Want to ask about studying at the University of Helsinki and living in Helsinki from our International Student Ambassadors? The best way to learn about University of Helsinki is from the students who are here now. Our Ambassadors will share their insights and experiences on studies, career and life in Helsinki.

Ask from International Student Ambassadors Day 23.5.2013, New Students FB-page!

Btw. Please notice that ambassadors won’t be answering questions about admissions. For admissions info, please check out our website: http://www.helsinki.fi/admissions/index.html

The University of Helsinki received from Europe nearly 700 Erasmus and Nordplus applications and from other continents in various programs altogether over 100 applications for the autumn 2013 or for the whole academic year 2013/2014! We want to thank you all for applying!

If your application is approved, you will receive your Acceptance Letter by e-mail, sent by your host faculty. Acceptance information is usually available around mid-June at the latest. Before that your application is considered by your host faculty. Please try to be patient until that!

In addition to the Acceptance e-mail, university bilateral exchange and ISEP, AEN, MAUI and North2North exchange students (not Erasmus SMS, Nordplus etc.) will also receive an Acceptance Letter from the International Exchange Services. This letter is always sent to the coordinator of your home university, and it is needed for Residence Permit applications.

It is very important that you should notify the faculty and also the International Exchange Services immediately, if you need to cancel your exchange period or if there is a change in your exchange period.

Accepted exchange students will receive necessary information for the enrolment with the acceptance letter and we have gathered information about how to get started on the New Students website. You will meet staff and other new students latest at the Welcome Fair in August 29 – 30, 2013.

Remember also to apply for housing as early as possible! More information about housing is available on New Students site. Please contact HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region) in case you have any questions about your HOAS housing application and you are not able to find the answer to your question on their site. Note also that HOAS-tenancy agreement is made for a fixed time and it cannot be terminated.

If you did not apply this time, the next application round for incoming exchange students begins in August! Stay tuned on our website!

International Exchange Services

Matthew Mitchell is a student in the Master’s Degree Programme in Media and Global Communication at the University of Helsinki. Matthew is running marathons to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Research. In his thesis Matthew is researching the potential power and influence individuals have through new media to affect social change.

Marathon days are by nature triumphant.  They require a commitment from all who participate, their payment first for qualifying, and then for finishing.  I spent my past 6 months training amongst the snowy trails in Helsinki and Siilinjarvi, preparing for the 2013 Boston Marathon.  I have experienced Finland’s winter wonderlands and run and skied in -22 degree (celsius) weather, in forests and on the Baltic Sea.

The most inspiring part of race day for me is the humanity that is on display.  Runners from all walks of life, from all over the world and at all levels challenge themselves to achieve something they initially thought impossible.  The marathon is a metaphor for life as it exacts a heavy toll and in return grants a sense of accomplishment that rivals any other.  Persistence is compulsory.  Heart is demanded of all.

The Boston Marathon, the king of these challenges of the heart, mind and body is a goal to be aspired to, and many do, some for their entire running lives.  I have run marathons in New York City and Paris, archetypal races and cities in their own right, but having now experienced Boston in arguably its most unforgettable running, I must acknowledge that it stands alone.

I ran Paris and NYC to qualify for Boston.  I was always told it was the quintessential running experience.  And now I know why.  The Boston Marathon is run on a Monday, which is a state holiday “Patriots Day” and every year, the Boston Red Sox play a home game at Fenway Park starting at 11:05 am. When the game ends, the crowd empties into the streets to cheer as the runners enter the final mile of the race. This tradition started in 1903.  The entire city is a part of the race.

This year’s race was maybe the best example of a city coming together.

I was clear of the finishing area and re-connecting with loved ones when the two bombs were exploded on Boylston St.  In fact, I was not aware of the bombings until I was reconnected to wifi and the world of social media was telling me what happened and asking if I was ok at the same time.  It was a surreal experience to be so close to a tragedy and to only learn about it from someone a thousand miles away via Twitter on my iPhone.

