The University of Jyväskylä fosters well-being and sense of community in everyday student life

Studying does not mean working alone

Student associations in different fields of study offer an important community for studying, which livens up everyday student life with a variety of events, from sitsfest to joint study evenings. Through a student association, you can get to know other students in the same field and find your own group right from the start of your studies. The Jyväskylä Student Union (JYY) also organizes events and activities open to all students throughout the year.

Studying may bring to mind images of lonely evenings spent with your nose in your exam books. Although this may sometimes be the case, you can also find company and make new friends through your studies. Both the university and student organizations organize various opportunities for studying together: study groups and peer groups offer a focused moment for studying and group pressure to get things done. Later in your studies, you will have to write a thesis, but you don't have to do that alone either: when working on your thesis, you can join peer support groups and thesis workshops, for example.

JYU also has it's own Local Friendship Programme that brings together the locals living in the Jyväskylä area with the international students. The programme is a unique and concrete opportunity to gain an insight into Finnish culture, to learn the fascinating Finnish language and to experience life in Finland through an experienced local friend. 

The joy of exercise in the sports capital

Student life is about more than just sitting in lectures and spending evenings in the library. Numerous sports and exercise opportunities offer a break and a chance to socialize. Jyväskylä is not called the sports capital of Finland for nothing. Whatever your sport, you will find your place here.

Sports services for university students in Jyväskylä are organized by uMove, which offers a wide range of guided classes and sports sessions in various sports. In addition to your favorite sports, you can try out new ways of exercising both indoors and outdoors. At uMove, you are welcome to relax, sweat, jam, play ball, have fun, and laugh.

Liikunnan Riemu is a sports club founded by students at the University of Jyväskylä, which emphasizes community and a safe atmosphere. There are plenty of sports to choose from, and you can participate for fun or competitively – not to mention the spectator sports.

Campus dogs relieve study stress

Yes, you read that right. There are also dogs working at the University of Jyväskylä! The Knowhau campus dog program provides students with reading and companion dogs that bring joy, comfort, and calming moments to even the busiest of days. The dogs are present at campus events, study sessions, and separate campus dog meetings. The dogs provide students with much-needed breaks and stress relief from their studies.

What if I encounter challenges in my studies?

Studying does not take place in a vacuum. Sometimes life situations challenge your coping skills, your studies do not progress as expected, and loneliness can take you by surprise. A sense of community also helps in difficult moments during your studies.

There are many people at the university you can talk to. Goodies are members of the university staff who are trained to support student well-being, and you can talk to them confidentially about anything that is on your mind. The university chaplain is available to discuss life issues regardless of your beliefs. The university's Student Life model ensures that you can get guidance and help quickly and in a way that suits your situation.

Would you like to progress at your own pace and take a moment to develop your own well-being skills when it suits you? Student Compass is a self-study program that includes exercises for dealing with stress and anxiety, for example.

There is also course-based support for well-being. This means you can improve your everyday coping skills and earn credits at the same time! In the HYVY001 course, you will learn skills that will help you maintain and promote both your well-being and academic study skills. The course covers topics such as resilience, time management, academic study skills, and emotional regulation.

Students in Jyväskylä are not alone – support is available for everyone

At the University of Jyväskylä, students do not walk their path alone. We want to invest in student well-being so that you can grow, learn, and find your own direction in a safe and supportive community. Whether you are approaching your studies with enthusiasm, nervousness, or both, here you will find an environment where you can build your own everyday life.