Orientation programme for exchange students

The Orientation Programme, organised jointly by the University of Jyväskylä and the Student Union, is designed to help new exchange students settle in and get to know each other, the University and the city of Jyväskylä. It is our way to say “Welcome”.

Table of contents

Orientation programme, spring semester 2026 

The orientation programme is designed to help new exchange students at the beginning of their studies and to get to know each other and the university. It is recommended that all new exchange students take part in the programme as it gives valuable information on studying at the University of Jyväskylä.

During the spring semester 2026, the orientation programme for exchange students will take place 5 & 7 January 2026. 6 January is a public holiday in Finland (Epiphany), and there will not be orientation on this day.

The International Office organises a pre-orientation on 3 December. Some faculties may also decide to organise pre-arrival info sessions. Please see down below for more information.

The locations for each info session will be updated to the programme along the way. You can find the exact locations from the University campus map below. Please note that any kind of changes are still possible.

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤUniversity campus map

Info Desk of the International Office opening hours during the orientation week
  • Monday 5 January 14:30-15:30 at C-building lobby
     
  • Thursday 8 January 12:00 - 13:00 at B154 Kuvasto (Library building)
Monday 5 January 9:00–15:00 Finnish time at C1

The orientation is organised on campus, and we strongly recommend everyone attend in person. If you cannot attend in person, here is a Zoom-link for online participation for Monday 5 January: https://jyufi.zoom.us/j/61578016726.

Welcome session 9:00–10:00

  • Welcoming words from the University of Jyväskylä and practical info. You will also have a chance to meet the representative of JYY, the staff of the Student and Academic Services, and your fellow students. Learn more about identification, JYU user account, and tutoring.

Student Union JYY 10:00–10:30

  • The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) attends to students’ interests and offers a wide range of social and recreational services. Learn more about student cards, advocacy work, and events.

BREAK

Soihtu & KOAS student housing 10:45–11:30

  • Soihtu and KOAS are two major student housing providers in Jyväskylä. Learn what you can expect from living in student apartment and, in turn, what is expected of you.

Academic practices 11:30–12:00

  • Students are expected to show initiative and take responsibility in the planning of their studies and following the academic practices. Learn more about exams, grading, courses, and degree structure at the University of Jyväskylä.

LUNCH BREAK

Introduction to Sisu & course registration 13:15–14:00

  • Learn how to create a study plan, register for courses, and use the study calendar in Sisu - our study data and course registration system. You can take your computer with you as you will get a step-by-step introduction.

Adapting to a new cultural environment 14:00 - 14:30

  • Cultures do not meet, people do. But what does culture actually mean? Or culture shock? Learn more about adaptation, intercultural communication, and sense of belonging.

COFFEE & TEA

  • Enjoy refreshments and visit the info desks of the International Office and Student Union JYY. At the info desks, you can get your arrival certificate signed, pick up your welcoming bag from the university, and also become a member of JYY.
Tuesday 6 January (Epiphany) - University is closed and the orientation continues on Wednesday 7 January
Wednesday 7 January 9:00–12:00 Finnish time at C1 // Faculty infos start between 13:30 and 14:15 (check the schedule and premises below)

The orientation is organised on campus, and we strongly recommend everyone attend in person. If you cannot attend in person, here is a Zoom-link for online participation for Wednesday 7 January: https://jyufi.zoom.us/j/62063025504.

Welfare during studies 9:00–9:30

  • University organises services that promote student wellbeing inside and outside the classroom.

Public health care services 9:30–9:50

  • The wellbeing services county of Central Finland organizes social, health, and rescue services in Central Finland. Learn more about health care services in Jyväskylä and how to find your own health centre.

Personal Safety 9:50–10:30

  • In the university community, everyone has the right to a safe study and work environment.Learn more about safety on campus, traffic rules in Finland, and what to do in emergencies.

BREAK

Movi language and communication courses 10:45–11:15

  • Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi) offers various language courses, and courses on academic communication, multilingual interaction, and internationalisation. Learn more about the Finnish, English and other language and communication courses available for all students.

uMove 11:15–11:40 

  • Group fitness, ball games, gym services, courses and events - choose the ones you like the best and join the fun! The University of Jyväskylä provides excellent sports facilities and services to all students.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Jyväskylä 11:40–12:00

  • ESN Jyväskylä is a local section of Erasmus Student Network (ESN), a non-profit international student organisation. ESN Jyväskylä organises quality free-time activities for all internationally minded students in Jyväskylä. Learn more what ESN Jyväskylä has to offer.

LUNCH BREAK

After the lunch break, each faculty will host a faculty info for its students. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences will instead host infos at the department level. Each info has its own location and time. You can find locations from the Campus map linked above.

Faculty of Education and Psychology 14:15–16:00 at RUU D104 Helena

School of Business and Economics 13:30–15:30 at Ag B122.1 Gamma

Faculty of Mathematics and Science 14:15– at Fys3

  • Pre-arrival info 15 December 14:00 (Finnish time) on Teams, join here.

Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences 13:30– at L314

Faculty of Information Technology 13:30–15:30 at Ag D121.1

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (see below)

  • Department of Language and Communication Studies 14:00–16:00 at OPK141
     
  • Departments of Social Sciences and Philosophy, History and Ethnology, Music, Art and Culture Studies 14:00–16:00 at L207
 

Recordings & Slides

In this section, you can find the recordings and slides of the orientation sessions. Recordings are uploaded here: TBA

Monday 5 January 2026

Wednesday 7 January 2026