TYY GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - 2021-2022 The Student Union of the University of Turku
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TYY GUIDE FOR
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2021–2022
The Student Union of the University of Turku 1
TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
CONTENTS
DEAR STUDENT 3
WHAT IS STUDENT UNION? 4
MEMBERSHIP AND STUDENT CARD 4
TYY OFFICE AND SERVICE DESK 4
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PROJECTS 6
TYY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 8
STUDENT HEALTH CARE SERVICE 8
STUDENT LUNCHES AND OTHER DISCOUNTS 10
TYY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR DOCTORAL CANDIDATES 11
STARTING PACKAGE STORAGE 12
TYY RENTAL PREMISES AND ITEMS 13
KINOKOPLA – TYY FILM CLUB 14
STUDENT CALENDAR 14
TURKU STUDENT NEWSPAPER “TURUN YLIOPPILASLEHTI” 14
TYY CONSULTATION SERVICES 15
INCOME AND STUDY GRANT MATTERS 15
STUDY MATTERS AND LEGAL PROTECTION OF STUDENTS’ 15
LEGAL ADVICE 16
CONTACT PERSON FOR VICTIMS OF HARASSMENT 16
EARLY SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS 17
STUDENT LIFE IN TURKU 18
WHY YOU SHOULD BE ACTIVE IN STUDENT ORGANISATIONS 21
PROGRAMMES WITH INTAKE IN 2019-2020 22
TYY WINGS AND TYY ORGANISATIONS 24
TYY’S ORGANISATIONS WELCOME YOU TO TURKU! 26
WHO ARE WE? 38
THE STUDENT UNION COUNCIL 38
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD 38
THE SPECIALISTS 39
MAILING LISTS 40
CONTACT INFORMATION 41
FINNISH GLOSSARY 42
WANT TO KNOW MORE FINNISH? 43
CAMPUS MAP 44
SORTING HOUSEHOLD WASTE 45
STUDEN VILLAGE MAP 47
CITY BIKES 50
FINNISH STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES FSHS 42
TYY GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2021-2022. 29th revised edition 2021.
Last updated on May. Cover image: Frida Pessi. Editing: Satu Nurmi & Anna Ryzhova.
Published by Turun yliopiston ylioppilaskunta (Student Union of the University
of Turku). Please send any comments, corrections or improvement suggestions to
tyy-internationalspecialist@utu.fi.
2
DEAR STUDENT
Welcome to Turku! The Student Union of all of our services such as the tutoring
the University of Turku (TYY) wishes you system and the starting package. It is
a very pleasant stay. important for us to know how the student
This guide will introduce you to the life in Turku has been for you. By giving
Student Union and the student life in us feedback, you can help us to improve
Turku. We would like to explain to you our services.
what is a student union and how TYY can We here at the Student Union want to
serve you. As a member, you are entitled welcome you to join all of our activities.
to a variety of benefits which we hope Hopefully we will have a chance to meet
will make your stay in Turku easier. you face to face. We sincerely hope you
This guide includes information experience the time of your life during
about services available for students your stay in Turku! Please, do not
(degree and exchange students and hesitate to contact us. We will be happy
doctoral candidates) at the Student to help you with any questions you may
Union of the University of Turku. have – that is what we are here for!
In addition, information on TYY and
its services in English is available on the
TYY website at www.tyy.fi/en. Please see Best regards,
also useful answers on our “Frequently
Asked Questions” -page that is based on Satu Nurmi & Anna Ryzhova
our previous students’ questions. Student Union of the University of Turku
We would love to hear your feedback tyy-internationalspecialist@utu.fi,
on this guide and your experiences on tyy-kv@utu.fi
3
TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
WHAT IS A STUDENT UNION?
There is a student union in every Finnish
university, and its goal is to represent STUDENT CARD
its members, advance the position of
students in society and provide them As a member of the Student Union, you
with services. Membership of a student are entitled to a Finnish student card
union is compulsory by law for all (opiskelijakortti) issued together by the
undergraduate and master’s degree National Union of University Students in
students studying for a Finnish degree. Finland (SYL) and TYY. This card offers
It is possible for the exchange students you a variety of benefits locally and
and doctoral students to join a student nationwide. For more information about
union, too. the benefits, please read the information
The Student Union of the University in this and the next chapter and check
of Turku (Turun yliopiston yliop- www.frank.fi/en
pilaskunta, TYY) is among the oldest
student unions in Finland. Founded TYY OFFICE
in 1922, TYY has been taking a stand
for students for almost 100 years now. The TYY Office is located in Student
TYY acts as an interest organisation, a House A, ground floor, Rehtorin-
service producer and an NGO. Students’ pellonkatu 4 A, 20500 Turku. Check the
interests are looked after not only within contact information on the back side of
the University of Turku but also within this guide. TYY web pages can be found
the city of Turku and Finland. TYY has at tyy.fi/en.
approximately 14 000 members and
acts in three different campuses: Turku,
Rauma and Pori.
TYY SERVICE DESK
OPENING HOURS:
PRICES OF THE STUDENT UNION MEMBERSHIP
EXCHANGE STUDENT: voluntary
You can see TYY service desk
26.50€ for the autumn term 2021,
opening hours on the website.
26.50€ for the spring term 2022 and
53.00€ for the term 2021–2022.
By visiting TYY Service Desk, you can:
• Get the sticker on the card for the
DEGREE STUDENT & DOUBLE-DEGREE STUDENT: compulsory,
new academic year if you order a
26.50€ for the autumn term 2021,
plastic card
26.50€ for the spring term 2022 and
• Buy Student Union patches and pins
53.00€ for the term 2021–2022.
• Reserve the club room Q-House,
TYY sauna, Turku Sali meeting room
DOCTORAL CANDIDATE:
and TYYMA dining set
18.50€ for the autumn term 2021,
• Borrow bike repair kit
18.50€ for the spring term 2022 and
• Buy season tickets of the Kinokopla
37€ for the term 2021–2022
film club
4VISITING STUDENT AND INTERNS: not possible
The Student Union Staff and the 4) Membership payment alone is not
Executive Board of the Student Union enough. You also need to order a student
can be found in the Student House A. The card. You can choose from 2 options: a
staff office hours vary but most people plastic student card or a mobile app. Please
are available at least Mon-Fri 10–14. By see more information and the prizes at
making an appointment, you can be sure www.frank.fi/en
to meet the person you need.
