Happy Tuesday!

Are you ready to make an impact on students’ lives and build a community full of enthusiasm and opportunities? If that’s the case, join us in building a better ISYY together and apply to ISYY Executive Board by 15 November!

A year on the ISYY Board is a unique opportunity to network across campus cities and study fields during your student years and have a tangible impact on both the student life at UEF and nationally. The Board is committed to advancing students’ interests, organising events, and fostering a sense of community among university students.

Read more about the ISYY Board and the application process on ISYY's website.

Have a nice week!

Kind regards,
Elina
Coordinator of International Affairs

ISYY office opening hours for the remainder of 2026

In November and December there will be a couple of exceptions in ISYY office opening hours.

Upcoming exceptions:

Thursday 19 November offices are closed.

In 2026 the offices will be open for the last time on Thursday 10 December at 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00. If you need to visit ISYY offices before the holidays, please do that during the first weeks of December. (Survival Packages can be returned till 17 December, as stated in the rental agreement, although the customer servce desk is closed.)

The offices will serve you again on Thursday 7 January 2027.

What does the future look like? Now you can make a difference, apply to the Executive Board 2027!

Are you passionate about improving student advocacy? Would you like to gain valuable experience for working life and be part of everyday life of The Student Union? Now you have the chance, apply for the Student Union’s Executive Board 2027. The Executive Board is selected at the Student Union Representative Council’s meeting on 26.11.2026.

The Representative Council elects the Board’s Chairperson, Vice Chair and 4-8 members annually. The Board is the executive body of the Student Union and its period of operation is calendar year.

Remuneration is paid for serving on the Board. Lately the remuneration has been:

• 1000 €/month Chairperson
• 800 €/month Vice Chairperson
• 500 €/month Board Member

Send us a free-form application and possible resume as PDF-files via email to viestinta(at)isyy.fi and paasihteeri(at)isyy.fi no later than on 15.11.2026 at 11.59 pm.

Student representatives wanted to the UEF's Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee!

ISYY is recruiting 3 student representatives and 3 deputy representatives for the Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee of UEF for the term 1.1.2027–31.12.2030.

As a student representative, you can help promote a more equal and equitable university while also gaining valuable experience working in committees.

The committee usually meets 6 times during the calendar year, and a meeting fee is paid for attending the meetings. In addition, after the end of their term, the student has the right to apply for ECTS for participating in administrative and working group activities.

Interested? Read more from the ISYY website and send your application on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 12(noon) the latest.

ISYY is searching members to Central Elections Committee

The next Representative Council Elections of ISYY are held in autumn 2027, but the work for democracy starts already next spring. Purpose of the Central Election Committee is to prepare and supervise the elections, which includes

• participating in the Committee meetings
• preparing election documents
• preparing questions for the voting aid and election panels
• attending ISYY’s election events
• helping with planning and executing election communication
• counting the votes

ISYY staff helps and supports the Central Election Committee! The Committee consists of 6-8 members and at most 4 deputy members. Please note that members of the Committee cannot nominate themself as a candidate in the Representative Council elections.

If you’re not an ISYY Council member, but are interested in joining the Central Election Committee, please send an email to the Chairperson of the ISYY Council to epj@isyy.fi by Wednesday 25 November expressing your interest. The next Central Election Committee is elected at the last Representative Council meeting of this year on 26 November.

Hemmo's movie night for ISYY members 17.11.

Welcome to Hemmo’s movie night organised by ISYY in Lukema (Studentia building, Yliopistonranta 15) on Tuesday 17.11.2026! The movie night begins at 18.00 and we will watch together the thrilling murder mystery, Knives Out!

On top of the movie there will be a playful movie themed quiz where participants can win movie themed prizes! And what type of a movie night it would be without tasty movie snacks?

It is good to arrive early to Lukema as the quiz takes place right at the beginning of the movie and after that we will start watching the movie.

There are limited spots available so make sure you book your spot early - event is free!

Get your free ticket from Kide.app!

Save the Date: ISYY's Independence Day Torch Parade on 6 December

Do you want to be a part of one of the most important and honored traditions?

Mark ISYY's Independence Day Torch Parade to your calendar on 6 December, which is the Independence Day of Finland. The parades are held in both campus cities and in Kuopio the parade begins at 6 pm.

