International Office Guide2015 0.Pdf

1 CONTENTS

Tervetuloa Ouluun! 12. Social Security Number andHealth Insurance Card 18 Welcome to Oulu! 4 13. Taxation 18 14. When Finishing Your Studies in Oulu 18 1. Finland in Brief 4 2. City of Oulu 5 Other Practical Information 21 3. Higher Education in Finland 7 1. Medical Services 21 University of Oulu 9 2. Transportation 22 3. Telephoning and Mailing 22 1. Introduction 9 4. Food 23 2. Studies 9 5. Shopping 24 3. Services 11 6. Recreation 24 4. Student Union 12 7. Other Services 26 5. Alumni Relations 13 Useful Information for Living in Finland 27 Your Stay in Oulu 15 1. Bits and Pieces 27 1. Before You Arrive 15 2. Public holidays 27 2. Residence Permit 15 3. For Further Information 28 3. Work Permit 16 4. Housing Matters 16 Finnish - a Survival Kit 29 5. Insurance 16 7. Once in Finland - How to get to Oulu 16 8. After You Have Arrived 17 9. Registering at the University 17 10. Opening a Bank Account 17 11. Civil Registration 17

Copyright 2015, Academic Affairs, University of Oulu. All attempts are taken to use up-to-date materials and sources to ensure that the information provided is correct. Academic Affairs is not liable for any damages caused by out-of-date or incorrect information.

2 SO HERE YOU ARE!

You made it through the application procedure, you managed to collect and send all the right papers, you waited long, you cheered when you received the acceptance letter. You booked your flight, and without noticing how fast time has passed, you found yourself in Oulu welcomed by a kummi tutor that gave you the keys of your new home. Well done, welcome to the North! Oulu will be your new home for the following months. And Oulu is a warm home, no matter what the weather forecasts might claim. Naturally, the beginning might be a bit challenging. As I say, the first 15 days of moving to a new country, are always the most difficult ones. These are the days when you do not have easy access to internet for making a skype call back home, days on which you spend an entire afternoon trying to find a thick enough duvet (you heard something about -25C in this city), the days you realize that Oulu city center looks smaller than what you thought. These are the days on which your classmates do not look as cool and as friendly as you expected. But, these are only the first days. After you give some time and open up to the new life in Oulu, Oulu will open up too. This is the point when you will realize that your new friends here are not like your friends in your country. And somehow, you start liking it: you came here after all to experience something different, right? This is when you realize that the real fun activities in Oulu are not only the ones practiced in the bars of the city centre: It is the time spent in the free huts you can stay while hiking during the spring, the snowball fights you will participate in the winter and the “makkara”-barbeques on snow. This is when you realize that the learning process in the classes you will take here is different from what you have experienced in your home country: It will be able actually YOU drafting the directions of your own learning path, choosing what you want to learn, and how to learn it. This is when you start realizing that you have power as a student: You can evaluate your own professors and give them feedback about their teaching methods. So remember to do that, Finns are very good at listening (for real). Once you have made yourself comfortable in Oulu, your studying period comes to end without you noticing how fast the time has flown. This is the point where you might feel the need to share the great experience of studying in Oulu with other people. You will feel that need as a “loan” you took and you need to give back, so that others can have the opportunity to come and experience University of Oulu. This is the way I feel, and it makes me happy inviting friends and people to come and study up in the north of Finland. This great feeling of being part of the Oulu-family that reminds you that once you have been part of the University of Oulu, this is something that stays with you for long. And this is why many of us, alumnis of the University of Oulu, want to find ways to stay longer, or to come back for another degree. Once a student, always an alumni. Not so much time has passed from the moment when I was in your position, and as like you, I was full of expectations. Having completed my Master’s programme here, I would only wish you your staying to Oulu to be a life-changing experience, where you have the possibility to learn yourself better, and to learn different ways of being and different ways of learning. This is the beginning of your new life.

Marita Alexaki Alumni graduate 2013, Master’s Degree in Education and Globalisation

3 WELCOME! TERVETULOA!

Welcome to Oulu! This Guide is intended for new international students who have been admitted to study at the University of Oulu, Finland. It contains a lot of information that we hope will be useful for you while planning your stay as well as during your studies in Finland.

Wishing you a pleasant stay in Oulu!

1. FINLAND IN BRIEF

Bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea, the Republic of Finland (Suomi in Finnish) is located in the northernmost part of Europe and is actually one of the northernmost countries in the world; one-third of the country is lying north of the Arctic Circle. Finland is the fifth largest country in Western Europe but has one of the lowest population densities in Europe. This allows you to experience the spaciousness of 589,000, while Oulu is the fifth largest city as their mother tongue. The rest of the of the environment and closeness of the with the population of 183,000. Other bigger Saami population speak Finnish. Both wilderness, with vast forests and about cities include Espoo with a population of Finnish and Saami, alongside Hungarian thousands of lakes. 248,000, Tampere 213,000, Vantaa 200,000 and Estonian, belong to the small family of Although Finland is situated in the and Turku 177,000. Finno-Ugric languages. North, the climate is fairly moderate, Finnish speaking Finns are expected to thanks to the Gulf Stream. The four Languages learn Swedish and vice versa, as part of their distinctive seasons offer possibilities to Finland has two official languages: Finnish basic education. Most Finns are also able experience both nightless summer nights and Swedish. Over 90% of the population to get along in English. Additionally, many as well as dayless winter days. has Finnish as their native language.The Finns speak German, French or Russian. Swedish-speaking population, found Population mainly in the coastal area in the southwest, Government Finland has a population of nearly 5.4 million. comprises about 5.5 per cent of the total From 1155 to 1809, the country currently Over three-fourths of the country’s population population. In the north there is a small called Finland was a part of Sweden. In live in cities and town centres. Helsinki, the Saami (Lappish) minority of about 10,000 1809, Finland was incorporated into the national capital since 1812, has a population people. Less than half of them have Saami Russian Empire as an autonomous Grand

4 Finland - capital city: Helsinki - currency: Euro - government: Parlamentary Democracy - with the surface area of 338, 424 sq km, Finland has 5.3 million inhabitants, 110 000 foreigners, 15.7 inhabitants per square kilometre - is one of the leading countries in internet and mobile phone use - has exactly 187 888 lakes - is the home of sauna, Linux, Marimekko, and Alvar Aalto - has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world - average temperatures (in Oulu): +15.7 C in July and -11.7 C in January

Duchy. On December 6, 1917, Finland declared independence. Since then, the country has steadily developed into one of Finns the highly advanced western democracies. - are among the biggest coffee drinkers Since 1995, Finland has been a member of - are among the biggest ice-cream eaters the European Union. - claim sports as their favourite leisure For over 90 years now, Finland has been time activity a sovereign, multi-party, parliamentary republic, with power shared by Parliament, the Cabinet and the President. The President is elected every six years by equal and universal suffrage. At the moment the President of Finland is Mr Sauli Niinistö elected in 2012. The 200 members of Parliament are elected every four years, new members are elected during Sprin 2015.

