Happy Tuesday!

Are you an exchange student and a member of ISYY? If you answered yes, you can collect Hyvät Kuvat Movie Club's seasonal ticket for free from ISYY office. The ISYY club offers 50 free tickets for exchange students and they are given on a first-come, first-served basis. With the ticket, you can watch all of this seasons movies (11 movies). The season starts this Thursday, 29 January, with The Life of Chuck. Read more about the season from Hyvät Kuvat website.

Have a nice week!

Kind regards,
Elina
Coordinator of International Affairs and Administration

Language Café selection of spring 2026 is here!

Do you want to learn a new language, brush up on your old skills and meet new people? Language Cafés are the perfect opportunity for you!

The idea of the language cafés is to provide an informal platform for students to both learn and teach languages in a relaxed manner. If you complete a couple of assignments during the Language Café, you can earn 1 ECT as a participant. Register to the cafés through this Google Form on Sunday 1 February at the latest.

The following Language Café is available in the spring semester in Kuopio:

• Finnish (Beginner level, ECTs available)

ISYY is looking for student representatives for positions of trust at UEF

Who would be better to represent students’ than another student? Would you like to be that person and take part in university decision-making?

ISYY has published call for applicants for following positions:

• Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology (3 deputy representatives)
• Philosophical Faculty (1 deputy representative)
• University Collegium (2 deputy representatives)
• Education Leadership Group (1 representative and 1 deputy representative)
• Language Centre’s Development Group (2 representatives and 2 deputy representatives)

You can later apply for ETCS's from these positions. And of course, you’ll gain experience in decision-making! In the Faculty Council, University Collegium and Education Leadership Group you will also receive monetary compensation when attending the meetings.

Interested? Read more from ISYY website, get to know the application call and apply by Monday 2 February 12 (noon).

Suggest a stop for the 2026 Savo-Karjala Excursion

We are currently planning the 2026 Savo-Karjala Excursion, and we would love to hear your ideas! Savo-Karjala Excursion is one of the most known and popular ISYY Vappu (May Day) events and it’s held every year 29th April. The Bus Excursion will go around Savo-Karjala area (the area between and around Kuopio and Joensuu) on a predetermined route and its pubs, bars and restaurants. The route remains as a secret until the buses start their journey.

We are looking for suggestions for a stop along the excursion route – especially local restaurants or unique places that we might not otherwise discover when planning the itinerary (e.g. on last year's excursion the participants had an opportunity to visit the Moomin Ice Cave).

If you know a place that could add something special to the excursion experience, don’t hesitate to share your suggestion. All ideas are welcome, and your recommendation might become part of this year's excursion!

The questionnaire closes on Sunday 8 February.

ECTS credits from 2025 positions of trust can now be applied

According to the accepted education plan of UEF, a student can be given ECTS credits for participating in student association or ISYY club work, for acting in the administrative body or working groups of the Student Union, University or in another body of a cooperating organisation or for participating in international association or ISYY club work.

ISYY has now opened the application period for ECTS credits for the positions of trust in 2025. The ECTS credits can be applied until the end of Sunday 1 March 2026.

Six applications for the Secretary General's vacancy

ISYY received six applications for the Secretary General's vacancy during the application period. ISYY's Executive Board decided in its meeting 22 January 2026 to call four applicants for interviews:

• Juutilainen Teemu
• Mirola Hannele
• Parviainen Kalle
• Pylkkänen Henna

The interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 February 2026 in Kuopio. The new Secretary General will be chosen in the Representative Councils meeting on Sunday 1 March 2026.

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):

• Wed 28.1. at 5 pm Kärmes (board game club)
• Sun 1.2. at 1 pm University Student Bible Club
• Mon 2.2. at 5 pm Kärmes (board game club)
• Sun 8.2. 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. Read more on the SYKETTÄ Kuopio website and follow SYKETTÄ on social media:

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

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

• NOTE! From 19.1.2026 onward you must have a valid SYKETTÄ membership when using SYKETTÄ 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.

Upcoming events

SYKETTÄ Kuopio is organising a fun SYKETTÄ Precision Skiing Competition on Fri 30.1. and a Hupailu football tournament on Sat 31.1. at Tahkofest.

SYKEETÄ is also organising courses for skiing and swimming this spring. More information on sport courses webpage.

Would you like to learn how to prepare tasty vegetarian food on a small budget? Participate in SYKETTÄ's cooking evening on Wed 11.2.  Read more about the upcoming event on the  nutrition webpage.

Mark Tue 17.2., 12:00 pm to your calendar! The afternoon is free from teaching and then there will be a sports afternoon event with different kinds of activities for both students and staff of Kuopio's universities. The programme will be published on the sports afternoon webpage on Tuesday 2.2.

