Category: Student life

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Finnish winter surprises

HThe Finnish way to survive the gloomy days of winter is to increase the consumption of coffee, but are there other ways to overcome the winter blues?

Gretchen Repasky“Avoid sitting inside waiting for summer. It will be a long time coming!” says Gretchen Repasky, employed at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM.

Originally from Alabama, USA, Repasky was used to winter temperatures before moving to Finland, but her first winter in Finland in 2010 still proved a memorable experience. It was the coldest winter in ages, with record amounts of snow.

“The most surprising thing to me was the excitement shown by most people to the snowy winter and the numbers of people outside all winter long. The snow provided a great environment for fun outdoor play,” Repasky reminisces.

Continue reading “Finnish winter surprises”

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Grants for student organisations make many things possible

The University of Helsinki supports student organisations many ways.  For example  organisation can apply for a grant for study trips, organising seminars and congresses or visits by student organisations from abroad. Many dreams can be fulfilled with some financial help. Here is one story.

In September 2013, four students from the Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki were selected to represent the fictitious states of Amalea and Ritania in the “Case Concerning the Malachi Gap”. These students, under the helpful watch of two coaches, competed on behalf of Team Finland in the Philip C. Jessup International Mooting Competition 2014.

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Continue reading “Grants for student organisations make many things possible”

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SPARK*14 – hobbies, sports & services

Looking for an interesting hobby? Ready to try a new sport? Searching for a volunteering opportunity? Eager to get active in your community?
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Spark*14 is a casual networking event where international students, professionals and families can explore and experience the many great opportunities various sports and hobby organizations, NGOs and public service providers in the Helsinki region have to offer. Come try out capoeira, archery or circus school, taste Maulito’s famous currywurst, and see the super talented Noah Kin perform a live gig!

DATE: 27 September 2014

TIME: 12.00 to 16.00

PLACE: Tapiolan Urheiluhalli, Urheilupuistontie 2, 02200 Espoo
PROGRAMME and HOW TO GET THERE -instructions: Click here!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: Facebook-event

*FREE ENTRY*

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Why to join the Student Union of the University of Helsinki?

The concept of student union was not new to me as it exists in almost every country. Still, when I came to Finland, I was astonished by the functioning and influence of student unions in Finland.

When I got accepted in the University of Helsinki, for the confirmation of my admission I was supposed to pay around 100 euro for Helsingin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta (HYY) [The student union of the University of Helsinki]. I admit this didn’t make me very happy. At that time, I assumed HYY is just some other student union which probably won’t do anything. Again to my surprise, I was totally wrong.

Before I go any further, I would like to make a little introduction about HYY. It came into being in 1868 making it the oldest students union in Finland. Due to its rich history, culture and well-structured organization it has always made a big influence on the National politics of Finland. Apart from its extensive history HYY is the largest in Finland with approximately 32,000 members and making it one of the richest student unions.

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Mian and Li at the Ladonlukko Unicafe restaurant.

Where does all this money and influence go? Continue reading “Why to join the Student Union of the University of Helsinki?”

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Running in Finland: An International Student’s Perspective

bridge_austinMy name is Austin Sears and I am currently one of University of Helsinki’s International Student Ambassadors. Last year I checked out the Midnight Run on a whim after seeing the Facebook post about it and found myself cheering on the runners from the steps of the University’s Main Building in the Senate Square. I thought about participating, but I was recovering from an injury I got while running last summer.

This year is a bit different. Like Dina, who wrote this handy little guide, I am participating in the Midnight Run on August 30th and I am very excited about it! Continue reading “Running in Finland: An International Student’s Perspective”

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Getting ready for the Midnight Run: solo runs or in a group?

Midnight run pikkukuvia-16We will not surprise anyone by carrying a winning smile and a happy attitude during the Midnight run, as most people will have those on as well. The ability to wear them in case we like is precious though, and few things are better for building up the confidence than fitting in some training beforehand. Practicing running solo or in a group – each has its perks.

We will start the 5-10 km runs every Saturday at 10 am. Check out the schedule at the end of the post and join us! Continue reading “Getting ready for the Midnight Run: solo runs or in a group?”

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Active students, student life and campuses

Student life is rich and diverse in Helsinki. All undergraduates and graduate students at the University of Helsinki are members of the Student Union (HYY). Approximately 250 various student organisations operate within HYY and they organise thousands of events every year.

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Picture: CISSI

Furthermore there are faculty and department clubs, interest groups and clubs, the Student Nations, etc. They all have their own style of doing things, however it may be connected to a major, a hobby, an ideology, or even to the region where the students originally came from. If you enjoy singing, sports, or the theatre, you will find many choirs, orchestras, sports clubs, and theatre groups you can join in. Or maybe you’d like to start something entirely new like a couple of our International Student Ambassadors did. Continue reading “Active students, student life and campuses”

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