Happy Tuesday! 

There are currently multiple surveys ongoing at ISYY. By answering the member survey, you can tell us how familiar you are with our Union and its services, rate our services and also give feedback on how to improve our services and activities. ISYY also has an ongoing survey regarding bullying within the university community. The aim of this survey is to gain a better overall understanding of the prevalence and nature of bullying at the university.

The ISYY offices are closed Thu–Tue 2–7 April due to Easter. Regarding equipment loans, if the return date falls on a day when the office is closed, the loan period is automatically extended to the next day when the office is open. SYKETTÄ Sports Services will also be on Easter break from April 2–8, in line with UEF’s Easter holiday. Check their sport schedule changes below!

Have a nice week!

Kind regards,
Joona Rantala | Coordinator of International Affairs, Joensuu Campus

Answer to the ISYY member survey and win a 50€ gift card to S Group!

What do you think ISYY should focus on? How has the service been in the Student Union office? Do you know what you get as you pay the membership fee to ISYY? How ISYY could improve its office services or communications? Tell us!

The Student Union of Eastern Finland (ISYY) has launched a member survey, which purpose is to collect information about how familiar our members are with the Student Union and its services, to collect feedback about our services and also ideas how to improve our services and activities.

The survey is open until the end of 19 April 2026 and all those who answered can join a raffle where we will hand out total of eight 50,00 € gift cards to S Group, four on both of our campuses.

Experience Finnish Vappu Celebration in Savo-Karjala Excursion!

Savo-Karjala Excursion is one of the most famous and popular May Day celebration traditions of the Student Union (ISYY). The first Savo-Karjala Excursion was organised in 1990. The event is held every year in Joensuu and Kuopio on 29 April despite the day of the week.

During the Savo-Karjala Excursion, students circle around the North Savo and the North Karelia regions on buses on a predetermined route, which will remain a secret until the buses start their journey, and enjoy refreshments in different bars and restaurants along the way.

To attend the event, it is not required that you can speak Finnish. The most important thing is that you and your friends have fun and you can keep up in the schedule of the bus. If there are English speaking people in the buses, we'll ask the bus leaders to give all the important information about the schedule in English.

Ticket sales start on Thursday 9 April 8 am at Carelia lobby (Yliopistokatu 4, 80100 Joensuu). The remaining tickets, if there are any, will go on sale on Kide.app on the same day at 1 pm. The ticket price is 20 €. One person can buy a maximum of two tickets.

Have you experienced bullying in the university community? Answer to the survey

Bullying is a problem that affects society widely – including student communities. Unfortunately, many students experience bullying during their studies.

ISYY is surveying bullying within the university community. The aim of this survey is to gain a better overall understanding of the prevalence and nature of bullying at the university. The responses will help identify areas for development and find ways to reduce bullying and promote student wellbeing.

The results of the survey will primarily be used internally by ISYY, but the collected data may also be used in meetings with university staff responsible for harassment-related matters.

The survey is open until 7 April 23:59.

Upcoming exceptions in ISYY office opening hours

ISYY offices are closed:

• Thu–Tue 2–7 April due to Easter

In equipment loans, if the return date falls on a day when the office is closed, the loan period is automatically extended to the next day when the office is open.

ISYY awarded recognitions at the 16th Annual Celebration!

The 16th Annual Celebration of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) was held 21 March 2026 in Joensuu. At the Celebration ISYY awarded distinguished Student Union actors according to its Symbol Regulations. ISYY members have also had a change to suggest, who should receive a recognition!

This year ISYY awarded two Medals of Honour, one Golden Medal of Distinction, one Silver Medal of Distinction and two Medals of the Student Union. In addition to the awarded Medals the Student Union also awarded 17 Diplomas of Honour.

The Medals of Honour were awarded this year for Jukka Mönkkönen and Emilia Enroth (in the picture). ISYY warmly congratulates all who received a recognition this year!

Photo taken by Klavdia Parkkonen.

ISYY Association Days next week!

Looking for a new hobby, community, or maybe some awesome overall patches? ISYY’s Association Days brings together student associations, clubs, and other student organisations on campuses – this is your chance to explore them, and learn what they have to offer!

Where & when?

Joensuu: 31 March & 1 April, in Carelia lobby
Kuopio: 1 April, in Snellmania lobby
On both campuses from 10 am to 2 pm

The event is free, and you can drop by between lectures or during lunch. Grab a friend and come to network with us!

Today at Coffee & Friends: Quizzes

Coffee & Friends event offers low-threshold hanging out after lectures and the opportunity to meet other students over coffee and a snack. All students of the University of Eastern Finland are welcome to Coffee & Friends. You can come to the café alone or with a friend. In addition, Coffee & Friends has a changing chill program. Participation in the programme is voluntary and you can come for a while or for the whole time. Participation is free of charge and does not require pre-registration. 