2. CITY OF OULU

With a population of around 183,000, Oulu is the cultural, commercial and administrative centre for the whole of central and northern Finland. The city was founded in 1605, by Charles IX, King of Sweden and Finland, as a trading post on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the Oulu River. The estuary Oulu River has been an important centre of trade since ancient times, and throughout the centuries Oulu has been a city noted for trade and shipping. In the middle of the 19th century, the city became one of the biggest tar producers in the world. Oulu still retains a strong maritime atmosphere, with its picturesque waterfront and market

5 Oulu - 65°01 N, 25°48 E - is the largest city in Northern Scandinavia - has the youngest population in Finland - has the population of 183.000 - is located on the shore of the Bay of Bothnia, along the Oulu River - was founded in 1605 by King Carl IX of Sweden

place. Oulu became the capital of the Province of Oulu in 1765. Oulu region, like most of Finland, is not densely inhabited, which creates a sense of spaciousness to the city and its surroundings. Traffic jams hardly exist, local bus connections are frequent and, since the landscape is mostly flat, bicycles are a common means of transport. In a short time, Oulu has developed into one of the leading centres of technological expertise in the whole world. In 1982, the City of Oulu started a state financed development project, in co-operation with the University of Oulu, called “The Oulu Centre of Expertise Program”. The first resources. is favourable for water sports and fishing in and the biggest technology park in the The Oulu region offers a wide choice of the summer - not only because Oulu is located Nordic countries, Oulu Technopolis Plc, leisure time activities. For those interested in at sea, but also because of the lakes and rivers was founded through this programme. sports there are various recreation facilities. in the region. In 1992, it was followed by Medipolis Ltd, For outdoor sports, there are running, biking Winter sports - downhill and which is a centre of companies specialized in and hiking tracks, football(soccer) fields and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, technology and biotechnology of medicine. golf courses, for summer use, and skiing- snowmobiling, snow safaris and ice fishing - Both centres continue to work closely tracks and ice-rinks, durung the winter. All are some of the activities people enjoy during together, in co-operation with the University year round there are many indoor facilities the winter and early spring. In addition to the of Oulu, initiating and encouraging such as swimming pools, spas, ice-rinks, and fine environment for sports in Oulu, there worldwide connections, giving thus a sports halls for all kinds of sports from archery are some great skiing and hiking resorts only rewarding example of mutual utilisation of to football(soccer). Furthermore, the location a few hours drive away from the city.

6 The cultural offerings are likewise 2. HIGHER EDUCATION extensive and varied. Oulu has old IN FINLAND traditions in music and theatre: Erik Tulindberg, the first art composer in Finland’s first university, the Royal Finland, wrote his string quartet in Oulu Academy of Turku, was founded in 1640. in the 18th century. Leevi Madetoja, the Today, there are 16 universities and four composer of our national opera ‘Pohjalaisia’ university-level art academies in Finland, was also from Oulu. Today the city hosts which makes the Finnish system of higher many choirs and orchestras, including education proportionally one of Europe’s the northernmost symphony orchestra in largest. the world, Oulu Sinfonia. The Oulu City Most of these institutions operate on a Theatre, Oulun Kaupunginteatteri, is multi-faculty basis, although there are a located next to the City Library. Both the few which specialize in a particular field of migration). If you are in Finland for the theatre and the library are built partly on study, e.g. technology, economics or fine express purpose of attending school, the sea and partly on a man-made island, arts. you are not eligible for financial aid from which is connected to the mainland and to Finnish universities, with an annual Finland. Students from other EU countries a nearby island with bridges. Oulu hosts entering enrolment of approximately may apply for support if their studies are numerous arts festivals throughout the year 20,000, have a total student population of closely related to their work or if they are that guarantee that there is never a dull some 176,000. Before being accepted to a involuntarily unemployed. For possible moment in the cultural scene. university, students must meet relatively support, please consult the KELA-guide Oulu has been highly appreciated for demanding criteria in their high school for foreign students, or call: the KELA its schools for nearly four centuries. The and matriculation exam results, compiled Centre for Student Financial Aid helpline. level of education in the Oulu region with success in their university entrance tel. 020 692 229 is statistically higher than in Finland examination. Less than 50 per cent of the as a whole. More than 55 per cent of total number of applicants are accepted. See also: www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf the population over 15 years of age has Once accepted, a Finnish citizen completed a post-compulsory education is entitled to a study grant, housing programme, five per cent more than the supplement and a government guaranteed national average. study loan. If you are not a Finnish citizen, you may be entitled to financial See also: www.oulu.ouka.fi/english/ aid with education in Finland if you are registered as a permanent resident of Finland in the population register system and your purpose for residence in Finland is something other than education (for example, work, family ties or return

7 The University of Oulu has an impeccably well implemented set of programs. Tanya Anthony, Master’s Programme in Architectural Design

8 UNIVERSITY OF OULU

1. INTRODUCTION University Facts Campuses - founded in 1958 The main part of the University is located - 15 337 students about 6 kilometres (4 miles) north of the - 2649 staff members, city centre, on the Linnanmaa campus, with 208 professors which is a complex of modern classrooms, - two campuses: Linnanmaa and libraries, laboratories, sports facilities and Kontinkangas residence halls. Seven of the University’s - International degree students: ten faculties are located in Linnanmaa 848 (in 2014) campus. The Faculty of Medicine and Faculty - Exchange students: 480 (in 2014) of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine See also: www.oulu.fi/english Founded in 1958, the University of Oulu occupy a campus of their own next to the (Oulun yliopisto) is a young, rapidly hospital in Kontinkangas, close to the city developing institution. Today with its centre. A third University campus is located The fields of information technology, over 15 000 students the University of in Kajaani, about 200 kilometres southeast biotechnology, northern and environmental Oulu is one of the largest universities in from Oulu. issues have been defined as special research the country. The University of Oulu also has a focus areas. number of biological research stations and field study centres across the north of 2. STUDIES academic degree, i.e. the 2-year Master’s Finland. or the Licentiate degree. Upon defence of Structure of Studies a dissertation the Licentiate holder may be Faculties and Institutes The University of Oulu adopted a two- awarded a Doctorate (tohtori). The Doctoral The faculties have a combined staff of about cycle model for degrees on August 1, 2005. Degree may also be obtained without first 3,000 and a resident student body of nearly In the new system, the basic degree is having to take the Licentiate. Furthermore, 16,000. The total enrolment of international divided into two levels. Students will first the Faculty of Medicine offers a possibility to degree students is 848 and there were 480 complete the lower academic degree, i.e. the specialise in various fields of medicine and incoming exchange students during 2014. 3-year Bachelor’s degree, then the higher dentistry.

9 Teaching methods vary from department to department, but in general the study system is based on lectures. FACULTIES AND DEPARTMENTS Typically, students have the choice of attending lectures and passing examinations on these or taking examinations on set books, which are considered the equivalent of Humanities these lectures. Lectures and book examinations are Archaeology Cultural Anthropology complemented by seminars and small-group tutorials. English Philology Finnish Language Science degrees may also include laboratory and practical German Philology History work requirements. A signifi cant feature in all teaching History of Science and Ideas Information Studies and studying at the University of Oulu is the use of modern Literature Logopedics technology, which is conveniently accessible to all staff and Nordic Philology Saami Language and students. Saami Culture Credits Together with the new degree system, the credit system Education changed as well. One Finnish credit (opintopiste, op) Educational Sciences and Teacher Education equals 1 ECTS and it may be awarded for a lecture Teacher Training series, book examination, independent research, or for a combination of these. 60 Finnish credits (60 ECTS) represents the full work load of one academic Science year. Courses are divided into General Studies Biology Chemistry (Perusopinnot), Subject Studies (Aineopinnot), i.e. Geography Physics courses in the student’s major and minor fields, and Mathematical Sciences Advanced Studies (Syventävät opinnot), which consist of more independent research and the writing of a master’s thesis. Medicine In most departments international students do not Biomedicine Clinical Medicine have to register for courses before you arrive in Oulu, Dentistry Diagnostics but it is advised that you participate in study info day Health Sciences of your department during the Orientation or contact department/programme’s coodinator in order to find Oulu Business School out about studying practicalities. Economics Management Both the faculties and the departments have set Accounting Marketing examination dates. Examinations are also held at the Finance International Business ends of lecture series for students who have attended the lectures. Some courses may not have examinations, but require instead compulsory attendance and a Technology certain number of completed exercises. The grading Mechanical Engineering scale is from 5 to 1 (5 being the highest). Some courses Process and Environmental Engineering may be graded pass/fail, in which case only the pass is Industrial Engineering and Management marked. All grades are entered into the computer register. You may get a transcript or an extract of your study record Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (opintosuoritusrekisteriote) from the Student Center. Electrical Engineering Grades may also be consulted through web based Computer Science and Engineering system, called WebOodi, and many departments inform Communications Engineering students of their exam results/grades by e-mail. Information Processing Science

