Happy Tuesday!

Easter in Finland is not only celebrated as a Christian holiday, but also as the arrival of spring after a long, dark winter. You can read more about Finnish Easter traditions and foods at the end of this newsletter or on Visit Finland's website here and here. Please remember that ISYY offices are closed Thu–Tue, 2–7 April, due to Easter.

Have a nice week!

Kind regards,
Elina
Coordinator of International Affairs

P.S. If you're craving for free coffee tomorrow after lunch, stop by ISYY's stand in Snellmania lobby. ISYY's event Association Days is held tomorrow, 1 April, from 10 am till 2 pm.

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.

International Student, have you already answerd ISYY's Member Survey?

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.

ISYY's Vappu (May Day) Eve programme is now published!

Vappu is the biggest celebration of the year for Finnish students. On Vappu Eve, 30 April, you can attend ISYY's Vappu traditions on both campuses. ISYY gathers all university students to celebrate Vappu together wit our old traditions.

In Kuopio, the traditions include the Cleaning of the Tooth (a statue) organised by Dentina ry, the Rite of the Scholastic Passage that will be performed on campus and later the Pool Event at the Kuopio Market Square. At the Market Square we'll wash and cap the Velj'mies statue, nominate the 'Kunniankantajat' of the year, immerse the professor at the pool of Velj'mies statue and we'll hear the Vappu speeches of the Student Union and Student Associations.

Read more and check the schedule from ISYY's website!

Have you experienced bullying in the university community? Answer 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.

ISYY club meetings

Check the list of ISYY clubs in Kuopio on our website.

ISYY clubs' meetings at Lukema (ISYY office in Studentia, C door):

• Tue 31.3. at 5 pm Kärmes (Board Games Club)
• Sun 5.4. at 1 pm USBC (University Student Bible Club)
• Fri 10.4. at 5 pm Kärmes (Board Games Club)
• Sun 12.4. at 1 pm USBC (University Student Bible Club)
• Tue 14.4. at 5 pm Kärmes (Board Games Club)

SYKETTÄ Sports Services

SYKETTÄ – Kuopio University Sports offers a comprehensive range of sports services for students and staff of Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio campus. Please read the SYKETTÄ Kuopio information. Read more on the SYKETTÄ Kuopio website and follow SYKETTÄ on social media:

• SYKETTÄ Kuopio webpage
• Facebook: sykettakuopio
• Instagram: @syketta_kpo
• TikTok: syketta_kuopio

SYKETTÄ Kuopio newsletter

Newest information on the services can be found in the spring newsletter:

• Apply for a job from us
• Feedback survey open until 12 April
• Spring campaign
• Easter and May Day schedule changes
• Changes in the booking calendar 
• Nutrition guidance 
• Courses
• Fitness tests
• SYKETTÄ member benefits for Puijo Wolley semi-finals

Discover contemporary dance course

This course introduces the basic elements of contemporary dance through short movement sequences, spatial exercises, and improvisation. Movement is explored through a variety of tasks, using imagery, bodily awareness, and the surrounding space as starting points. Classes include floor work.

The course develops body awareness and provides an introduction to contemporary dance. No previous experience is required. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Classes are led by dancer and dance teacher Aino Vartiainen from Minimi Dance Theater

• Course is 3 x 1,5 h
• Tuesdays 21.4., 5.5. ja 12.5.  from 5.15 pm to 6.45 pm
• Enroll via reservation calendar (day 21.4.). Enrollment ends on 7th of April 
• Price is 12 €/person

You must have a valid SYKETTÄ membership when using sports services!

• Buy the membership from the SYKETTÄ website's store or from ISYY office.
• You will also have access to nutrition and physical activity counselling.
• Find out more about our diverse services on the Member sevices webpage.

How to use Job Market Finland – Online info session, 1 April

Want to find a job or part-time work and get started in Finnish working life?
Join our online info session to learn how to use Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori) – a national service that helps jobseekers connect with employers and employment services.

• Date: Wednesday, 1 April
• Time: 16:00–17:00
• Location: Online

No registration required – just join!

YUFE Open Day – 2 April 2026, 11:30–12:30

Do you want to build your own personalised European learning path? Join the Open YUFE DAY webinar on 2 April at 11:30! During this first live session, you will:

• learn more about the opportunities offered by the YUFE programme.
• have the chance to ask questions.

What is Open YUFE?

OpenYUFE offers UEF students the opportunity to take academic courses and participate in a wide range of activities across Europe – completely free of charge – while continuing their own degree studies.

Register now and we'll see online!

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

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!

Calling young professionals to explore how futures thinking and innovation can help shape sustainable forest-based economies.

EFI’s Young Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026 focuses on adding value locally, drawing on the example of Northern Europe.

The one-week programme combines expert-led discussions with capacity-building activities to strengthen leadership and strategic skills.