Remember to cancel any unused EXAM visits – responsible booking benefits everyone!

An exam visit gives you flexibility and the opportunity to take your exam at a location that suits you – even in another city. This service makes studying easier and offers more options, but available seats are limited.

Please keep these in mind:

• An exam visit is an additional service, not an automatic right – a seat cannot always be guaranteed at your preferred time.
• The service is free for you, but the university pays for every reservation – including unused ones.
• So please cancel any unused reservation in the EXAM system – this frees the slot for another student.

Thank you for acting responsibly – it improves exam opportunities for all students!

Respond to a survey on the accessibility of the University of Eastern Finland Library!

The purpose of the survey is to map the physical and digital accessibility of the library's services, facilities, collections and communications. Your answers will help us make the library more accessible.

The survey is open from 19 January until 8 February 2026.

P. S. Please, visit the library service desk in case you need assistance in filling in the form.

The operation of the KUH Medical Library ends

The library and information service cooperation at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) has been based on a cooperation agreement between the Wellbeing services county of North Savo (PSHVA) and the University of Eastern Finland (UEF).

PSHVA has terminated the cooperation agreement until the end of April 2026. The physical facilities of KUH Medical Library will close on 2 April 2026 and at the same time the library will cease to operate at KUH. A new service agreement for library and information service cooperation is currently being negotiated.

After the completion of the library’s operations, the local services of the library are available at the Kuopio Campus Library.

Student Tutors Needed for Next Autumn Semester!

Would You Like to Be a Student Tutor?If you study in a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree programme at UEF and you are interested in helping the new students in Autumn Semester 2026, you can apply as a student tutor.

The student tutor helps the new students to have a smooth start for their studies. Tutoring offers many opportunities to learn, for example to develop your communication and coordinating skills. The tutors will be trained for the job, and they will receive credits and a certificate on tutoring.

The application period is 19 Jan – 1 Feb 2026.

YUFE Online Language Cafés are back!

Looking to improve your foreign language skills in a relaxed, international way? The YUFE Online Language Cafés (OLCs) meet once a week for 90 minutes, moderated by a student tutor, and focused on real life communication and interaction.

Each week, you’ll explore a new topic with other language learners from across Europe. No pressure, just conversation.

• Languages available: Dutch - English - French - German - Spanish
• Deadline: 8 February
• Courses start: Week of 16 February
• Courses are held online via our Virtual Campus.

UEF Trainee 2026 Positions are now open!

UEF Trainee Programme provides paid internship placements to international degree students (bachelor´s and master´s students) of UEF. In the programme, international degree students have a chance to work at placements provided by our collaborators for two months (or four months half time).

The application period is open until 30th January 2026 (by 16.00 hours Finnish time). You can apply simultaneously, in the order of your preference, up to three different placements by using application form. The selection of candidates is done by the provider (employer) of the training position. You can see the open positions here. The training can be done anytime during the year 2026.

To be eligible, you need to be registered to one of UEF degree programs as an active student when you apply. You are still eligible if you graduate before or during your training period.

Looking for an internship, a thesis topic, or work experience in Finland? Talent Pool can help you get started

Talent Pool is a skills database for international students at UEF. By registering, you can showcase your skills, education, and work experience to potential employers — all in one place.

How does Talent Pool work? 

• Fill in a short survey about your skills, studies and career interests.
• Employers contact Talent Hub when they are looking for students.
• With your permission, we introduce suitable candidates to employers.
• You may be invited to meet employers and discuss next steps.

First-year student, please complete the HealthStart questionnaire in the Self online service

If you started completing your first degree at an institution of higher education in the spring semester 2026, you can now complete the HealthStart questionnaire in the Self online service. After completing the HealthStart questionnaire, you’ll receive feedback on your state of health and may be referred to health promotion services provided by the FSHS.

The health examination for first-year students begins with the HealthStart questionnaire, the aim of which is to help you and healthcare professionals check your health status and refer you to the appropriate services as early as possible at the beginning of your studies.

The HealthStart questionnaire examines your physical, mental and social health, as well as the key aspects of your health behavior and factors affecting your health, health behavior and ability to study.

Coffee & Friends continues today!

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 from 27 January forward at 3-5pm at Lukema (ISYY office in the Studentia building). On today’s programme we have Board Games!

Coffee & Friends programme:

• 27.2. Board games
• 3.2. Speed Friending 
• 10.2. Valentine’s Day crafts 
• 17.2. Relaxing and colouring

ISYY's Movie Club Hyvät Kuvat spring season begins this Thursday!

