtain right away. I feel like this has really helped my studies, too. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO A FRESHER WHO IS CONSIDERING WHETHER TO APPLY TO BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE? Just do it! In my experience, it’s really easy to adjust the workload according to your own interest and energy. This is a great opportunity to learn new things and get unique experience that might not be available anywhere else.
INTERVIEW
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BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE!
FRESHER GUIDE
BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE! We seek new student representatives every year in both main calls for applications in the autumn and spring and supplementary calls throughout the academic year. Keep an eye on HYY’s communication and your email! You could even apply for the University’s administrative bodies that affect students’ matters this autumn! The application period for the University Collegium and faculty councils this autumn is 20 September–30 October 2021. The student representatives’ term in these bodies is 1 January 2022–31 December 2023. What do the bodies do, though?
BECOME A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE!
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGIUM
FACULTY COUNCILS
WHAT? The Collegium is one of the highest decision-making bodies in the University. Its duties include deciding on the composition of the University Board and approving the University’s financial statements and annual report. It also meets at least twice a year to discuss issues that concern the entire University.
WHAT? Each faculty has its own council, which is led by the dean. The councils’ main task is to develop the faculties according to the University’s goals and strategy. In this position, you will really influence matters! The councils’ duties include preparing the decisions and goals that steer the faculty’s operation. They also conduct quality control on research and teaching. The councils have extensive and influential duties, so you do not want to miss this opportunity!
WHO IS IN IT? The Collegium has 50 members, with the entire University community represented in it. This means that students are also in- WHO IS IN IT? volved, chosen from each faculty to repre- The number of members in the councils is eisent the students in that faculty. Professors, ther 10 or 18, depending on the size of the facteaching and research personnel, and oth- ulty. Students have 3 or 5 representatives (+ vice er personnel also have representatives from members). Professors, other personnel and students are always represented in the councils. each faculty. WHY SHOULD I JOIN? WHY SHOULD I JOIN? You will get important experience of ne- You will get to influence the development gotiation and organisation! In the Collegi- of your faculty and monitor the quality of um, you will get to cooperate with people teaching provided to students. You will also from all over the University, which means get an overall view of how your faculty opthat you are sure to improve your interac- erates and form important networks to the tion and negotiation skills! You will also get community in your faculty. You will also get credits and a meeting fee of €50 per meet- credits and a meeting fee of €25 per meeting by serving in this administrative body! ing by serving in this administrative body!
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WHAT STUDENTS DO TODAY...
WHAT STUDENTS DO TODAY, SOCIETY WILL DO TOMORROW!
FRESHER GUIDE
ne of the most important duties of the Student Union is to influence matters according to its members’ interests both at the University and in society. It is our job to make students’ voice heard in decisions that concern them. We work to ensure that you are not a customer at the University nor are you its product – as a student, you are a part of the University community. We actively participate in developing the University to make sure that student perspectives are taken into account in all its activities. We encourage our members towards active and critical citizenship. We support the work of active students at the University as well as advocate students’ interests in society.
WHAT DOES HYY DO?