The Parades are not political events or manifestations. The remembrance of the sacrifices made in the Finnish wars during the Second World War is very present during the Finnish Independence Day celebration. In parades, we honour the sacrifices and celebrate the independence in Finland.

Do you want to help with organising the parade?

We are looking for student volunteers to serve as traffic controllers along the parade route. According to the requirements of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the traffic controllers must be adults who have normal sensory abilities, a driving licence (at least AM121 or B), and hold the Road Safety 1 qualification. The Road Safety 1 qualification can be completed for free through the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) learning platform, and the online course takes about an hour. All necessary equipment for the traffic control task, as well as an event-specific briefing and the amazing Volunteer-Hemmo-overall badge, will be provided at the latest on the day of the parade. Sign up by emailing ISYY’s Community Coordinator Eveliina Scharin (yk@isyy.fi) on Sunday 22 November 2026 at the latest.

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):

• Fri 6.11. at 5 pm Kärmes (Board Games Club)
• Sun 8.11. at 1 pm University Student Bible Club
• Thu 12.11. at 5 pm Kärmes (Board Games Club)
• Sun 15.11. at 1 pm University Student Bible 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. You must have a valid SYKETTÄ membership when using sports services! Read more on the SYKETTÄ Kuopio website and follow SYKETTÄ on social media:

• Facebook: sykettakuopio
• Instagram: @syketta_kpo
• TikTok: syketta_kuopio

• Discord

• Youtube

SYKETTÄ news

New classes, enroll via reservation calendar!

• Tuesday mornings
  • 9:00–9:55 AM: Power Yoga, at Studentia
• Wednesdays
  • 4:15–5:10 PM: Hatha Yoga, at Savonia, room D3006

Drying operations following water damage at the Luola Sports and Event Center continue in section 3.

• Futsal sessions have been moved to Lumit School—for example, on Fridays, Nov 6, Nov 13, and Nov 27, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Autumn Fitness Tests

• Monday, Nov 30, 2026
• Location and time: Kuopio-halli, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• The test is free of charge; registration opens on Friday, Nov 6, at 12:00 PM
• Please submit binding registrations by Nov 27
• Capacity is limited to 20 participants

How would you make Kuopio a better student city? Take the survey for a chance to win a €50 S Group gift card!

What do you like about Kuopio, and what would you like to see more of? Share your experiences in the Students’ City 2026 survey! Have your say on the things that matter in your everyday life, including housing, finding work, feeling part of a community and making ends meet.

You can answer in Finnish or English, survey is open until the end of 10 November 2026. The survey takes around 10–15 minutes.

Respondents can enter a prize draw to win a €50 S Group gift card and Kuopio-themed merchandise. You can enter at the end of the survey.

The study is conducted by Männikkömetsä Oy and the Research Foundation for Studies and Education Otus.

UEF info session on 10 November 2026 at 9–10

A UEF info session will be held on Tuesday 10 November 2026 from 9:00 to 10:00. This time the topics include increasing the number of permanent employment relationships at UEF, further preparations for higher education collaboration in Eastern Finland, news from the interim negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture, and other current matters.

The event will be held in Finnish and English. The presentation materials are in English.

Follow this link to join the UEF info session UEF info session on 10 November 2026 at 9:00–10:00.

You can ask questions and provide comments in advance or during the event in the UEF info session community in Viva Engage. A recording will be published of the info session later in the same community. Welcome!

UEF libraries

UEF Library closed 10 November 2026 due to Staff Development Day

The Joensuu and Kuopio campus libraries are closed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 due to a Staff Development Day. The library’s 24/7 self-study facilities are open also during exceptional opening hours.

Pay your overdue and reservation fees now to avoid an invoice

We will invoice borrowing service fees in mid-November. You can pay your overdue and reservation fees yourself on UEF Primo or in person at the library, and we will not send you an invoice. Online payment is available for fees of 1 euro or more. Read more on Kamu.

Mostly positive feedback on the renewed Kamu

The Kamu website was renewed in May 2026. In September, a campaign invited people to explore Kamu and enter a prize draw. Participants could also provide feedback on the renewed website.

The responses indicate that Kamu is now seen as clearer, more visually appealing and easier to use. Many respondents particularly appreciated the more logical structure, easier navigation and the fact that information is easier to find.

