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The Student Union of the University of Helsinki

Freshman Guide 2012

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Events for Students

3.9. The Opening Carnival on Centre Campus

3.9. The Opening Party at the Old Student House

4.-14.9 HYY-tours for Freshmen

10.9. Night at the Campus –festival at Senaatintori

22.10. Students’ Panel Debate for Municipal Election Candidates at Vanha ylioppilastalo (Old Student House)

31.10.-1.11. Advance voting in HYY's Representative Council elections

6.-7.11. HYY's Representative Council elections

8.11. Ahtisaari-day

19.-25.11. HYY’s Anniversary Week

26.11. HYY’s 144th Anniversary

6.12. Torchlight procession of Independence Day

More events:

twww.facebook.com/hyy.hus twww.hyy.fi

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Freshman Guide 2011The Student Union of the University of Helsinki

Freshman Guide 2012

Dear new student 02

The Student Union Is Yours 04

Services Office 06

Making a difference 08

HYY is a democratic community 10

HYY Group – Students’ Business Operations 12

Organisational activities are an important part of the student life 14

Space for students, a place for events 1 6

Cultural events for every taste 18

No studies without culture 21

Solving the puzzle of subsistence 22

Special income circumstances 24

Where do the students live? 26

Students’ own health care 28

Smooth public transport in the Helsinki region 30

Exercise in between lectures 31

Plan your studies 32

HYY promotes equality 35

Students are part of the university administration 36

An international university provides opportunities for everyone 38

For a better tomorrow in Zambia and Indonesia 40

Be smart and look after the environment 41

Building a common union 42

Contact Information 46

Notes 47

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Dear new student,I wish you a smashing start to your new student life! You have received a study place in the best university in Finland and as a bonus, you also gained your very own student union.

And what is that exactly? The Student Union of the University of Helsinki, also known by the abbreviation HYY, is your student union. All un-dergraduate students are automatically members of the Student Union, and exchange students are very welcome to join us. Your student union offers you a variety of services, such as health care, stu-dent card, student restaurants and plenty of other fun things. This guide will help you find solutions for a number of problems you might have on your mind.

The best part of the Student Union is the mem-bers. You will meet new people constantly, so do not hesitate to make new acquaintances. After so-me years, you will best remember those people who made your student life so much fun. So after a lec-ture, go and have a picnic in a park together, hang out in the Old Student House or exercise at UniS-port!

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest university which offers unlimited opportunities to make your study years unforgettable. Get to know new people and explore the wonderful world of the university. Do not just hang out in your own home campus but get to know Kaisa Library on City Centre Campus, the sports facilities on Kumpula Campus, the cows with holes and the rubber goril-la on Viikki Campus and the secret tunnels in Mei-lahti.

Open your mind, learn something new and question everything. Forget your own subject and try out new and interesting-sounding minor sub-jects. From 11 different faculties, you will certain-ly find many new and exciting things that challen-ge everything that you have learned and inspire you to learn more. So do not hesitate, dive straight in-to the academic community!

Jannica AaltoThe Student Union’s Chair of the Board 2012

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The Student Union Is Yours The University provides teaching and study counselling, while the Student Union is the students’ benefit and service organisati-on. HYY represents students’ interests at university and in society. The Student Union consists of students – therefore it could be anything that its members want it to be.

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All students of the University of Helsinki are part of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki, and HYY is the oldest and lar-

gest student union with nearly 30,000 members. All undergraduate and graduate students of the university are automatically part of the Student Union. Doctoral students and exchange students may join the Student Union if they wish to do so.

In the Universities Act, student unions are de-fined as corporations subject to public law, which have rights and responsibilities. Their purpose is to act as liaison for their members and promote stu-dents’ societal, social and intellectual aspirations. In HYY, this means the diversity of various orga-nisations, events organised for all students, bene-fits negotiated by the Student Union and guidance provided for members. HYY also supervises stu-dents’ interests both at university and outside the academic world.

Benefits and Services for Members The Student Union’s membership fee is paid an-nually. The Student Union’s membership is a re-quirement for studies of undergraduate and gra-duate students, but the membership fee is not the university’s tuition fee. Exchange students can vo-luntarily pay the membership fee and thus join the Student Union. After paying the membership fee, you are entitled to use all member services

and benefits of the Student Union. Student union members can also order Lyyra student card which provides student discount in public transport, cultural events and many companies. Member-ship services include UniCafe restaurants, free le-gal assistance, Ylioppilaslehti magazine and the student calendar. HYY’s own membership bene-fits and general student benefits are presented in this guide.

HYY’s office is located at the heart of Helsinki in the New Student House (Mannerheimintie 5 A, 2nd floor). The Student Union Services Office helps with matters related to the membership fee and the student card, among other things. Organisational services also operate at the same service point. HYY’s Board and the Secretariat also work at HYY’s office.

HYY supervises the students’ interests The Student Union’s duty is not only to provide benefits and services, but also to promote the stu-dents’ interests. HYY works actively to promote students’ affairs at the university and the rest of the society. Influencing work includes campaigns, statements and lobbying, for example. Influen-cing work mainly focuses on topics which di-rectly concern the students, but sometimes we al-so comment on more extensive issues, such as equality and urban affairs.

HYY is part of the National Union of the Uni-versity Students in Finland (SYL). Founded in 1921, SYL is one of the largest student organisa-tions in Finland. All the student unions of Finnish universities are part of SYL and the total number of members is approximately 135,000 students. SYL represents students’ voice in education policy matters both on national and international levels.

Events and organisations During the year, the Student Union organises ma-ny events and parties where all members are wel-come. These include the opening carnival, anni-versary and the torch parade of Independence Day. Over 200 organisations operate within HYY, where members can organise interesting ac-tivities for themselves. More information on events is available on page 18 and you can read more about the organisations on page 14.

How do I get information

about the Student Union and its operations?

”Every other week, HYY sends a member news-

letter which is delivered to students by the organisa-tions’ communications offi-cers. All Ylioppilaslehti (and Studentbladet) issues also have HYY page reserved for the Student Union’s newsletters. All news will also be published on HYY’s website (www.hyy.fi/helsinki) which inclu-des the event calendar where organisations can advertise their own events. You can become a fan of HYY on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HYY.HUS) and conveniently get information on cur-rent affairs.”

t Communications Officer Jenni Heikkinen tiedottaja@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9609

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The Services Office is open on Mondays 10am–5pm and from Tuesdays to Fridays 10am–3pm. Exceptions to the opening

hours are mentioned on HYY’s website. In the Services Office, you can take care of issues rela-ted to the Lyyra card or the student union mem-bership, among other things.

For members: t Lyyra-cards

tMembership fee issues

t Advisory services

For organisations: tMeeting rooms

t Equipment lending (details on lended items are available on the website)

HYY’s member benefits and

services for students

Lyyra student cardHYY’s members can order the Lyy-ra student card for the price of EUR 16.10. Lyyra card is the easiesti way to prove your student union mem-bership. With Lyyra, you receive discounts on the services of VR (national railway company), Matkahuolto (bus and coach servi-ces) and student restaurants, for example. Lyyra website also has in-formation on other student bene-fits and discounts. You do not need other student cards. Read further information and orde-ring instructions on the web servi-ce. www.lyyra.fi

Ylioppilaslehti student magazineThe student magazine Ylioppilas-lehti is sent out to all HYY mem-bers. The magazine is published every two weeks during the acade-mic terms. The magazine, founded in 1913, covers the academic world and higher education policy as well as social and cultural phenomena

– and is an active debater itself. If you would like to write, take pho-tos or draw for Ylioppilaslehti, please contact the chief editor (paatoimittaja@ylioppilaslehti.fi).

Freshman GuideHYY offers you this information package on the Student Union, stu-dies and everyday student life.

Student calendarHYY’s members annually receive the student calendar which helps with time management. The calen-dar also includes useful informati-on on the Student Union, student benefits and presentations of all or-ganisations operating within HYY. It also includes important dates for studies and student life, such as the University’s teaching periods and many events of the Student Union. The calendar is available from the same places where you can collect the student card and the year tag. You can get the calendar from HYY’s Services Office or the University’s main building. www.hyy.fi

Free legal assistance Pykälä’s Committee for Legal Assis-tance provides legal advice to HYY’s members by mail, telephone, e-mail and in person. Most of the questions presented to the com-mittee concern housing, emplo-yment, family and estate rights, studies and social security. The committee does not prepare docu-ments but will advise you in draf-ting them and checks the finished documents. The committee is on duty at Pykälä’s office (Mannerhei-mintie 3 B, 5th floor) during the aca-demic terms on Mondays and Wed-nesday, 5pm–7pm, tel. (09) 278 5005, e-mail oikeusapu@helsinki.fi.

Child careChild care services offer tempora-ry child care assistance to HYY’s members. The minimum age is 6 months and the maximum durati-on is three hours at a time. Further information: lapsiparkki@hyy.fi and www.hyy.fi.

Services Office The Student Union’s Services Office is located at the New Student House at Mannerhei-mintie 5 A, 2nd floor.

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HYY’s premises

1. The New Student House - Service Office, premises of organisation and student nation

2. The Old Student House - Kahvila Vanhan kuppila

3. Domus Gaudium - premises of organisations and student nation

HYY’s Student restaurants

4. Unicafe Kaivopiha 8. Unicafe Topelias5. Unicafe Porthania 9. Unicafe Soc & kom ja valtiotiede6. Unicafe Päärakennus 10. Unicafe Olivia7. Unicafe Rotunda * More Unicafe-restaurants on other campuses

Healt care

11. FSHS - Finnish Student Healt Service

Public transport

12. Kamppi - Buses to Espoo

13. Railway station - Buses to Kumpula, Meilahti and Viikki

Others

14. Stockmann15. Sokos16. Kaisa House Library

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The Student Union is a channel for students to get their voices heard and to influence society and the university. This can include rising to

the barricades but it may also be, for example, dis-cussions with university employees about the deve-lopment of teaching, creating ideas for better cycle paths with city planners or organising an item exchange table in the student house lobby.

HYY’s Board works practically every day in the New Student House and organises a wide range of events and campaigns together with the Student Unions employees and volunteer students (such as the members of the Representative Council and committees). In addition, the Board continuously meets both the representatives of the university as well as decision-makers of the city and the state to discuss issues important for students. The Board al-so works closely with other student organisations, particularly with other student unions and the Na-tional Union of University Students in Finland.

In practice, the Board is the Student Union’s fa-ce and voice. You may contact board members and tell them which matters need improvement and which issues to tackle next.

Committees HYY has ten committees whereby you can parti-cipate in the student union’s activities according to your own interests. You can join the commit-tees at any time of the year, and be involved in ac-tivities exactly as much as you have interest and time. Committees provide an opportunity to or-ganise interesting events ranging from parties and sitsit to exhibitions and seminars. The committees also have important tasks, such as the administra-tion of HYY’s development cooperation projects and the organisation of various trainings for or-ganisations operating within the Student Union. In addition to committee websites, you will find information on the committee events on HYY’s website at: www.hyy.fi.

ValiokunnatESN CommitteeCommittee for Organisational Affairs Committee for Bilingual AffairsCommittee for International Affairs Committee for Development Cooperation Committee for Cultural Affairs Committee for Academic Affairs Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation Committee for Tutor Affairs Committee for Environmental Affairs

Making a difference

Join the activities!The Committee for Bilingual Affairs aims at se-

curing the position of the Swedish-speaking stu-

dents at the University and the Student Union and

promoting bilingualism in the Student Union. This

year, the Committee’s targets include bilingual

communications and the opportunities provided

by bilingualism at the University and the student

community. The Committee also organises events

and campaigns to promote bilingualism on Swe-

dish Day, for example.

Committee for Finno-Ugric Cooperation coordi-

nates the use of HYY’s kindred nation funds for

projects which support the culture of Finno-Ugric

nations in Russia in their own language. The com-

mittee also organises other activities concerning

kindred nations such as evening gatherings or stu-

dy circles in different languages.