Individuals on the ground had broken the news to the world through their smartphones, and our world changed once again.  Over the next few hours the details of the horrific events unfolded.  I felt a flood of concern, support and love from friends and family.  Through social media and cell phones loved ones were notified that we were all safe and sound, such a blessing on such sad day of senseless violence.

In the days and weeks following we saw the courageous work of first responders and ordinary heroes in the midst of fear and chaos.  Bostonians, runners, supporters and volunteers taking care of one another, sharing thoughts and hugs in quiet moments on the train, on the street, in cafes.  We are healing and we need each other for that.

Boston presented us with an act of fear.  As runners and as humans, we were not intimated, it has only united us further, strengthened our resolve, connected us more deeply as a community.

Matthew Mitchell

Read also Matthew’s earlier blog post “Sometimes running is more than just running”.

The aim of the grant is to promote the finalizing of the master’s thesis by providing for an intensive thesis writing period at one of the field stations of the University. The grant is meant for those students of the University of Helsinki that are close to the end of their thesis work. The field stations are located in Hyytiälä, Kilpisjärvi, Lammi, Tvärminne and Värriö. The grants from this application round can be used during June-November 2013.

For more information go to: FLAMMA (flamma.helsinki.fi):
Contents and services > Students > Financing of Studies > Grants and scholarships > Undergraduate and graduate students

Some of you exchange students are soon heading home and there are a few things we would like you to remember you leave Helsinki.

• Collect your Transcript of records before you leave. If all of your credits have already been registered, you can go to the Student Services to get your Transcript straight away.
• You can get one transcript free of charge. For additional transcripts you need to pay a fee. More information regarding the fees is available here.
• If all of your credits have not been registered before you leave Finland, you should order a transcript after you have returned home: Check your transcript through WebOodi. Your University of Helsinki user-id usually works until the end of July. Once all your courses are registered to WebOodi, send an e-mail to studentinfo(at)helsinki.fi stating: your student number, your mail address, i.e. your postal address and the language in which you want the transcript (Finnish/Swedish/English)
• Your credits will remain in the student register of the University of Helsinki in case you need a transcript later on. Information on how to obtain a transcript and the fees are available here.
• If you need a signature and stamp for your Erasmus departure certificate, you can get it stamped and signed at the International Exchange Services office. UH does not have its own departure certificates, so if your university did not give you any forms to sign, the Transcript is all you need.  Please note that “end of stay” -date is the day you pick up the certificate or maximum three days after that.
  • You can have your Erasmus departure certificate signed and stamped at the Student Services desk (University Main Building, Fabianinkatu 33, 1st floor) on Tue 28.05.2013 at 13-15 and Thu 30.05.2013 at 10-12
  • On other times you can find International Exchange Services at University Main Building, Fabianinkatu 33, 1st floor, Office hours: Mon-Thu 10-15, but please note that there will be some exceptions:
    • 17 June – 27 June: Mon-Thu, open 11-13
    • 1 July -16 August: closed

We have enjoyed having you here, and we wish you a safe trip back home. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Finland!

International Exchange Services

“Student housing situation in Helsinki is difficult!” I have heard, but, luckily for me, my journey to the place I now call home went very smoothly.

It was very early April a year ago, when I received an email conveying the good news of me being accepted to the International Master Degree studies at the University of Helsinki. Even though this notice was nothing I could yet touch, the whole Helsinki-experience ahead of me suddenly became tangible; I realized that in a few months my everyday life would be so different from the one I was living. For it to be a good one, I still had to find a place to live.

Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region (HOAS) is the largest student housing provider in the greater Helsinki region, and one can apply for the apartments they provide earliest four months before the start of the studies, so I did. Two months after filling the online application form I got an offer from HOAS, which I did not feel like rejecting – the rent for a room in a shared apartment was less than 300 euros a month, which is almost as low as it gets in Helsinki, and, what is more, the apartment was located just 5 kilometers away from my campus in Viikki, so I could already supplement my daily life-to-be with some cycling journeys to school and back.