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Oulu School of Architecture

Oulu Mining School

10 3. SERVICES The Pegasus library (Tiedekirjasto Pegasus) accumulates all textbooks and Academic Calendar Student Center course materials, scientific publications, Academic Year 2015-2016 The Student Center located in Linnanmaa bibliographies and reference works in campus serves all students with a large all subjects (except Medicine, Dentistry Autumn term 2015 variety of services. It administers student and Public Health Care) taught at the - Recommended arrival date: registrations, transcript issuence, student University. Furthermore, the library has September 1 financial aid and new student application rights to a free copy of every publication - Orientation: September 2-3 information. In addition, the Student published in Finland. - Independence Day: December 6 Center provides information on student The course books for all subjects taught (national holiday) exchanges abroad, career services and at the University of Oulu (except for - Term Ends approximately student counseling. If you are a student medical subjects, which are in the faculty December 18 (check the specific with special needs, please contact the study library in Kontinkangas) can be borrowed date from the department) counselor at Student Center. Most services from the Cursus Course Book Library are available Mon-Fri 9am-3pm while (kurssikirjaosasto Cursus) on Linnanmaa Spring Term 2016 others require reservations. Campus. The reserve book reading room - Arrival Dates: January 4-6 (kurssikirjalukusali) in the Pegasus - Orientation: January 7-8 See also: www.oulu.fi/english/studying, Library holds one copy of every course - Winter Holiday: week 10 www.oulu.fi/english/studying/ book (except medical texts). The books can (not applicable in all faculties) student-center be read in the reading room or checked out - Easter: March 25-28 as overnight or weekend loans. - May Day: May 1 (national holiday) Libraries Libraries organize visits for new students - Term ends approximately May 31 The University of Oulu library collection to familiarize with Finnish library system, totals some 1.5 million volumes. About half to get a library card etc. These Library Grading System of these are located in Pegasus Library. ABC sessions are started at the beginning Finnish ECTS US Most books (books published in 1982 or of terms. More information given during Grade Grade Grade afterwards, and all reserve books) have orientation. 5 A A been catalogued on an integrated on-line 4 B A- system, which you may consult on terminals See also: www.kirjasto.oulu.fi -> in English 3 C B throughout the libraries or through the 2 D C internet. Older books may be found either Computer Services 1 E D in the on-line catalogue or the central card Students have access to some 260 index located in the Pegasus Library. For computers in various computer rooms and your convenience, all libraries have an micro labs on the Linnanmaa campus. department in order to to be given access information desk where the personnel is Most computers require your e-mail login codes for the computers. ready to help you. If the University of Oulu name for you to be able to use them. Please Students receive their ICT login libraries do not have the material you need note that some of these facilities belong information directly from the ICT services in stock, you may obtain it through inter- to individual departments and are only once they have registered to the University. library loan from elsewhere in Finland or the accessible when they are not being used for Students are also able to activate the O365 world. To use this service (which is liable to teaching purposes. In the departmental e-mail service, it is free of charge for all a charge), please, consult the library staff. micro labs, you need to be a student of that students at the University of Oulu.

11 You need your University of Oulu login 4. STUDENT UNION informs international students of other name to be able to use all University’s happenings in Oulu. on-line learning environments as well All Bachelor and Master’s level students ESN Oulu aims to activate students as the computers run by the University’s at the University of Oulu belong to the in various ways, so that they can feel ICT services. There are numerous e-mail University of Oulu Student Union (Oulun at home in Oulu and get the best out terminals along the hallways and in special yliopiston ylioppilaskunta/OYY). OYY of their stay. Oulu’s ESN chapter has computer laboratories in the university, promotes the social and educational regular get-togethers, and members keep for everyone to use. Rooms for scanning, conditions of both domestic and international a lively connection to each other. All ESN CD production, video editing, as well as students, representing them in the National meetings are open for everybody and take general computer rooms, are located in Union of Students in Finland (Suomen place at the university or at a café close the Microcomputer laboratory located by ylioppilaskuntien liitto/SYL). by. There are also many regular sports entrance X1. Post Graduate, i.e. post Master’s, students activities, like a floor ball and volleyball Services (including a limited amount of can choose if they wish to join the student club, every week. printing) are free of charge for those who union. They are not entitled to student have a student status at the University of benefits. See also: esnoulu.org Oulu. Bachelor and Master’s level students must Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ register as members of Student Union during esnoulu/ See also: http://www.oulu.fi/ict/students orientation. Student Union’s membership fee during academic year 2015-2016 is 54,50EUR/ NISO Language and Communication term or 107EUR/full year. By becoming a Network of International Students in Oulu The Language and Communication, member you are entitled to several student (NISO) is an active student organization. located on Linnanmaa Campus, is in benefits such as student priced lunches It provides a perfect environment for charge of arranging language courses for on campus cafeterias, cheaper monthly interaction for all international degree and students. Students interested in taking bus pass, health services at Student health exchange students coming to study to Oulu. Finnish courses are advised to attend a clinic etc. For more information please visit NISO offers various social, cultural and sport general information meeting during the Student union’s website. activities that are open to all students of orientation. Should you arrive outside The Student Union employs a secretary University of Oulu and Oulu University of the orientation period, please contact the general, a secretary for educational affairs, Applied Sciences. All NISO events are created Language and Communication directly. a secretary for social affairs and an editor so that everybody will find something he/she Students can also participate in the for the student newspaper. You may would like to take part in. Every year NISO Tandem Language Learning Programme. contact them for information about the welcomes and takes in the active team new In the programme you will teach a various activities of the Student Union. volunteers and Board Members. Finnish student about your language and Student Union manages a Survival culture, and in return, the Finnish student Pack room on campus from which new See also: https://www.facebook.com/niso. teaches you about Finnish language and international students can borrow different oulu culture. The program is coordinated household necessities to their room. Email: [email protected] by the teachers of the Language and Students are expected to return the items YouTube channel: NISOOulu Communication, but the meetings are when they no longer need them or when arranged by the students themselves. leaving Oulu. The Student Newspaper Therefore, the program has no fixed The Student Union publishes a newspaper timetable. You can receive credits for this See also: www.oyy.fi called Ylioppilaslehti 15 times a year. optional course. Alternatively, a self-study Facebook: search for OYY You can order it, pick it up for free from program in Finnish is available for use in racks in the corridors or read it online. the Self-Access Center, (room KK238). ESN Ylioppilaslehti provides useful information The Erasmus Student Network, ESN, is for students, presents topical issues and has Copying Services an European organization for international interviews, stories and comics. The paper You will be able to find coin and card students, and in Oulu, it is a section of is published mainly in Finnish, but the operated photocopy machines for the Student Union. The main task of editorial staff welcomes material in English students throughout Linnanmaa campus. ESN is to provide international students as well. Photocopy machines are also available in with all kinds of free-time activities here various lobbies, libraries and departments in the University of Oulu. Some events, of the University. Many of these are run by like a trip to the famous snow castle Student Guilds student guilds and can be used by students. in the city of Kemi or to Russia, are Every major subject has its own Prices may vary, ask the department staff arranged traditionally every year, others organisation for students called a student or the student guild. are one-time events based on the ideas guild. These guilds arrange events, such of the international students each year. as sauna evenings, parties, trips and sports These happenings might include visits hours, and they often have their own to museums, exhibitions, parties, trips guild rooms in the university where you to local attractions, etc. ESN Oulu also

12 can have coffee, use computers and meet people. Each student guild also has its own overalls, each with their own colour. Overalls are used in student parties and create a feeling of togetherness.