5) The best option for international
students is a digital student card: Please
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER AND be patient as it can take some days to
GET THE STUDENT CARD register your membership payment in
the University’s system. It is not possible
to activate before August in the autumn
In order to become a member of TYY you
and January in the spring. The app can be
must pay the Student Union membership
downloaded on Apple and Android phones
fee. New international students receive
and it can be used offline.
their payment forms from the University
(Exchange students: the International 6) In case you choose the card: The plastic
Office, Degree students: information card does not require a Finnish ID number.
about the payment via e-mail). You can If you decide to order a normal plastic
pay your membership fee payment either student card, it will be sent to your Finnish
by a regular bank transfer payment or by address. Remember to make a notification
using your e-bank account (SEPA -area of your move to the post office so you
payments). When paying your membership know that your mail will be delivered to
fee payment, please remember to always the right address. Please note that during
include your name and your personal the busiest times in the beginning of the
reference number that can be found in your semester getting the card might take more
payment form. than two weeks. Once your card has arrived,
remember to pick up an annual sticker
1) By paying the Student Union fee, you from the TYY Service Desk. Please note that
become a member (voluntary but highly ordering the card is not possible before 1st
recommended for exchange students, of August.
compulsory for degree students). If you
have problems paying the fee in your For the address and the opening hours
home country, you can wait until you are of the TYY Service Desk, and for more
in Finland. information about the Student Union,
please visit www.tyy.fi/en.
2) Please put your name and the reference
number (found on the invoice) in the If you have any questions concerning the
‘message’ part of your payment. In case membership or the student card, please
you forget to use the reference number, we see our FAQ-page at http://www.tyy.fi/en/
will still receive your payment. However, students/frequently-asked-questions or
registering your payment will take a longer contact tyy-internationalspecialist@utu.fi.
time. We are here for you!
3) Please note that we do not send you a Read more:
confirmation e-mail after receiving your www.tyy.fi/en/students/welcome-turku
payment. Just print out the receipt of the
payment (a screen shot is also ok), because
you can use it as a proof of your payment. 5
TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
PROJECTS
You can pay an additional, voluntary fee to support TYY development
cooperation projects. During the academic year 2021–2022, the projects is
are as follows:
1. ZAMBIA PROJECT 4.70 € the Sustainable Development Goal six.
Poor sanitation, for example, increases
The Zambia Project is s a four-year the spread of disease and girls ’school
project for which the Ministry for Foreign attendance suffers during menstruation.
Affairs has granted a grant of € 1,200,000. Indeed, one of the aims of the project is to
Besides TYY, Disability Partnership mainstream the inclusion of vulnerable
Finland is involved in the project from groups, such as women and the disabled,
Finland. in WASH issues (Water, Sanitation and
Currently, only 26% of Zambians Hygiene). In addition, the project will
are covered by basic sanitation. The improve Zambia’s sanitation by building
project will address the problems of dry toilets, strengthen the capacity
poor sanitation and has the long-term of local partners and civil society to
goal of helping Zambia achieve full influence sanitation issues, and raise
sanitation coverage by 2030 in line with awareness of WASH issues in society.
6
In addition to the actors in TYY’s
Development Cooperation Wing, all
students of the University of Turku
across faculty boundaries are welcome
to participate in the project. No previous
knowledge of development cooperation
is needed and new ideas are always
welcome!
In the project, the volunteers make
communicative content, organise
events and training and are in close
contact with the actors of the Global
Dry Toilet Association of Finland. From
the academic year 2021–2022, students
can donate to the project, for example
in connection with the academic year
registration.
For more information, please
visit project’s website or contact the TYY also directs 0.7 % of the budget
Specialist in International Affairs at tyy- for operating funds to development
internationalspecialist@utu.fi. cooperation. The 0.7 % targets are chosen
every spring. In 2021 chosen projects are
Food and Forest Development Finland
and Global Dry Toilet Association of
Finland.
See more about or development
cooperation projects at: https://www.
t y y. f i / e n / a c t i v i t i e s / d e ve l o p m e n t -
cooperation.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WEEK
4.–10.10.2021
TYY organises annually Sustainable
Development Week. Details of different
events and programme will be updated
on TYY’s website and social media
channels.
Want to join the organising team as a
volunteer?
Send e-mail to
tyy-internationalspecialist@utu.fi
7
TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
PAGE 11)
C A N D IDATES, SEE
(DOCTORAL
TYY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
STUDENT HEALTH CARE
SERVICES
Students studying degree in Finnish Address: Kirkkotie 13, 20540 Turku
Higher Education Institutions are www.yths.fi/en
entitled to the services of the Finnish
Student Health Service (Ylioppilaiden The phone numbers can be seen on the
terveydenhuoltosäätiö), FSHS (YTHS in back of this guide.
Finnish). These services are provided by
the Student Health Centre in Turku. You can also use the online form at
https://www.yths.fi/en/using-services/
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FSHS booking-appointment/
SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR
THE EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM For an appointment missed without
THE BEGINNING OF 2021. cancellation, FSHS charges the
counselling fee plus €35.
8
The Finnish Student Health Service
offers basic healthcare on weekdays IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
during office hours, Mon-Thu 8–15, Fri
8-14. Please note that FSHS is closed in Because FSHS is only open during the
the evenings, during the weekends and week at day time, patients must turn to
on public holidays. During the summer, municipal health services in emergencies
FSHS is open for limited opening hours. on weekends and evenings.
For further information on making an Call 112 for ambulance and
appointment and opening hours please emergency services. In emergency cases,
visit FSHS website. such as sudden illness, unconsciousness
Appointments are available with or life-threatening situation, always call
general practitioners and various 112. If in doubt as to whether it is an
specialists. FSHS offers laboratory emergency or not, it is always better to
services, mental health care, dental call and ask. The emergency medical
care and also health counselling on the services helpline advises you on the help
Internet. you require.