Now that I actually make those journeys daily, I am wondering how lucky I am. Not only I can go basically everywhere in Helsinki by bike due to the extensive network of cycling paths, even more importantly – it is always lovely to come back home.  I have a huge sunny room (maybe even too sunny some days) in an apartment I share with three other girls: a Chinese, a Lithuanian, and a Finn. They are all sufficiently tidy, friendly and very different, thus there is something to learn from each other all the time. It is usually kitchen where we meet and “have a cup of laughter and a bowl of smiles”. I must have won a lottery with them.

It should be noted that one must enter the lottery to be able to win it, thus do not forget to apply for the housing as early as possible, follow the instructions and be patient. Remember that it may take months to receive an answer from your possible housing provider.  But, hopefully, it is worth it.

Text and pictures by International Student Ambassador Dina Nitisa

The celebration in 1848 was as a special day in the origins of Finnish national identity. That year, the Maamme song, which later has received the status of Finland’s national anthem, was sang for the first time by the students gathered in Kumtähti Field. Also an early version of the Finnish flag was used for the first time on that occasion – afterwards, this flag became the flag of the Student Union. So, in addition to being the university students’ spring festival, the Flower Day is now also celebrated as the “birthday” of the Finnish national anthem. This year will be the 165 anniversary of the Maamme song.

Every year, the Flower Day programme still includes a performance of the Maamme song. In addition, there are now other kinds of live music performances, spring speeches, snacks and DJ music. This year the Flora Day´s main celebrations will be held in the centre of Helsinki at the Kaivopiha near the Student unions houses. Originally the festivities have taken place at the Kumtähti Field since the 1830’s, but this year the centre of Helsinki will be the park for students to meet in.

All students are welcome to take part in this local block party and celebrate the end of the spring and the birthday of the national anthem with their friends in a relaxed atmosphere. The programme starts at 4.30 pm.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/180453152109472/?fref=ts

Detailed application information for exchange students can be found on our website. Also take a look at our previous post here, it will give you some useful information about the application process.

Once you have applied, your application first goes to UH’s International Exchange Services, where the staff checks that you have included everything. After this your application will be sent to the appropriate Faculty for their consideration. You’ll hear the results via e-mail by the end of June.

We hope to meet you in Helsinki!

International Exchange Services

Spring has now finally arrived in Finland and with it, of course, the big carnevalistic spring celebration: Vappu. For many students it is the highlight of the year. On the 30^th of April and 1^st of May you can see people wearing the Finnish student cap, ylioppilaslakki, and students wearing overalls and doing silly things all over Helsinki. The celebration begins on Tuesday afternoon and continues all Wednesday. Here follows some practical info and tips to help you to experience the best of it:

On the 30^th of April:
A lot of student organizations have some punsch in the afternoon to toast to Vappu. Before 6 p.m. people gather by the Havis Amanda statue (in the end of the Esplanade next to the Kauppatori) in order to watch her crowning with a Finnish student cap. In Finland, we usually drink sparkling wine or a low-alcohol mead called sima on Vappu. Bring your own food and drink and hang on to your friends, the streets are crowded (for once). Vappu is also usually celebrated in colorful wigs, sunglasses, face and hair paint, streamers and balloons, and if you have student overalls, this is the time to wear them!

On May Day, 1^st of May:
On May Day morning the party continues in Kaivopuisto park where all students gather to celebrate (except the Swedish speaking students who gather in Kaisaniemi park at 9 a.m.). It’s like a big picnic, so bring something warm to sit on and your own food and drink here, too. The dress code is still funny hats/sunglasses and overalls. Finnish students wear their student hats (ylioppilaslakki), that they got when they graduated from high school.

Also, it is a must to try traditional Finnish Vappu food such as dognuts and “tippaleipä” (funnel cake) and taste the mead (or “sima” in finnish). They can be found in all grocery stores this time of the year.

Read more about the Vappu celebrations on the Student Union’s web page.