Other Activities for Students There are several clubs and hobby and interest groups at the university. More information on these is given at the Orientaion.

See also: www.oyy.fi/en

5. ALUMNI RELATIONS

Two years may sound like a long time now that you are about to start your studies but time flies: you are a student today, a graduate tomorrow – and an alumnus/ alumna forever. All University of Oulu graduates with a communications related training and Business Kitchen Bachelor’s, Master’s or a Doctoral degree volunteering possibilities. Any Master’s Torikatu 23 (4th floor.), 90100 Oulu are University of Oulu alumni. Many of degree student can participate in the www.businesskitchen.fi the 55,000 alumni that have graduated programme. For more information and to www.facebook.com/ since the University was founded in see current ambassadors, please visit www. BusinessKitchenOulu 1958, live in the Oulu region or Northern oulu.fi/degree/alumni_ambassadors. Finland. Quite a few live and work in Oulu Student Southern Finland and about 1,500 are Mentoring Entrepreneurship Society located overseas, mostly in Europe. Some degree programmes offer mentoring www.ouluses.fi One of the first alumni is President for students; if you are interested in www.facebook.com/OuluSES Martti Ahtisaari, Nobel Peace Prize personal and career development and laureate, who was nominated the first wish to share your thoughts, hopes and Demola Oulu University of Oulu Alumnus of the Year even fears with an alumni expert, please oulu.demola.net in 1999. inquire your programme coordinator about www.facebook.com/DemolaOulu the possibility. Please note that not all Alumni network international Master’s programmes offer Socializing Friday To stay in touch with you after graduation, mentoring. Career days and alumni events www.socfri.com the University warmly invites you to join are in place in many programmes and www.facebook.com/SocializingFriday the Alumni Network at alumni.oulu.fi. faculties to link students and alumni. The Alumni Network is a free-of-charge service open to all University of Oulu graduates. Network members receive a BUILDING NETWORKS regular alumni newsletter and invitations WHILE STUDYING There you can also find Demola Oulu to events. Currently, there are about 6,000 During studies you build and become part for interdisciplinary student projects. network members. For more information of networks as you meet new people in new University students are welcome to stop about Alumni Relations please contact environments: other students, professors by in the Business Kitchen to work or to [email protected]. and teachers as well as alumni. see what opportunities they might find to To show your University of Oulu To expose yourself to new people and enrich the studies or student life. connection in your LinkedIn profile, please ideas, there are some places to worth Sozialising Friday is a concept that brings join the Alumni of Oulu University group. visiting: together experts, entrepreneurs, students Business Kitchen in the city centre as well as University of Oulu and Oulu Alumni Ambassador Programme houses organisations and start-up University of Applied Sciences staff to open, To get involved in Alumni Relations companies. In Business Kitchen, you free-of-charge Socializing Friday events. already while studying, you can join the can meet and greet Oulu Student University of Oulu Alumni Ambassador Entrepreneurship Society representatives Programme that offers marketing and and even consider becoming a member.

13 The University of Oulu is a great place to study. Aleksandra Lazareva, Master’s Programme in Learning, Education and Technology

14 YOUR STAY IN OULU

1. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE EUR 6 720 per year. Any student who submits a residence Checklist of Documents Once accepted to the University of Oulu you permit application must also attach details to Bring With You will receive the official acceptance package of their comprehensive health insurance - valid passport/identification through e-mail, it includes the acceptance cover to their application. Comprehensive - letter of acceptance from the letter as well as other useful information insurance cover means insurance which University of Oulu regarding your time in Oulu. The acceptance includes the types of treatment and costs - proof of private insurance that package also includes information regarding that are covered by municipal health care covers hospitalization, evacuation your arrival in Oulu. Please read carefully all services and the health insurance system. and repatriation documents and follow the instructions to A student must have insurance cover when - proof of financial means to support confirm your study place by the deadline applying for a residence permit as without your stay given. it, a residence permit cannot be granted. - European Health Card (students from Orientation for new international students For studies of less than two years in EU and EEA countries) is arranged twice a year: September 2-3, duration, a student must have private 2015 and January 7-8, 2016. Participation insurance which primarily covers the costs Other Things to Remember in the orientation programme is highly of medical treatment up to 100,000 Euros. - bring some money in the local recommended. Learn more regarding the needed insurance currency, i.e. euros on page 16. - bring your prescriptions if you See also: http://www.oulu.fi/english/ Where the duration of the studies is two are on medication studying/new-students/orientation years or more, a student will usually have - bring warm clothes a home municipality in Finland and is - inform your student tutor therefore entitled to municipal health care (i.e. kummi) of the exact date and 2. RESIDENCE PERMIT services. In such cases, it is sufficient for time of your arrival as well as the the insurance to primarily cover the cost means of travel Your acceptance package includes a letter of medicines (in practice the cover extends - if you for some reason cancel from Finnish Immigration officials. Please to doctor’s fees and costs of treatment and your study in Oulu inform the refer to that for more detailed information. examination), up to 30,000 Euros. department/programme