If you become acutely ill, you can call Turku University Hospital, T-Hospital
or visit a nurse without an appointment is now the Turku region’s accident and
between 8 and 11. All other consultations emergency (A&E) centre for providing
and treatments require appointments. 24-hour specialised medical care and
The pricing of the health services vary, so treatment to those who have fallen
check the pricing from the FSHS web site: suddenly ill or sustained injury.
https://www.yths.fi/en/using-services/
service-fees/ MUNICIPAL HEALTH CARE AND
If you travel elsewhere in Finland and
need acute medical or dental treatment,
PRIVATE HEALTH SERVICES
you are entitled to use FSHS services in
There are also other types of health care
other university towns. Please note that the
that the FSHS does not provide, such as
smaller health centres are closed during
hospital care and some specialist services.
the summer months from June to August.
You can check the current instructions at
Those students who have paid the
www.utu.fi/en/studyat-utu/accepted-
health care fee for the autumn term can
students/residencepermit.
start using the services from 1 September.
Students who have registered Turku
If you have paid the health care fee for
as their place of residence (kotikunta)
the spring term, you are entitled to FSHS
have the right to the municipal health
services until the end of August.
care. Your home address and postal
If you get ill when FSHS is closed, get
code will determine your municipal
into an accident or have to be admitted
health centre. Emergency services in the
to hospital, the FSHS system will not
Turku area are available on weekdays at
cover you. In these cases you should have
the health centre determined by your
a European Health Insurance Card or a
address. The student can also use private
personal insurance. We recommend all
healthcare.
international students to have a health
insurance.
9
TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
If the student has a private health subsidised student lunches at other
insurance, he/she can also obtain student cafeterias in Turku as well as in
services in the private health care clinics, other Finnish cities.
such as Mehiläinen or Terveystalo.
OTHER DISCOUNTS
TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
The student unions in Turku have
When travelling in Finland, the student negotiated local student discounts for
card will give you several benefits, different shops, restaurants, sporting
which you cannot get with the ISIC events etc. It is always a good idea to
(International student identity card) or ask for a student discount. Also, check
with any foreign student cards. https://www.frank.fi/en/ for different
Trains: You are entitled to a student discounts.
discount of 45-55 % on all train tickets in
Finland. The student card must be presented
when buying the ticket, as well as on the train.
INTERNATIONAL TUTORS
Long-Distance Buses: On the long
International students are provided
distance buses/coaches the holder of a
with a personal tutor. Tutors are trained
student card will get 50% discount on a
students who volunteer to help and guide
bus ticket when the distance travelled is
new international students. Tutoring
at least 80 km. There are also low-fare bus
is organised by the University of Turku
companies such as Onnibus that offer
and TYY. Tutors help their students with
information also in English (https://www.
everyday practicalities during the first
onnibus.com/home ).
weeks and guide them through student
life in Turku. The tutor will help you
with housing matters, registering at
SUBSIDISED STUDENT LUNCHES the university, handling the first stage
payments in the bank office etc.
TYY is a co-owner of Unica, a company
Please note, however, that your tutor is
that runs several student cafeterias
not your academic contact person. Each
where you can get subsidised student
department at the University has a member
meals with the Finnish student card. TYY-
of staff appointed for that task. The name
owned cafeterias serving student priced
of your academic contact person can be
lunches include: Assarin Ullakko and
found in your acceptance letter.
Brygge in Student House A, Macciavelli
in Educarium, Dental in the Dentistry
building, Tottisalmi at the Finnish Student
Health Service (FSHS) building and Delica
in Pharma City.
The weekly menus of the
cafeterias are available in English at
www.unica.fi/en. With your student
card, you will also be able to get
10CAN I GET BENEFITS BEFORE MY CARD IS READY?
The receipt of your student union membership fee payment will act as a temporary
Student ID card, and you will get subsidised lunches at the student cafeterias and
student health care services with it, but not the travel discounts.
If you intend to travel by long distance bus or train before your card has been processed,
you need to go to the Student Centre Disco to obtain a special form that states that you
are a student at a Finnish university. Please note that student card is not accepted as
an official identity card.
TYY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Doctoral candidates (students pursuing licentiate or doctoral degree) can become
members of the Student Union. Their membership benefits are however fewer than
those of the undergraduate and Master’s degree students. The membership fee for
doctoral candidates is 18.50€ for the autumn term 2021, 18.50€ for the spring term
2022 and 37€ for the term 2021–2022.
A doctoral candidate who is a member of TYY is eligible for the following membership
benefits:
• consultation services from the TYY specialists
• services of the student lawyer
• reduced lunches at Unica restaurants (except for Nutritio)
• Turku Student Newspaper
• membership eligibility in TYY sub-organisations: some organisations have small
annual fee
Regardless of the TYY membership, doctoral candidates have the right to the following
benefits and services:
• CampusSport
• right to rent an apartment from the Student Village Foundation (TYS)
Please note that for reasons beyond the control of TYY, doctoral candidates are not
eligible for:
• student reductions on the trains or long distance coaches
• student priced lunches in every student cafeteria
• Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS)TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
The student unions of the universities in PAYMENT DETAILS:
Turku (TYY, ÅAS), the student union of
the Novia University of Applied Sciences Recipient:
(Novium), and the Turku University of Turun yliopiston ylioppilaskunta
Applied Sciences (TUAS) run a joint Bank account number
starting package storage where exchange (Tilinumero in Finnish):
students can borrow a package with FI25 5716 9020 0256 36
household items which they return Reference number
before they leave Turku. The starting (Viitenumero in Finnish): 9111
package is available to all exchange Due date: Within two weeks of your
students who are members of TYY. It is arrival in Finland
a non-profit service and operates on a
first-come-first-served basis. FROM A FOREIGN ACCOUNT:
The starting package includes at least Receiver: TYY/Starting Package Turku,
one pillow, a blanket, two curtains, a Address: Rehtorinpellonkatu 4 A,
cooking pot, a sharp cutting knife, one 20500 Turku
dinner plate, one soup plate, a glass, a IBAN: FI25 5716 9020 0256 36
mug, cooking items (spatula/ladle), one BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH
knife, one fork, one spoon, one teaspoon Reference number: 9111
and a can opener. Bank name: Turun Seudun Osuuspankki
Please read the current corona Bank address: Maariankatu 4 20100
instructions on our website before Turku
picking up the package. If your tutor
borrowed a starting package for you Please see more detailed payment
before your arrival, make sure you go information on the Starting package
as soon as possible (no later than 2 invoice in or on the website: www.tyy.fi/
weeks after your arrival) to the storage startingpackage.
during the opening hours and show the
receipt of your starting package payment Contact Information: For information
(deposit + rent) and a receipt of your about the Starting Package Storage,
student union membership fee payment. borrowing system, payment, opening
Before leaving Finland, make sure to hours and location check: www.tyy.fi/
check the opening hours of the storage startingpackage.
well ahead, you might have to return the
package a while before your departure Further questions can be directed to
day since the opening hours are limited. startingpackage@utu.fi.