Committee for Tutor Affairs is in charge of plan-

ning and organising HYY’s tutor training and it

participates in the evaluation and development of

the University’s tutor training. The Committee for

Tutor Affairs is also in charge of welcoming the

new students on behalf of HYY.

Nouse jo! In 2006, HYY members participated in

Nouse jo! demonstration which demanded an inc-

rease in student financial aid.

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Bread campaign. In the spring of 2011, HYY’s Board distributed bread to

citizens in order to remind them about the challenges of students’ income.

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HYY is a corporation formed by university students, a community formed by all its members, which makes decisions collecti-

vely and by listening to everyone. HYY is also ad-ministered as a corporation: the Representative Council has the decision-making power which is equivalent to that of a municipal council or a par-liament. The Representative Council of 60 mem-bers is elected through the elections every two yea-rs where each member of the Student Union can vo-te or run as a candidate.

HYY’s administration – this is how the Student Union operatesThe Representative Council is the highest decisi-on-making body of the Student Union. The Rep-resentative Council meets approximately four ti-mes in an academic term. The current Chairper-son of the Student Union is Esa Perkiö.

The Student Union operations are led by the Bo-ard which is appointed by the Representative Council for one year at a time. The board members are students as well and they run the everyday ope-rations in cooperation with the hired Secretariat which performs expert tasks. The Board has par-liamentary accountability for the Representative Council and it includes 7–13 members. Additional-ly, the Board has founded other organs to manage various affairs. The Financial Committee prepares the internal affairs of the Student Union related to finances, and the committees manage their own matters. The Committee for Development Coope-ration, for example, is mainly in charge of the ope-rations related to development cooperation all the way to project management.

HYY is also engaged in significant business ope-rations, the direction of which is decided by the stu-dents. This is explained later in the Freshman Gui-de.

The Representative Council elections – the most important means to exercise power The next Representative Council elections of the Student union of the University of Helsinki

HYY is a democratic communityWho makes the important decisions in the Student Union? Who decides what the opinion of HYY is? What could I do?

(HYY) will be conducted on November. The cam-paigning is often carnivalistic, but HYY’s elec-tions should not be underestimated. Quite the contrary. The Student Union is an influential or-ganisation and a respected public debater in ma-ny areas. HYY’s budget of approximately four million already provides plenty of opportunities for various operations. By voting or running as a candidate, you can have a significant effect on how the Student Union discusses, comments and uses its money. In the Representative Council elections, there are approximately 28.000 persons entitled to vote so this is not a small matter.

In the Representative Council elections, candi-dates are mainly set by various political groups, subject organisations and student nations.

HYY’s members, almost 30,000 students of the University of Helsinki are eligible, which means that they are entitled to vote and run as a candida-te. This year, the term of the elected Representati-ve Council will be two years: 2012−2014.

You can use your voting right on four campuses of the University of Helsinki at 15 polling stations and also in the offices of the University of Helsinki in Lahti and Vaasa. The election result will be re-vealed in the election coverage on 7 Nov.

Why vote?The Student Union’s Representative Council deci-des on the Student Union’s major policies. The Representative Council decides on the Student Union’s budget, the Student Union Board and the chief editor of Ylioppilaslehti student magazine, among other things. Only by running as a candi-date or voting you can influence matters that HYY will focus on.If voting does not seem like an efficient way to in-fluence, a freshman can also run as a candidate in the Representative Council elections. The opening carnival, for example, is a good opportunity to get to know different groups and hear more about the elections. Information is also available on HYY’s election site at www.hyy.fi/vaalit.

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HYY’s property began to accrue in 1858 when the recently established Student Uni-on acquired a plot for its own student hou-

se. The original plot was located in the place of the current National Archives. The plot was later chan-ged to the current plot where the Old Student Hou-se was completed in 1870. At the time, the area of Aleksanterinkatu and Itä-Heikinkatu (current Mannerheimintie) was gradually changing from a rural landscape to a busy commercial area.

In addition to HYY’s own student houses, HYY has constructed business premises on the plot over the years. Profit from business operations is used for funding organisational activities and students’ interest representation. Today, HYY is also enga-ged in responsible investment and this is expected to be the second cornerstone of the student union finances in the future. In addition, HYY Group pro-vides services primarily for students and the wider academic community.

HYY Group strongly supports corporate res-ponsibility. Responsible business operations include responsibility for the environment, customers, per-sonnel, cultural heritage and the economy. In their communications, HYY Group companies use the following signature: HYY’s responsible business operations.

Today, the Group’s annual distribution of pro-fit to HYY is approximately two million euro a year. The Group not only makes profit but also pro-vides services for students.

Student Union Companies Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press is Finland’s largest academic scientific publisher. Gaudeamus publishes scientifically uncompromising but easily readable books in the fields of social sciences, phi-losophy, culture, environment, technology and economy. The books become familiar to many students during their study years. www.gaudea-mus.fi

Lyyra is the web media and student card of Fin-nish higher education students. When you use Lyy-ra student card, you can purchase cheaper meals at UniCafes, for example, and travel by train and bus with a 50 % discount negotiated by the student

unions. Through the web service, you can purcha-se the cheapest Apple computers in the country and find over a thousand other student benefits. Through Lyyra’s housing service, you can search for rental apartments and flatmates, or rent your own apartment for your student exchange period, for example. HYY owns Lyyra together with the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL). www.lyyra.fi

UniCafe provides student meals and cafeteria services in 19 student restaurants and four cafés on four campuses. Additionally, its operations include four festive restaurants: Old Student House, Res-taurant Domus, Viola and Gustus & Vera. UniCa-fe was among the first organisers of student meals in Finland and just like back then, students can con-tinue to have influence on student meals provided in our restaurants. During the summer, HYY Group also manages Hostel Acade¬mica which operates in Leppäsuo. www.unicafe.fi and www.hostelacademica.fi

The Group’s profit, which is distributed to HYY, comes mainly from the rental income of Kaivopiha premises (Kaivotalo Building, New Student Hou-se, Hansatalo Building and Citytalo Building). The premises include offices, restaurants and stores. In addition, HYY Real Estate includes Domus proper-ty and other individual properties.

During its history, HYY has managed a cinema and a cultural centre, engaged in development aid business and acted in many other fields.

Corporate governance of business When the business operations expanded from the 1970s onwards, the Student Union made a decisi-on that professional executives would be rec-ruited to lead business operations, and they would try to make the most profitable business on behalf of students, whereas students define the major policies of business operations. This takes place in the corporation boards, the Student Uni-on Board and Representative Council. Students have the majority in the boards of the largest companies. In addition, expert members who know the industry well are involved.

HYY Group – Students’ Business Operations

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HYY Group in figures (2011)

Employees: 228

Turnover: 32.9 million euro

Market value of properties owned by the Student Union,

based on external evaluation: 189.9 million euro.

UniCafe within HYY Group owns 19 student restaurants,

four cafeterias and four festive restaurants. In 2011, UniCa-

fe sold over two million student meals.

To conclude: HYY Group is the Student Union’s preferred way of organising its business opera-tions. In addition to the distribution of profit, stu-dents benefit from having their own business as their wishes and needs can be genuinely taken in-to account in services, such as student restau-rants.

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The Student Union is the umbrella organisati-on for hundreds of student organisations from which each student can easily find a sui-

table organisation for one’s interests. Many orga-nisations also have their own clubs and committees where a group of people with similar interests get together for the most amazing activities.

Approximately 260 various subject, recreatio-nal and benefit organisations, international organi-sations and student nations operate within HYY. Everyone can find a suitable place to have a good time and participate in these organisations.

Subject organisations bring together people who study the same subject, whether you are a his-torian or a geologist. Subject organisations opera-te as the interest representatives of their own major subject at the university and ensure that studying is pleasant for everyone in the department. Events which are characteristic to a certain field are the co-re of subject organisation activities.

Student nations are the oldest organisations of HYY and they gather people together from dif-ferent regions. Student nations have long traditions and plenty of wide-ranging activities. If you get ho-mesick, you will certainly find support from the stu-dent nations.

In accordance with their name, recreational organisations are organisations where members gather together around a certain hobby. Recreatio-nal organisations vary from sports to chess clubs to role playing. Everyone can find at least one if not several interesting recreational organisations. Don’t hesitate to get involved!

Through political organisations, you can have effect on the student union and the surrounding so-ciety.

Political organisations can be seen on campuses every other year when HYY’s Representative Coun-cil elections are organised and it is a good time to get to know these organisations properly. Find the a small politician inside you and have influence on HYY’s operations.

In organisations, you can learn many skills which are not covered by the actual university cur-riculum, yet they are an integral part of university studies and the growth of becoming an academic citizen. In organisational activities, you can also get

Organisational activities are an important part of the student life

new friends and unique experiences. In organisa-tions, you get to do things which you might not ot-herwise do, such as a three course meal for a hun-dred people, learn the academic celebration etiquet-te, perform in a choir, orchestra or theatre, organi-se a demonstration and plenty of other things.

The Student Union supports student organisa-tions in many ways by providing direct or indirect financial support as well as guidance and counsel-ling. HYY provides premises for organisations at the New Student House in the centre of Helsinki and at Domus Gaudium in Etu-Töölö.

Presentations of the organisations are availab-le on HYY’s website and Student Calendar.

Organisatio-nal activities

sound really nice. Where can I find a nice organisati-on? How can participate as an international student?

”You can join the activities of any organisation by

showing up and participa-ting in activities of the or-ganisation. You can start by getting to know the Student Union’s organisati-on selection on HYY’s website. The site includes a list of organisations operating within HYY, sorted according to the organisation type, and links to their websites. Although the majority of organi-sations are officially Finnish or Swedish, they are also open to international students. Organisa-tions and student nations of faculties introduce themselves during orientation studies in almost all faculties. In the opening carnival on 3 Sept, many organisations have presentation stands where the organisation representatives tell about what their organisation does, how to become a member and what kind of activities the organisa-tion offers. In the early autumn, almost all organi-sations have some activities targeted at new stu-dents, such as introduction nights, freshman nights and beginner’s courses. You can also ask your tutor to arrange an excursion for your fresh-man group to visit an interesting organisation. Keep an eye on notice boards and HYY’s event calendar in case of interesting freshman events.”

t Emi Maeda, Specialist (organisations) emi.maeda@hyy.fi, p. 050 537 3798

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Come along!Committee for Organisational Affairs. The purpose of the committee is to discuss the or-ganisational services provided by HYY and in-form about these services. The committee is al-so in charge of the organisation and festive pre-mises as well as other organisational affairs. The committee aims at developing the cooperation between different organisations.

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During the 143-year history of HYY, students have received three student houses for their use; the Old Student House (1870), the

New Student House (1910) and Domus Gaudium (2008). The houses provide space for students – specifically their own space – to get together. The buildings also include many facilities of student na-tions and organisations as well as festive and mee-ting facilities for students. At the end of 2008, the so-called third Student House, Domus Gaudium, was completed in connection with Domus Acade-mica. The Student Union thus received new facili-

Space for students, a place for events The Students’ own houses: the Old, the New and Domus Gaudium

ties for students and student organisations. Along the years, social gatherings, clubs, mee-tings, balls and theatre performances have been organised in the students’ own houses.

The Old Student HouseThe Old Student House (originally Student House) was completed in 1870. In addition to students’ meetings, social evenings and balls, the Old Student House has acted as a cultural centre and the meeting place of a political stu-

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dent movement, and it was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1978. The building is known for the oc-cupation of the Old Student House on 25 Nov 1968 and its numerous works of art, such as Akseli Gal-len-Kallela’s fresco Kullervo Leaves for War.

Today, the Old Student House acts as a versatile event venue where plenty of different events of stu-dent organisations and corporations are organised. The Student Union’s so-called music and theatre cor-porations also have club and training facilities in the building.

The New Student HouseThe New Student House accommodates club rooms, meeting rooms, festive facilities with kitchens and HYY’s central office.

The New Student House (originally Student Nation House) was constructed next to the Old Student House when its premises became too small for the growing number of students. Section A of the building was designed for student nations and it still is used by various student organisations for club, meeting and festive purposes. Other parts of the building were planned for commercial use, and during these hundred years, they have served hotels, cinemas, restaurants and a car shop.

