Why study at the University at Jyväskylä?
JYU is a multidisciplinary university. We are involved in numerous international projects and centres of excellence that bring together different disciplines to solve global problems. An ever-changing world needs answers to various challenges and problems, related, for example, to well-being, learning, natural phenomena and technological development.
The big questions, however, do not solve themselves.
At JYU, our starting point is simple: When the world cries out, science asks questions. Our research community has found answers to a wide range of questions, including:
- how AI and information systems can be used in a responsible way
- how new security threats can be identified and managed
- what effects assessment practices have on a school’s operating culture
- how biobank data can help prevent diseases in the future
- how the breeding of pure-bred dogs affects canine well-being
- why it is important that people are capable of empathy.
Study at a university where research is part of learning
When choosing a place to study, you’re likely thinking about the city, your field of study, and the learning environment. At the same time, however, you’re also choosing a place where you will learn how to think. At JYU, learning is much more than just acquiring information; it is about developing the ability and courage to ask the right questions.
As a science university, we deliver research-based education. This foundation helps us deliver high-quality teaching that entails two points of view:
- In university education, teaching in each discipline is based on research of the field in question.
- Teaching in any discipline should also be based on research on teaching and learning and be implemented in a student-oriented fashion.
At JYU, students can participate in research from the beginning of their studies through research teams, laboratories, projects, theses and more. Students’ theses are genuine research work, where they generate new knowledge or apply research methods to questions in their own field.
At JYU, students can participate in research from the beginning of their studies through research teams, laboratories, projects, theses and more.
In many fields, students use the same laboratories, equipment and research environments as researchers. This is especially true in the natural sciences, sport and health sciences, psychology, information technology, and music research. JYU’s best-known research infrastructure is the Accelerator Laboratory of the Department of Physics (JYFL-ACCLAB), one of the field’s leading research environments in Europe, serving international researchers and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Students can also work as research assistants or participate in research team projects. For example, the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics and the Faculty of Information Technology offer study units in which students gain research-related practical experience.
As part of the University’s research community, students learn to produce new knowledge and solve real societal challenges.
Well-being is part of learning, as is the challenge of studying
Good questions require space for thinking, and well-being to develop them further. At JYU, you can progress through your studies in an environment that encourages you to explore, develop, and find your own direction. Research, learning and well-being are not separate things, they support each other.
As a JYU student, you are seen as a complete person. Learning takes place in a community that values openness, trust, and cooperation across disciplinary boundaries. And when you need support, the people in our university community are there to help you. We help you overcome obstacles if you reach out and are ready to take the next step.
University studies require skills such as time management and the ability to work with academic texts. If you are worried whether you can cope with university studies, remember you don’t need to know everything at the start. Your learning skills will develop as you progress with your studies, and we are here to support you if you encounter challenges along the way.
The challenges of studying are not an obstacle for learning but rather an integral part of it.
Please also bear in mind that learning is not always meant to be easy. The challenges of studying are not an obstacle for learning but rather an integral part of it. When you face difficult questions and have to put effort into answering them, you gain deeper insight and learn to think critically.
In this way, you develop essential problem-solving skills which will support your success after your studies as well.
In Jyväskylä, community is part of student life
Jyväskylä has an exceptionally active student life, which revolves around the local primarily Student Union (JYY), subject associations, hobby organisations, and various student events. There are more than thirty subject associations at the University of Jyväskylä. Thanks to tutors, subject associations and the Student Union, new students can easily find friends and a community of their own.
It is also worth making the most of your student years when it comes to networking. Many people form lifelong friendships and connections during their studies. Your fellow students are potentially future colleagues, business partners, or your child’s godparents.
The university campus remains a meeting place for many groups of friends who have kept in touch for decades and like to come together to reminisce about the fun they shared during their student years.
Change begins with the right question
The choice is yours. When you choose the University of Jyväskylä, you become part of a community where education is not seen as an obligation, but as a source of joy, courage and collective strength which can carry people and the planet towards a sustainable future.
Change does not begin with ready-made solutions – it begins with the right question.
