Happy Tuesday!

There are still a couple of weeks left before all new students arrive to campus and the busy weeks start, so for the time being, try to relax! If you haven't already checked out Joensuu's website, now is the perfect time to do that. There you can find recent news and information for example about culture and leisure in Joensuu. 

You are reading Weekly Feed, which is the English language newsletter of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY). You are receiving this letter to your email because you are a member of ISYY and are studying at Joensuu campus or because you have joined the mailing list yourself. If you do not wish to receive Weekly Feed anymore, just click here to unsubscribe.

Have a nice week!

Kind regards,

Joona Rantala | Coordinator of International Affairs, Joensuu Campus

Upcoming exceptions in ISYY office opening hours

There will be some exceptions in ISYY office opening hours. On the first two weeks of September the offices are at your service also on Fridays.

Exceptions:

• Friday 5 September open 10-14
• Friday 12 September open 10-14

ISYY Autumn Events in Joensuu

Below you can find a list of ISYY events in autumn. The best way to keep up with our events is to follow our newsletters and our event calendar on our website.

Autumn events for Joensuu:

• SYKETTÄ Joensuu Appro and free sports trial 1.-14.9.
• UEF opening ceremony of the academic year in Joensuu 4.9.
• Student Blast - Academic Year Kick-off 4.9.
• City Orienteering and After Party 4.9.
• El Clásico football event 17.9.
• Wellbeing Week 29.9.-5.10.
• Sports Afternoon 1.10.
• Association Days 21.-22.10. (Tue-Wed in Joensuu, Wed in Kuopio)
• Independence Day Torch Parade 6.12.

Introducing ISYY's Coordinator of the Representative Council Elections

Emma Ohtonen started in the position of Coordinator of the Representative Council Elections last week. In their position Emma will work with ISYY's Representative Council Elections, which will be held this autumn. Emma studies social sciences at the UEF, with sociology as their major.

- It’s interesting to get to see the Representative Council Elections as an employee of the Student Union, and I hope I can draw on my own expertise for organising future elections, Emma comments.

Emma works on Joensuu campus.

ISYY's Representative Council elections are coming!

The elections for the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland’s (ISYY) Representative Council will be held as electronic elections in autumn of 2025.

• Advance voting takes place on 27.–31.10.2025
• Actual voting day is 6.11.2025

The elections take place every other year and all ISYY members, which include for example degree students studying at UEF, can become candidates. The Representative Council guides the Student Union’s operations by deciding, for instance, the amount of the membership fee, action plan for each year, finances and direction of the Student Union’s future.

More detailed instructions on how to become a candidate and the schedule of the elections are published later in the Election announcement.

Registration for the next Academic Year ends on 15.9.

Hey continuing student! Registration for the UEF Academic Year 2025–2026 has started. Registration periods for the next academic year are:

• Registration for the year 2025–2026 begins on 1 June and ends on 15 September 2025.
• Registration ONLY for the spring semester 2026 is 1.11.2025–15.1.2026.

When you register as a present student and you pay the ISYY membership fee at the same time, you’ll get all of our member services for the upcoming academic year as well. ISYY membership will help you during your studies, e.g. with our interest advocacy services. Get to know all of our member services by going through our website, and you’ll make to most of your membership!

ISYY Club Meetings

All currently listed club meetings are held weekly in ISYY's club room at ISYY's office located 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.

More information and a full list of ISYY's clubs in Joensuu can be found on ISYY's webpage:

• MtG (Magic: the Gathering) Guild Mon 3 pm - 8 pm 
• Joensuu Board Gamers meeting Thu 3 pm - 8 pm

Sports calendar for autumn season 2025 is now published!

In the autumn sports calendar, you can find many familiar classes and instructors, but also new and a few returning classes. The selection of the sports calendar will be updated and changes to the calendar are possible.

All SYKETTÄ services start from 1.9.2025.

• Group exercise
• Ball sports, other exercise turns and gym

Free trial period

At the start of the semesters, you have a chance to try out SYKETTÄ sports services without a valid SYKETTÄ membership. This autumn, the free trial period is held 1.-14.9.2025.

During the free trial period, you can participate in the events available on the sports calendar without a valid membership. However, users must enroll on each class beforehand. New users must register before they can use the services.

• Read more
• SYKETTÄ ABC

SYKETTÄ Appro

Complete sports events and get to know SYKETTÄ sports services!

SYKETTÄ Appro is held in the beginning of the autumn semester as part of the free trial period 1.-14.9.2025. The idea is to collect markings on an appro pass by participating in sports events in SYKETTÄ sports calendar. Each sports event is rewarded with one marking. Participants who return their appro pass will be rewarded with an overall badge based on the number of markings. We will also have extra classes!