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‘SO WHAT DOES HYY ACTUALLY DO?’ HY Y HAS FOUR SPECIALISTS FOCUSING ON ADVOCACY W O R K W H O C O N S TA N T LY F I G H T F O R S T U D E N T S ’ I N T E R E S T S A G A I N S T T H E W O R L D . B E L O W, O U R S P E C I A L I S T S D E S C R I B E THEIR WORK THEMSELVES. MATIAS TAKALA, SPECIALIST IN SOCIAL POLICY I’m responsible for advocating students’ interests in the decision-making processes of Helsinki as well as for issues related to housing and wellbeing. Urban advocacy work culminates in municipal elections every four years, but we also constantly meet with the decision-makers of the city to ensure that affordable apartments are available and public transport has student discounts. TIIA NIEMI, SPECIALIST IN SOCIAL POLICY In HYY, I’m in charge of matters related to subsistence, equality and international students. I’m also one of the two harassment contact persons in HYY. You can contact me if you are stupefied by Kela’s decisions or if you experience harassment or inappropriate treatment at the University or in student organisations. MARIANNA SUOKAS, SPECIALIST IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY I’m in charge of student representation in all of the University’s most important decision-making bodies as well as training and support for the representatives. I’m the one who’ll be encouraging you to apply to become a student representative and influence matters! If you’re wondering how to proceed with a rectification request on a grade or any other issue related to studies and their smooth flow, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’m also in charge of our general relations with the University and meet with people from the University with the rest of the educational policy sector. TOPIAS TOLONEN, SPECIALIST IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY One of the main goals in my work is to add student perspectives to the University’s functions – something that’s surprisingly often sidelined by other matters. I also follow the national debate on educational policy, which HYY also takes part in by commenting on issues such as student admissions, tuition fees and internationalisation in higher education institutions. I’m happy to discuss all these themes, and you’re free to contact me in matters related to teaching in particular!
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REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
STUDENTS HOLD THE POWER IN THE STUDENT UNION
FRESHER GUIDE
WHAT EVEN IS THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL? THE STUDENT UNION’S PURPOSE IS TO ACT AS A LINK BETWEEN ITS MEMBERS AND TO PROMOTE THEIR SOCIETAL, SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ASPIR ATIONS AS WELL AS THEIR ASPIR ATIONS REGARDING STUDIES AND STUDENTS’ S T A T U S I N S O C I E T Y.
he Representative Council makes the decisions in our Student Union. It consists of 60 students elected every other year. All our members have the right to vote and run as a candidate in the elections. The council decides on issues such as HYY’s Constitution and budget as well as appoints the Board. The council meets around once a month during academic terms. The meetings are streamed live – you can follow them from the comfort of your home! You can also follow the meetings with Swedish or English audio. THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL IS THE HIGHEST DECISION-MAKER IN THE STUDENT UNION The Representative Council’s duties include several selection tasks. The council appoints the Student Union’s chair, secretary general and Board, for instance. Its duties also include monitoring and managing the Student Union’s finances and operations. The council also decides on the regulations needed to support the Student Union’s operation. The council’s duties are listed in full in HYY’s Constitution.
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HELP
HELP WITH PROBLEMS STUDYING AND LIFE DURING STUDIES IS SURE TO MAKE EVERYONE STRESSED OUT AT SOME P O I N T . F O R T U N A T E L Y, SUPPORT AND HELP IS AVAIL ABLE!
FSHS The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) is there for you. The FSHS provides general, oral and mental health services, which are at your disposal in exchange for the healthcare fee for students in higher education. In Helsinki, the FSHS offers general and mental health services in Töölö and Malmi, with oral health services available in Töölö. In 2021, the healthcare fee for students in higher education is €35.80 per academic term, adding up to €71.60 per academic year. The fee is compulsory for all students registered for attendance, and you can pay it in Kela’s online service. The FSHS’s online service Self allows you to manage your appointments, use contact forms, communicate via chat and start a remote consultation. Register as a user of the service at the beginning of the academic year!