12TYY RENTAL PREMISES AND ITEMS
TYY members and its organisations have the possibility to rent different
spaces and items.
Q-HOUSE GRAND HALL VÄHÄ-HEIKKILÄ (Q-HOUSE) TYY SAUNA
• Annual Balls, Parties • Get-Togethers, Meetings, • Get-Togethers,
• Tables, Chairs and Theme Evenings Afterparties, Theme
Tableware • Microwave oven, fridge events
• Kitchen • Sofas, speakers • Kitchen and Sauna, TV,
• Sound equipment DVD-player, Stereo
TURKU-SALI (TURKU HALL) CAMPUS CHAPEL OSAKUNTASALI
• Meetings, game evenings, • Meetings, game • Sitz parties, Annual Balls,
dance and play training evenings, Get-togethers Meetings and Theme events
• Data projector • Free to use, Alcohol free • Fridge and possibility to use
• Free to use, Alcohol free space, may be reserved combined Kitchen
space for a suitable use
TYY is also renting out useful items for its members: Tyyma dining set, bike repairing
set, button maker and laminating machine; and gear for anniversary celebrations.
Please see the full information at: www.tyy.fi/en/students/tyy-rentals
13TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
KINOKOPLA – TYY FILM CLUB TURKU STUDENT NEWSPAPER
“TURUN YLIOPPILASLEHTI”
The TYY Film Club shows a wide variety
of films, including recent blockbusters, Turku Student Newspaper (Turun
alternative movies, classics and Finnish ylioppilaslehti aka Tylkkäri) comes
films. Please note that the subtitles are out 6 times during the academic year.
usually only in Finnish and Swedish. The newspaper is published mainly
For more information on the films being in Finnish, but you can find articles
shown as well as on other activities in English as well. You can pick up the
organised by Kinokopla, please visit newspaper at any of the stands around
the website http://www.kinokopla.fi/ the campus. We are always happy to
inenglish.html. Season tickets for the have new international writers! Contact
main series can be bought at the TYY information: tyl-paatoimittaja@utu.fi
Service Desk (with a student friendly (Editor-in-Chief).
price) as well as from the theatre before
the shows. You can also buy single tickets
with price of €5.
STUDENT CALENDAR
Every year, the Student Union publishes
a TYY pocket calendar free of charge for
all its members. It has also information
on TYY and studying in Turku. You can
get your free copy from the TYY Service
Desk or during Orientation Course.
14TYY CONSULTATION SERVICES
INCOME AND STUDY MATTERS AND LEGAL
STUDY GRANT MATTERS PROTECTION OF STUDENTS
The Specialist in Social Affairs acts as a The Specialist in Academic Affairs is
contact person between different groups specialised in issues related to the
working in his or her field and distributes supervision of students’ rights. He or
information about current issues related she can tell you what to do or who to
to social policy. You can ask the Specialist turn to if you feel that you have been
in Social Affairs for advice when you treated unequally for example in the
don’t know who to turn to when it comes evaluation of a course or a thesis. Any
to matters such as well-being, housing faults concerning studies or teachers’
or income. The Specialist in Social actions should be brought out. It may be
Affairs can also tell you about the ways difficult for a single student to fight for
in which the students can take action in his or her rights alone, but the Student
the field of social policy. All discussions Union is big enough to make itself
about difficult life situations are strictly heard.
confidential.
Specialist, Social Affairs Specialist, Academic Affairs
Student House A, ground floor Student House A, ground floor
E-mail: tyy-sopoasiantuntija@utu.fi E-mail: tyy-kopoasiantuntija@utu.fi
15TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
LEGAL ADVICE CONTACT PERSON FOR VICTIMS
The TYY student lawyer can be met
OF HARASSMENT
during the academic year on Tuesdays
Improper treatment, discrimination
from 18 to 19. He gives advice on legal
and sexual harassment may take many
problems free of charge. If you are
forms. Sexual harassment and assault
wondering about legal issues related
are defined as an unwanted and one-
to rental agreements, employment
sided physical or verbal behaviour that
contracts, taxation or marriage etc., do
the victim never approves. Harassment
not hesitate to contact the TYY lawyer!
is therefore a subjective experience for
the victim. It can become apparent for
Available on Tuesdays from 18-19
example, as sexually suggestive gestures,
On duty in the meeting room Virtanen,
obscene language or e-mails, suggestions
Student House A, 1st floor (TYY Office)
concerning intercourse or sexual
interaction. Bullying and discrimination
LEGAL AID COMMISSION: include for example, repeated humbling
of a student or unequal treatment based
The Association for Law Students in on age or handicap. No one needs to
Turku – Lex ry provides a cost free legal tolerate bullying or discrimination from
aid service for the members of the university personnel or from other
Student Union of The University of Turku students.
(TYY). If you have any questions about If you face discrimination or
legal matters concerning, for example, improper treatment in the academic
lease, employment, or inheritance, you community, it is important that you tell
can visit the legal aid committee. a member of the University personnel
about it. You can ask the University’s
Available Wednesdays from 18-20 Advisor of Equality Issues for support
On duty in the the meeting room or talk confidentially with the TYY
Virtanen, Student House A, 1st floor (TYY Specialists in Social Affairs, Academic
Office) Affairs or International Affairs. The TYY
Specialists work as contact persons for
You can also contact the commission by students subjected to harassment.
email: oikeusapu@lex.fi.