Domus GaudiumThe latest student house, Domus Gaudium, was completed in 2008. It is located right next to Kamppi in connection with student housing in Domus Academica, Leppäsuo. HYY owns the building together with Aalto University’s postgraduate unit AEE. The building, which is also known as the ”third student house”, includes HYY’s archives, rooftop sauna Sivistys and student organisations’ club and meeting rooms. Domus Academica’s underground facilities are located in the building and they include band re-hearsal rooms managed by HYY Group and the multi-purpose facility Pohjanhovi.

Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press is pleased to greet its new owners and directors! No funny business! Gaudeamuksen kirjat kulkevat opintojesi rinnalla aina pääsykokeista gra-duun, gradusta jatko-opintoihin ja sen ylikin, kaikkiin elämäsi eri vaiheisiin. Julkaisemme eri tieteenalojen perusteoksia, klassikkoja, poleemisia keskustelunavauksia, maailmanparannusta ja maamme huippututkijoidenn teoksia.

Avaamme 23.8. tietokirjakauppakahvilan yliopiston uudessa pääkirjastossa. Tervetuloa viihtymään herkkujen ja tiedon ääreen Gaudeamus Kirja & Kahviin! Lyyra-alennuksia kirjoista ja muista tuotteista!

Avajaiset

23.8.

Det är visst Du, HYYläinen, som äger det ledande vetenskapliga förlaget i Finland.

Vastuullista hyyn liiketoimintaa.

 · www.gaudeamus.fi · Tiedon puolella.  

Ave, Capo di tutti capi!

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Cultural events for every taste HYY will organise several student events in the academic year 2012–2013 and many of them are recurring annual traditions. HYY not only maintains the traditions of university students but it is actively involved in creating cultural events that are cutting edge and tailor-made for the students of today.

Which cultural activities of the autumn would you recommend to a new student?

”I can sincerely recommend the opening carnival to all members of the university community but particularly I can recommend it to new students. In the carnival, you can see for the first ti-me the whole range of hobbies that the universi-ty community can provide.

When you go round presentation tables, you can grab magazines and leaflets of interesting or-ganisations, and at the same time bump into an interesting performance. In the evening, you can continue to the Old Student House to enjoy excel-lent music in the first big party of the autumn. And when you get your first touch to the student uni-on and its cultural activities in the carnival at-mosphere, it is hopefully easy to join HYY’s other events from clubs to the anniversary. HYY’s events are precisely for you – welcome!”

t Ville Sinnemäki, Specialist-producer (cultu-re)ville.sinnemaki@hyy.fi, tel. 050 537 2831

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The Opening Carnival and the Carnival Party, 3 SeptThe opening carnival of the academic year will be orga-nised on Monday, 3 Sept, on Centre Campus. Students have the opportunity to participate in the University’s of-ficial opening ceremony during the day. In the carnival it-self, organisations operating within HYY, university ser-vices and other interesting organisations present themsel-ves; a detailed programme is available on HYY’s website. In the evening, we will celebrate in the opening party at the Old Student House – see the advertisement on the next page!

HYY Tours on 4-14 Sept and the Freshman Orienteering of the Committee for Tutor Affairs, 27 SeptEvents particularly aimed at new students are HYY tours where you get to know HYY’s activities and art treasures in the New and Old Student Houses, which you also own as a member of HYY and the laid-back freshman orienteering of the Committee for Tutor Affairs on 27 Sept. HYY tours are booked in advance for tutor groups, so ask your tutor to book a tour for your group! Natu-rally HYY tours will also be arranged in English!

HYY’s Anniversary Week, 19–25 NovemberThe Student Union’s birthday will be celebrated on HYY’s anniversary week (week 47). HYY and the Stu-dent Union’s committees and organisations will arrange versatile events during the week, such as film screenings, discussions and club nights – the programme offers so-mething to everyone.

HYY’s Anniversary, 26 Nov26 November is HYY’s official anniversary, and the an-niversary with traditional academic ceremonies is one of the best parties of the year and certainly an event worth experiencing. This year is HYY’s 144th anniversary.

Torchlight Procession of Independence Day, 6 Dec University students in the capital region celebrate Inde-pendence Day with the traditional torchlight procession on Finland’s Independence Day. The procession is arran-ged in Hietaniemi and it leaves towards Senate Square at 4.45pm. The joint celebration of citizens and university students starts at the square approximately at 6pm.

Shrove Tuesday Hullabaloo at Ullanlinnanmäki, 12 FebruaryOn Shrove Tuesday, university students dig out their sledges, slides and other sliding equipment and head to

Ullanlinnanmäki. The Shrove Tuesday Hullabaloo star-ting at noon offers an academic sliding competition as well as pea soup and juice. Several student parties are usually organised in the evening.

May Day, 30 Apr–1 MayHavis Amanda, or more familiarly known as Manta, is capped on May Day Eve at 6pm. From that moment on-wards, you can wear the student cap for the whole sum-mer if you like! The student unions in the capital region take turns in the capping of Manta and HYY’s next turn will be in 2014. In the May Day Eve, there are numerous student parties in the city. In the morning of May Day, head to Ullanlinnanmäki and listen to the YL Male Voice Choir and the speeches of the student union representati-ves and enjoy the cheerful picnic atmosphere. The celeb-ration begins already at 9am. Swedish-speaking universi-ty students gather for a picnic in Kaisaniemi Park.

Flower Day, 13 MayHYY’s own spring festival, Flower Day, is celebrated at Kumtähti Field near Kumpula Campus on 13 May.The white-capped hopes of the nation have gathered at the same location already since the beginning of the 19th century and they sang Maamme national anthem for the first time in 1848. In addition to the anniversary, Flower Day is the other official celebration of HYY. Nowadays, Maamme anthem is still sang together in the celebration but the programme also includes other kind of music and spring speeches. Take your student cap, picnic basket, blanket and your friends and come to celebrate Flower Day in a relaxed atmosphere before leaving for the sum-mer holidays. The programme starts at 12noon.

In addition to the above mentioned annual events, HYY also organises something new and surprising in the cultural field every year, often in cooperation with a part-ner. In recent years, the events have included, among other things, popular Art for us! student days in Ateneum Art Museum, various music clubs, Pecha Kucha and stand up nights, special performances in theatres, poetry battle as well as various courses and competitions. Through the Committee for Cultural Affairs, open to all HYY mem-bers, you can create precisely those cultural activities which interest you!

You can find further information on all events on HYY’s website hyy.fi, Ylioppilaslehti student maga-zine and HYY’s fan site on Facebook!

20 21

COMPLETE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE AT WWW.HYY.FI

Opening party The Opening carnival will continue in the eve-ning with the Opening party at the Old Student House (Vanha) from 9pm to 2am. Herra Ylppö & Ihmiset, Spiha and DJ Mikke will perform at the first big party of this autumn. Tickets in ad-vance cost only 8 € for HYY members and are available at Café Vanha and the HYY stand in the opening carnival! Normal price tickets (10 €) are on sale at Café Vanha, Tiketti and at the entrance.

OPENING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR12 P.M. in the Great Hall of the Main Building (Aleksan-terinkatu 5). The programme includes, among others, the Rector’s opening speech and musical performan-ces by the Academic Choral Society and the Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra. An ecumenical servi-ce in the Cathedral or a non-denominational ceremony in the National Library follows.

OPENING CARNIVAL2 P.M. TO 6 P.M. at the City Centre Campus. The car-nival includes music, dance, performances, beverages and snacks, presentations of different organisations, etc. Start your academic year in a carnival atmosphere!

21

Cultural activities in organisations In addition to HYY’s own cultural activities, the organisations within HYY also provide a wide range of opportunities for cultural activities.

You have an excellent opportunity to begin, con-tinue and develop singing or playing during your study years. Traditional music corporations Aka-demiska Damkören Lyran, Akademiska Sångföre-ningen, YL Male Voice Choir and Helsinki Univer-sity Symphony Orchestra operate at the Old Stu-dent House. Other music organisations vary from techno and heavy music lovers to several choirs and from live music organisation Helmut to Academic Wind Orchestra.

HYY’s film club operates in the field of cinema, and those interested in photography can join Yli-oppilaskamerat photography club. The auditions of the legendary Ylioppilasteatteri student theatre are traditionally organised right at the beginning of the autumn.

In addition to cultural organisations, student na-tions and larger subject organisations also have their own activities varying from choirs to theatre groups and from film clubs to band rehearsal rooms.

Member benefits and discounts In addition to arranging HYY’s own cultural events, HYY negotiates and offers discounts to its members on other cultural events in the metropo-litan area. During the past years, HYY members received a discount on the festival pass of Love & Anarchy (20-30 Sept 2012, see www.hiff.fi) and DocPoint (22-27 Jan 2013, see www.docpoint.in-fo) film festivals and special screenings on both festivals as well as varying additional discounts on tickets of other events and festivals.

In addition to special discounts provided by HYY, numerous cultural institutions and producers in the metropolitan area have granted discounts to

No studies without culture The range of cultural activities in the Student Union is almost as wide as the concept of culture, and it has traditions varying from the premiere of Maamme national anthem to the publishing of the avantgarde record of Love Records, the legendary Finnish record label.

all students. HYY has collected extensive informa-tion on a student’s cultural benefits to our website and Carpe Culturam booklet which is available at HYY’s Services Office.

Come along!

Committee for Cultural Affairs participates in the

planning and implementing of HYY’s cultural activi-

ties. The committee members can also take part in

the organising of traditional and cultural events of

the student union or they can prepare their own pro-

jects such as clubs or competitions. In 2010, the com-

mittee participated in the capping of Havis Amanda

statue, among other things.

22 23

You can be granted the student financial aid if your studies are progressing and you ha-ve the need for financial aid, which means

that you do not earn more than your annual income limit.

If you study in Finland but you are not a Finnish citizen, you can receive student financial aid if you live in Finland permanently and if the reason for your residence in Finland is other than studies (such as employment, family ties or return migration). If you have come to Finland to study, you cannot re-ceive student financial aid from Finland.

You can apply for student financial aid for the whole period of your studies at one time. The app-lication must be submitted no later than the end of the first month for which you apply the aid. The de-cision is automatically made for the period 1 Sept–31 May. Later, you can apply separately for student financial aid for the summer months. Kela’s electronic services (www.kela.fi) are the most con-venient way to apply for student financial aid and make a notification of changes.

Two-phase student financial aid Student financial aid will be granted in two pha-ses, separately for the bachelor’s and master’s de-grees. A higher education student may receive a total of 55 months of student financial aid. 3 x 9 (27) months of aid are reserved for the bachelor’s degree and 2 x 9 (18) months of aid for the master’s degree. In addition, a student may recei-ve 10 months of aid, which may be allocated for either degree phase (see the picture) according to the student’s needs. That is why a student can

Solving the puzzle of subsistence A student’s basic source of income is student financial aid which con-sists of the study grant, the housing supplement and the study loan guaranteed by the government.

What are the issues with which I can

contact the Student Union’s spe-cialist?

”If you have any problems with benefits or you are in a particular-ly difficult situation, I can help you to find more information and tell you about possible support you could apply for in your situation.”

t Annika Häggblom, Specialist (subsistence, international students, equality)annika.haggblom@hyy.fi, tel 050 543 9608

spend the maximum of 37 support months for the bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or the maxi-mum of 28 support months for the master’s de-gree (120 credits). However, the total number of months is the maximum of 55. If a student uses over 27 months of aid for a lower degree one will, receive less than 28 months of aid for the higher degree. If the lower degree is completed with less than 27 support months, one can still receive the maximum of 28 months of aid for the higher degree.

Your income affects student financial aid Many students work during the summer or du-ring the semesters in order to secure their income. A student who receives student financial aid, ho-wever, must ensure that other income does not exceed the annual income limit determined by Kela. For each month during which you receive financial aid, the exempt amount is 660 euro and for each aid-free months the amount is 1,970 eu-ro.

The income check is performed afterwords when the taxation data is finished. If a student’s in-come exceeds the exempt amount with the maxi-mum of 220 euro, Kela does not claim the aid back. If the exceeded amount is more than 220 euro, Ke-la claims back the study grant and the housing supplement of one month with a 15 per cent inter-est for each surpassing 1,310 euro.