FRESHER GUIDE
TREATMENT NEED ASSESSMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS Through the chat service yths.fi/self By phone Mon–Thu at 8 am–3 pm, Fri at 8 am–2 pm General and mental health services tel. 046 710 1073 Oral health services tel. 046 710 1085
SUPPORT
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SUPPORT FOR STUDENT LIFE STUDY PSYCHOLOGISTS Study psychologists offer individual and group counselling to students in need of support with issues related to study skills, motivation, time management, coping, anxiety or writing theses. Further information: studies. helsinki.fi/instructions/article/study-psychologist-services-students UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINS You can have confidential discussions with the University chaplains. This does not require any religious belief – you can talk about exactly the issues you want to. Leena Huovinen (City Centre), tel. 050 301 9613, leena.huovinen@evl.fi Laura Mäntylä (Kumpula and Viikki), tel. 050 591 9874, laura.mantyla@evl.fi Lisa Enckell (Swedish university chaplain), tel. 050 380 0662, lisa.enckell@evl.fi The chaplains are also available on Jodel @kirkkojakampus
NYYTI RY Nyyti ry is an organisation that promotes students’ mental health and study ability. It provides students and study communities with information, support and activities for mental wellbeing and coping with studies. Content on Nyyti’s website includes videos, podcasts and chats on current themes related to students’ coping. Read more at nyyti.fi/en HARASSMENT CONTACT PERSONS Harassment contact persons at the Student Union and the University can help you if you encounter bullying, discrimination, racism or sexual harassment at the University. Any contacts with HYY’s or the University’s harassment contact persons are confidential. You can reach HYY’s harassment contact persons at hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi LEGAL PROTECTION HYY defends students’ rights. Individual students cannot possibly know everything about the University’s regulations or legislation. HYY offers the support and advice of its specialists in educational policy. In addition to this, HYY offers its members free legal advice provided by Pykälä ry, the subject organisation of law students. HYY’s specialist in educational policy, Marianna Suokas: p. 050 325 5202, marianna.suokas@hyy.fi Pykälä’s legal aid: oikeusapu@pykala.fi
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EQUALITY
EQUALITY IN STUDENT LIFE
FRESHER GUIDE
quality means that all human beings are equal regardless of their background or any personal characteristic. You will meet all kinds of people in the University community, and all of them have the right to be themselves. Harassment and discrimination should not and must not be tolerated. HYY has two harassment contact persons who can provide you with advice and support with issues related to equality and harassment, if needed. All discussions with the harassment contact persons are confidential, and they are under an obligation of secrecy. You can contact them at hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi.
EQUALITY
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HAS THE FOLLOWING EVER OCCURRED TO YOU? ‘WHY AREN’T THEY DRINKING?’ Not drinking alcohol is a personal choice that does not require a specific reason. Having fun together is always possible without alcohol! ‘DO YOU SPEAK FINNISH?’ There are students who speak other languages than Finnish at the University. Language barriers do not prevent participation. ‘THEY ALWAYS PUT OUT!’ Sexual harassment is not limited to physical advances – it can also be verbal. ‘SO, ARE YOU JACK OR JILL?’ Everyone does not necessarily identify as male or female, as a binary understanding of gender would have it, and everyone is not heterosexual. Please respect everyone’s identity and right to define or refuse to define themselves. ‘ARE THEY SOME SORT OF A RELIGIOUS FANATIC?’ Everyone has the right to their own political and ideological beliefs.
‘YEAH, BUT WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM?’ Do not assume that you know something about another person’s background based on their appearance. You are not only making them feel like an outsider, but also sustaining racist power structures. ‘WOMEN WASH THE DISHES, MEN CARRY THE EQUIPMENT’ You can drift into stereotypical gender roles without even noticing it. Do not pressurise anyone to conform to a specific role based on their gender. TAKING PART WITH NO THRESHOLDS! An accessible environment makes equal participation possible for everyone. There may be participants who join with their child in a pushchair, move in a wheelchair or have a visual impairment, for instance. Read more at equality.fi
CITY CENTRE CAMPUS, MAIN BUILDING
KUMPULA CAMPUS, PHYSICUM
MEILAHTI CAMPUS, BIOMEDICUM
VIIKKI CAMPUS, BIOCENTER 1
NO BRAIN, NO GAIN KESKUSTA • KUMPULA • MEILAHTI • OTANIEMI • TÖÖLÖ • VIIKKI
At UniSport, you have access to five high-quality gyms, almost 40 different group exercise classes and opportunities for ball sports training. With Livestream classes and Online Training videos you can exercise whenever and wherever you want. Free first visit. Welcome!