Text and picture: Katja Långvik / Student Union of University of Helsinki – HYY

Hi! I’m Pieter and this is my story.

Once upon a time in a land far, far away… Well, truth is, far away is Belgium and long ago is also pretty relative. But anyways, many years have passed since I moved to Finland. My name is Pieter and this is my story.

If I could travel back in time I’d like to be an explorer, maybe like Columbus or Vasco da Gama. Minus the scurvy though and preferably with a better fortune than most explorers. Then again, in a way, I have discovered new land when moving abroad, here in Helsinki. And coincidentally the first time I came to Helsinki was by boat!

Autumn 2008 I was studying at the Helsinki University as part of my exchange. Quite frankly, that autumn was filled with a myriad of impressions and new faces. It’s a challenge to reconstruct the whole experience. What truly matters is that after a few months back in Belgium I packed two suitcases, a couple of boxes and bottled up the much needed courage. On 2. September 2009 in my calendar: Finland <3. I moved.

Finland <3

Okay, hold on. Now it seems like a melancholic act on my behalf. Admitted, the heart is quite unnecessary, but it captures my wanting to come here and surely there were underlying motives to my moving. Let me take you back to Belgium, the land of chocolate and beer. In Belgium I studied Linguistics and Literature, both German and Scandinavian Languages, with Swedish as my major. My exchange was thus a calculated part of my studies.

But why Finland? That was perhaps the part I didn’t quite see coming in my crystal ball. Originally I planned to go Stockholm, but basically every other student did as well. Therefore I chose something different: Finland. A few months later much too early on the deck of a boat docking in Helsinki: Tervetuloa Suomeen! Välkommen till Finland!

What I liked back then studying at the Helsinki University  – and I still do today – is the approach and method of teaching. Here I’ve felt that professors and teachers have been coaches, trying to get the best out of me and challenging me on a personal level. That was refreshing considering I often have felt like a parrot reciting ideas blindly and anonymously in Belgium. And this Polly did not want that cracker anymore. That is probably my main motive for returning to the University of Helsinki after obtaining my bachelor degree in Belgium.

I started studying via the Open University, when I took some courses in Journalism at Svenska social- och kommunalhögskolan. In Swedish of course, ‘cause that was a way to move forward and truly grasp the Swedish language. It challenged me and my knowledge, and I acquired new skills along the way. I highly recommend! Then afterwards I got in to my current program, which is the master’s degree program Culture and Communication, the only international program taught in Swedish.

Culture and Communication

My time at the master’s degree program Culture and Communication has without a doubt been the most giving and interesting experience in my relatively young life. At the moment I am writing my thesis and thus tying those lose ends together. That whole process of writing a thesis could deserve a whole entry itself. Let me just tell you that at times it feels like a roller coaster ride, quite enjoyable rushes mixed with a paralyzing fear and the occasional screams. Anyways, I wasn’t unprepared thanks to Culture and Communication.

At the program I’ve learned the necessary skills, but most importantly a new approach to and refreshing thoughts on both Culture and Communication. My fellow students have very different background, both educationally and geographically. That has led to an interesting internal dynamic and an environment where we all learn from each other. Also the interdisciplinary approach of the program, and the multiple challenges and essays we had to write made me grow as a student and led to this point. All in all: I am ready for graduation!

Distractions

But of course there are distractions, some constructive some … well, just distractive, I suppose. First of all I’ve been a tutor for the master degree program for two years in a row. Recently some fellow students and I started our own student union called Skald. Skald is mainly for students and graduates from Culture & Communication and it’s focused heavily on culture, events and working life within culture. In the union I am responsible for marketing and events, something I would like to turn into a career afterwards. Have a look at our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/skaldrf.

As corny as it sounds, I really like sining and making my own music.

Then as for the “just distractive” distraction: I like writing my own music on guitar or piano and I really like to sing. Being around me can be like living in a musical. Also I’ve taken on the very Finnish habit of karaoke. Seriously you’d be surprised at the density of karaoke bars here in Helsinki! Right now I have entered a music competition here in Helsinki, which I am very excited about. Here is a preview of what I do: https://soundcloud.com/pieter_music/chemical-star-demo.

