6 • 2015

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Kemi • • UNIVERSITY GUIDE OF APPLIED SCIENCES

PRACTICAL INFORMATION LAPLAND UNIVERSITY GUIDE OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Publisher Lapland University of Applied Sciences Layout Lapland UAS Communications The Lapland University Consortium is a unique form Images Jesse Tamski, Lapland UAS Communications, of strategic alliance in , as it comprises a union Labland Above Ordinary, Tornion kaupunki, Rodeo between Lapland University of Applied Sciences and University of Lapland. CONTENT

INFORMATION ON AFTER ARRIVAL . . . 21 Free-time activities THE INSTITUTION: Degree students 21 in and Tornio 39 LAPLAND UAS . . . . . 3 Exchange students 21 Free-time activities in Rovaniemi 41 Academic year 5 Civil Registries 21 Finnish Friend Programme 42 Studying at Lapland After arrival checklist 22 University of Applied Sciences 5 ABOUT FINLAND . . . 43 Finnish education system 7 LIVING IN FINLAND . 23 Where are we? 44 Lapland University of Applied Accommodation 23 What´s the time? 44 Sciences’ programmes for Accommodation international students 8 in Kemi and Tornio 25 Who are we? 44 Contact information 10 Accommodation in Rovaniemi 26 How do we live? 46 ROTKO – student union of Private accommodation 27 What do we do for a living? 47 Lapland UAS 12 Health Care Services 27 Finnish holidays 47 BEFORE COMING TO Health Care Services in Kemi and Tornio 28 SURVIVAL FINNISH . .48 ...... 13 LAPLAND Health Care Services Visa and residence permit 13 in Rovaniemi 29 LINKS WORTH Health insurance 15 Mental health 31 CHECKING ...... 49 Document Check List 16 Emergency Help 31 CONTACT Accommodation 17 Sexuality 31 INFORMATION . . . . .50 Transport connections 17 Social security for students 31 Inform about your arrival time 18 Weather and clothing 32 MAPS ...... 52 Customs 19 Money and Banking 33 Kemi 52 Before arrival checklist 20 Communication and Media 34 Rovaniemi 53 Working in Finland 36 Tornio 54 Free-time 37

2 • Practical Information Guide INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION: LAPLAND UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

LAPLAND University of Applied Sciences is Lapland UAS is a multidisciplinary Lapland University of Applied Sciences has the northernmost University of Applied institution of professional education two campuses, the Rovaniemi and Kemi- Sciences in Finland and in the European offering many fields of study. There are Tornio campuses. Our premises in Union. Lapland University of Applied seven fields of studies in Lapland UAS: Rovaniemi are located in Ounasvaara, Sciences (Lapland UAS) was formed when Rantavitikka and Viirinkangas. The Kemi-Tornio University of Applied • Culture premises in Kemi and Tornio are called Sciences and Rovaniemi University of • Natural resources and the Kosmos, Terveysala and Minerva. Applied Sciences merged on 1 January environment It is our honor to provide good student 2014. Lapland UAS educational units are • Social services, health and sports services and high quality education located in three towns: Rovaniemi, Tornio • , catering and domestic leading to excellent learning outcomes. and Kemi. The institution offers a modern services An important part of our services is the and international learning environment tutoring system for international students. • Social sciences, business and with good services for students. Lapland Tutors are trained to help international administration UAS has about 5600 students who graduate students with every situation that may with versatile language skills and the • Natural sciences occur during their stay at Lapland UAS. capacity to meet the challenges of a • Technology, communication and To get familiar with our student services changing work life and international transport please visit www.pakkasraja.fi. environment. Annually there are nearly All staff members welcome you to study 600 international students, including with us here in Lapland UAS! We hope international degree programme students that you enjoy your studies and student and exchange students. life in Lapland!

3 VITALITY! We refine expertise and vitality from the strengths and opportunities of a changing operating environment to meet the needs of northern people and organisations.