Non-EU citizens A non-EU citizen, who is granted EU-citizens admission to study for more than three EU citizens and citizens of Liechtenstein months, needs to apply for their first and Switzerland do not need to apply for a Please, notice that the Finnish government residence permit before arriving in Finland residence permit while still in their home does not provide funding for an EU at the Finnish diplomatic mission in their country. They must, however, register citizen to stay in Finland, nor does it country of origin or another country their right to reside in Finland at a police cover expenses for medical care for such a where the applicant is legally resident. department in Finland, if the stay lasts for person. EU citizens are therefore required You should submit the residence permit longer than three months. Citizens of the to have the European Health Card proving application as soon as you have received Nordic countries are registered at a Finnish that they are covered by the health care confirmation of your place of study and it Register Office (Maistraatti). system of their home country. A private is highly recommended that you leave the insurance to cover the whole study period application electronically. The requirements for a student’s right to in Finland is also highly recommended. When applying for the residence permit reside in Finland are as follows: The student must self-finance his or her you must show that your income is secured • the main reason for the stay in Finland stay in Finland during the study period. either with a scholarship, a grant or other is to study at a Finnish educational The student may provide proof of funding funds with which you can support yourself institution, in any way he or she chooses. Students during the academic year. Students must • the student has sufficient means to from Nordic countries do not need to be able to prove that they have at their support his or her stay in Finland provide proof of funding. disposal at least EUR 560 per month or during the studies. See also: Finnish Immigration Service, www.migri.fi. 15 3. WORK PERMIT accomodation possibilities: from shared 6. ONCE IN FINLAND apartments to studios, around the city area. - HOW TO GET TO OULU International students, with a valid residence Some of the apartments are furnished. permit, are granted permission to work for Tenants take personal responsibility of the From Helsinki to Oulu 20 hours per week during terms and take cleanliness of the kitchen, bathroom and When you arrive by air in Helsinki- full-time employment during the summer their own room. The shared premises are Vantaa airport, you can take a 60-minute break (May 1 to Sept 30) and Christmas kept in order by the tenants themselves. connecting flight to Oulu Airport. The holidays (Dec 15 to Jan 15), without having Residence halls have laundry rooms and fare from Helsinki to Oulu varies between to apply for a work permit. For more detailed saunas, with separate bathing times for men EUR 50 and EUR 200, for a one-way information, please, turn to the Alien Affairs and women. ticket, depending on the time of the day. Office (ulkomaalaisasiat) at the Oulu Police Station (Oulun poliisilaitos), Rata-aukio 2 See also: www.psoas.fi/en See also: www.finnair.com, (ground floor), tel. 0295 416 027, phone www.norwegian.com service Tue 9-11, 13-15. Please note that you need to reserve an appointment in advance 5. INSURANCE You can also travel by train to Oulu at https://asiointi.poliisi.fi/ajanvaraus/ from Helsinki. There is a direct bus line reservations. The University of Oulu does not cover from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Helsinki If you intend to have a full-time job in any medical costs for students. For study railway station (EUR 4-6,50; time: 35 Finland during the academic year, you related accidents students are insured by minutes). From Helsinki to Oulu, there are need to apply for a separate work permit the University of Oulu. All students are seven trains a day (approx. EUR 70; time: (työntekijän oleskelulupa) at the Oulu Police responsible for their own health, accident 7 hours). Station. It usually takes at least 3 weeks to and travel insurances. Do not forget to take process an application. In principle, foreign an insurance that covers all of these during See also: www.vr.fi students may only be granted a work permit both your stay in Finland and your travel for full-time employment, during the to and from Finland. For eventual leisure Oulu Airport to the City Centre and academic terms, if their work constitutes a time excursions, it is advisable to make to the Linnanmaa Campus part of their studies. sure that the insurance is valid in Finland’s After arriving in Oulu by air, you should If you are coming to Oulu to do a neighbouring countries as well. take bus number 9, which goes from the traineeship as a part of your studies, your Students from EU countries must also airport to City center. If you are coming to work permit should be applied for in bring their European Health Card with Linnanmaa campus you will need to change advance if you are required to have one. them. For further information on the buses at city center, for exact timetables and card, please contact the social insurance bus routes visit the website for Oulu Public office in your home country. Note that Transport Agency. 4. HOUSING MATTERS the European Health Insurance Card is The bus fare from the airport to not valid during your travels to and from Linnanmaa campus is approximately EUR Housing for international students is Finland or during any excursions to a third 6. Please note that after 11pm the price is mainly organised through the local student country. The University of Oulu does not double. This also applies to all bus fares in housing foundation PSOAS but several cover for eventual accidents which might Oulu. students also find housing from private take place during your stay, and without a If you wish to take a taxi from the markets. valid insurance, the medical payments may airport you can either take a taxi for PSOAS Housing application is available become quite expensive. yourself or you can take an Airport on their web page at http://www.psoas.fi/ Remember to bring a valid copy of your Taxi, which is a taxi-pool with a price en/applying/. In all questions concerning insurance policy with you. The citizens of approximately EUR 15-22 for each student housing, please contact PSOAS of EU countries are entitled to all health passenger. The taxi will take everyone in at [email protected]. Students services in Finland, if they are covered by their turn to their destination within Oulu are strongly recommended to apply for health insurance in their home country and city area. housing as early as possible as the amount they have the European Health Card. Even If you have taken the train from Helsinki, of student housing is limited. so, all international students need separate you will be arriving in downtown Oulu and insurance that covers their whole study have only a short walk to nearest bus stop. Location and Facilities period. The fare from downtown to campus is EUR PSOAS student residence halls are situated 3.30, unless it is after 11pm, when the price is all around the city, international students See also: doubled. are mainly housed either on the Linnanmaa www.studyinfinland.fi/healthinsurance campus or in Alppila. The bus connections Prices as of April 2015. from both locations to the city centre See also: www.oulunjoukkoliikenne.fi/english are good. Near residence halls, there are shopping centre with grocery stores, a post office, a pharmacy and some pizzerias and pubs. PSOAS offers a wide range of

16 8. AFTER YOU HAVE ARRIVED If you arrive outside of the arranged Students staying for more that six months Orientations, your University registration can decide if they wish to open a local bank Orientation will take place at the Student Center, on account. When opening an account you will University of Oulu arranges an Orientation the Linnanmaa Campus. Student Union be given a bankcard, which will work in most for New International Students twice a membership fee must first be paid at cash machines, ATMs (pankki-automaatti/ year; September 2-3, 2015 and January the Student union office in Linnanmaa. pikapankki/Otto.), throughout Finland. If 7-8, 2016. Orientation is your chance to After making the payment complete the you are staying in Finland for longer than have all necessary paperwork done at registration by visiting Student affairs at the 12 months the banks will also offer on- one location. Included in the orientation Student Center (open Mon-Fri line banking services in English for you is also an information fair with several 9 am - 3 pm) where the student union (depending on bank’s policies). presenters helping your stay in Oulu to start membership is marked on the weboodi When opening a bank account you smoothly. You will receive information on database. must reserve an appointment for service the University, Finnish culture, academic at the bank branch. Be prepared to have life, student housing, City of Oulu and free Student ID Card a proof of identity (e.g. passport) and a time activities. Should you arrive outside When registering, you also need to apply certificate of registration to the university the orientaion period you will get help from for the student ID card (opiskelijakortti) with you when opening the account. Ask your student tutor and from the International at the same time. This card is essential to for a service package for students. There Services. you as a student in a Finnish university. is no fee for opening an account, but other Having enrolled at the Student Union, services are usually liable to a charge. See also: www.oulu.fi/english/studying/ you are automatically a member of the new-students/orientation National Union of Finnish Students Currency (Suomen Ylioppilaskuntien Liitto SYL). The Finnish monetary unit is the Euro Student Tutors i.e. Kummis As a member, you will receive a personal (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents All international students will have a local student ID card, which entitles you to (100 senttiä). Bank notes are for EUR 5, kummi to help upon arrival. Information discounts on many services. You may also 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins are on this student will be sent to you together use it as a (non-official) identification for EUR 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1 and 2. In with your acceptance package. Please, document. After registering, your Finland, the 1 and 2 cent coins are not in contact this person, prior to your arrival, Student ID card can be picked up from circulation. to inform him or her of your exact time Student Union Office in a few weeks. and means of arrival and ask for help on In the meantime, upon registration you Money Exchange what to bring with you, etc. Your kummi get a temporary receipt which you can When you exchange currency in a bank will also give you a University of Oulu use to prove your registration and claim there could be a fixed service charge not information booklet upon arrival. discounts. depending on the amount you exchange, or You have to have the student card with the charge might be a certain percentage of you if you want to receive student discounts the exchanged amount. The exchange rates 9. REGISTRATION at the student cafeterias (see Student are standardized and, therfore, the same in TO THE UNIVERSITY Cafeterias) or use the student health services all Finnish banks. You can also exchange on the Linnanmaa campus (see Student currency at Forex (www.forex.fi). Registration Health Service). Some stores, pizzerias, If you are an undergraduate (Bachelor hairdresser’s, etc. also have a special price for level) or graduate (Master’s level) student, students. 11. CIVIL REGISTRATION you should enrol in the Student Union (Ylioppilaskunta) and register to the See also: www.oyy.fi/en/ If you intend to stay in Finland for more University at the same time. This needs to than twelve consecutive months, you be done at teh beginning of each academic should fill in a notification of moving to year you spend in Oulu. The Student Union 10. OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT Oulu (asumisilmoitus) with your landlord membership fee, including the student or at the District Registrar’s Office (Oulun health service fee, is EUR 107/year or EUR Students staying in Finland for under six (6) maistraatti), Isokatu 4 (1st floor), tel. 54,50/term. Exchange students through ISEP months are not able to open a Finnish bank 071 876 0241, open 9 am - 4 pm Mon-Fri. programmes and from Washington College account and are thus advised to handle all You need to submit the notification of and UNCG do not need to pay the student banking affairs through their home country. moving within seven days of your arrival union fee but they too need to fill in the Students from EU countries are advised in Oulu. In the event that you change registration forms. to find out from their bank in their home your residence, you should also notify the Postgraduate, i.e. post Master’s, students country how to pay bills by using SEPA codes. Registrar’s Office within seven days. have to register at the University in the Exchange students that receive a stipend Students from Nordic countries should beginning of each academic year. They from the University of Oulu and are staying also submit a Joint Nordic Document of can however decide if they wish to join the for under six months need to open a Finnish Moving. If you are accommodated by student union. They are not entitled to any bank account, they will be informed of this PSOAS you will fill in the notification student benefits. during orientation. upon signing your rental contract.