Two-cycle student financial aid

10flex

2 x 9 = 18Master (120 op)

3 x 9 = 27Bachelor (180 op)

55 months of student

financial aid

23

You can avoid the recovery by making sure that your income does not exceed the annual income limit. At the end of the year, it is advisable to count your income and the received aid carefully. If you cancel the months of aid in time, or return the excess aid by March of the following year, you will reclaim the right to these months of aid and you can use them another year.

Study progress is monitored A student should have an average of at least 5.5 credits per each month of aid. However, the aid can still continue to be paid if the average of 5 credits are completed per each month of aid. A student must also have at least 2.0 credits per month of aid from the previous academic year even if the average number of credits for the who-le study time would be adequate.

If your average number of credits for the months of aid is less than the required amount, you will re-ceive a request for clarification concerning the de-layed studies from the Financial Aid Committee in the following autumn.

Acceptable reasons for the delay may be consi-dered to be, for example, the student’s own illness, a close relative’s illness or a difficult situation in li-fe which coincides with delayed studies. You must always attach written certificates from the authori-ties concerning the grounds you are appealing (doctor’s certificates, for example). Your own cla-rification is not adequate. Discontinuation or tem-porary continuation of the aid is decided by the Fi-nancial Aid Committee. Monitoring is based on the number of credits received from the study register.

HYY looks after you The Student Union actively supervises its mem-bers’ interests also in terms of income. HYY’s bo-ard member and the specialist in charge of subsis-tence issues are particularly familiar with the cha-racteristics and problems of students’ subsistence.

HYY also participates in public discussion rela-ted to the students’ income. Disadvantages are brought up and influenced both on local and natio-nal levels. National objectives and interest repre-sentation campaigns are often implemented with the lead of the National Union of University Stu-dents in Finland (SYL).

Components of studentfinancial aid

Study grant

Usually 298 euro per month for university students.

As a rule, a 10 per cent preliminary tax is withheld

from the study grant.

Housing supplement

80 per cent of the maximum rent of 252 euro. The

housing supplement is not paid for the exceeding

amount. It is not advisable to only receive the hou-

sing supplement as it consumes the support

months available to you. If you are not entitled to

the housing supplement (due to having a family or

transfer to the sickness allowance, for example),

you can apply for the general housing allowance

from Kela.

Government guarantee for student loans

300 euro per month for university students.

A loan guarantee for the study grant months of the

academic year is automatically submitted to all stu-

dents with no payment defaults or guarantor debt.

You do not have to take out the whole loan which

is guaranteed to you.

Banks receive the guarantee decision from Kela.

Interests and other conditions are negotiated with

your bank.

The Student Union informs its members on matters affecting subsistence, such as changes in student financial aid granted by Kela, and reminds about important dates concerning income. If so-mething is concerning you, please feel free to get in touch!

Further information:www.kela.fi > Students Kela’s national student service number 020 692 209 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) Service points of Student Services: www.helsinki.fi/neuvonta/english/index.htm

24 25

If you have moved to Finland to study, you are probably not entitled to the Finnish social secu-rity, as your residence in Finland is temporary. If

you have settled in Finland permanently or work during studies, the situation may change. Further information on Finland’s social security system is available on Kela’s website: www.kela.fi.

Parental benefitsParents who study are entitled to maternity, pa-ternity and parental allowances. If studying pa-rents receive study grant at the same time, they are entitled to the minimum rate of the parental allowance.

After the parental allowance period, the student can also receive the child home care allowance if the student has a child under the age of 3 who is not in municipal day care. A student living with one’s child or a spouse’s child can apply for the general housing allowance from Kela.

Further information: Kela offices

twww.kela.fi > Families

twww.kela.fi > Housing benefits

Don’t receive student financial aid while ill It is not advisable to receive the student financial aid while ill. During your sick leave, you can re-ceive the sickness allowance and the general hou-sing allowance from Kela.

However, if you know for certain that your ill-ness will last no longer than two months, you can still receive student financial aid. You might have to clarify your illness when the Financial Aid Com-mittee monitors the progress of your studies. The-refore, see a doctor in time and save your doctor’s certificates.

If you suspect that your illness might last over two months, the sickness allowance is a more sui-table form of subsistence for you. You can apply for the sickness allowance within four months of your illness.

Further information: Kela offices

twww.kela.fi > Sickness

Social assistanceThe student must secure one’s subsistence throug-hout the studies. If you are included in the Finnish social security system, you can apply for student

financial aid from Kela. In this case, the student loan guaranteed by the state is also regarded as available income even if you do not take out the loan. You can apply for social assistance if your own income is not sufficient to secure an adequa-te income. Social assistance can be applied for in the local social office.

Further information:

t Social station of your municipality

twww.hyy.fi

Grants and scholarships The National Union for University Students ad-ministers a scholarship database on its website (www.syl.fi). This website also has links to other databases. Yliopisto magazine publishes the scho-larships column where available grants and scho-larships are published. It is advisable to inquire scholarships from Centre for International Mobi-lity (www.cimo.fi) particularly if you have recei-ved an internship placement through CIMO.

Adult education allowance Receiving the adult education allowance requires employment history of at least five years and at le-ast one-year employment with the same employer. The applicant must be on an unpaid study leave to qualify for the allowance.

Further information and forms:

t Employment and Economic Development Offices

twww.koulutusrahasto.fi

Studies supported by unemployment allowance. You can receive the unemployment allowance du-ring full-time studies if you are registered with an employment office as a job seeker and your re-gistration is valid. You must be at least 25 years old when the supported studies begin. It is pos-sible to complete studies leading to a higher edu-cation degree with the unemployment allowance only if the purpose is to continue studies which have been discontinued for at least a year.

Further information:

t Employment and Economic Development Offices

t Kela, Social Insurance Institution of Finland

t The Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland

(www.tyj.fi)

Special income circumstances

25

Students can enjoy an inexpensive lunch atU-niCafes owned by the Student Union and ot-her student restaurants. Kela’s student finan-

cial aid centre (KOTK) subsidises each student lunch by 1.84 euro (in 2012).

UniCafes differ from other student restaurants because they are owned by HYY, which means the students themselves. HYY’s members receive an ad-ditional discount when paying with Lyyra’s new payment sticker. The sticker will be distributed to Lyyra student card holders for free in the end of au-tumn 2012. More information on the new payment method is available at www.lyyra.fi website. In ad-dition, students can affect on the operations of the restaurants by providing feedback or by participa-ting in the activities of the restaurant committees operating on the campuses.

The price of the basic lunch in the autumn of 2012 is 2.70 euro, when paying with Lyyra card the price is 2.60. In addition to the main course, all me-als include a drink (milk, sour milk, soy drink, jui-ce or water), bread and spreads, salad, as well as potato, rice or pasta as a side dish. In addition, des-serts are always on offer.

Almost all UniCafes provide both self-baked ca-feteria products and student meals. One UniCafe on all campuses (except Meilahti) also serves inex-pensive breakfast.

UniCafe caters for the most common special diets and there are always good vegetarian options available. All restaurants also have a vegan opti-on (excluding Rotunda, Korona and Exactum). Product descriptions and the energy content of main meals are available in the restaurants.

UniCafe also offers Fair Trade products from which farmers receive decent and fair compensati-on. In this way, you can support the education of the young on the other side of the globe. Other fair choices are organic products and development me-als which support HYY’s development cooperati-on project.

Eating in UniCafes is popular and therefore ma-ny restaurants have queues between the lectures, between 11.45am–12.15pm and 1.45pm–2.15pm. If possible, have your lunch break at a different ti-me. However, the restaurants have many counters and usually the queues move quickly.

You can eat at any UniCafe restaurant and re-ceive the same discount by presenting your Lyyra card or a certificate of attendance.

In Kaivopiha UniCafe, student-priced lunch is available also on Saturdays!

UniCafe restaurants, menus and feedback:

twww.unicafe.fi

Food and coffee in The students’ own UniCafes Proper lunch gives you energy and helps you focus on your studies.

26 27

Less than one-

third of the students of the

University of Helsinki live in student housing pro-

vided by Foundation for Stu-dent Housing in the Helsinki Regi-

Where do the students live?

Efforts in house hunting are rewarded Flexibility, speed and information search are assets when looking for a home. House hunting situation especially at the beginning of the se-mester is over-crowded. In the autumn, Hoas can provide housing only to approximately one-fifth of the applicants. At that time, the best advice is to use several application channels. You can sub-mit an application to Hoas and a student nation, for example, and browse Lyyra’s rental apart-ments in the private housing sector. If you can af-ford to pay over 300 or 400 euro per month, your housing opportunities improve. In addition, the willingness to live further away from the centre or campus makes it easier to receive housing when either searching for student housing or private market housing. Please remember to cancel unne-cessary applications after receiving accommodati-on!

Temporary solutions when threatened by ho-melessness If you have not received a housing offer by mid-August, you will probably not receive housing from the beginning of September. If you have not already submitted several applications and used multiple application channels, this is the last mo-ment to do so. You should also arrange tempora-ry accommodation for yourself for the first few weeks of studies by booking a hostel bed or stay-ing with your friends or relatives. In previous au-tumns, students who began their studies without housing found accommodation on average in a month.

on (Hoas), several student nations and housing foundations of certain fields. Student housing is usually the most afferdable option. Almost one-third of students live in private mar-ket rental housing, either alone or to-gether with other people. The rent le-vel on the private market is on avera-ge considerably higher than in stu-dent housing. The rest of the stu-dents live in owner-occupied hou-sing, with parents or relatives or in rental housing provided by the city.

27

Tips and useful information All housing providers in one guide HYY, in cooperation with the University of Hel-sinki, has collected students’ most essential hou-sing search channels into Housing Guide designed for new students. The brochure can be found in electronic format on HYY’s website: www.hyy.fi/housing.

Rental market practices A private rental apartment can be rented either directly from the owner (through Lyyra’s housing service, for example) or through an agency. Offi-cial agencies usually charge a commission in the form of an increased rent or a minimum term contract, or they may require the tenant to make an assignment, which costs separately. Landlords often require a deposit which is usually the rent of 1–3 months. Read more about rental market practices from Lyyra’s electronic housing guide.

The Act on Residential Leases regulatestenancies A rental agreement should always be made in wri-ting. Before signing the agreement, it is important to read the rental agreement carefully and clarify to what you are committing yourself. All agree-ment terms should be entered in the rental agree-ment so that they can be invoked at a later date. A rental agreement is made for a fixed period or un-til further notice. A rental agreement made until further notice ends when either party terminates the agreement. When the tenant terminates the rental agreement, the notice period is one month.

Assistance in problem situations concerning te-nancyIf your landlord retains the security deposit wit-hout a valid reason or terminates the rental agree-ment at short notice, you may need legal assistan-ce. Pykälä’s Legal Aid Committee offers HYY’s members free legal advice concerning tenancy, (see more details in Services Office section of the freshman guide).

Once you have found a home and you have your own address, you can register in your local registry office and if certain conditions

are met, you may receive the right of domicile. The right of domicile is a requirement for using many municipal services. The right of domicile may be granted to:

t Nordic citizens who live in the municipality for at

least six months

t EU citizens who study in the municipality for at least

one academic year

t students coming from outside the EU and EEA regi-

on, with at least a residence permit entitling to tempo-

rary residence valid for at least one year (B permit) and

who study in the municipality for at least two years

The right of domicile can be applied for in the lo-cal registry office. Residence of over one year must be registered in the registry office, regardless of whether one receives the right of domicile or not. Before visiting the registry office, EU citizens must register with the police. When visiting the registry office, it is advisable to bring any relevant certificates in original documents, the registry of-fice will take copies in the office. You should ask your local registry office for instructions in ad-vance, so you do not have to go there without the necessary documents.

Further information:

twww.maistraatti.fi

How does HYY supervise my interests?

