Ten things to know about student life at the University of Jyväskylä

Starting university is an exciting time. You may be moving for the first time to live on your own, to a new city where you do not yet know anyone. What is studying at university like, and how can you prepare for student life? We have compiled a list of ten things that reveal what studying here at the University of Jyväskylä is really like.

1. You are in charge of your time and studies

At university, you manage your own time and are responsible for making progress in your studies. You set the pace. Will you study in the morning or in the evening? Will you start working on a course assignment weeks before the deadline or wait until the day before? You are free to decide where and how to spend the time you are not in lectures. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with your other commitments and hobbies. University staff are there to support you, but ultimately, you decide how to use your time.

Once you have been admitted to a degree programme at JYU, you will also have access to courses in almost all the University’s other fields of study. As an art history student, for example, you could also include programming or marketing courses in your studies. You can also take courses offered by Jamk University of Applied Sciences. This allows you to create a study path that is uniquely yours.

2. A diverse and beautiful campus

At the University, you will meet a lot of new people who have come to Jyväskylä from across Finland and around the world. Each has their own story and background. More than 100 nationalities are represented at the University of Jyväskylä.

Intercultural encounters will introduce you to new ways of thinking and doing things, as well as to people with a wide range of perspectives and personalities. Among the University’s large student community, you are also sure to find your own circle of friends with whom you can share the experiences of student life.

The University’s Seminaarinmäki campus was awarded the European Cultural Heritage Label in April 2022. The campus is home to several beautiful university buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, and its greenery makes it particularly attractive in summer.

Located next to the city centre, Seminaarinmäki is easy to reach, whether you are coming to study or to visit one of its many student restaurants. JYU’s Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne campuses are situated beside Lake Jyväsjärvi, also within easy walking distance of the city centre.

3. Support when moving to a new city

Going to university may mean moving away from your hometown. For many students, it involves leaving familiar surroundings and living independently for the first time.

As a student you will soon feel at home in Jyväskylä. Affordable student housing is available in and around the city centre, close to the campuses. Through your studies, you will meet many people in a similar situation. JYU is full of students who have moved to Jyväskylä from elsewhere, so peer support is readily available.

Jyväskylä’s central location in Finland makes it easy to reach from different parts of Finland. The city also has good transport connections to the rest of the country.

4. You will learn something new every day

Starting university studies can mean stepping outside your comfort zone. At university, learning new things is not limited to lectures. It also happens through discussions with fellow students and participation in recreational activities and student representation. Moving away to study and living on your own for the first time can be a valuable learning experience and an important step towards independence. Student life brings new experiences and opportunities to learn every day, so keep an open mind.

5. Most of the work takes place outside lectures

Are you wondering what studying at university is like in practice? Lectures and exams will probably become familiar, but the actual content of studies depends largely on your subject.

You may get a chance to try working in a laboratory or studio. Your studies may also include internships that give you experience of working life. You will probably spend plenty of time at your computer and read a large number of academic publications.

Although lectures provide structure to a university student’s schedule, most of the work is often done outside them. In your own study time, you may conduct independent research, read, write essays, prepare for exams or work on group assignments.

6. University is more than a place to study

The University offers much more than a degree, so make the most of your student years.

You may have opportunities to work in your field as part of your studies. You could also apply for a research assistant position in one of JYU’s projects. The local student newspaper, Jylkkäri, welcomes student contributors. You can also work as a student ambassador, producing student-oriented content for the University’s communication channels and visiting upper secondary schools and other educational institutions to talk about your studies.

As you progress in your studies, you can apply to become a tutor. Tutors welcome new students to the University and introduce them to the student community. Tutoring is rewarding and gives you an opportunity to develop your leadership and group management skills.

The University also has a wide range of recreational groups. You could join a student theatre, sports club, choir, or orchestra. If you want to make a difference and participate in decision-making, you could seek a position on the board of your subject association or stand for election to the Student Union Council. Make your student experience your own!

7. There’s always something going on

In Jyväskylä, one in three people you meet is a student, so students life helps set the pace for the entire city. The University campuses are within walking distance of the city centre, making restaurants, shops and cafes easy to reach. Jyväskylä is a city where you can get almost everywhere by bike. You can cycle almost anywhere in Jyväskylä. You may not need a car or even public transport, making it easy and inexpensive to get around.

The University’s subject associations are very active and organise events throughout the year. You might spend a weekday evening at a traditional student gathering or a cooking evening organised by your student association.

JYU also has a vibrant cultural scene. In your free time, you can attend student theatre, films and concerts on campus, take part in events organised by the Student Union JYY, or put on your student overalls and head to a student event with friends. There’s always something going on, and the Student Union website is a great place to find ideas for what’s happening!

8. A wide range of sports and physical activities

Jyväskylä is known as Finland’s capital of sport and physical activity, and this is reflected in student life. Higher education students can access affordable sports services through uMove, with more than 100 classes and sports to choose from, ranging from kettlebell training to basketball. Jyväskylä is home to Finland’s only faculty of sport and health sciences, so the facilities for sport and exercise are excellent.

The University also has several sports teams, many of which operate in connection with subject associations. Even if you leave your old team behind when moving to Jyväskylä, you are sure to find a new one on campus.

9. Help and support for your studies

Although studying at university requires independence, you will not be left on your own. At JYU, the relationship between students and teaching staff is informal, with little emphasis on hierarchy.

Each department has wellbeing advisers known as Goodies. They can support you if your studies don’t seem to be progressing as planned or if you are concerned about your wellbeing. Education Coordinators can help you select courses and consider which study options will best support your goals.

The University can also support you if you need individual arrangements for teaching, examinations, or other aspects of your studies. If necessary, you can apply for individual study arrangements, through your unit’s accessibility contact person or a wellbeing advisor.

10. Save money with student discounts

Students receive benefits outside the University too. By showing your student card, you can receive discounts at cafes, shops, restaurants, recreational facilities, and theatres, and even on services such as bicycle repairs.

Student discounts are also widely available across Finland, including on train and bus tickets. Keep your student card with you and remember to ask whether a student discount is available. A digital student card on your phone lets you access your card wherever you go.