The specialists can be contacted for
Please see more about legal aid and example by e-mail at:
consultation services at www.tyy.fi/en/ tyy-internationalspecialis@utu.fi,
students/consultation-services tyy-sopoasiantuntija@utu.fi or
tyy-kopoasiantuntija@utu.fi
16EARLY SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
AND ON MY MIND PROJECT
Early support for students is a model studying. For this reason, if a problem
for situations where there is concern arises, your concerns are always taken
about a student or conflict in the seriously, whether they are major or
student community as well as situations minor. Don’t hesitate to contact the early
where students notice inappropriate support contact persons even if you feel
behaviour or face other difficulties. like you a facing a minor problem.
These problems can range from learning Solving problems is often easier at
difficulties and coping with daily life to an early stage. You can read more on
harassment and bullying. Solving the intranet: https://intranet.utu.fi/index/
problems can be begun through two e a r l y s u p p o r t - f o r- s t u d e n t s / Pa g e s /
basic ideas: discussing about the issue default.aspx
with the person or people involved and, TYY and the University of Turku are
if necessary, contacting early support also involved in On My Mind Project
contact persons. This intranet page (Mielen päällä -hanke) that improves the
includes tips for handling difficult capacity of students and staff by using
conversations, examples of situations peer support in a variety of mental health
where early support for students can issues. The first steps in the project have
be helpful, and contact information already been taken and you can read
for different sources of support. The more on TYY website: https://www.tyy.
University of Turku aims to be a place fi/en/activities/my-mind-project
where everyone feels comfortable
17TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
STUDENT LIFE
IN TURKU
ANNUAL STUDENT TRADITIONS
SHROVE TUESDAY – LASKIAINEN 1ST OF MAY – VAPPU
In February, when the Brasilians do the You cannot ignore this ultimate spring
carnival samba, the Finns go sliding festival – no matter where in Finland
down snow-covered hills. Laskiainen you happen to be. In Turku, practically
is a real winter festival - you get to play everybody is outdoors, wearing overalls
in the snow, see various winter sports (haalarit) and white student caps
and eat traditional laskiaispulla, a bun (ylioppilaslakki) that students get when
filled with whipped cream and yam. they graduate from high school. The
Fastlaskiainen is one of the winter- action starts on the 30 April – a couple of
themed student events in February. It is days earlier for some brave ones. At half-
a downhill sledge competition organised past five the Finnish speaking people
by student unions of Turku. The event gather outside Turku Art Museum and
is held on Shrove Tuesday near the the Swedish-speaking people gather on
city centre on Vartiovuori hill. You will Vartiovuori hill to listen to the music
have a great time watching homemade played to celebrate the start of spring. In
vehicles competing, even if there is no the morning of the 1st of May, students
snow, which is the case very often here gather on the Vartiovuori hill for a
in Turku. picnic. Bring a blanket, food and drinks
and come to listen to bands, choirs and
general entertainment.
18ANNUAL BALL – VUOSIJUHLAT LITTLE CHRISTMAS PARTIES
PIKKUJOULUT
The Student Union and many of
its organisations celebrate their Many student organisations arrange
anniversaries. These annual parties are Christmas parties, some as early as
usually quite formal – yet laid back at one month before Christmas. With a
the same time. The fancy dinner with small entrance fee, you will get to taste
several courses – and speeches – is often some glögi, the hot Finnish Christmas
followed by ballroom dancing. When the drink with spices. The glögi and a bowl
more formal party is over, the informal of riisipuuro, delicious rice porridge,
celebration will go on and on through will be just the thing to get you into the
the night. The next day, at around noon, Christmas spirit.
there is a brunch for those who feel up to
it. If you want to see Finnish student life FINNISH INDEPENDENCE DAY
at its most traditional and craziest at the ITSENÄISYYSPÄIVÄ
same time, don’t miss out on the annual
ball celebrations! Do not expect the 6 December to be
the wildest party of the year. The words
that best describe this festival would
Many of these student traditions might probably be “solemn” and “quiet”. The
seem strange at first – especially when traditional way for students to spend
you see people running around in Independence Day is to form a torchlight
coloured overalls or fancy evening gowns procession, walking from the Student
and don’t really know what the occasion Union to the Unknown Soldier’s grave
is. But if you want to take part in Finnish at the Turku cemetery. In the evening,
student life and get to know other most Finns spend the night by watching
students, it is worth it to join in and find the Presidential Independence Day
out! reception “Linnanjuhlat” with family
and friends.
19TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
SAVE THE DATE!
Here are some dates for events
throughout the student year:
8 September University Opening Carnival an opening
party
13 November Student Union Annual Ball
6 December Finnish Independence Day torch procession
30 April to 1 May May Day Celebration
Please note that changes are possible.
Stay TYYned for more info and follow
TYY Calendar of events:
www.tyy.fi/en/activities/calendar-events/
2010 REASONS
WHY YOU SHOULD BE ACTIVE
IN STUDENT ORGANISATIONS
1. Build your network and make local friends
2. Get to know local traditions and student culture
3. Be involved in a wide range of free time activities with very affordable prices
4. Get access to old exams and study materials to support your studying
5. Improve your academic skills
6. Learn the locations of student organisations offices and get to know where your
classmates hang out on the campus
7. Influence on a bigger scale: Organisations act as a link between staff & students
8. Help Finnish students to internationalise at home
9. Gain voluntary working experience which is highly valued in Finland
10. Buy overalls and patches, and be part of Finnish student life
WHERE?
Collaborating with the Student Union of the University of Turku (Turun yliopiston
ylioppilaskunta, TYY), for example:
• Student Union Council or Board
• TYY Wings (International, Development Cooperation, Environmental, Equality)
• Subject-specific and hobby organisations
• TYY International Council
Participating in various decision and policy-making processes within the
University at different levels
• University Collegium
• Faculty boards
• Department working groups
• The Student Union organises trainings for international student representatives
You will hear about trainings and events during Orientation Course
HOW?