”In the Student Union, one employee and one board member together attend to housing issues. HYY is one of the founders of Hoas and we have strong represen-tation in the decision-making bodies of Hoas. Repre-sentation allows us to comment on the development of rental services, for example. By influencing the way the City of Helsinki is planning residential areas and distributing plots, the Student Union aims to ensure that there will be enough student housing for a larger number of students in the future. HYY also conducts and commissions statements and with the informati-on provided we can influence the city’s decision-ma-kers, university and public opinion. You can also influen-ce HYY’s objectives by voting in the Representative Coun-cil elections and participa-ting in convened working groups, such as the city wor-king group. Please feel free to contact us, and we will tell you more!”

Specialist Sofia Lindqvist t sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9605

28 29

University students have had their own health care for over 50 years. Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) provides the services

of general practitioners, specialists, and physiothe-rapists, as well as laboratory and x-ray services. Oral health care services of FSHS include acute tre-atment, oral and dental health care and basic and special treatment. Mental health care services co-ver mental health consultation, psychiatric exami-nation and consultation, psychotherapy, preventi-ve mental health care and online counselling.

Consultations with a public health nurse or a ge-neral practitioner are free of charge. The first den-tal check-up by a FSHS dentist is also free of char-ge regardless of the phase or duration of undergra-duate studies. See the complete service price list on FSHS website.

Freshmen’s electronic health survey During the first year of studies, new students will receive an e-mail with a link to an electronic health survey. Based on the responses, a public health nurse and an oral hygienist evaluate whet-her the student should be invited to a personal health check-up and they send a feedback messa-ge to the student with further instructions. Each student can, in any case, have a free health check-up if they wish to do so. An hour-long health mee-ting provides an opportunity to stop and discuss privately the student’s situation in life, stress, an-xiety, sleep, coping, health history, vaccinations, blood pressure or the need for laboratory samp-les. Public health nurse is your first contactPublic health nurses take care of minor injuries and illnesses and they can write a sick leave certi-ficate for a short-term absence or issue a referral to the laboratory. You can also discuss issues rela-ted to health or illness. Public health nurses also

take care of vaccinations. If you need vaccina-tions for travel, you can clarify the need for vacci-nations from the centralised FSHS vaccination and travel advice number which is available on FSHS website.

Call-back system guarantees access to services Public health nurses are also in charge of telepho-ne service for the evaluation of the need for treat-ment and making appointments, which you have to call in all matters requiring health care. Cur-rently, you do not have to queue on the phone, as FSHS has transferred to a call-back system. You just call the service once and act according to instructions – FSHS will call you back in a service language chosen by you. In acute cases, it is advi-sable to get in touch in the morning between 8am-9am. FSHS aims to treat acute cases on the same day or no later than the next day, depending on one’s illness. FSHS does not have actual emergen-cy health care, so depending on the situation you may also be advised to go directly to health centre emergency services.

Students’ own health care As an undergraduate student of the University, you are entitled to use inexpensive and high-quality health services. In addition, you are entitled to municipal health care.

29

Evaluation of the need for treatment and appoint-ment number as well as other contact information and opening hours are available on FSHS website.

Municipal health care when necessary FSHS is open only on weekdays. Therefore in case of sudden illness during the weekends, in particu-lar, you have to rely on municipal services. Stu-dents who have the home right of demicile (see page 27) are entitled to use municipal services in the same way as the municipality residents. Municipal health services are intended for those registered in the municipality, but in acute cases the services can also be used by non-local resi-dents. Students coming from outside the EU and EEA countries must have a health insurance which covers expenses caused by necessary health care and medicine. Further information on health insurances is available on the website of the Uni-versity of Helsinki, for example. In Helsinki and Vantaa, you have to pay the health centre fee whereas students living in Espoo using health services there do not have to pay the fee. Students using the services in Espoo have to

Checklist for your health!

FSHS health services

As an undergraduate student, you

are entitled to use health care servi-

ces provided by Finnish Student

Health Service as the FSHS health

care fee is included in HYY’s mem-

bership fee.

After paying the student union

membership fee for the whole aca-

demic year, you can use FSHS servi-

ces in all FSHS health centres

throughout the country until the

end of August of the following year.

Lyyra card is the most convenient

way to prove your membership.

Remember to cancel if you cannot

use your appointment

If you cannot use your appointment

at FSHS, please remember to cancel

prove their student status by presenting their Lyy-ra card, for example. All municipalities have an additional fee for emergency care.

twww.hel.fi/terveyskeskus

twww.vantaa.fi/terveyspalvelut

twww.espoo.fi/terveys

t http://www.helsinki.fi/newstudents/insurance.html

HYY is your voice in FSHSHYY represents the students of the University of Helsinki in decision-making organs of FSHS, lo-cal board of directors and on a national level in the delegation of FSHS. These organs decided on the budget of FSHS, meaning the financial frame-work of operations, but they can also issue mo-tions for the development of services. As a result of HYY’s investments in many years, among ot-her things, FSHS communications operate in three languages and you can also choose the servi-ce language in the call-back system. You can leave feedback to FSHS through a form available on the website. HYY’s Specialist Sofia Lindqvist is also glad to answer any questions related to FSHS.

it no later than 12noon on the pre-

vious weekday either by phone or

through the cancellation form at

www.fshs.fi/cancelling.

If you cancel your appointment la-

ter than the previously mentioned

time period, you will be charged the

consultation fee. If you do not can-

cel your appointment at all and do

not use the appointment, you will

be charged the appointment fee

and a 25 euro fine. The 25 euro fine is

also charged when the appoint-

ment is free of charge.

FSHS serves you in many locations

It is recommended to visit the web-

site of FSHS. You can find informati-

on on services, opening hours, ans-

wers to health-related questions

and the form to cancel your ap-

pointment. You can also ask for ad-

vice from the online counselling.

twww.fshs.fi

t FSHS Töölö: Töölönkatu 37 A

t FSHS Otaniemi: Otakaari 12

t Viikki Service Point (Wed, 8am-

3pm): Viikinkaari 11, 1st floor, room

110 C

t Services in Lahti and Vaasa:

www.yths.fi

Health counselling phone at your

service

Health counselling phone is open 24

hours and answers questions related

to health and medical treatment and

guides you to suitable health servi-

ces. The charge for the call includes a

fee charged by the operator and a

local call cost but there is no separate

service charge.

t Tel. (09) 10023

30 31www.unisport.fi

MORE THAN EXERCISE

Smooth public transport in the Helsinki regionPublic transport offers high-frequency services which are convenient to use. The Journey Planner guides you to any location in the Helsinki region.

If you only travel within one municipality, you need an internal ticket. With the ticket, you can use all public transport as much as you want in

the municipality during the validity of your ticket. If you live in Vantaa, for example, and study at the University of Helsinki, you will need a regional ticket as you travel between the municipalities.

Pay with the travel cardTo receive the student discount in public tran-sport, you have to purchase a travel card which entitles you to the discount. If you have not recei-ved your Lyyra student card yet, visit the University’s student counselling and fill in a form after which the officer proves you to be a univer-sity student.

Then head to an office which sells travel cards in your municipality. Your student status is saved into the travel card and you are entitled to pay the student price for your tickets.

The student status is valid for a year at the time and it ends on 31 August in the following year. If you already have the travel card, you can update your student status directly in temporary service points, such as the one in the University’s Main Building (Fabianinkatu 33), between the period 13 Aug–7 Sept. You can load time (period) or money (value) into the card.

twww.hsl.fi

twww.reittiopas.fi/en

By foot, bike, bus, train... Student discount in the travel card Students registered in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniai-

nen, Kerava, Kirkkonummi or Sipoo receive a 50 per cent

discount both from internal tickets and regional tickets.

If you are over 30 years old, you are only entitled to

the student discount if you have a favourable study grant

decision.

twww.hsl.fi

twww.hkl.fi

Student discount in long-distance traffic

With the student card, you receive a 50 per cent discount

on long-distance train tickets (basic ticket and flexible

ticket). The discount does not apply to 30-day tickets, pet

fees, sleeping compartments or car-train packages. You

can also get the discount on a 10 journey ticket. In order

to receive the discount, the student must present a stu-

dent card with a year tag – a paid membership fee is not

adequate. If you do not have the student card (Lyyra

card), you can purchase VR’s own student card (€8) which

entitles you to the student discount. Matkahuolto grants

a 50 per cent discount on single tickets when the trip co-

vers at least 80 kilometres. To receive the student dis-

count, you need a student card with Matkahuolto logo.

The most convenient way to buy your ticket at VR and

Matkahuolto is to show your Lyyra student card. You do

not need other student cards.

twww.vr.fi/eng

twww.matkahuolto.fi/en

Cycle to the campus

Cycling is healthy, economic, environmentally friendly,

convenient and, above all, pleasant. Helsinki has an ex-

tensive cycle path network which is improved constantly.

There is a total of 1,180 kilometres of cycle paths of which

over 730 kilometres are paved. The website of the city of

Helsinki also includes a journey planner for cycling where

you can find a convenient cycle path. http://kevytliiken-

ne.ytv.fi/en.

An outdoor map with cycling routes is published in

the capital region. You can get the free map from the ser-

vice points of the Sports Department or online on the

address http://pk.hsl.fi/en/.

Bikes may be transported freely in the metro but pre-

ferably outside the rush hour. Transport of bikes in buses

or trams is not allowed. In commuter trains, you can take

your bike with you outside the rush hour (7am-9am and

3pm-6pm) if there is room on the train. The University

provides bike racks as well as lockers and shower facilities

for cyclists.

You can buy a second-hand bike at a cheap price from

a recycling centre, for example. ESN website has useful

links for purchasing bikes: blogs.helsinki.fi/esn-hyy

t Car Free Day on Sat, 22 September

31www.unisport.fi

MORE THAN EXERCISE

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

The University of Helsinki has its own UniS-port which provides inexpensive sports servi-ces on all four campuses and also in Otanie-

mi and Töölö. Guided training is organised in nu-merous sports varying from bodypump to pilates and from gym training to badminton.

Most of the selection of UniSport is also suitab-le for students who have not exercised previously.

You can get the most versatile and inexpensive sports package by paying the sports fee of 12 months. You can naturally buy a shorter period, too. UniSport also organises leagues.

Floorball leagues, for example, are organised both for women and men. A floorball game or-ganised by a subject organisation, for example, is an excellent opportunity to spend relaxing ti-me together. Numerous sports clubs also opera-te at the University.

Exercise anywhereNational sports activities are coordinated by Fin-nish Student Sports Federation (oll) which ad-ministers www.opiskelijaliikunta.fi website, among other things. The website provides infor-mation on benefits, events, competitions, and sports and health in general.The website has in-

formation about a student discount in major sports events. Also remember that most of the private exercise facilities grant some kind of a dis-count, so it is always worth showing your student card.

tFurther information:

tUniSports brochure

twww.unisport.fi

twww.opiskelijaliikunta.fi/english

tSports events for students

Shrove Tuesday – Ullanlinnanmäki is filled with the stu-

dents of the capital region in the Shrove Hullabaloo of the

student unions on Shrove Tuesday.

tFurther information:

twww.hyy.fi

tHYY page in Ylioppilaslehti student magazine

tThe sports facilities of the city

You often receive a student discount with your student

card in the sports facilities of the city. In the swimming

halls and outdoor swimming pools, for example, you can

swim for half the price.

32 33

At the beginning of your studies, you devise a personal study plan (HOPS in Finnish). It helps you to perceive your studies and ma-

ke long-term study plans. In HOPS, you can plan and schedule the completion of study modules at different levels, language studies, minor studies, student exchange and internship as well as other useful matters for your future career.

The devising of HOPS varies at different depart-ments. HOPS can be integrated into other studies, such as orientation studies or it can be planned to-

gether with a tutor. You can ask your tutor or a te-acher tutor about the current practice in your own department.

However, you do not have to draft your study plan alone. You can get help from teachers, older students or the student affairs office. Please bear in mind that stupid questions do not exist, especially at the beginning of studies. Asking questions is al-so a good way to get to know the people at your de-partment.

Plan your studies A carefully considered selection of minor studies, diverse langu-age skills and work experience will facilitate your employment after graduation. You can get help for making your study plans.