LAPLAND UAS

Number of students 5600

Number of employees 550 ROVANIEMI Fields

7 TORNIO Culture Social sciences, business and administration Natural resources and the environment KEMI Technology, communication and transport Social services, health and sports Natural Sciences Tourism, catering and domestic services

4 • Practical Information Guide ACADEMIC YEAR goal of elective courses is to deepen and supplement student’s The academic year is divided into two semesters: the autumn professional know-how. semester and the spring semester Lectures are given from August Supervised practical training that enhances professional skills to December in autumn and from January to May in spring. The familiarizes students with the main practical tasks associated semesters are divided to two periods. There are 4 periods during with their field and the application of knowledge and skills in the academic year. Public and national holidays are included in working life. the Academic Calendar. On public holidays there are no lectures The bachelor’s thesis indicates students’ readiness to apply their and shops and banks are usually closed. knowledge and skills in specialized tasks or the development of Check the Academic Calendar from www.lapinamk.fi. working life related to their professional studies. The goal of the Master’s thesis completed in conjunction with a Master’s STUDYING AT LAPLAND UNIVERSITY OF degree programme is to develop and indicate the ability to apply APPLIED SCIENCES research data and use selected methods to outline and solve Studying at Lapland UAS includes contact studies at the school, problems in working life and readiness to work independently practical training and independent studies. Adult education is in a demanding, specialized job. mainly implemented as multi-format education which may include evening and weekend studies as well as online or virtual Credits studies. The curriculum presents the study units of the degree The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) programme and their objectives and learning outcome. Based on is a measure of the scope of studies. Study units are allotted credits the curriculum, students compile an individual study plan (ISP) according to the amount of work they require. The average of together with their teacher tutor, in which they plan the progress 1600 hours required to complete the studies of one academic year and manner of completing their studies in detail: e.g., they choose correspond to 60 ECTS credits. Therefore 27 hours of work their line-specific studies and free-choice electives. correspond to one ECTS credit. In compiling the individual study plan, credits may be given for prior learning acquired elsewhere. A transfer of credits for Assessment and prior learning acquired elsewhere must be applied for during the the grading system first semester. Assessment of students’ competence is based on the objectives and learning outcome presented in the curriculum. The The structure of studies performance requirements for study units may include A degree programme is an entity with one or more lines of study. examinations and various written and oral exercises. Students Students are accepted to study in a degree programme or a line of have two opportunities to repeat a failed study unit and one study. A study unit is a basic unit in terms of content and structure. opportunity to raise the grade of a completed study unit. Study Several study units belonging to the same subject form a study unit examinations are arranged in conjunction with the study module. units and on general examination dates. Students must sign up in Basic studies develop students’ study skills and language skills writing for examinations held on general examination dates at and provide them with basic knowledge needed in research and least two weeks in advance. The study unit performance development work. Students also become familiar with the core requirements and principles of assessment are given in the concepts and theoretical and professional principles of their curriculum. Study units are graded on a scale of: field. Professional studies familiarize students with the entities and • Excellent (5) applications of professional work and their scientific principles. • Good (3–4) Advanced professional studies in a Master’s degree programme • Satisfactory (1–2) deepen students’ application of theory in practice, as well as • Failed (0) their project leading skills, R&D skills and social skills. The

Practical Information Guide • 5 Diploma supplements and official transcripts of records to all prior learning, practical training, study Transcripts of Records exchange students. An official transcript techniques, physical, mental and social Lapland University of Applied Sciences will be sent to the international office of welfare and free time activities. Every provides a diploma supplement as an the exchange student’s home institution study group is assigned a tutor teacher, appendix to the original degree certificate. within 5 weeks from the end of each who is responsible for following the The diploma supplement is being issued in semester (January/June). study results and progress of the studies. a widely spoken European language, given Student counselors assist students in automatically and free of charge to every Academic guidance preparing their individual study plans student upon graduation. It is issued in all Academic guidance (by tutor teachers) is and in the preparation for international bachelor degree programmes and in all an ongoing process which aims to improve exchange periods. master’s degree programmes. This is in a students’ adjustment to the academic Students are responsible for accordance with the goal of the European system and to enhance her/his independent participating in education guidance Comission at improving international learning and to increase their expertise in and counseling. They are asked to give ‘transparency’ and at facilitating the their fields of study. feedback of the studies and services. academic and professional recognition of The content of the guidance consists qualifications (diplomas, degrees,of a personal study plan, recognition of certificates etc.). Lapland UAS works to provide graduates with more international opportunities either working or studying abroad by issuing an internationally recognized document. The document contains essential information about the professional and academic competence of the individual graduate in question. The transcript of records is an official document in which a student’s studies are recorded. In the transcript students will find all completed courses with credits and grades. Lapland UAS also provides

6 • Practical Information Guide PhD Licenciate The Education system 5 Master's degrees Master's degrees in Finland 4 WORK 3 EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degrees Bachelor's degrees 2 1 UNIVERSITIES OF UNIVERSITIES APPLIED SCIENCES

