The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
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The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
01.09.2020
In the beginning, studying at the University can be a little overwhelming but you can do it with the right attitude and proper gear. We at ISYY (the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland), have picked up top 13 tips for you to ease you through your first weeks.
1.) Don’t be worried if you’re a bit nervous, so is everyone else. Most of the new students are as clueless about everything as you are.
2.) Take part in the Orientation week programme. During the Orientation week, you will learn some valuable lessons about the University and University services, about your own faculty and about studying at the University in general.
Kamu.uef.fi, opens in new window: Starting your studies at UEF
3.) Take part in your tutor group’s meetings. This way you’ll get to know other students and get some peer support and good advice when you need some.
4.) If you aren’t able to get an apartment by the beginning of your studies and no one you know is able to take you in for a few days, you can ask about a possibility for a temporary housing. Contact koso@isyy.fi in Kuopio and soko@isyy.fi in Joensuu.
5.) Participate in major student events like The City Orienteering and other gatherings. You’ll meet students from other subject fields than your own and are able to do some interdisciplinary networking!
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Campus Orienteering and Campus Crash in September 2020
6.) Get to know and join your own Student Organisation. Your student organisation looks out for you and other students in your field of study and organizes various events for its members. In your student organisation, you’ll also find new friends and get some benefits. And don’t forget to join your campus’ international student club ESN Joensuu or ESN KISA (Kuopio).
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Student Organisations
7.) Get familiar with ISYY Offices in Joensuu and Kuopio on video. At offices you can get the term sticker to your student card to receive all the student discounts you are entitled to. However, due to current situation, we recommend you to download Frank’s or Pivo’s digital student card to your phone. Remember to pay the Student Union membership fee before ordering or downloading a student card!
Youtube.com, opens in new window: Ylioppilaskunnan toimisto Joensuussa (Joensuu Office)
Youtube.com, opens in new window: Ylioppilaskunnan toimisto Kuopiossa (Kuopio Office)
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Student Card and Term Sticker
8.) From the campuses, you’ll also get your very own ISYY calendar! With the help of the calendar you can plan and schedule all your Autumn goings. At ISYY offices, you can also purchase an outrageously fabulous Straight outta Itä-Suomi t-shirt or canvas bag to carry your study gear around with you. You can even fit a laptop in the bag!
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: New Calendars Have Arrived!
9.) Follow ISYY’s communication channels to find out what is going on at the student union, university and on campus. Follow ISYY on Facebook (fbISYY), Instagram (@isyyuef), Twitter (@ISYYH) and YouTube. ISYY also publishes an English language newsletter, Weekly Feed, on Tuesdays.
10.) Make good use of all the student discounts! These include the right to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), discounts in student restaurants and lower prices when travelling with VR (Finnish State Railways) or Matkahuolto.
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Membership Benefits and Services
11.) Don’t forget to find something fun to do in your free time, it really boosts your well-being! Find out more about your own campus city’s free time activities and ISYY’s Clubs, Campus Organisations, Sections and open positions of trust in the Student Union.
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: ISYY Clubs
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Campus Organisations
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Make an Impact
12.) Take care of yourself and your well-being, but also remember to have fun! Student life can be tough, but according to many, it is also the best time of your life! SYKETTÄ sport services can help you stay fit and in good studying condition. After paying a small fee you can join instructed group classes like pole dancing or body pump, use the gym or reserve sport shifts e.g. for your floorball team.
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: SYKETTÄ
13.) Remember that ISYY is there for you during your studies. We are here for you; We watch out for you and represent your interests. You can always ask for help from our offices, our staff members and our persons elected to a position of trust and we will help you to the best of our ability. Student Union also has two Anti-Harassment Contact Persons whom you can contact if you encounter or witness any harassment at our University.
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Staff Contact Information
Isyy.fi, opens in new window: Anti-Harassment Contact Persons
Good luck with your studies!