17 If you wish to be employed, the registration might need to be done in order for you to receive a Finnish Social Security number - check with The Office for Alien Affairs (Ulkomaalaisasiat) at the Police Station, address Rata-aukio 2, tel. 071 876 0211.

The documents needed for Civil Registration are: a) passport with a valid residence permit b) certificate of registration at the University/employment contract d) extract from the population register of your home country.

See also: www.posti.fi/english

Stamps Stamps (postimerkki) can be bought, not only in post offices, but also in most kiosks. Grocery stores and supermarkets may also sell stamps. Note that both the mailboxes and the stamp machines are orange coloured. On campus, both of the papershops sell stamps.

Coffee Shops Cafeterias Sodexho (Faculty of Medicine, Aulakahvila (Linnanmaa) Aularavintola (Linnanmaa) Aapistie 5A) Mon-Thu 7.45 am – 4 pm Mon-Thu 10 am - 6pm, Fri 10 am - 5 pm, Mon-Thu 8::00 am - 3:30 pm Fri 7.45 am – 3 pm Sat 9 am - 3 pm Fri 8 am - 2:30 pm

Apaja (School of Architecture, Discus (Linnanmaa) Pruxis (Faculty of Medicine, Aapistie 5A) Aleksanterinkatu 6) Mon-Thu 8 am - 3.30 pm, Fri 8.30 am Mon-Fri 8 am - 2 pm, Mon-Thu 8.15 am - 3pm - 3 pm Fri 8.15 am - 2:30 pm Vanilla (City center, Torikatu 34-40) Julinia (Linnanmaa) Mon-Thu 8 am - 2.30 pm Datania (Faculty of Information Mon-Thu 7.45 am - 4.00 pm Fri 8 am - 2 pm Technology and Electrical Engineering, Fri 8.30 am - 2.30 pm Linnanmaa) Mon-Thu 9 am - 3 pm, Fri 9 am - 2.30pm Kastari (Linnanmaa) Mon-Fri 10.30 am - 2 pm Humus kuppila (Snellmania, 2nd floor) Snellmania (Linnanmaa) Mon-Thu 7.45am - 5pm Mon-Thu 8.30am - 2.30 pm, Fri 7.45am - 3pm Fri 8.30 am - 2 pm

23 milk, butter, cheese, etc. In addition there The following stores usually also sell used 6. RECREATION are grill kiosks, usually open until 11 pm, bikes. Sun-Thu and until 2-4 am on Fri-Sat. - Jussin Pyöräpiste at Valtatie 49 and at Movies Jukolankuja 1-3 Foreign films are subtitled, not dubbed. - Pyörä Suvala at Saaristonkatu 27 and at A weekly programme for the cinemas can 5. SHOPPING Lekatie 2 be found in the movie theatres websites. - Urheilu-Ulappa at Ratamotie 56 Ticket prices vary from EUR 6.80 to Bookstores and Stationery - Special Bike at Saaristonkatu 31 EUR 12 (March 2012). Finnkino has In Finland stationery is available in all N.B. The You should also sign-up students priced tickets from Monday to bookstores (kirjakauppa) and in most for the exchange e-mail list since many Thursday varying between EUR 6.80 to supermarkets and deparment stores. departing international students, who EUR 8.50. Star cinema also has student wish to sell their bikes among other discount of EUR 1. The movie theatres Some addresses: items, advertise through the list. You (elokuvateatteri) listed below concentrate Yliopiston Paperikauppa can also send your message to the other mainly on box-office repertoire. Linnanmaa, main lobby international students. Tel. 556 7796 Plaza (www.finnkino.fi) See also: lists.oulu.fi -> exchange list. Torikatu 32 Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, Kirkkokatu 29 Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm , Sat 9am - 4pm, Sales Star (www.elokuvateatteristar.fi) Sun 12noon - 4pm Sales (alennusmyynti / ale) are usually Kalliotie 6 held at the end of June and after Christmas. Akateeminen Kirjakauppa All Finnish stores, even those with sales, Kirkkokatu 14 have fixed prices. However, bargaining is Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 6pm, not totally out of the question, especially Sun 12noon - 6pm with bigger purchases.

Bicycles Alcohol Having your own bicycle is very useful in Alcoholic beverages are sold in state owned Oulu. To find a used bike check out the stores called Alko, (www.alko.fi) which second hand stores or attend the Lost are normally open Mon-Fri 9 am – 8 pm, Property Office’s (at Oulu Police Station) Sat 9am – 6 pm. Note that on the eves of auction where unclaimed bicycles can public holidays the stores may close earlier. be bid for. These auctions are arranged Medium strength beer (4.7 per cent by twice a year at the Police Station, Rata- volume), mild ciders and very mild wines aukio 2. For exact dates, keep an eye on are sold also in grocery stores. the advertisements under the heading N.B. Finland has a zero tolerance for Huutokauppoja (auctions) in Sunday’s drugs. Any importation, possession or use of Kaleva, the local newspaper or call the drugs will always result in a transaction with Lost Property Office. law enforcement. It may also lead to eviction.

Clothes Kitchen Utensils Second Hand Stores Since the Finnish weather can be Most fair-sized grocery stores and all There are several second hand stores very cold during winter, students are supermarkets sell kitchen utensils and available in the city. recommended to bring with them other household articles. Pelastusarmeijan kirpputori (or buy here) warm clothing such as (Salvation Army Flea Market) sweaters, insulated jackets or heavy The stores listed here are fairly Ratamotie 22 coats. A warm hat, thick gloves and inexpensive, the first two are very close to Merikoskenkatu 1 woollen socks are also needed, as well Linnanmaa campus: Limingantie 5 as warm, water repellent footwear. Prisma, Kauppalinnankatu 1-3 Ratakatu 6 Tokmanni, Sammonkatu 5 Linnankatu 13 Anttila, Isokatu 33 Paljekirppis - Paljekatu 12 Citymarket, Tehtaankatu 5 Second Hand Store- Isokatu 8 Kärkkäinen, Alasintie 12 Kierrätyskeskus (Recycling Centre) Prisma, Tehtaankatu 3 - Kurkelantie 2, Värttö Seppälä, Shopping Center Pekuri Oulun Urheiluväline Divari (Sports Seppälä, Taka-Lyötynkatu 4 equipment) - Valtatie 57 H&M, Kirkkokatu 27 SPR-Kontti - Jääsalontie 12

24 Some cinemas and film clubs present more alternative films, rather than those which were immediate box-office successes. There are regular showings by Kirjastokino at The City Library and at Studio, Hallituskatu 7 (www.ouka.fi/oek/in_english/index.html), in the Culture House Valve. To rent a movie overnight typically costs EUR 2-5, depending on the film.

Libraries Libraries at the University, see page 13.

The City Library (Kaupunginkirjasto) Kaarlenväylä 3, tel. 5584 7389 www.ouka.fi/kirjasto/english/index.html Open: Mon-Fri 10am - 8pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

N.B. The reading room in the City Library is also open on Sundays 12noon - 4pm. The City Library has a large selection of foreign newspapers, magazines and books, as well as a good music department. To borrow books you need to get yourself a library card, which is valid at every library in town (except in the university libraries).