Higher Education Specialist vocational qualifications Matriculation Vocatinal upper examinations secondary qualifications 3 Further 2 UPPER SECONDARY UPPER SECONDARY WORK vocational 1 SCHOOLS SCHOOLS EXPERIENCE qualifications

16 10

15 9 WORK EXPERIENCE students are supported by Erasmus+ and 14 8 travel grants. International coordinators 13 7 and International office assist students in 12 6 applying for exchanges. 11 5 FINNISH 10 4 EDUCATION SYSTEM 9 3 Compulsory Education 8 2 The Finnish constitution guarantees the basic right for culture and education. The 7 1 BASIC EDUCATION key aims of the Finnish education policy 6 PRESCHOOL EDUCATION are quality, efficiency, equality and internationalization. Therefore, the Finnish years School Age education system offers everybody equal opportunities for education, irrespective of domicile, gender, economic situation or Peer guidance internationalization at home, project work linguistic or cultural background. The international student tutor (kv-tuutori) and in international degree programs and The Finnish educational system is usually the first person you meet when the development of joint/double degrees consists of you arrive. He/she will help you to settle with European and international partners. down and find your way around campus We have cooperation with universities in • one year of voluntary pre-primary and around town. International student Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, , education, tutors are degree students of Lapland UAS Argentina, Canada and the USA. Both • nine-years of basic compulsory who are interested in the culture, customs, Finnish and international students are education (“comprehensive school”), traditions and ways of life of people in encouraged to do their exchange periods other countries. in Europe. The length of these exchanges • upper secondary education, can vary from 3 months to the whole comprising vocational and Internationalization s c h o o l y e a r. You can find the exchange general education, Internationalization affects all of our places from SoleMOVE program (system • higher education at universities and operations e.g. student and staff mobility, for International Mobility). Outgoing universities of applied sciences.

Practical Information Guide • 7 Rantavitikka, Rovaniemi Hiihtomajantie, Rovaniemi Viirikangas, Rovaniemi

LAPLAND UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES’ DEGREE PROGRAMMES STUDY VENUE PROGRAMMES FOR International Business Rovaniemi INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor’s degrees Business Information Technology Tornio Bachelor of Business Administration Lapland UAS provides four international degree programmes that lead to a Bachelor’s Nursing Degree. The teaching language is English. Bachelor of Health Care Kemi Bachelor’s studies take 3.5-4 years to Tourism complete. They consist of basic, professional Bachelor of Hospitality Management Rovaniemi and elective studies, practical training and a Bachelor’s thesis. For more information about the programs see our web site www. fields after graduating from Lapland UAS. experience. Studies aiming at a Master’s lapinamk.fi. About half of the students come from degree takes about 1.5 years and the scope In Rovaniemi the degree programme Finland and the other half from abroad. of the studies is 90 credits. in Tourism is located at the Viirinkangas In addition, Lapland UAS attracts Lapland University of Applied campus (Multidimensional Tourism many exchange students every semester. Sciences has one international English Institute), and the degree programme The internationally oriented and highly language degree programme leading to in International business is located at motivated staff members are professionals a Master’s degree: International Business Rantavitikka campus. In Kemi the degree in their fields who make studies even more Management (Master of Business programme in Nursing is situated in interesting. The international Bachelor’s Administration). Healthcare campus and in Tornio Business degree programmes at the Lapland UAS The studies consist of on-line-studies Information Technology programme is are the mentioned above. with two seminar weeks per year in located in Minerva campus. Tornio. Studies take place in a modern Master’s degrees environment and among dozens of A Master’s degree is a good way to expand Exchange studies different nationalities. No matter whether professional proficiency of those who Lapland University of Applied Sciences students want to stay in Finland or go already have a Bachelor’s degree and have (Lapland UAS) offers a modern, abroad, they are able to work in various acquired at least 3 years of working international learning environment and