The feedback also highlighted areas for improvement. Some respondents felt that not all the information they need is easy to find. Suggestions included improving the search function, fixing links and making some content easier to locate. Respondents also wanted student tools to be more visible on the homepage.

Would you like to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in European universities?

Apply now for the YUFE Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)! The programme combines online learning during winter 2027 with a one-week on-site mobility period in June 2027 at Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris.

Upon successful completion, you will earn 3 ECTS credits and gain the knowledge and skills to act as an ED&I Ambassador at your university, helping to foster a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive academic community.

Degree student: remember to pay Kela fee

The fee must be paid by all students who are completing a degree at a Finnish institution of higher education and have registered as attending for the term in question.

• Use the OmaKela e-service to pay the healthcare fee.
• The healthcare fee is EUR 35.35 per term.
• The due date for the autumn term is 15 November, if you register as attending by 30 September.
• If you register as attending for the autumn term on or after 1 October, the due date is 31 December.
• If you cannot use OmaKela for instance because you do not have Finnish banking credentials, please pay the fee to Kela as a bank transfer.

SYL KENKKU: The Power of Youth Across the Globe

Interested in climate policy, global development, and international partnerships? Learn how young people can drive cross-border cooperation in a globalized world.

Join us for an online seminar on November 5 at 5:00 p.m. to hear from experts and participate in the discussion. Speakers include Mika Rönkkö, Chair of the Board of Siemenpuu, and Senja Tertsunen, Finland’s UNESCO Youth Delegate. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions during the event.

The online seminar will be conducted entirely in English. Please register for the seminar on November 4 the latest!

Today at Coffee & Friends: Crafts

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 programme. 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 3-5 pm at Lukema (ISYY office in the Studentia building).

Autumn's programme:

• 3.11. Crafts & making overall patches (make your own overall patches, sew patches onto your overalls, or bring your own craft project with you)
• 10.11. Quizzes
• 17.11. Board games & colouring
• 24.11. Christmas party: Decorating gingerbread cookies

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with us at Kuopio City Theatre!

Indian Cultural Association Kuopio ry, together with the City of Kuopio and Kuopio City Theatre invites everyone to experience the colours, music, dance, food and traditions of India at a special Diwali celebration open to the whole community.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most important and widely celebrated festivals. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Today, Diwali is celebrated around the world and brings people together regardless of their background.

• Sunday 8 November 2026
• 11:00–16:00
• Kuopio City Theatre, Niiralankatu 2, Kuopio

Open to everyone – free admission. Food is available for purchase at an additional cost.

#KPOWEEKINENGLISH

Sewing Club: Repairing household textiles, Wed 4.11 at 13-17:30

• Kuopio Museum, Multipurpose Space, Museokatu 1
• Give your favourite fabrics a longer life. Throughout the event, visual artists Jenni Ahokivi and Maiju Ruuskanen will draw and paint people sewing. Free admission.

Se l`aura spira – concert, Thu 5.11 at 18-19

• Music Center, Chamber Music Hall, Kuopionlahdenkatu 23C
• Baroque songs and excerpts from Vivaldi’s Gloria. Performed by the singers and choir of the Kuopio Conservatory. Free admission.

Ruta Sokolnikiene & Mikko Siirola – concert, Sat 7.11 at 15-16

• Kuopio Museum, Multipurpose Space, Museokatu 1
• Original compositions, lyrical songs, jazz, and Finnish and Lithuanian folk songs come together in carefully crafted arrangements. Free admission.

Diwali – Festival of lights, Sun 8.11 at 11-16

• Kuopio City Theater, Niiralankatu 2
• Diwali is one of India’s most important festivals. Come to experience the colors, music, dance, food and traditions of India. Free admission.

Could you save someone's life?

For many seriously ill patients, such as people with leukemia, a stem cell transplant is the last chance of a cure. Right now in Finland, no optimal donor can be found for one in five patients. That's why the Stem Cell Registry needs more members, especially young adults and men.

Who can join?

• Aged 18–35
• In good general health

How to join from home:

• Take a quick online test
• Fill in the membership form, and you'll get a free sample kit by post
• Swab the inside of your cheek and send the sample back in the prepaid envelope
• (You can also join at a Blood Service location.)

Good to know:

• Joining doesn't mean you'll donate right away, or ever. Only about 2% of members end up donating.
• Donating is always voluntary and safe, and all expenses are covered.

Please share! Every new member could be someone's only match.

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.