Visit our website www.tyy.fi/en, Facebook TYY and contact us at
tyy-internationalspecialist@utu.fi
21TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
PROGRAMMES AND THEIR ORGANISATIONS
EDUCATION
Find your Programme here:
• Degree Programme in Primary Teacher Education, BA (Rauma) and MA (Turku)
• Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Early Childhood Teacher Education
• Master’s Degree Programme in Education and Learning
Find your organisation here:
• Opekas (Rauma), opekas@gmail.com
• Katko, katko@utu.fi
• Opex, opex@utu.fi
HUMANITIES
Find your Programme here:
• Master’s Degree Programme in Finnish and Other Finno-Ugric Languages (Suomen
ja sen sukukielten maisteriohjelma, taught in Finnish)
Find your organisation here:
• Sugri, sugri-hallitus@lists.utu.fi
• Kanta, kanta@lists.utu.fi
• All studies in the Faculty of Humanities: Humanitas, humanitas-hallitus@lists.utu.fi
LAW
Find your Programme here:
• Master’s Degree Programme in Law and Information Society
Find your organisation here:
• LEX, hallitus@lex.fi
• ELSA, board.turku@fi.elsa.org
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Natural Sciences
Find your Programme here:
• MDP in Food Development
• MDP in Physical and Chemical Sciences: Astronomy and Space Physics
• MDP in Physical and Chemical Sciences: Materials Chemistry
• MDP in Physical and Chemical Sciences: Materials Physics
• MDP in Physical and Chemical Sciences: Theoretical Physics
• MDP in Biosciences: Evolutionary Biology
• MDP in Biosciences: Molecular Systems Biology
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Find your Programme here:
• Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology
• MDP in Software Engineering (in Windhoek, Namibia)
22• MDP in Information and Communication Technology: Cyber Security
• MDP in Information and Communication Technology: Smart Systems
• MDP in Information and Communication Technology: Digital Health
• MDP in Information and Communication Technology: Cryptography
Find your organisation here:
• See the full list of all organisations on Hybridi’s page: Hybridi ry, hybridi@utu.fi
MEDICINE
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Find your Programme here:
• MDP in Biomedical Sciences: Biomedical Imaging
• MDP in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development
• MDP in Biomedical Sciences: Medicinal and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
• MDP in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics
• MDP in Future Health and Technology
• MDP in Human Neuroscience
Find your organisation here:
• IVA ry, iva@utu.fi
• All studies in the Faculty of Medicine:
• Turun Lääketieteenkandidaattiseura, ulkoasiat@tlks.fi
• FiMSIC (Finnish Medical Students’ International Committee), lc_turku@fimsic.org
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Master’s Degree Programme in Futures Studies
• Black Swans, blackswansfsst@gmail.com
Master’s Degree Programme in Global Innovation Management
• Systeemi, KY-Systeemi-Hallitus@utu.fi
All studies in Turku School of Economics TuKY, info@tuky.fi
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Master’s Degree Programme in East Asian Studies
• Taotao, tyy-taotao@utu.fi
Master’s Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions and New Welfare State
• S-Klubi
Master’s Degree Programme in Gender Studies (no intake in 2020)
• F-piste, f-hallitus@lists.utu.fi
Click the link
and find more information about the Degree Programmes
and their own organisations from TYY’s webpages:
www.tyy.fi/organisations
23TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
cooperation and the environment. When
people who do not speak Finnish attend
the meetings, the meetings are held in
English so everyone can understand
each other.
TYYn SIIVET The regular members of the Wings are
TYY WINGS chosen twice a year, in November and
in April. The meetings of the Wings are
open for everyone and you do not have
to be a member to join the meetings. The
meetings are held in English.
TYY’s Wings are a great place to get to
TYY WINGS know people, promote values that are
important to you and other students and
There are four TYY Wings which are learn collaboration skills!
volunteer groups that promote TYY’s
values at the campus. All of the Wings www.tyy.fi/en/activities/tyy-wings
focus their activities on specific themes:
internationality, equality, development
TYY ORGANISATIONS
TYY has over 140 organisations.
Please see the full list at: www.tyy.fi/en/sub-organisations
Find also your subject-specific organization at: www.tyy.fi/organisations
TYY has many different organisations that support active student movement and often
work independently, however, still following TYY guidelines. Organisations are divided
in subject-specific organisations for different faculties, internationally oriented
organisations, student nations, ideological organisations, cultural organisations, sport
organisations and other organisations.
You can find a complete list with contact details of all the student organisations at our
website: www.tyy.fi/en/sub-organisations.
24particular region in Finland. The Nations
FACULTY AND DEPARTMENTAL provide their members with many
ORGANISATIONS services and social activities. The concept
of membership based on regional origin
There are a number of subject-oriented is interpreted very loosely nowadays – if
departmental and faculty organisations you wish to join a Student Nation, you
at the University of Turku. They arrange will be welcome. Just choose yourself a
parties, excursions and discussion events region of origin in Finland!
and often publish small magazines for
their members. In addition to this, the
subject and faculty organisations take HOBBY AND OTHER
care of the students’ interests in the ORGANISATIONS
university, collect student feedback about
the education and are in contact with the With its 14 000 members, the Student
staff. International students are welcome Union of the University of Turku has
to join these organisations – joining one the potential to offer a wide variety of
is probably the best way to meet Finnish hobbies. Many of these hobbies are
students and people who study with you, centered around a student organisation
and to get truly involved in the Finnish that organises free time activities, parties
student life! Do not hesitate to contact and other social gatherings which
the subject organisation from your major international students are welcome
subject at home or here in Finland - just to join in. Whether you are into heavy
join a party, excursion or other event and metal music, organically grown food,
find out what Finnish student life is all rowing or photography - there is a whole
about. range of groups to check out. The best
ways of finding out about the numerous
hobby organisations are the TYY Office
STUDENT NATIONS and the Internet. International students
are welcomed by all the organisations.