ISYY's Movie Club called Hyvät Kuvat will start their spring season on Thursday 29 January. The club presents 11 movies during the spring on Thursdays at 5.30 pm at the Cinema Kino Kuvakukko (address: Vuorikatu 27).
 
The Club sells seasonal tickets, which gives you access to all of spring 2026 movies. It is not possible to buy seperate tickets for each movie. The price for students is 25 € and for others 30 €. The tickets will come to sale on Thursday and you can buy them from the ISYY Kuopio office at 1 pm and from Kino Kuvakukko at 5 pm.

And if by any chance you happen to be an exchange student and an ISYY member, we are happy to provide you a free seasonal ticket for this spring, ask more from the ISYY office!

Vamos Olohuone

We are happy to start our Vamos
Kuopio Olohuone! You are more than
welcome to join. Please contact us if
you have any questions. Activities are
free of charge. Please wear comfortable clothes
for the activities.

January activities:

• Tue 27.1., 2 pm-6 pm: Relaxing Yoga
  and Smoothies
• Thu 29.1., 3 pm-7 pm: Board Games
• Sat 31.1., 1 pm-5 pm: Special Program

Let's speak Suomi!

Welcome to Neulamäki Library Language Café to learn to speak Finnish in a relaxed atmosphere on Tue 27.1. at 5 pm.

Neulamäki Library Language Café is an open, relaxed event where you can practice speaking Finnish while playing board games. When you strike up a conversation, it’s easy to get to know new people and cultures.  Of course, you can also participate just by listening! Library staff will also take part in the games and conversations to collect ideas for future gatherings.

So come along, bring a relaxed attitude and a smile! You can take your whole family with you if you like! No registration needed. Coffee and tea available.

#KPOWEEKINENGLISH

Musical songbook, Tue 27.1 at 18-19 in Kuopio Cathedral (Vuorikatu 17)
Students from the Kuopio unit of the Sibelius Academy will perform melodies by G.C. Schmell and J.S. Bach's numbered bass lines, improvising in the best Baroque spirit. Free admission.

Open art workshop, Thu 29.1. at 14-16.30 in Kuopio Museum workshop space (Museokatu 1)
Explore different themes through art. No previous experience in drawing or painting is required. No advance registration. Instructor: Johanna Rossi. Free admission.

Outdoor event for all ages, Sat 31.1. at 14-16 in Brahenpuisto Park (Brahenkatu 5)
Come and enjoy a day of winter outdoor activities. There will be group games and songs every hour, activity stations, sledding and an animal search game with small prizes for children. Warm juice and buns will be served. Weather permitting. Free admission.

Welcome to Sessions Talents at Novapolis on 4.2.2026

Are you looking for a job, summer work, or an internship? Interested in entrepreneurship, or searching for a suitable thesis topic? Sessions Talents gives you the opportunity to connect directly with experts from companies and education providers.

Sessions Talents 2026 is a new kind of recruitment and networking event that brings together both domestic and international students with companies in an impactful way.

At the event, you can explore different theme areas at a time that best suits your schedule. Check the day's program and participating companies online, no registration needed!

Welcome to plan the next Yhdessä Kuopiossa multicultural event and enjoy world rhythms!

World Rhythm Experience on Tuesday February 10th at 5 PM at Kuopio City Theatre

Program:

• 17:00 Planning the next multicultural event Yhdessä Kuopiossa
• 18:00 Quick and easy dance lessons from different Latin rhythms
• 19:30 Free dancing and having a good time together

The dance lessons are intended for all participants, including families.
The good atmosphere and music at the event is created by DJ Da2s. Each participant can request their favorite song from the DJ. Free entrance – welcome to party together! Program changes possible.

Friendship Day Event in Kuopio

Looking to meet new people and expand your network in a relaxed, friendly setting? International House Kuopio and Turvalinkki is hosting a Friendship Day Event in Kuopio for adults who want to connect, play games, and enjoy good company.

What to expect? Meet new people, play fun games with prizes to win  and enjoy coffee and snacks. This event is open to both immigrants and Finnish participants who would like to make new friends and practice English and easy Finnish together.

• 13 February at 12:00–13:30
• Kasarmikatu 2, 70110 Kuopio
• Language: English & easy Finnish
• Adults only (not a kid-friendly event)

The event is free, but please register in advance so we can prepare enough coffee and snacks. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ready to work in Finland?

Join us to learn the essentials of working life and job hunting in Finland — understand the job market, what employers value, and discover the best ways to find new opportunities.

This event is free and open to everyone. Sign up today!

• 16 February at 13:00 – 15:00
• Place: TyöNavigaattori, Asemakatu 7, 70110 Kuopio
• Language: English

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.