Also regarding distractions I have learned to forgive myself when I want to read a novel instead of an academic publication, or when I want to go to the movies or the theater. As much as I would like to focus on just my thesis and graduation, surely these distractions are what keep me motivated, perhaps also what keeps me sane. Moreover, culture is an important part of our studies at Culture and Communication, quite intrinsic its name as well. In a way I consider a book or the theater to be our laboratory, not quite as hazardous, but definitely more entertaining.

Living abroad

Living abroad is all rainbows and unicorns, said no one ever! Frankly, it is hard and at times lonely. In my surroundings I am blessed with a wonderful circle of caring friends, but mentally at times it weighs. Living abroad makes you appreciate your own background more, whereas at the same time aggravation and frustration take the upper hand in regards to Finland. Here I also have to admit that my very critical nature towards Finland is partly responsible for that. Nonetheless I cheer for an initiative like Tahdon2013 and I very much hope Finland finds answers to other ethical and political questions.

I always tell myself that after a dark winter comes a bright summer, even in Finland. That optimistic spirit has definitely helped me throughout these years. Despite it not always being easy to be foreign, I enjoy living in Helsinki. At times I am the local running around, rushing to a meeting or walking into familiar faces. Then again I am the lost tourist, discovering and exploring. Now that I am close to graduation people ask me if I will return home. Every single time I gaze with confusion written all over my face, open my mouth hesitantly and reply: But I am home?!

Champagne after graduation!

Moreover, here is my (shortened) bucket list for my Finland after graduation:

• Drink my cherished bottle of champagne.
• Priority: Get a job! (of course, only after the champagne)
• Learn Finnish properly (more than food and drinks)
• See the midnight sun in Lapland
• Go kayaking at sea.
• Become famous, or infamous, whichever.
• Etc.

Dear international student,

To you, dear international student: I strongly encourage you to consider the University of Helsinki. My most beautiful and heartfelt memories are strongly related to both the university and my surroundings here. It is not just an education you are in for, but also the start of a new life at a Stunde Null. And where better to start than the warm and welcoming environment of a university?

On many occasions I’ve noticed there are quite a lot of misconceptions on Finland. For one, it’s not always cold and dark. After a cold winter with scarce sunlight comes a bright summer with almost no darkness. Also even thought numerically Finland is colder, it does not compare to a country like Belgium where the humidity makes the cold feel that much worse. The dry, continental climate has blessed Finland and as much as Finns like to complain about the weather, in the end it’s not that bad.

Keep calm! And just fall in love with Finland.

Then there is of course the stereotype that Finns are cold-hearted introvert metal heads. I beg to differ. Contrary to the common believe (even amongst Finns) I find that people are very warm and mellow underneath that tough exterior. Like a coconut! And sometimes perhaps equally hard to crack. Admitted, excitement is a feature rarely seen on a Finnish face. Just trust in them feeling it on the inside … very deep down on the inside in some cases. But! It’s there. And a warm exotic smile from a foreigner can bring that out. Or a bad joke in my case.

And again, I can’t emphasize enough how well the university functions and what an absolute delight it has been to study here. I was very study-tired in Belgium, to be frank. Changing environment and university has given me joy in studying again and motivated me to pursue a master’s degree. It might be a similar experience for you, dear international student, at least I wish it could be.

Some good advice when meeting a Finn:

• Keep calm. It’s only relatively awkward to you compared to the Finn.
• Don’t make any sudden movements. Avoid intense eye contact.
• Mention something you like about Finland. Tell a joke.
• Laugh, share, become friends.

It’s that easy!!

Before I get kicked out of this country because I blasphemed the Finnish Sisu: I am just being silly, of course! Oh Finland, thou art so easy to make fun of, yet so much joy you bring me.