Coffee & Friends meets on Tuesdays at 4-6pm at Agora Café. 

Coffee & Friends programme:

• 31.3. & 7.4. Easter Holiday, no Coffee & Friends this week
• 14.4. SYKETTÄ

Whole spring’s programme will be updated on ISYY’s webpage as the planning progresses 

Earth hour 28.3.

ISYY encourages its members to participate in the global WWF’s environmental campaign called Earth Hour! Earth Hour traditionally includes switching off lights simultaneously in different parts of the country. Switching off the lights is a symbolic gesture to show concern for the climate and environment, and to demand action from decision-makers. 

Earth Hour will be celebrated on Saturday, 28 March 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. According to polls, approximately 1.5 million Finns annually express their concern about the state of the environment by participating in Earth Hour. Hundreds of organizations across the country, from educational institutions to companies and from municipalities to organizations, also participate in the event. 

Picture from WWF.

ISYY Clubs in Joensuu

ISYY Clubs are open for all of our members. ISYY's club room is located at our office near the city centre (Suvantokatu 6, 80100 Joensuu). The club meeting list will be updated as new club meeting times and locations are confirmed by the clubs.

ISYY Club meetings at Suvantokatu

Monday  4 pm - 9 pm: Magic The Gathering Guild

Tuesday 6 pm - 8 pm: LUOMIO! Literary Arts Club

Wednesday 4 pm - 8 pm: JOOJAKU Japanese Culture Club

Thursday 4 pm - 9 pm: Joensuu Board Gamers

Friday 4 pm - 8 pm: ISYY Chess Club

Other ISYY Club meetings

Monday 4 pm - 6:30 pm: Bible Club (Natura, N110)

Monday 4:30 pm - 6 pm: JEIS Joensuu's Exchange and International Students (Aurora, AU207)

Easter Schedule Changes

SYKETTÄ will be on Easter break from April 2–8, in line with UEF’s Easter holiday.

The following schedule changes apply:

• Group exercise classes are on a break from April 2–8 (exception: Sound Bath & Relaxation on April 8).
• Classes organized by JoenVoLi will be held on April 2 and 7–8.
• Ball sports and regular reservations at Tulliportinkatu school are cancelled from April 3–6.
• Ball sports and regular reservations at Länsikatu school are cancelled from April 3–6.
• Joensuu Areena and Mehtimäki Hall are closed on April 3 and April 5–6.
• Portti54 gym is open as usual.
• Tikkarinne gym is open April 3–6 from 7:00–21:00, otherwise normal opening hours apply
• Aurora gym: April 3–6 access only with a key card, otherwise normal opening hours apply

The Säbäliiga season has come to an end with the final event

On Friday IBK Apinalauma was crowned champion, defeating IBK Muhju 3-2 in the gold medal game. In the bronze medal game Guggenheim was victorious defeating SB Parru 3-2. 

The medalists of the 2025-2026 Säbäliiga season are:

• Gold: IBK Apinalauma
• Silver: IBK Muhju
• Bronze: Guggenheim

Registration for the 2026-2027 season is open!

The application period for UEF Student Ambassadors for the academic year 2026–2027 is now open until 7 April 2026.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic students from diverse backgrounds to represent UEF in international marketing and student recruitment. Ambassador tasks include attending webinars and virtual events, participating in marketing and communication activities, and sharing your own experiences of studying and living in Finland with prospective students.
We are also recruiting a UEF Content Creator, whose main focus will be producing video and podcast content for applicant and student communications. All selected students will receive training before starting the role, and the positions are compensated.

If you enjoy meeting people, communicating openly and working independently, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Apply by 7 April!

Kela: Benefits + income = Here’s the correct formula for combining work with your studies

How much can you earn if Kela pays you student financial aid? Will you have to pay some of my financial aid back to Kela? To help fguring out the math between your benefits and your income, Kela has published tips on how to successfully combine your student financial aid with income from other sources. For example, If you are paid student financial aid for nine months during the year, your maximum income limit for the year is EUR 20,127. If, however, you are paid student financial aid for 10 months during the year, your maximum income limit is EUR 17,890.

Easter opening hours at the library

Joensuu and Kuopio campus libraries are open on Thursday 2 April from 8 am and 2 pm (customer service from 10 am to 2 pm) and closed from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. The library’s 24/7 self-study facilities are open normally.  

Due to the installation of Peppi version 5.4, there will be a service break from 26 March 11 AM to 27 March 8 AM

To prepare for the service break, do these before 26 March 11 AM, if needed:

• Complete your registration for the course units and exams on Peppi, on Tuudo or on EXAM.
• Check and save teaching timetables and links for remote lectures (e.g. teams, zoom). Teaching timetables can be seen on Tuudo during the service break.
• Download your transcript of records or study certificate on Peppi.