33

Your study time is limited The Universities Act defines that the maximum duration of your study right is five years with so-me exceptions. The higher degree must be comp-leted in a time period which does not exceed the normative duration of studies by more than two years. The lower degree must not exceed the nor-mative duration by more than a year. The target duration for the completion of the higher degree is usually two years and three years for the lower degree. Some faculties have exceptional target du-rations.

If you exceed the normative duration of studies, you have to draft a goal-oriented and achievable plan leading to the completion of your studies. You can only continue your studies after the plan is ap-proved.

If you have problems with your studies, seek guidance and support immediately. The amend-ment concerning the duration of studies does not regard military service or maternity, paternity or

parental leave as absence. In these cases, check the current policy from your own student counsellor, rather sooner than later.

What on earth is Etappi?Etappi system monitors the progress of studies. The system finds those students from the student register who have not completed the required amount of credits determined by faculties during their studies. The purpose is that these students receive intensified study counselling and are obli-ged to make a plan to complete their studies. The registration for attendance is only possible when the student completes the required studies or ma-kes the plan. The first assessment is carried out al-ready in the spring of the first year – however, the-re are no sanctions at that point. Do not be afraid of getting caught in the system: the purpose is to help you in your studies, not complicate them. If problems occur, you can always contact the Stu-dent Union.

Advice services

The Student Union’s specialists can

advise you in various problem situa-

tions related to studies and students’

daily life. In questions related to the

content of studies, you should pri-

marily contact a teaching assistant in

your own department or the study

counsellors of the faculty. See their

contact information on the

University’s or HYY’s website (www.

hyy.fi) or this guide.

Versatile study path – JOO!

Forget a limited and narrow degree!

Find out about a more extensive

course selection and plan your own

study module. You will have even a

more versatile degree if you include

a minor subject which is not offered

at the University of Helsinki.

Under the national JOO (=flexible

study rights scheme) agreement, the

degree students of the University of

Helsinki can apply for the free study

right in other Finnish university. The

student affairs office at your own

faculty can help you and advise you

with issues concerning the crediting

of studies, among other things. You

can get advice from HYY in bureauc-

ratic issues and ideas for alternative

forms of learning. The Student Union

also allocates grants for the imple-

mentation of innovative learning

methods.

twww.joopas.fi

Student affair offices at the faculties

Antoisampaan opiskeluun guide (in

Finnish)

HYY has published Antoisampaan

opiskeluun guide for all students. If

you have not received the guide

from your own faculty, you can

download it in an electronic form on

HYY’s website at www.hyy.fi (Media

& Archive – publications). The guide

is designed to help you to develop

your own learning skills.

Nyyti – a support centre for stu-

dents

Nyyti promotes the students’ mental

well-being, offers group activities

and courses in the metropolitan area

and organises theme nights and

hang out nights. Nyyti services are

intended to all university students

and they include the Virtual Shoul-

der service, online groups and the

website. You can send a message to

Virtual Shoulder and tell about your

concerns. You will receive a personal

reply which is only readable for the

person who sent the message. Vo-

lunteers and employees, who are

trained to support and help, reply to

messages.

www.nyyti.fi

Get your studies together!

34 35

Versatility is an asset in finding a job The labour market demands increasingly versatile skills. Work experience, which the student may acquire especially during the holidays, is often crucial in finding a job. Language skills and inter-national experience are valued in many sectors, as well as work experience in organisations and thoughtful subject choices.

Employment of graduates from the University of Helsinki is good in most fields. In addition to your diploma, the subjects of which your degree consists and other skills that you have are impor-tant when looking for a job. If you are planning to be employed in Finland, you should study Finnish. It may be difficult to be employed if you do not un-derstand Finnish at all.

The degree consists of modules at different le-vels. It is important that you can piece together your courses in suitable modules. Some courses are compulsory, some you can choose and you should take advantage of the personal study plan when cre-ating your individual study path and developing the identity of an academic professional.

You can aim at doctoral studies and continue on the academic path or create a plan which allows you to discover and develop your own area of ex-pertise in the working life outside the university. Have the courage to find your own personality and choose your own path.

Students have rights In order to secure students’ legal protection, the University of Helsinki has enacted a regulation concerning the grading of studies and examina-tions, which is available in the study guide of al-most every faculty as well as the university’s web-site.

The regulation determines, among other things, the language of examinations, required examinati-on literature, examination arrangements, distur-bance and fraud in examinations, the grading of completed studies and the publication of results, the rectification procedure of grading, the legal protec-tion committee and the registration of completed credits.

Students’ legal protection is also enacted in the University’s own regulation. All of the above-men-tioned regulations are available at the faculty and

department offices, the Student Union and the University’s website. Do not delay any legal right issues even for a day as the enacted time limits ex-pire quickly. Please read the previously mentioned regulation and if there is something you do not un-derstand, you can ask for advice over the phone.

Further information on career planning: t The University of Helsinki Career Services

(Fabianinkatu 33,1st floor), tel. (09) 1912 2125, urapalvelut@

helsinki.fi, www.helsinki.fi/urapalvelut (also alma.helsinki.

fi > Opiskelu ja opetus or Opiskelun tueksi)

Academic advisors in Kluuvi Employment and Econo-

mic Development Office, contact information on www.

mol.fi

Further information on the student’s legal protection:

www.helsinki.fi/yliopisto/hakemisto > Johtosäännöt

HYY’s specialists in academic affairs

Study counsellors and the head of academic affairs/stu-

dent affairs secretaries

Secretary of Legal Protection Committee, Lawyer Laura

Karppinen (laura.j.karppinen@helsinki.fi)

My exam was graded

unfairly. What should I do?

”When you receive your exam results, you can ask additional information about your examination and the criteria for grading the exam by contacting the teacher in question.

If you want to make a request for revision of your grade, please submit the appeal to the teach-er within 14 days after you had the possibility of re-ceiving information on the results. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may submit a new request for revision to Legal Protection Commit-tee. The teacher must provide the decision in wri-ting upon request if the student is unsatisfied with the decision. Please remember that the appeal to Legal Protection Committee must be carried out within 14 days from when you were informed of the decision.”

t Specialist (Higher Education policy and the Development of Teaching) Anne Rautanenanne.rautanen@hyy.fi, p. 050 543 8458

35

Diverse students of all ages in very different situations in life study at the University of Helsinki.

”The average student” is quite rare, almost a fic-tive person.

A student can be over 40 years old, hearing im-paired, Russian, gay, Muslim or a father of four.

Situations in life also change during the studies.

Equality work at the university The purpose of equality work at the University of Helsinki is to promote equality and prevent disc-rimination on the grounds of sex, age, origin, reli-gion, conviction, sexual orientation, disability or other equivalent ground.

Promoting equality is a duty of every member of the academic community, and equality must be a part of all decision making and preparation.

A person who is being discriminated against at the University may turn to the University’s equali-ty adviser whose duty is to give advice and negoti-ate. If necessary, the equality adviser forwards the issue to be discussed by the Equality Committee. HYY is also committed to promote equality and non-discrimination. HYY encourages its mem-bers and employees to promote a more equal so-ciety. Equality plans are available on the websites of the University and the Student Union.

Harassment contact persons help you Do not tolerate harassment. Improper and insul-ting talk, racist, homophobic or sexist jokes, improper touching and suggestions that exceed the limits of pleasant flirting do not belong to the university or any other work or study place.

If you think that you are being bullied, discrimi-nated against or sexually harassed, it is important to bring out the issue. HYY’s aim is to make the re-porting of harassment easier through harassment contact persons. They are ready to listen and use their time to support the harassed person and con-sider how to get out of the situation. If necessary, they can also guide the harassed person forward to other suitable services. Contacting a harassment contact person is confidential, they are bound by a professional secrecy and do not take any action wit-hout your request or acceptance.

Further information and HYY’s harassment con-tact persons:

twww.hyy.fi, hairintayhdyshenkilo@hyy.fi

t University’s Equality Advisor:

Tel. (09) 1912 4292, tasa-arvovastaava@helsinki.fi

HYY promotes equality Do not tolerate improper behaviour

Is this discrimination?

Discrimination means placing a person

in an unequal position without an ac-

ceptable reason. Discrimination can be

direct or indirect. It may be difficult to

recognise indirect discrimination as

discriminating practices or actions may

seem neutral on the surface, but the

consequences may be discriminating.

Harassment is also discrimination. Ha-

rassment refers to unwanted conduct

which purpose is to undermine dignity,

Look after your rights

or which undermines dignity, or creates

a threatening, hostile, aggressive or dis-

rupting atmosphere. Therefore, harass-

ment may also include racist or ho-

mophobic jokes.

Accessibility – the right to participate

Accessibility makes participating as

easy as possible for as many as possible.

An accessible environment refers to an

environment which supports

everyone’s opportunity to use it. The

concept of accessibility covers both

physical and social environment as well

as communications and interaction,

such as accessible websites. An inacces-

sible physical environment appears

concretely as stairs and doorsteps in

buildings. Accessibility also refers to

functional seeing and hearing condi-

tions which include colour contrasts of

premises, good lighting system, short

echo time on premises and induction

loops.

36 37

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

you want.Does the library close too early? Do you feel

that the number of credits does not correspond to the work amount required in the course? These are all issues which student representatives may have effect on. Hundreds of active students are in-volved in the university’s administrative organs.

We have the power The Student Union closely follows the University’s daily life and is involved in decision making of the University Board and the various committees through the representatives which it has appointed. The Student Union also keeps in touch with other student representatives in ad-ministration, the University’s management and representatives.

Student representatives at all levels of admi-nistration act in their position for you. Do not let your representatives get away too easily but instead contact them and tell them your ideas! Contact information of the representatives is usu-ally available on the website or the intranet of the unit.

Join the activitiesIf you are interested in developing your universi-ty, the easiest way to join is through your subject or faculty organisation. Student representatives are elected every other year in administrative elections, the next elections will be conducted in the autumn of 2013. You can also participate in

The ladder of the university administration

Students are part of the university administration As a student, you can develop the University’s activities.

tThe faculty is managed by a faculty

council led by a dean. The faculty

council decides on degree require-

ments, approving of theses and the

development of teaching and opera-

tions at the faculty.

tSome faculties are divided into de-

partments. The department council

and the director of the department

manage the administration of the de-

partment. The departmental level is

the closest to students and many de-

cisions, which are directly visible in

the student’s daily life, are made on

that level.

tProfessors, other staff members and

students are represented in faculty

councils and department councils.

tThe University’s highest decision-

making organ is the Board. Its duties

include, among other things, deciding

on the long-term development of the

University, University’s budget, ap-

pointing the University’s rector and

drafting the most important state-

ments of the University. The Universi-

ty Collegium supervises the opera-

tions of the University Board.

How can a student have effect on the operations of the University?

”You can have effect on minor issues by gi-ving feedback directly to the person attending to the issue. Departments collect feedback about their teaching, for example. When you explain what is good or bad, operations can be develo-ped to better suit the requirements.

More extensive affairs are influenced through the university administration. Department coun-cils, faculty councils and university administration also include student representatives. You should contact them immediately if you notice that some course arrangements, for example, do not work as they should

– it is their duty to re-fer the matter onwards.”

t Juha Hurme, asian-tuntija Specialist (higher education policy and university admi-nistration) juha.hurme@hyy.fi, tel 050 543 8460

the development of teaching and other operations of the University in the Student Union’s Commit-tee for Academic Affairs.

Come along!Committee for Academic Affairs distributes information

to HYY members on university’s internal affairs and so-

cietal academic affairs. In addition to issues related to te-

aching, studies and their support services, matters rela-

ted to university administration are also essential in the

committee

37

W o r l d S t u d e n t C a p i t a l o n opiskelijoiden oma designpääkaupunki-vuoden hanke. Teemamme keskittyvät asumiseen, pyöräilyyn, elävään kampuskult-tuuriin ja yhteiskunnalliseen yrittäjyyteen. Hankkeessamme opiskelijat muuttuvat toiminnan kohteista kaupunkien aktiivisiksi yhteistyökumppaneiksi.