Now however, dear international student, I have to say so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu! The last part of this blog will be in Swedish namely and is specifically written for students who want to study Culture and Communication in Swedish. If you do understand Swedish: Keep on reading!

Nonetheless, I have enjoyed my time with you! I feel like we’ve bonded. Now, what I would like very much is that in the future I may read your story. Perhaps you will remember mine, perhaps you will even mention me (either because you liked my story, or because I got famous, or infamous, whichever). Anyways, I’ve started this journey a while ago and discovered this new land like an explorer. And with a better fortune! May your ship sail this way as well.

Let this link be your map: http://www.helsinki.fi/internationalprogrammes/subjects.html. It’s a list on all the international master’s degree programs at the University of Helsinki.

All the best of luck with your application!

Magisterprogrammet Kultur och Kommunikation

Till dig, du som vill fortsätta studier med ett magisterprogram: Sök till Kultur och Kommunikation! Den tvärvetenskapliga uppläggningen av programmet är väldigt givande. Förutom sitt eget huvudämne (historia, nordisk litteratur, nordiska språk) bekantar man sig med ett spektrum av närliggande studieområden.

Blandningen av specialisering med ett huvudämne och den tvärvetenskapliga räckvidden ledar till en mycket djupare förståelse av och ett bredare perspektiv på både kultur och kommunikation. Jag har nordisk litteratur som huvudämne exempelvis, men forskar vid sidan om också i historia, sociologi, språkanvändning, postkoloniala teorier, osv. Därtill är gruppen av studenter mycket dynamisk med olika studiebakgrunder och internationella studenter. Vi lär av varandra, vilket är bäst.

Som jag skrev tidigare i den engelska delen av blogginlägget var magisterprogrammet en ny början i min studiekarriär efter att ha blivit skoltrött (eller unitrött i detta fall). På programmet kunde jag mycket friare utveckla mina kunskaper enligt mitt intresse, förstås i ramen av kurserna. Så har jag forskat i bland annat framställningen av invandrare i tidningar, historiebruk i ett amerikanskt TV-program och mest intressant – tycker jag – var undersökningen i online dating i ljuset av medialisering (ett nyckelord på Kul&Kom). Som du märker är ämnena inte riktigt konventionella, vilket jag tycker är programmets styrka. Kreativitet uppskattas!

Nu håller jag på ett skriva pro gradu avhandlingen som handlar om invandrarlitteratur och hur genren har definierats. Under skrivandet märkte jag hur mycket jag har lärt mig på programmet, samt hur alla kunskaper kulminerar just i denna avhandling. Eftersom Kultur och Kommunikation är tvärvetenskapligt har jag möjligheten att se på ämnet utifrån ett mycket bredare perspektiv. Det att jag ännu lär mig något nytt varje dag är absolut bäst med gradu-skrivandet.

Har du blivit nyfiken? Vill du veta mer om magisterprogrammet Kultur och Kommunikation? Gå in på webbsidorna: http://www.helsinki.fi/kulkom/. Klicka absolut också på Studentliv om du vill få höra några till röster om hur det är att studera Kultur och Kommunikation: http://www.helsinki.fi/kulkom/Studentliv.html.

Med Skald har vi just varit på studiebesök till Teater Viirus, efter att vi såg teaterpjäsen Oskuld. På bilden är några Skalder och jag i mitten.

Som tutor, men också som student, besvarar jag gärna frågor eller hjälper till med praktiska råd och dåd. Med Skald har vi planerat några väldigt roliga och intressanta aktiviter för de nya studenterna på hösten. Jag ser fram emot att få träffa er antingen som tutor, som skald eller bara som ödeskamrat.

Lycka till med ansökan!

• Ansökningstiden för läsåret 2013/2014 börjar 4.4.2013 och slutar 2.5.2013 kl 16.15.
• Mera information:  http://www.helsinki.fi/kulkom/
• Svar på övriga frågor: programmets universitetslektor Derek Fewster och fakultetens studieplanerare Johanna Harju.