Student, find power and purpose for your career and register to career planning and job seeking courses for the autumn 2025!

Are you wondering about your future? Where will I find work? How will I be convincing in the job interview? What can I do with my degree? What are my strengths? Am I in the right field? What should I study as a minor subject? What rights and obligations do I have as an employee?

Students pondering about their future directions or seeking traineeships and employment are troubled by many questions. Nevertheless, don’t worry! Practical guidance, knowledge and support is there for you on the career planning and job seeking courses offered by UEF Career Services.

The Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2025–2026

The Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2025–2026 will be held on Joensuu campus on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at 1.15 p.m. in the Carelia Hall, Carelia building. Welcome! The Opening Ceremony can also be followed online starting at 1.15 p.m.

Ecumenical Opening Service of the Academic Year at the University of Eastern Finland wil be held in the Carelia Hall at 12.15–12.45 p.m.

What should a new student know about FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service)?

What should a new student know about FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service)? How can you contact FSHS and which matters can students take care of through FSHS's online service?

FSHS recommends that new students visit its page for new students. There are useful instructions and tips, with texts, links and videos.

• Check out the page for new students
• Watch the presentation video in English on YouTube

Joensuu Campus - Library 24/7 Door Instructions

During the summer, an early door button has been installed on the door to improve accessibility, and at the same time, the locations of the access token readers have changed slightly. You can also find the same instructions 24/7 at the door, both inside and outside. Every user of the 24/7 space must have the access token read in the reader before entering.

We ask that you only use the door early button when you need unobstructed access to or from the space.

Come and chat about student life! 

Would you like to share thoughts and experiences about student life with other students? Feel free to join Nyyti’s group chats on Discord! Don’t worry about spelling or writing fluency – the most important thing is that you’re there! 

The English-language group chats are organized twice during the fall semester. Chat is anonymous and free of charge. Nyyti’s volunteers or staff members will always be there to chat with you. Mark the Upcoming Chats in Your Calendar: 

• 18.9. Excited, nervous, stressed – studying with mixed emotions? 
• 6.11. How to find friends? 

Kela's section for students has been renewed!

Kela has renewed the section of kela.fi for students! In this section, you will find information on student financial aid separately for higher education students and upper secondary students. 

In the reform, the information has been structured in a new way, the contents have been condensed and the big picture is easier to scrutinize. You can give feedback on the reform - visit the website and tell them what you think!

• Things for students to remember at the start of a new academic year
• Changes related to housing allowance for students

Delays in the processing of financial aid applications – students may have to wait for decisions and benefits

Kela has received a large number of applications for the housing supplement for students due to recent changes in the housing benefits available to students. As a result, the application processing times for student financial aid and the student housing supplement are longer than usual, and customers may have to wait for a decision on their application.

Interested in singing?

The representative choir of the University of Eastern Finland, Joy, will organize an audition on September 15th between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., in the classroom AT100!

If you've ever dreamed of singing in a choir, we now offer a great opportunity to audition! You do not need previous singing experience to participate.

If you are unable to audition on the 15th, or you have any questions, please contact us via our e-mail: uefkuorojoy@gmail.com

Book your audition time

UniPID Virtual Studies Programme 2025-2026 | Registration open now

The UniPID Virtual Studies Programme aims to offer equal opportunities for students to learn about global development and sustainability, with a specific focus on Global South perspectives.

All courses are conducted in English, free for students at our member universities. Each course is worth 5 ECTS and can be integrated into the students’ curriculum. With varied registration and course dates, students can find the perfect fit for their schedules.

Darude invites students to to celebrate his 25-year career with the Sandstorm Run fun-run event in Helsinki on Sunday, 31 August 2025

The run route passes through instantly recognisable sights from the original Sandstorm music video, including Kaivopuisto and Helsinki Cathedral, from the iconic opening sequence on the church steps.

Sandstorm Run has partnered with the Finnish Athletics Federation in support of youth sports, and Darude would like to personally invite the students of University of Eastern Finland to join this special event free of charge. Fill out the registration form via this link and secure your spot now – only 200 free tickets available!

"You can choose your pace and either walk, run, or race. In case you want to spice things up, you can dress up in the Sandstorm spirit to win amazing prizes such as a Meet & Greet with Darude, a group photo with the winners, and tickets to Darude’s STORM 25 concert at Kattilahalli, Helsinki on 6th September, 2025. Bring your energy, your friends, your running shoes, and join the unforgettable celebration on the streets where it all began!"

Kindly,

Ville/Darude and the Sandstorm Run team

Ps. Want a behind-the-scenes experience of the event? Fill out this form and join our Sandstorm Run team as a volunteer.

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.