Tule mukaan:

World Student Capital Helsingin yliopis-ton Tiedekulmassa (Aleksanterinkatu 7) 3.–16.9.

10.9. Night at the Campus, pääkau-punkiseudun korkeakouluopiskelijoiden k a u p u n k i f e s t a r i t S e n a a t i n t o r i l l a .Otetaan Senaatintori opiskelijoiden olo-huoneeksi ja esitellään kaupunkilaisille opiskelijakulttuuria!

Demos Helsingin kanssa järjestettävät yrittäjyys-ratkaisupajat 16.10. (hyvin-vointi) ja 13.11. (ympäristö). Meidän mielestämme parhaat ratkaisut syntyvät, kun erilaiset ihmiset kohtaavat ja tuovat yhteiseen pöytään oman osaamisensa. Tule paikalle ja löydä sisäinen yrittäjäsi!

worldstudentcapital.fi

Tykkää meistä facebookissa:www.facebook.com/worldstudentcapital

Tehdään pääkaupunkiseudustamaailman paras opiskelijametropoli

38 39

An international universityMany students of the University of Helsinki complete a part of their studies abroad as an in-ternational degree student or through various exchange programmes. Approximately 2,700 in-ternational students study at our university, of whom about 1,800 are undergraduate and post-graduate degree students. The number of interna-tional researchers and teachers is also increasing.

Every year, international students need student tutors to help them at their arrival. You can apply as a tutor for international students through your own faculty.

The Student union and international affairs The ESN Committee (ESN = Erasmus Student Network) operates in the Student Union. The committee produces plenty of events and services for international students. The committee is a good place to get to know Finnish and internatio-nal students. Further information on the commit-tee activities is available at blogs.helsinki.fi/esn-hyy.

A number of international organisations also operate within HYY, such as the organisation of in-ternational degree students Tsemppi. You can also join Finnish and Swedish-speaking organisations even if you do not know these languages yet. The majority of student organisations are open to eve-ryone, so feel free to join their activities! Further in-formation on the organisations is available at hyy.fi.The Student Union also advocates the internatio-nal students’ interests. This includes interest rep-resentation concerning immigration, education policy and social policy, planning and implemen-tation of international projects and much more. If you have any questions related to your studies,

An international university provides opportunities for everyone Student’s opportunities for useful and interesting international con-tacts are now better than ever. It all depends on your own activity. International student exchange brings life experience.

equality or subsistence and can’t find answers to them, you can contact HYY’s specialists. Activi-ties are planned by HYY’s board member in char-ge of international affairs and the specialist res-ponsible for international students.

Go for exchange studies Numerous exchange programmes of the universi-ty are an opportunity worth taking. Annually ap-proximately 900 students from the University of Helsinki leave to study abroad. For many stu-dents, a year or a few months abroad is an enligh-tening experience which may also lead to new fri-endships and make students more independent.

You can make the most of your student exchan-ge if you carefully consider what it is that you want from your exchange period before leaving and ma-ke a specific study plan. It is advisable to confirm the compatibility and the crediting of courses with your own department at an early stage.

Information on student exchange Your faculty has a co-ordinator of international affairs who provides information on student exchange opportunities at your own faculty and other student exchange matters. Information can also be found on the website of your faculty anddepartment.

You can apply for student exchange when you have completed at least one year of studies at your home university. Even though planning an exchan-ge period at the beginning of your studies may seem too early, it is advisable to keep the exchange and its timing and length in mind when drafting your personal study plan.

Usually, student exchange does not depend on one’s financial situation. During the exchange, tho-se who are entitled to student financial aid can re-

Come along!The Committee for International Affairs follows and promotes internationalisation both at the Uni-versity and the Student Union. In addition to interest representation, the Committee acts as a discussi-on forum for everyone who is interested in international affairs. The Committee has effect on the impro-vement of English communications and the integration of international students. The Committee may also arrange a variety of events which raise up the theme of internationalism.

39

ceive it as usual, and the housing supplement can even be slightly increased depending on the exchan-ge destination. Also, the monthly share of the stu-dent loan is higher when studying abroad. Scholar-ships can often be allocated for various exchange programmes, which can be used to cover travel costs, for example. In accordance with exchange agreements, students are not required to pay pos-sible tuition fees.

A good application opens doors Applications should be prepared carefully. The university wants to send motivated and hard-working students abroad, and therefore clearly and briefly presented basic information, a detai-led study plan for the country of destination, the certificates of accreditation and possible teachers’ recommendations are important.

The university’s general exchange agreements have limited vacancies and therefore the faculty and department programmes can often be a slightly mo-re secure way to be accepted for student exchange.

A good application and a moderate suc-cess in studies, however, are a powerful

combination even when the most popular locations are distributed.

If your department does not provide student exchange, you should try to influence student rep-resentatives in university administration or the de-partmental steering group in order to acquire stu-dent exchange programmes.

Study abroad!Exchange programmes

tYou can apply for numerous high-quality universities

around Europe through ERASMUS exchange programme of

the EU.

tYou can apply for student exchange in the Nordic Countries

through NORDPLUS programme.

tThe University also has several bilateral agreements through

which you can apply for American, African and Asian univer-

sities, for example. The students of all faculties can apply for

bilateral exchange.

tYour own faculty is the most convenient place to receive

more information on exchange opportunities.

tFurther information:

tAlma/Flamma intranet - Studies abroad

tYliopisto magazine, notice board and departments

tulkomaillaopiskelu@helsinki.fi

terasmus@helsinki.fi

tScholarships and grants

Work abroad?You can travel abroad for a traineeship or volunteer work

through various programmes. The Student Union website

has information on CIMO’s traineeship programmes, Allians-

si youth exchange, ETVO (Finnish Volunteer Programme),

Nordjobb summer jobs and other interesting programmes.

Centre for International Mobility CIMO (Hakaniemenranta 6,

tel. 0207 868 500, www.cimo.fi) provides an extensive data-

base concerning studies and traineeship abroad, extensive

library and a wide range of study guides of international

universities.

You can apply for a travel grant or Erasmus trainee exchan-

ge grant for your traineeship abroad from the Career Servi-

ces.

At what stage of my studies should

I leave for student exchange?

”The best time to leave for student exchange depends on your own study programme

and plan. Usually, student exchange is not recom-mended for the very first or the very last study years. If you are interested in exchange studies abroad, it is advisable to include the exchange as part of your personal study plan. More informati-on on exchange locations and guidance for stu-dent exchange is available from the study coun-sellors of your own department or faculty and from the University’s student services. If you don’t know whom to contact, you can ask your tutor or me for help.”

t Specialist (subsistence, international stu-dents, equality) Annika Häggblom international@hyy.fi, tel. 050 543 9608

Come along!The ESN Committee organises various events, excursions and social gatherings that aim to introduce international students to the Finnish student life. In addition, the Committee seeks to bring together Finnish and international students. The Committee coordinates the Buddy Project, develops internatio-nal tutoring and the reception of new international students. The Committee also cooperates with simi-lar organisations in other higher education institutions in Helsinki. The Committee is a part of the Euro-pean student organisation, Erasmus Student Network.

40 41

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

As a member of HYY, you are involved in promoting a good cause! Since 2008, HYY has used 0.7 per cent of its budget for deve-

lopment cooperation. Finland is committed to inc-rease development aid to the level recommended by the UN ‒ 0.7 per cent of gross national income ‒ by 2015 and HYY aims at setting an example. In 2012, the amount is EUR 24,500 and the majority of this amount is granted to development coopera-tion projects of small organisations during a sepa-rate project fund application period.

HYY supports women’s and girls’ reproductive and sexual rights in Zambia as well as a project on sustainable agriculture and energy in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

During the years 2009–2011, HYY has sup-ported the three-year development cooperation projects of Indonesian organisations Institution of Rural Technology Development (LPTP) and Payo-Payo Foundation. Payo-Payo, which implemented the actual project on the island of Sulawesi, is an organisation of young farmers and students promo-ting sustainable agriculture. The project aimed at improving food security and energy self-sufficien-cy and developing sustainable agriculture in three villages in southern and western Sulawesi. 85 % of the project funds were granted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the excess share of 15 % was covered by HYY’s 0.7 % budget. HYY and Payo-Payo Foundation will apply for a follow-up project from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for the years 2013–2015. Further information on cooperation in Indonesia is available at hyy.indo-nesia@gmail.com.

In the years 2007–2010, HYY cooperated with the eastern Zambian umbrella organisation for women’s organisations, Eastern Province Women Development Association (EPWDA) in order to improve legal rights of women and girls. The fol-low-up project is in progress in the years 2011–2013. EPWDA supports women’s empowerment in rural areas in Eastern Zambia, andthe follow-up project focuses on reproductive and sexual rights. In Eastern Zambia, teenage preg-

nancies are common, women and girls are parti-cularly vulnerable to HIV infection, and maternal and infant mortality rates are relatively high. In addition, one woman often has several children at frequent intervals, which reduces the mother’s health and for its part lowers a child’s ability to survive the first years. The project trains repro-duction and sexual rights educators, who will te-ach the acquired information to remote areas in the form of workshops.

The Zambia project receives 85 % of its funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the rest are covered with volunteer develop-ment cooperation fees paid in connection with the academic year registration and Zambia days orga-nised in UniCafe student restaurants twice a year. Various development cooperation meals have been organised in student restaurants already since 1979 and on Zambia Day students can support the pro-ject by purchasing the Zambia Meal at UniCafe or by donating any amount to the project. Those who are interested in the project are warmly welcome to participate in the meetings of the project group.

HYY’s development cooperation funds are coor-dinated by the Committee for Development Coope-ration. The committee also annually publishes Kimppu magazine which focuses on development cooperation issues. The magazine is published with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The committee also promotes the discussion on develo-ping country issues at the university during the an-nually organised development cooperation week, among other things.

Come along!Committee for Development Cooperation aims at creating interest in developing countries among the Student Union members and providing practical ex-perience in the development cooperation. The com-mittee is in charge of HYY’s development cooperati-on project and organises excursions, the Kehy week in spring with its various events and single public events, among other things.

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

1 Bring me food!It may be tricky to assess the environmental

burden of food. Here are some rules of thumb for your convenience. Organic farming promotes sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. When you choose locally produced food pro-ducts, their transport emissions will be low. By eating food which is as little processed as pos-sible, you have better knowledge of what you are eating. Meat production involves plenty of ethi-cal and ecological problems which you can redu-ce by choosing vegetarian options on your plate. By choosing Fair Trade coffee, tea, fruit and other products, you will also ensure that farmers and workers receive fair compensation.

2 Reduce, reuse, recycle You can find cheap second-hand furniture and

household products. Information on recycling centers is available on www.kierratyskeskus.fi and contact information of flea markets is avai-lable on www.vuolanne.net/kirpputorit.

3Don’t drown in the paper floodYour room or small studio apartment will

soon be full of paper: lecture material, essay drafts, articles, not to mention free newspapers and advertising mail. Therefore, please glue ”Ei mainoksia” (”no ads”) sticker onto your mail-box. Use both sides of the paper when printing and copying and choose 2 pages per sheet feature and you get four sheets on one A4 paper. Order newspapers and magazines together with your neighbour and you will also save money.

4 Switch to green electricityYou can reduce your electricity bill by tur-

ning off the lights and other unused electrical equipment and by defrosting your refrigerator

once a year. It is easy to get tenders from electrici-ty providers at www.vaihdavirtaa.net. Hoas has also switched to green electricity.

5Don’t carry waste homeYour household’s waste disposal begins from

the moment you select products to your shopping basket. You should choose the most lightly-packed options and prefer bulk goods. Try not to buy more than you need. Please separate bio was-te and sort other waste as they are valuable raw material! In Helsinki, paper, bio, cardboard, and glass waste are collected separately. Metal and energy waste are also collected in some places. Hazardous waste must not be placed among mi-xed waste. Further information and the locations of collection containers can be found at www.hsy.fi/en.