Museums and Art Galleries One of the most extensive collections of local cultural history can be found at the Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia (Pohjois-Pohjanmaan museo) Ainola Park. Theatre Music This museum offers an insight into the The Oulu City Theatre premieres Oulu Music Center (Musiikkikeskus) history of the city and its province. approximately eight to ten productions Lintulammentie 1-3 Open: Tue - Sun 10 am – 5 pm, Closed each year, including operas and musicals. The Oulu Music Centre also hosts Oulu Mondays. The entrance fee for students is Symphony and also visting performances EUR 1, others still only cost EUR 3. Free Oulu City Theatre from all over the country and around the enterance on Fridays. (Oulun Kaupunginteatteri) world. The performance repertoire at The Kaarlenväylä 2 Oulu Music Centre consists of concerts, See also: www.ouka.fi/ppm/English/ See also: www.ouka.fi/teatteri/english.html operas, light music and programmes for index.html children. Visit www.oulusymphony.net/ Ticket Office (Oulun Lippupiste) english. A student-price ticket for Oulu City Art Gallery (Oulun taidemuseo) Kaarlenväylä 2 Symphony Orchestra concerts or other Hallituskatu 7 (Valve), tel. 558 474 63 Open: Mon-Fri 10 am - 5 pm, normal-priced concerts, are approximately Finnish and international fine arts. EUR 6 each, and between EUR 7-17 for Open: Tue - Thu, Sat - Sun 10am - 5pm, Information on current theatre productions non-students. Fri 12noon - 7pm is available from the Ticket Office and If you prefer rock, there are plenty of The entrance fee for students is the Tourist Information Centre (see For possibilities to enjoy concerts in Oulu. EUR 1, others still only cost EUR 3. Further Information, on page 45). Special Keep an eye on the advertisements in Free enterance on Fridays. student prices are available. Kaleva, Oululehti, or Ylioppilaslehti, the student paper, for such rock clubs/ See also: www.oulu.ouka.fi/ Ticket Service Finland (Lippupalvelu) restaurants as 45Special, Tähti or Club taidemuseo_eng/index.html. Stockmann, Kirkkokatu 14. Teatria. That way you will know what is See also: http://www.oulutourism.fi/eng/ Open: Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm, Sat 9 am - 6 pm going on and where. Another good forum Tickets to various shows, concerts, sports to find information on concerts elsewhere events, etc., throughout Finland. in Finland is the Ticket Service webpage mentioned above. See also www.ticketservicefinland.fi

25 Sports to have a look is to walk around and discover international issues. He has office hours every Facilities for sports in Oulu are extensive. the vast choice of places to go. Thursday 10 am - 3 pm at Kirkkokatu 5. The The University alone provides a very wide University Chaplain is Rev. Ari Savuoja range of activities. A sports programme tel. 040 524 5919 ([email protected]). in English, for each academic year, can be 7. OTHER SERVICES obtained from Student Services or on-line Oulu Cathedral (Oulun tuomiokirkko) from the Sports and academic sport services Police Kirkkokatu, tel. 040 585 6113 sector of the Oulu’s Institutes of Higher In emergency, call 112. open: 12 noon - 1 pm daily. Education, www.oulunkorkeakoululiikunta.fi Oulu Police Station, Rata-aukio 2 -> in English. For further information Open: Mon - Fri 8 am - 4.15 pm St. Luke’s Chapel concerning any aspect of sport and tel. 0295 460211 (Pyhän Luukkaan Kappeli) recreation at the University, please contact: Lost and Found Yliopistokatu 7, on Linnanmaa campus Mr. Markku Saarela, Sports Manager The Lost Property Office tel. 044 316 1569 (Liikuntasuunnittelija) e-mail: markku. (Löytötavaratoimisto) is located at the [email protected] Oulu Police Station. tel. 0295 416 029, Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity The Office for Sport and Recreation in Mon-Fri 8 am - 4.15 pm. (Oulun ortodoksisen seurakunnan Pyhän Oulu (Oulun kaupungin liikuntavirasto) Kolminaisuuden katedraali) address: Kiviharjunlenkki 4, tel. 5584 8000 Barbers and Hairdressers Torikatu 74, tel. 311 5741, [email protected] The Office for Sport and Recreation There are several barbers and hairdressers open: Mon-Fri 9am - 12 noon gives information about sports facilities around the city, and prices can vary available in the city. The tourist considerably. Note that a barber (parturi) The Adventist Church information office distributes brochures and a hairdresser (kampaaja) is often the Tuulimyllynkatu 18, tel. 530 3953 on recreation facilities, as well as maps on same person working in a shop called [email protected] bicycle and hiking routes. parturi-kampaamo. Remember to ask for special student discounts Catholic Church (Katolinen kirkko) Pubs La Santa Famiglia di Nazaret There is a wide range of pubs, bars, Lawyer for Students (The Holy Family of Nazareth) restaurants and night clubs in Oulu. Cafe- The lawyer assigned for students, Liisantie 2, tel. (08) 347 834, Bistro Caio, located right next to campus, Marja-Riitta Immonen, advertises her [email protected], at Kalevalankuja 12, is a very popular place consultation hours in the student paper, perhe.katolinen.fi/Index.english.html amongst university students. Beyond that, Ylioppilaslehti. Consultation is free of walk around and discover the vast choice of charge for those with a valid student card. The Church of Jesus Christ of places to go. It is not possible to make appointments, Latter-day Saints or consult the lawyer by telephone. Nokelantie 38, tel. 335 714 Gays and Lesbians Consultation is available once a month Sunday Church service at 11 am SETA is the Finnish National Human from September until end of May. Rights Organization, working for legal The Islamic Society of Northern Finland equality and social justice for lesbians, gay Embassies and Counsulates Linnankatu 23-25, tel. 0500-582 371 men, bisexuals and transpeople. It is the Most countries have either their www.psiy.org/home/home.html central organisation for sexual minorities, embassy or a consulate in Finland or in with chapters all over Finland. SETA a neighboring country. If you need to Pentecostal Church is a member of ILGA (International contact the embassy or consulate of your Uusikatu 78, www.ohsrk.fi/fi3/ Lesbian and Gay Association) and IGLYO home country please see: www.formin. (International Gay and Lesbian Youth). fi -> in English -> diplomatic missions -> The Oulu Section of SETA: representation of foreign states in Finland Oulun SETA ry or the nearest country to Finland. From Isokatu 45 A 17 (PO BOX 177), 90100 OULU there you can find contact information for e-mail: [email protected] all the embassies and consulates. www.oulunseta.fi Oulun SETA ry has groups for women, Churches youth (under 25 years) and rainbow There is a Sunday Service, in English, in families, and it also organizes other kinds the Oulu Cathedral, every Sunday. of activities such as parties. The Church has employed people to serve the University students and teachers. For Pubs information about services held in English, There is a wide range of pubs, bars, you can reach Rev. Árpád Kovács, tel. 040 524 restaurants and night clubs in Oulu. Best way 2778 ([email protected]). He is in charge of

26 USEFUL INFORMATION FOR LIVING IN FINLAND

A word of warning: whenever the temperature is below zero, do not touch metal door handles (or any other metal objects) if your hands are damp. Your skin will freeze against the metal and your hand will get stuck to the handle.