A system particular to the Nordic If you want more information, do not
countries is the existence of student hesitate to ask the chairpersons of the
nations (osakunta) in some old organisations, your tutor or the staff of
university towns. The basic idea behind the Student Union.
these organisations is to bring together
students who originally come from a
25TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
3.3.2 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS SOME ORGANISATIONS OF TYY
AT TYY
ESN UNI TURKU
3.3.2.1 INTERNATIONAL WING ESN Uni Turku organises activities targeted at
especially for international students. ESN is a
The International Wing functions as part Europe-wide student organization whose aim
of TYY’s international sector. The purpose is to help the students to get the best out of their
of the wing is to serve as a low-threshold exchange period. ESN Uni Turku organises
working group, in which every member a wide range of activities throughout the
of the Student Union is welcome. The academic year. The aim of ESN Uni Turku is to
wing provides the possibility to organise make all international students feel welcome
international events together with and offer them unique Finnish experiences
such as skiing and skating, sauna parties and
students with different backgrounds.
trips around Finland and to the neighbouring
The wing aims at internationalising the countries. All of the organised events are open
university campus by promoting the to all internationally-minded people. Some
interaction of international and Finnish of the events are organised together with the
students and encourages Finnish other ESN sections in Turku. The best way to
students to leave for an exchange period. get information on the upcoming activities is
The wing contributes to developing TYY’s to subscribe to the ESN Uni Turku mailing list
multilingual communications and the through our Facebook page ESN Uni Turku
influencing possibilities of international or website www.esnuniturku.fi. For more
students. The International Wing is also information on ESN go to www.esnuniturku.fi
or write to board@esnuniturku.fi.
a great channel to influence TYY and the
university in pressing issues.
In addition to the International Wing,
TYY has also Development Cooperation,
Environmental and Equality Wing. Read
more at: www.tyy.fi/en/activities/tyy-
wings
Next we have listed some
organisations of TYY that are
internationally active. Please see our ISTU
ISTU (International Students of Turku
full list on our website: www.tyy.fi/en/
Universities is a sub-organisation of
suborganisations/ list-sub-organisations international degree students who aim at
completing an entire Master’s or Doctoral
26degree in the higher education institutions
in Turku. ISTU organises leisure activities
and promotes the interests of international
degree students. ISTU’s activities are open to
all students, and, in addition to international
degree students, exchange students and
international students participate regularly
in the events. The most popular events
have been relaxed board game and karaoke ELSA TURKU (LAW STUDENTS)
evenings. ISTU also has its own mailing list ELSA, aka European Law Students’ Association
worth joining. Further information on ISTU is the largest international organisation
can be found at the organisation’s webpages. of Law students and young lawyers. The
purpose of ELSA is to increase the border-
crossing interaction of Law students and to
increase the knowledge and understanding
of foreign jurisdictions and cultures. The
local organisations, such as ELSA Turku, ELSA
Rovaniemi, ELSA Helsinki and ELSA Joensuu,
organise activities ranging from visits to wine
evenings, and they handle the mediation
of internship positions at their locations.
Larger events include bilateral exchange visits
with foreign members of ELSA and National
Council Meetings, in which ELSA people
from different parts of Finland can share their
CIA TUKY (ECONOMICS STUDENTS) experiences. For more information on ELSA go
CIA TuKY (Committee for International to fi.elsa.org/turku or email us board.turku@
Affairs) is the association that takes care of fi.elsa.org. You can also find us on instagram:
international students studying economics elsaturku.
in Turku. However, CIA’s activities are open
for everyone who wishes to have a good time
and loves the international atmosphere.
We organize awesome events that connect
international and Finnish students and
promote the interests of international
students at TSE. CIA TuKY also offers plenty
of opportunities to have fun and meet new
people. For example, the cottage weekend
in the autumn and a couple of sitz parties, FIMSIC (MEDICAL STUDENTS)
where you get to experience a traditional FiMSIC (Finnish Medical Students’
Finnish student party. For Finnish students International Committee) is officially the
CIA TuKY offers information about studying International Committee of the Finnish
and working abroad Go follow us on social Medical Student’s Association, but in practice
media for more information about our events it is independently responsible for the
and we hope to see you all in our upcoming international issues of Medical students.
events. Stay tuned! If you have any worries Through the exchange programmes of IFMSA
or questions, please contact us. E-mail: (International Federation of Medical Students’
international@tuky.fi Facebook: Committee Associations) and FiMSIC, each year 20–30
for International Affairs – Turun KY Instagram: exchange students arrive in Turku, in addition
cia_tuky to which FiMSIC is also responsible for the
27TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
leisure activities of other Medical exchange of ISHA can be obtained by mail from the
students, together with TLKS. In addition board Ishahallitus@utu.fi or by following us
to student exchange activities, FiMSIC has on Instagram and Facebook.
diversified project operation, including those
related to global health and development
cooperation. The activities are open to all
interested, and Turku FiMSIC can be reached
at lc_turku@fimsic.org and at their webpages.
EGEA TURKU RY
EGEA Turku ry is an entity of an organisation
called EGEA (European Geography Association
– for Students and Young Geographers). All
geography students and other people just
interested in geography are welcomed. EGEA
Turku ry arranges short exchanges with other
EGEA entities all over Europe. We also have
meetings every month and occasional casual
member hang-arounds. There is also lots of
ISHA (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS different activities everywhere in Europe,
OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION) for example congresses and fun cultural
ISHA (International Students of History weekends. More info can be found on the
Association) represents history students at website: egea.eu. If you are interested in
the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi joining us, contact “turku@egea.eu”. You can
University. The organisation aims at creating also join our Facebook-group “EGEA Turku”
contacts between history students from and show up to our meetings! P.S. Follow our
different countries, thus breaking the limits of Instagram account “egea_turku” to see what
history in the favour of a more international fun stuff we have been doing lately.
view. ISHA promotes cooperation between
students interested in the same areas of
history and provides publication channels for
history students. If your exchange students
study history, you should encourage them to
contact ISHA. We arrange remotely different
online events during pandemic including
online game nights, hangout events and
quizzes. Online events are usually organized
for all ISHA members including those who
come from aboard. It is a good opportunity
to meet students from different countries
and have a good time. During normal times TURKU UNIVERSITY CHOIR
we organize pub quizzes, local trips to the Turku University Choir is a mixed choir of
historical places and sitting parties. We around 70 singers. Though most of the singers
welcome everybody who are interested to are students from University of Turku, Åbo
our events. Further information on activities Akademi and Turku University of Applied
28Sciences, the choir is open for everyone of
age. In addition, a great number of exchange
students have sung in the choir. The choir
performs in a multitude of languages and our
versatile repertoire is mainly built of a variety
of a Capella pieces from the Renaissance to
the twenty-first century, not forgetting our
AKATEEMINEN PURJEHDUSSEURA
speciality - the traditional academic songs
and drinking songs. The choir makes regular (ACADEMIC YACHT CLUB)
appearances in concerts several times a Akateeminen purjehdusseura (Academic
year. Auditions are held twice a year, at the yacht club) is the place to start sailing,
beginning of each semester. We welcome continue sailing or hook up with sailors. We
everyone interested in choir singing. See you have courses teaching how to sail and the
in the auditions! sailing trips vary from evening trips to several
week-long voyages. Contact us through
akateeminen.purjehdusseura@gmail.com.