Learn more and sign up to receive updates when applications open.

Are you ready to shape the future of Europe’s forests?

ELEVATE 13-18 April

ELEVATE is a six-day pre-incubation startup program where participants develop their business ideas in workshops under the mentorship of startup experts and business advisors.

The program is free. 2 ECTS credits are available. At the end of the intensive week, participants will pitch their ideas in a competition (prize pool up to 5,000 euros). The program is intended for first-time founders. At the same time, you’ll have a great opportunity to learn about NSES’s activities and join the entrepreneurial network!

• When? April 13–18, 2026
• Where? Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio
• Submit your application now
• Organized by: North Savo Entrepreneurship Society (NSES)

Kuopio Campus library

Easter opening hours at the library

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

KUH Medical Library’s last opening day is Thursday 2 April. The libarary is open from 11 am until 2 pm.

Free books in front of the Kuopio Campus Library

Books withdrawn from the collections now available in front of the Kuopio Campus Library. Please, come and get yours!

The KUH Medical Library is now open for its final week

You can still return books to the KUH Library on Thursday, 2 April. The library will be open that day from 11 am to 2 pm. After that, all books must be returned to the Kuopio Campus Library. The KUH Library collections will be transferred to the Kuopio Campus Library after Easter. There will be a delay before the materials become available again, but we aim to keep it as short as possible. Read more from Kamu.

#KPOWEEK

Galleria 44: Normstorm and “The City Remembers Its Youth”, 23.3.-17.4.

• Kulttuuriareena 44, Kauppakatu 44
• Galleria 44 is primarily a venue for showcasing high-quality visual art by young artists. The works in this photography exhibition are unnamed. The aim is to let the images speak for themselves and leave the interpretation up to the viewer.
• Free admission.

Rolf Wirtanen: A Moment of Lapland’s Atmosphere, Wed 1.4. at 17.30-18.20

• Main Library, 2nd floor
• Folk artist, traveler, photographer and musician Wirtanen has been photographing Lapland’s wilderness and its four seasons for 25 years. He has also composed and written lyrics to express his thoughts and feelings through songs.
• Free admission.

Jenni Yppärilä - Charred, 4.4.-26.4.

• Galleria Ars Libera, Maaherrankatu 9
• The exhibition examines transience and the experience of alienation. The title refers to concrete destruction and mental resentment.
• Free admission.

Family Easter in Konttila, Sat 4.4. at 10-16

• Konttila, Antikkalantie 114
• Easter rooster exhibition in the Konttila barn. Easter egg hunt in the field—fun activities, exercise and reflection. Easter bingo at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Outdoor concert by Miauskis the Cat and Misse the Cat at 1 p.m.
• Free admission.

Interdisciplinary CraftCinema in Kuopio on April 13th!

The interdisciplinary CraftCinema organized by Retikka, KuoLo and Kino Kuvakukkko, will gather lovers of crafts and culture together on April 13th at Kino Kuvakukkko at 5:30 PM! The screening will be presented in dimmed lighting, so that you can, for example, knit, crochet or sew overall patches while watching the film. However, crafting is not a criterion for participation – every movie lover is welcome! Ticket costs 10 € and you can buy your ticket from Kide.app.! 

Recruitment in Finland -Tips for English-Speaking Jobseekers

Are you an international student or professional looking to navigate the Finnish job market? Join us for an insightful session where you will learn how recruitment works in Finland and what employers expect from applicants.

• Date: April 16, 2026
• Time: 14:00–15:30
• Location: TyöNavigaattori, Asemakatu 7, Kuopio

International students in Kuopio – your voice matters!

Do you want to help shape the future of internationalisation in Kuopio? Join us for the Roadmap to Internationalization Development Workshop, a co-creation workshop where your experiences and ideas can directly influence local development.
This workshop is organized by the City of Kuopio, International House Kuopio, Talent Hub Eastern Finland, and the Kuopio International Students Council (KISC), in collaboration with local universities.

• CA300 (Canthia, UEF)
• 20 April 2026
• 13:00-15:00
• Language: English
• Coffee & snacks provided
• Limited seats available so register by 16 April

Why join?

• Make your voice heard as an international student
• Influence Kuopio’s Internationalisation Plan
• Contribute to improving student services
• Discuss topics such as employment, housing, wellbeing, and Finnish language learning

Be part of the conversation and help build more inclusive Kuopio for international students together.

Would you participate in a survey?

Resilience, self-efficacy, well-being, and self-regulated learning among university students

The aim of the study is to produce knowledge that can offer insights for the development of university students’ education and support services. The findings may help strengthen students’ professional growth and support them in facing potential challenges in working life.

Principal Investigator, PhD Saija Sihvola

Weekly Feed is the English language newsletter of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY). You are receiving this letter in your email because you are a member of ISYY and are studying at Kuopio 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.