Further information: t HYY’s Environmental Guide for Students

Come along!The Committee for Environmental Affairs provides opportunities for action for HYY’s members interested in environmental issues. It aims at raising environmental awareness and increasing ecological sustainability at universi-ty and the student union The committee has or-ganised various campaigns, movie nights and Walking Campus event. The committee is open to all HYY members and you can join activities at any time of the year. Information on meeting dates and other fun can be found at: http://blogs.helsinki.fi/hyy-ymp/

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Building a common union The 143-year history of the Student Union includes construc-tion projects, political turmoil and reflections of structural changes in society.

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The University moved to Helsinki in 1828 after the Great Fire of Turku. Along with new regulations, Turku Academy was renamed the Imperial Alex-ander University of Finland. There were approxi-mately 340 students in the first academic year of the University. The division of student nations was passed on from Turku Academy and it remained slightly changed in Helsinki. In the early years, uni-versity students gathered at the University or in teachers’ homes. However, the students longed for a ”free atmosphere” and began to rent specific apartments for their meetings. A steady increase in rental costs and lack of space prompted students to plan their own building.

A plan of the student house On 15 March 1858, about three hundred univer-sity students convened at a general meeting under the direction of Master C. G. Estlander. At the meeting, it was decided to build a house which would be solely managed by the students and which would be a place where students could meet and hold festive events. In the following

years, the general meeting was convened almost every year to promote the construction project. In 1863, rules were drafted for the meetings and in 1868, general student meetings were legalised.

The student house (nowadays the Old Student House) was partly financed with donated and collected funds and partly with debt. The inaugu-ration ceremony took place on 26 November 1870. The inauguration was festive: it included music, speeches, poems and, naturally, the ball. To cover the costs that were higher than expect-ed, the Student Union had to collect an additional fee from university students during the following four academic terms. After the turn of the centu-ry, the Student House premises proved to be too small for the increasing number of students. After the motion of Alina Mattsson from Varsinais-suomalainen student nation, the student nation and afterwards the Student Union began to pro-mote the Student Nation House (nowadays the New Student House) which was built beside the Student House in 1910. The inauguration date is 26 November.

Eteläsuomalainen osakunta puussa Karjalohjalla 1911.

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Building of the organisation Due to political reasons, ”the right of the study-ing youth to present themselves as a corporation” was abolished in 1871. A committee was found-ed to manage the affairs related to the student house, a library and other financial affairs. The student nations could annually appoint two members to the committee. Since 1880, universi-ty students have been legally allowed to convene in general meetings as a corporation. A manage-ment committee, the Board, was appointed for administrative affairs. The Student Union be-came an organisation, the Student Union of Fin-land, which unified students who were divided into student nations. After the operations of the National Union of the University Students in Fin-land (syl) were established, the Student Union of Finland was renamed in 1927 as the Student Un-ion of the University of Helsinki. For decades, the student union affairs had been decided in general meetings but in 1932, decision mak-ing was transferred to the Representa-tive Council of sixty members elected through the elec-tions. The immedi-ate administration of the corporation was carried out by the Board and its subsidiary commit-tees as well as separately hired officials, such as librarians and treasurers.

Political activities in the 20th century In the 1920s and the 1930s, the student union activities mostly focused on Finno-Ugric nations and conservatism. In addition to the Nordic Countries, the activities were oriented towards the Baltic Countries and Estonia, in particular. The student union politics were dominated by the Academic Karelia Society, but the temperance movement was also visible. After the war, the at-mosphere in the Student Union changed. Rural depopulation became more common and there was severe lack of housing for university stu-dents. For students, the 1950s was an era of op-portunities and ideals. Rationing and reconstruc-tion after the war were finished. There were jobs matching the education of students. In the 1960s, there was an oversupply of educated labour in some fields. In the 1960s and the 1970s, the Stu-dent Union was characterised by questioning of values, politics and internationalisation. The

Left, however, never reached the majority in the Representative Council. Finnish stu-dents joined their Euro-pean colleagues by tak-ing over the Old Student House in 1968 and founding a cultural cen-tre there. The self-gov-erning status of the Stu-dent Union has always been defined by law or a

regulation. The University has supervised the ap-propriateness of the Student Union activities but it has not directed its activities in detail during the independence of Finland.

1858 University students decided to build a house for meeting and fes-tive purposes and bought a plot lo-cated in the Vuohi (goat) city block which is the current location of the National Archives.1867 The Senate exchanged without a cash payment a plot in Kallio for the plot in Soopeli block which is the current plot of the Old Student House.

1868 The construction committee, which represented university stu-dents, submitted the drawings of the Student House, drafted by Ham-pus Dahlström, to the registry office. The drawings were conveyed to the governor, the Senate, deputy chan-cellor, the University senate and chancellor, and finally the Emperor approved them with his signature in St. Petersburg.

1870 Students celebrated the inau-guration of the Student House, fi-nanced partly with donated and col-lected funds and partly with debt. 1876 University Chancellor Alexan-der Alexandrovitsh, the future Tsar Alexander III, visited the house.1879 Water pipes were installed in the Student House.1898 The ballroom was extended by six metres and a stage and addition-

The Old Student House

Domus Gaudium.

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1945 The Student Union bought from the City of Helsinki three plots and made a reservation for four plots for student housing purposes in Leppäsuo. Construction drawings were ordered from Architect Pauli Salomaa and interior design from Ilmari Tapiovaara.1946 Construction work began un-der rationing.1947 Houses A and B, financed partly with donated and collected funds, were inaugurated. 1950 The Student Union began the construction work of the house C.1952 During XV Olympics, journalists were accommodated in the house C. The house was traditionally inaugu-

rated on the Student Union’s anni-versary. The house included a self-service restaurant with 60 seats and food lifts to students ”who for study or other concerns avoid going to the cosy restaurant”.1962 The Student Union reclaimed a plot on Hieta¬niemenkatu for the building of a fourth dormitory. 1967 The Student Union began the construction work of the house D. Construction drawings were de-signed by Architect Pauli Salomaa who had designed the previous Lep-päsuo dormitories.1968 The house D was inaugurated. One per cent of the construction expenses were covered by selling

10,000 ”Domus” towels.1996 The Student Union sold the house A to Hoas.2007 The construction of the third student house – Domus Gaudium – began in Leppäsuo next to Domus Academica. The new house is de-signed by the architect office Brunow & Maunula.2008 The inauguration of Domus Gaudium was celebrated on HYY’s anniversary on 26 November. Do-mus Gaudium also got its own logo, designed by Graphic Designer Jukka Veistola.

Domus Academica (Houses A, B, C and D) and Domus Gaudium

1887 The Student Union bought a plot for the library next to the cur-rent Old Student House.1906 University student Alina Matts-son suggested in VSO (Student Na-tion of Southwest Finland) meeting that a new house should be built due to lack of space at the Student House. Student nations considered the project expensive and recom-mended that the Student Union should build the house.1908 After an architect contest, the Student Union chose Armas Lind-gren and Wivi Lönn to design the house. 1909 Construction work began.1910 The inauguration ceremony of the Student Nation House included, among other things, a cantata com-posed by Toivo Kuula with the lyrics

by Eino Leino Kuolemattomuuden toivo (”Wish of Immortality”) and, as a novelty, an ”automobile ride” for international guests.1919 The Student Union rented the ballroom to Engineer Johannes Saraoja for the purpose of ”screen-ing the living pictures”.1924 The Student Nation House was heightened by two floors. At the same time, a roof and the lifts were renewed and hot water pipes were installed. New tenants included the Hotel Hansa and a car dealer Korpiv-aara & Halla Ltd.1929 A cinema was rented to A. Ad-ams Films Ltd. ”Bio Civis” was re-named as ”Bio Bio”.1930 Ylioppilaskahvila Oy expanded its operations to the restaurant in the courtyard.

1931 Hämäläis-Osakunta student nation relocated to its own building on Kampinkatu.1952 Satakuntalainen student nation relocated to its own building in Lap-inrinne.1957 Yliopiston apteekki pharmacy became a tenant.1968 The Hotel Borealis and Cafete-ria Linnea and Snack bar Ykskax on the street level, owned by the Stu-dent Union, began their operations.1979 The ballroom of the New Stu-dent House was demolished in con-nection with the extension work of Kaivopiha. It was replaced by Hansa talo building. 1980 Eteläsuomalainen student na-tion returned to the New Student House.

The New Student House (Student Nation House)

al rooms were constructed.1899 A temporary ban on dancing was imposed at the Student House due to the February Manifest. 1901 Akseli Gallen-Kallela painted a fresco ”Kullervon sotaanlähtö” (”Kull-ervo goes to war”) for the music hall. Louis Sparre and Walter Thomé de-signed the new interior.1907 Kansan Näyttämö (later Helsin-ki City Theatre) became a tenant and remained a tenant until 1968, chang-

ing its name at times. 1929 An additional building for Suomalainen kirjakauppa bookstore was constructed.1930 Ylioppilaskahvila Oy, located in the close proximity of the AKS, rent-ed the restaurant premises of the Old Student House.1966 ”Lapualaisooppera” performed in the ballroom caused discussion in the 40th anniversary of Ylioppilaste-atteri student theatre.

1968 ”Ylioppilaat – Studenterna” (university students) took over the Old Student House.1978 The fire at the Old Student House.1979 The repairs and reconstruction work were completed.

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Personnel

Katri Korolainen-VirkajärviSecretary Generalc 0400 816 426paasihteeri@hyy.fi

Merja ViitasaloChief Financial Officer (CFO)c 050 534 2963merja.viitasalo@hyy.fi

Anne Rautanen Specialist (higher education policy and the development of teaching)c 050 543 8458anne.rautanen@hyy.fi

Juha HurmeSpecialist (higher education policy and university admi-nistration)c 050 543 8460juha.hurme@hyy.fi

Sofia LindqvistSpecialist (housing, health, city)c 050 543 9605sofia.lindqvist@hyy.fi

Annika HäggblomSpecialist (subsistence, inter-national students, equality)c 050 543 9608annika.haggblom@hyy.fi

Emi MaedaSpecialist (organisations)c 050 537 3798emi.maeda@hyy.fi

Ville SinnemäkiSpecialist-Producer (culture) c 050 537 2831ville.sinnemaki@hyy.fi

Jenni HeikkinenCommunications Officer c 050 543 9609tiedottaja@hyy.fi

Tero SilvastArt Director,Non-military Servicesc 050 534 2965tero.silvast@hyy.fi

Archives

Jari EerolaArchivistc 050 534 2964arkisto@hyy.fi

Member Services Office

Member- andOrganizational-services

tPlease check service hours:www.hyy.fi – Contact informa-tion

Tiina KääriäOffice Secretary,Customer Servicec 050 551 6145toimisto@hyy.fi

Sara MiettunenOffice Secretary,HYY-documentsCustomer Servicec 050 432 4939hallinto@hyy.fi

Nova KhalafOffice Secretary,Member Servicec 050 551 6146lyyra@hyy.fi

Student Union Crèche

Marika DolivoChildminderc 050 303 8333lapsiparkki@hyy.fi

Katariina Haikala- TikanderChildminderc 050 537 2811lapsiparkki@hyy.fi

Contact Information

HYY Freshman Guide 2012

HYYn asiantunti-jat neuvovat ja auttavat. Ota rohkeasti yhteyttä!

tEditorial staff: Jenni Heikkinen, Jari Eerola (his-tory).

tWe thank all who took part in revising the in-formation.

tLayout and design: Oscar Hagen, Tero Silvast tPhotos: Niko Metsälä, Antti Pihlajamaa, t Jani Pulkka ja Elina Mattila-Niemi. tPrinted in: Painojussit Oy, Kerava tPublisher: Helsingin yliopiston tylioppilaskunta HYY t

tStreet adress: Mannerheimintie 5 A, t2. krs, 00100 Helsinki tPostal adress: PL 1099, 00101 Helsinki tThe Student Union of tUniversity of Helsinki tMannerheimintie 5 A t (2. krs) PL 1099, 00101 Helsinki t tiedottaja@hyy.fi twww.hyy.fi

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Notes:

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YOUR STUDENT UNIONHYY IS IN FACEBOOK.YOU CAN BECOME A FAN!

www.facebook.com/hyy.hus

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www.hyy.fiStudies and life