Thesis Weekends support independent thesis work

What is the thesis weekend?

A thesis weekend (in Finnish: opinnäyterupeama) is an interdisciplinary intensive weekend designed to support progress on your thesis. The weekend consists of quiet working sessions and shared breaks, during which you can exchange ideas and take a break with fellow students. Peer facilitators trained by the university take care of time management and practical arrangements.

To support your work, the university provides breakfast for participants on both Saturday and Sunday. Coffee and tea are also available throughout the weekend.

Who is thesis weekend for?

Thesis weekends are open to all students at the University of Jyväskylä who are working on a bachelor's thesis, master's thesis, master's dissertation, or doctoral dissertation. It does not matter whether you are just starting your thesis or whether your work has been on hold for a longer period and you would like to finally complete it.

How can I join?

Each thesis weekend has a separate advance registration. Places are available for approximately 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration opens one month before each weekend and closes on the preceding Tuesday, or earlier if all places have been filled.

Thesis weekends are typically organised twice a month during the academic year. Every other weekend takes place at the University Main Library, while the others are held in the Kortepohja Student Village.

Thesis weekends in the autumn semester 2026

• 9–11 October at the Lähde Library
  • Link to more information and registration for the first thesis weekend in October
• 23–25 October in Kortepohja
  • Link to more information and registration for the second thesis weekend in October
• 13–15 November at Lähde
  • Link to more information and registration for the first thesis weekend in November
• 27–29 November in Kortepohja
  • Link to more information and registration for the second thesis weekend in November
• 11–13 December at the Lähde Library
  • Link to more information and registration for the thesis weekend in December

The sessions begin on Friday afternoon and continue into the early evening. On Saturday and Sunday, work starts in the morning and continues until the afternoon. The schedules at Lähde Library and Rentukka differ slightly due to the opening hours of the buildings.

You can also find upcoming thesis weekends on the university website in the  ‘Upcoming student events section of the website as well as in the MyJYU app under Upcoming events.

For further information, please contact: opinnayterupeama(a)jyu.fi