Shape the future of the European Student Card Initiative

Digital tools make it easier than ever to go on #ErasmusPlus mobility abroad. And you can help define how these tools should evolve in the next Erasmus+ programme. Your input will help identify priorities, challenges and future requirements for ESCI in the next Erasmus+ Programme (2028–2034). The consultation survey is open until 31 March 2026.

Towards Working Life in Eastern Finland!

Dear international student, are you interested in learning a bit more about working life in Eastern Finland? What would building a career in Eastern Finland look like? When and where to get started? 

The answer is right here: Talent Hub Eastern Finland invites you to participate in a free online course Towards Working Life in Eastern Finland!

What the course has to offer

The course is a MOOC (Massively Open Online Course) and available in English and Finnish. The course aims to build competence, confidence and comfort for international students when living, studying and working in Eastern Finland. The course can be completed in modules. For completing the entire course, students will be awarded a course certificate.

SYL: A strong will of young people to become educated is the greatest resource in Finland – investments must be in line with this

Finland has a huge amount of potential in young people who want to participate in higher education. In order not to miss this potential regardless of people’s background, free education must remain the cornerstone of the system. It is the primary manner of ensuring that educational pathways remain open to all young people.

Increasing Finland’s competence level requires a cross-parliament-approved plan that extends beyond government terms and commits to permanently strengthening the funding and resources of education. Long-term resourcing would enable a permanent increase in admission places.

Come polish your classic student activity skills for Vappu by joining the free Student Games event!

During the event, participants will move around various activity stations, and the evening will continue for those interested at Suvas’ meeting and sauna facilities.

You can also join the individual activity stations without registering. 

WHAT: Student Games
FOR WHOM: All students
WHERE: Around the Futura & Metria buildings
WHEN: Wednesday 1 April, 3 PM–6 PM
PRICE: 0 €
ORGANIZER: The ISYY Joensuu Council for Chairpersons

Student Movie Day in Savonkinot 31.3.2026

On Tuesday, 31 March, Savon Kinot cinemas will celebrate Student Movie Day. Tickets to all screenings only 8 € per show with a valid student ID. Local showtimes will be announced and tickets go on sale on Tuesday, 24 March.

April market/Huhtimarkkinat, 10.-11.4.2026

The traditional April market will be held at Joensuu Market Square from Friday to Saturday, April 10–11, 2026.

The market will be open on Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

 Varnitsa barn dance 

The history students’ association Varnitsa will be holding a barn dance event on Friday 10.4.2026 at Kerubi.

The event is interdisciplinary and we welcome international students to come experience Finnish dance tradition. The dress code is black & white. There will also be a live band playing at the event. Tickets are sold on Kide.app. 

Design a patch for the Historical Dances Club!

The Historical & Academic Dance and Music Society of Joensuu is in need of an overall patch!

Create up to two designs that can be put on overalls and/or used as the club’s logo. Submission deadline is 12th of April 2026. The chosen design will be rewarded as a form of commission.

The competition is open for everyone, while only club members have the right to vote. For inspiration, join us in Educa200 on Mondays, 18-20.

Free Finnish Language learning options in Joensuu

This list has been compiled by International House Joensuu.

International House Joensuu's nonstop courses 23.2.2026 - 20.5.2026

Aimed at three different language levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Every group meets up once a week for 8 weeks at a time.

More information: https://internationaljoensuu.fi/en/learn-finnish/

Jomoni’s language café

You can come to the language café to practice speaking Finnish. There are no lessons in the language café, but the purpose is to chat in Finnish and spend time together. You don't need to know much Finnish - everyone who is learning and speaking Finnish is welcome!

Schedule: 25.3; 8.4; 29.4; 6.5; 27.5; 3.6; 10.6. From 5 to 7 pm.
Address: Torikatu 9 A, 2nd floor.

More information: https://www.jomoni.fi/en/kielikahvila

Sumppi

Welcome to the language café!

Do you want to practice the Finnish language in a relaxed atmosphere, meet new people, and get to know Finnish culture? At Sumppi, language learning, community, and everyday encounters come together. You can participate on-site or online – wherever you are!

Language cafés are organized in different parts of North Karelia – check out the events and join us!

See the events here: https://sumppi.net/

Weekly Feed is the English language newsletter of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY). You are receiving this letter on your email because you are a member of ISYY and are studying at Joensuu campus or because you have joined the mailing list yourself. 

Weekly Feed provides you with current information on matters related to the Student Union, UEF or other organisations close to students, such as FSHS. In addition, the newsletter provides you with information on events taking place at campus or the campus city.

Weekly Feed is published on Tuesdays during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and a few other days. If you do not want to receive the newsletter anymore, you can unsubscribe the letter via the unsubscription link  located on the top of the letter. 

You will find more information on ISYY's newsletters  and data protection on ISYY's website.