1. BITS AND PIECES Wintertime warnings 2. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS In winter, pavements and roads can be very Electric current slippery. Sometimes pavements are barred January 1 New Year’s Day In Finland the electric current is 220 volts by red and yellow wooden fences. This (uudenvuodenpäivä) and 50 cycles (Hz). Do not bring with means that heaps of melting snow and ice January 6 Twelfth Day(loppiainen) you electrical equipment geared to some threaten to fall from roofs, endangering the Good Friday (pitkäperjantai) other current. Adapters are available but pedestrians. Easter Sunday (pääsiäispäivä) expensive. For plugs, Finland uses the two- Easter Monday (toinen pääsiäispäivä) pin continental standard. Names May 1, May Day , The First of May (vappu) In Finland you use one first name and one Ascension Day (helatorstai) TV programmes last name (family name). White Sunday (helluntai), end of May Majority of the foreign programmes Midsummer (juhannuspäivä, 3rd Saturday on Finnish television are subtitled, not Narcotics in June) dubbed. A wide variety of international The importation, selling, use and posession All Saints Day (pyhäinpäivä), a Saturday satellitechannels are accessible via cable. of narcotics is prohibited by law and liable at the end of October or at the beginning of to a prison sentence. Any violation of November Time this prohibitation may result in eviction. December 6 Independence Day Finland is two hours ahead of Greenwich The University of Oulu will also contact (itsenäisyyspäivä) Mean Time (GMT). Hence, when you the student’s home institution should December 24 Christmas Eve (jouluaatto) travel from west to east you “lose” time violations appear. December 25 Christmas Day (joulupäivä) (and vice versa). Daylight saving time December 26 Boxing Day (tapaninpäivä) (summer time) is used in Finland from the Jokamiehenoikeus last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of The so-called “everyman’s right” The date of some holidays varies from year October (this means that you get up one (jokamiehenoikeus) entitles you to hike to year. On public holidays, banks and post hour earlier). Note that Finland uses the freely in forests and fields, pick berries and offices are closed. Most stores are closed 24-hour clock; i.e. post-meridian times run mushrooms, and swim in lakes, even when as well, though on Christmas Eve they from 12 to 24. the land and waters are someone’s private stay open until about noon. Also, on other property. However, it does not entitle eves of public holidays stores, banks and Doors open outward. you to disturb the privacy of the owner, post-offices may close before their ordinary vandalise or litter. closing time.

27 3. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Finnish Tourist Board Finnish Immigration Service Ombudsman for Minorities (Matkailunedistämiskeskus (MEK)) (Maahanmuuttovirasto) www.ofm.fi P.O. Box 625 (street address: Töölönkatu 11) Finnish Immigration Service handles all tel. +358 (0) 295 488 666 (weekdays 10-12) FIN-00101 HELSINKI visa, residence permit, work permit, etc. e-mail: ofm(at)ofm.fi tel. +358-(0)10-60 58 000 applications of foreigners in Finland. fax. +358-(0)10-60 58 333 However, most renewals are possible at the Finnair See also: www.mek.fi, [email protected] Office of Alien Affairs, in the local Police Airport Ticket Office, Oulunsalo, Station. tel. +358 (0)8 834 500 Oulu Tourist Information Centre Finnish Immigration Service Reservations and information in Finland (Oulun matkailupalvelut) PO BOX 18, (charge EUR 3.04 per call plus local Torikatu 10, PL 1 00581 HELSINKI charge): tel: 0600 140 140 (24h) FIN-90015 OULUN KAUPUNKI tel. +358 (0) 295 419 600. See also: www.finnair.com tel. +358-(0)8-5584 1330 or 5584 1331 See also: www.migri.fi www.ilmailulaitos.com fax. +358-(0)8-5584 42 099 e-mail: [email protected] See also: www.oulutourism.fi, [email protected] The Ombudsman for Minorities open: Mo-Fri 9 am -4 pm (vähemmistövaltuutettu) may always Up-to-date maps of Oulu, as well as be consulted if you feel your rights have information on various locations in been violated, encounter any other Finland, are available at the Tourist administration or have any government Information Centre. related problems:

28 FINNISH - A SURVIVAL KIT

Abbreviations and Phrases aikataulu timetable kananmuna egg klo (kello) time ulos exit pähkinä nut Kyllä Yes sisään entrance olut/kalja beer ark. (arkisin) on weekdays vedä pull viini wine Ei No työnnä push kasvisruoka vegetarian food krs. (kerros) floor makuuvaunu sleeping car laktoositon lactose free Kiitos Thank you ravintolavaunu dining car puh. (puhelin) tel. (telephone) tupakoimaton non-smoking Terve/Hei/Moi Hello/ Hi tupakoiva smoking Bankig and Mailing kpl. (kappale) piece, each item epäkunnossa/rikki out of order palvelumaksu service charge Hyvää huomenta Good morning menolippu one-way ticket valuuttakurssi exchange rate vko (viikko) week meno-paluulippu return ticket valuuntanvaihto currency exchange Hyvää päivää Good afternoon matkatavarat luggage identification henkilöllisyystodistus Hyvää iltaa Good evening linja-autoasema bus station posti post office Hyvää yötä Good night linja-auto/bussi bus postimerkki stamp Näkemiin/Hei hei See you/ Bye lentokenttä airport kirje letter Anteeksi Excuse me paketti parcel Anteeksi Sorry maitse by surface mail ma (maanantai) Monday Shopping lentopostitse by air mail ti (tiistai) Tuesday ale (alennusmyynti) sale sähköposti e-mail ke (keskiviikko) Wednesday (erikois)tarjous (special) offer lasku bill to (torstai) Thursday hinta price pe (perjantai) Friday kuitti receipt la (lauantai) Saturday vaihtorahat change General University Terminology su (sunnuntai) Sunday pankkikortti bank card lukuvuosi academic year tänään today luottokortti credit card syyslukukausi autumn term huomenna tomorrow automaattikortti ATM/ cashcard kevätlukukausi spring term valinnainen optional perusopinnot basic studies Transportation and Signs Basic Food Items and Meals aineopinnot subject studies taksi taxi voi butter syventävät opinnot advanced studies puhelin telephone juusto cheese pakollinen compulsory VR=Valtion Rautatiet Finnish Railways hedelmät fruit valinnainen optional puhelinkortti telephone card liha meat kurssi course N = naiset ladies(’ room) kala fish opintopiste credit, credit point M = miehet men(’s room) vihannekset vegetables laitos department juna train marja berry tiedekunta faculty keskusta centre kana chicken arvosana grade vaunu coach, car kahvi coffee harjoitukset examination kassa cash desk tee tea luento lecture raide track peruna potato seminaari seminar asiakaspalvelu customer service riisi rice opintorekisteriote transcript of records lipunmyynti ticket sales suola salt opiskelijakortti student ID card toimisto office pippuri pepper koe, tentti examination avoinna/auki open(ing hours) sokeri sugar suljettu/kiinni closed sipuli onion

29 Numbers yksi one kaksi two kolme three neljä four viisi five kuusi six seitsemän seven kahdeksan eight yhdeksän nine kymmenen ten WELCOME sata a hundred tuhat a thousand

Conversions

Fahrenheit = Celsius Miles = Kilometers Pounds = Kilograms

212 = 100 100 = 161 10 = 4.54 122 = 50 50 = 80 5 = 2.27 86 = 30 30 = 48 4 = 1.81 77 = 25 20 = 32 3 = 1.36 68 = 20 10 = 16 2 = 0.91 59 = 15 5 = 8 1 = 0.45 50 = 10 4 = 6.5 41 = 5 3 = 5 32 = 0 2 = 3 23 = -5 1 = 1.609 14 = -10 5 = -15 -4 = -20 -22 = -30

30 WELCOME

Warm welcome to the University of Oulu.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pre-arrival preparations do not hesitate to

Information available on-line www.oulu.fi/english/studying/new-international-students

Exchange students [email protected]

Master’s Programme Students [email protected]

Doctoral Degree Students [email protected]