COLLEGIUM MUSICUM TURKU
Collegium Musicum Turku is a student
symphony orchestra that comprises mostly
university students from all faculties. The
orchestra is conducted by Satu Simola. Every UTU FOOTBALL
year CMT gives spring and autumn concerts (TURUN YLIOPISTON AMERIKKALAISEN
and an Advent concert in December. We are JALKAPALLON SEURA RY)
now looking for new musicians to join us! Your UTU Football, the American Football
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday nights. We team at the University of Turku. College
look forward to having you as part of our Football is a staple of student life in the US,
orchestra! Intrested? Contact us for more but we play American football between
information: hallitus@cmtorkesteri.fi universities and colleges in Finland too. UTU
You can also find us on: Football’s mission is to bring the sport we love
our website: www.cmtorkesteri.fi to the campus, build a team to compete for the
Facebook: @Collegium Musicum Turku National Championship and provide all UTU
Instagram: @cmtorkesteri students with quality sports entertainment.
Our activities are open to all UTU students,
and we’re always looking for new players
and support staff. Most of our players have
never played American football before, and
our coaches start the practices from the basic
techniques to make sure everyone can take the
field safely. We also have equipment for loan,
29TYY guide for international students 2021–2022
so you don’t need to buy any expensive gear
either. If you don’t feel like playing, but would
love to be a part of the team in some other
role, just get in touch and we’ll find something
for you as well.We have numerous exchange
and degree students practice and play with
us every year, and we take great pride in being
able to act as a link between our international
and Finnish students.
https://tyyala.utu.fi/utufootball/ TUTKA
FB: utubeaverhunters Tutka (Science Fiction Culture Cabinet at the
Twitter & Instagram: utufootball University of Turku) is the science fiction and
fantasy club of the University of Turku. Its
primary target group are the students of Turku
university, but anyone interested is welcomed
to join. Tutka shares an office and a clubhouse
called Terrakoti with five other geek societies,
located at Student House B. On Terrakoti
Tutka arranges movie nights, parties and other
events for its members. One such is a weekly
gathering of fans which is held every Thursday
from 6 PM and is open to everyone. You can
find information on Tutka’s activities as well as
the location of Terrakoti on our webpages at
TYRMY tieteiskulttuurikabinetti.fi and terrakoti.net.
The University of Turku Metal Club TYRMY
connects metal heads on campus and around
Turku. Students are welcome from all majors
and academic focuses as well as exchange
students. The musical preferences of our
members vary from classical heavy metal to
brutal death metal and everything in between.
TYRMY regularly organizes band nights,
parties, sauna evenings, game nights and
many other metal oriented events. TYRMY
works with other Finnish academic metal
clubs for example in organizing the annual
academic heavy metal cruise.
TYRMY fb-group in Finnish:
facebook.com/groups/42328680691
in Englsih:
www.facebook.com/ SENPAI RY
groups/844290968917125/ Senpai is an association founded at the end
of the year 1999. Club’s purpose is to promote
the hobby and knowledge of Japanese comics
(manga) & animation (anime), also promoting
communication and interaction between
Japanese pop culture enthusiasts.
Senpai organises a wide range of activities
and events for its members, including video
30nights, karaoke, hangouts and annual events
like Bartender party. Our events are always
exchange student friendly and easy to access
for everyone; in screenings we use English
subtitles. We host our events almost every
Friday starting at 5 PM, there is occasionally
events between our regular events. Our very
wide manga library also locates in our office
and is available to use freely for our members.
More information and exact dates of
the upcoming events can be found on our
website senpai.fi, At Facebook (Senpai ry)
ANGLICA
Anglica ry is the student organisation for
and Instagram (Senpai_ry). We also have very
English students at the University of Turku.
active Discord community, join link is found
We are the people who love speaking English!
at our website! Irasshai mase!
Besides English majors, our members also
include for example minor and international
students. We provide help, information and
tutoring on all aspects of university life,
function as a bridge between the students and
the staff, and organize all kinds of awesome
events and parties. You can find out more
about us from our website www.anglica.org.
We are also on Facebook (Anglica ry), Twitter
(@anglicautu) and Instagram (@anglicautu)!
THE SAVO-KARELIAN NATION
The Savo-Karelian Nation of the University
of Turku (also known as SKO) is one of the
university’s student nations (FIN ‘osakunta’).
Founded in 1925, our members were originally
from the Eastern Finnish provinces of Savonia,
Karelia and Kymenlaakso. Nowadays we are
open to students from all parts of the world
regardless of what they study, but we still
maintain many regional traditions in addition
to organizing more modern activities. If GERMANICA
you’re interested in trying out Karelian pies Germanica ry is the German students’ student
or ‘kalakukko’, maybe attending a meeting of organization in the University of Turku. We
our red wine club or trying out the traditional are a small but active organization, and we
Finnish sport of ‘kyykkä’, or perhaps just want welcome anyone with interest in the German
to join us for a cup of coffee between lectures language and culture. We organize some of
at the comfy couches of our common room; the best student parties in Turku, and also
come check us out! We have many clubs and smaller activities such as movie nights and
other activities for our members, so there’s sport events. We also organize a few times
something for everyone. a semester a coffee break session, where
it is easy to gather around and make new
international friends. If you want to join us
31You can also read