UNISPORT.FI
Ylva, sustainable solutions Ylva is a company owned by HYY – as HYY’s member, you are thus one of our owners. Ylva’s goal is to make Helsinki a more fun, sustainable and international city. Our business operations focus on real estate, investment activities and restaurant and catering business.
Defender of education Sustainable solutions are at the core of Ylva’s activities. Climate change mitigation cannot rest upon the actions of individual people alone – at Ylva, we believe in the role that companies have in finding solutions. Working actively at the intersection of science and
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economy gives us the opportunity to use the latest research findings to develop and provide our services. Ylva has a long history of fostering responsible solutions. More fun, easy and sustainable What kind of presence does Ylva have in your everyday life? Ylva owns the entire Kaivopiha block. When you walk from the Helsinki Railway Square towards the student houses, you are walking on your own property. During the next few years, Ylva is making the city even more vibrant and functional by reforming the surroundings of theKaivopiha property. In January 2020, Ylva started construction work on Lyyra in Hakaniemi (lyyra.fi). Lyyra is a city
Accumulating the Student Union’s assets at the expense of climate would be completely untenable.
block of science and economy that comOTSIKKO bines new services, interesting restaurants, and apartments meant for international researchers.The UniCafe restaurants are a concrete part of Ylva that you see every day. With UniCafe, making smart choices is easy. Delicious, ethical food and affordable lunches for students are at the heart of UniCafe’s operations.
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Students’ ability to constantly ask new questions and suggest new avenues is a majorresource for Ylva’s operations.
Company that makes the best student life possible The most important task of Ylva is to bring in profits for its owner, HYY. Ylva pays dividends from the profits of its business operations to HYY, and the Student Union uses these funds to finance its own activities. Ylva helps the Student Union cover two thirds of its expenses, and our goal is for
the Student Union to have no membership fees at all by 2025. Students also have the opportunity to directly influence Ylva’s operations. Students make up the majority of Ylva’s Board members. The unique combination of student members and assessors on Ylva’s Board has made it possible for Ylva to play a pioneering role in many issues related to responsibility for several decades now.
Ylva’s key figures
22,8
385,7
2,8
million €
million €
million €
Turnover
Market value of real estate and investments
Distribution of profits to HYY
According to the relevant Government Decree, the quality of student meals must meet general health and nutritional criteria. The recommendations on energy and nutrient intake are based on the recommendations of the National Nutrition Council of Finland. A student meal should cover around one third of students’ daily energy needs. In practice, this means that the amount of energy that a student meal contains should be 700–800 kcal (2.9–3.3 MJ) on average but at least 500 kcal (2.1 MJ) and at most 1 000 kcal (4.2 MJ). The recommended average proportions of energy nutrients out of the total amount of energy (E%, range in parentheses) in the meals are as follows: fat 30 (25–35) E%, protein 15 (10– 20) E%, and carbohydrates 55 (50–60) E%. Meals should include a main dish, a high-energy side dish (potato, barley, rice, pasta, or grain mix) and other components (high-fibre and low-salt bread, spread that is low in saturated and trans fats, fat-free milk or sour milk, fresh vegetables and/or salad, and oil-based dressing). A meal that follows these criteria covers around one third of daily energy needs, has a fat content providing a maximum of 35% of the total energy, with a maximum of one third of the fat being saturated and trans fats, and contains a maximum of 40% of the recommended daily intake of salt (≤ 2.8 g/meal). Meals that do not follow the above criteria must still adhere to the principles of healthy nutrition and have at least the other components of the meal, described above , follow the criteria. If the main dish of the meal does not meet the criteria of the recommendations, the meal as a whole cannot be guaranteed to meet the recommendations either. Two thirds of the fat must be unsaturated. Saturated and trans fats should account for a maximum of 10% of the total energy (E%) of the meal.
Lunch at UniCafe is always affordable and delicious. Don’t worry your head – eat at UniCafe. We have meal options for all tastes. We are changing the world one plate at a time: our responsible and environmentally friendly lunches are prepared with 100-percent attitude.