8 • Practical Information Guide Kosmos, Kemi Health Care, Kemi Minerva, Tornio

multi-cultural community for its students, staff and visitors. For incoming exchange students DEGREE PROGRAMMES ARE: Lapland UAS offers each semester an IN ROVANIEMI IN TORNIO extensive course selection in English. In addition students can participate to Forestry and Rural Industries Cultural and Media Arts courses in Finnish providing they have • Rural Industries • Media previous knowledge of . • Forestry • Fine Arts Both Kemi-Tornio area in Southern Tourism and Hospitality Management Natural Sciences, Business and Lapland, close to the Swedish border, and •  and Restaurant Management Administration the of Rovaniemi, the home of Santa • Tourism • Business Information Technology • International Business Management Claus, offer lively, student-friendly and Social Services, Health Care and Sports (Master level) safe environments for studies. • Physiotherapy* The detailed information about • Nursing* IN KEMI course selection in English is presented • Sports and Leisure Studies in electronic course catalogue called Social Services, Health Care and Sports Social Sciences, Business and SoleOPS. Course selection is updated • Social Services* Administration for each semester in advance, usually • Elderly care • Business Management a few months before the semester • Nursing* starts. Exchange students can choose • International Business Technology professional studies from one degree Technology • Mechanical and Production Technology programme only. Although some degree • Land Surveying Engineering • Electrical Engineering programmes below are in Finnish, they • Civil Engineering • Industrial Management provide courses in English for exchange • Information Technology students. * Practical training available. You are also able to do practical training exchanges in certain programmes.

Practical Information Guide • 9 CONTACT INFORMATION

Kemi-Tornio Rovaniemi

International Relations Office International Relations Office

Ms Kati Kehusmaa Ms Katja Kuisma-Sandgren Coordinator, International Relations Coordinator, International Relations Tel. +358 (0)40 573 2026 Tel. +358 (0)40 503 7103 Fax +358 (0)16 251 120

Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Ms Kirsi Pulkka (Ms Sanna IIvari starting 8/2016) Coordinator, International Relations Address: Tel. +358 (0)40 550 7443 Lapland University of Applied Sciences International Relations Office Lumikontie 2 FI-94600 KEMI Ms Mari Putaansuu FINLAND Coordinator, International Relations Tel. +358 (0)40 503 7103 Information concerning free time activities and accommodation for international student in Kemi and Email: [email protected] or Tornio [email protected] Mr Jukka Ikäläinen Sports instructor Address: Tel. +358 (0)50 461 2335 Lapland University of Applied Sciences Fax +358 (0)16 251 120 International Relations Office Email: [email protected] Jokiväylä 11 C, FI-96300 Rovaniemi FINLAND

International Coordinators

INFORMATION FOR INCOMING Technology, Kemi DEGREE PROGRAMME STUDENTS Ms Martta Ruottu Admissions office Senior lecturer, M.A. Jokiväylä 11 C Tel. +358 (0)40 522 6343 Email: FI-96300 Rovaniemi, Finland [email protected] Tel. 0400 830036 [email protected] During the summer please contact [email protected]

10 • Practical Information Guide Kemi-Tornio Rovaniemi

International Coordinators International Coordinators

Business and Culture, Social Services, Health Care and Sports, Tornio and Rovaniemi Foresty and Rural Industries & Ms Teresa Chen Technology, Rovaniemi Senior lecturer, M.A. Ms Hellevi Leppiaho Tel. +358 (0)50 310 9213 Senior Lecturer, MEd, RN Email: [email protected] Tel. +358 (0)40 539 9890 Email: [email protected]

Social Services, Health Care and Tourism and Hospitality Management, Sports, Kemi Rovaniemi Ms Eliisa Kursula Ms Paula Heikkilä Senior lecturer, M.A. Coordinator, International Relations Tel. +358 (0)40 564 5607 Tel. +358 (0)40 710 6421 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Student affair's offices Student affair's offices

Degree Program in Business Degree Program in Tourism Information Technology Lapland Institute for Tourism Research Minerva campus and Education (MTI) Kauppakatu 58, FI-95400 Tornio Viirinkankaantie 1, FI-96300 Rovaniemi

Student Affairs Officer: Student Affairs Officer: Ms Heli Hulkko Ms Seija Enbuske Tel. + 358 40 747 9240 Tel. +358 400 896 963 [email protected] [email protected]

Degree Program in Nursing Degree Program in International Business Healthcare campus Meripuistokatu 26, FI-94100 Kemi Rantavitikka campus Jokiväylä 11, FI-96300 Rovaniemi Student Affairs Officer: Ms Merja Jääskö Student Affairs Officer: Tel. + 358 40 843 0965 Ms Kirsti Mustajärvi [email protected] Tel. + 358 40 517 8872 [email protected]

Practical Information Guide • 11 OFFICE LOCATIONS Kemi Tornio AND OPENING HOURS Kosmos, Tietokatu 1 Minerva, 1st floor Rovaniemi Open: Monday-Tuesday- (in the TOKKO office) Jokiväylä 11 Thursday Open: Wedneysday Open: Monday - Thursday 9 am - 3 pm 9 am- 3pm 10 am- 3 pm Tel. +358 40 152 8395 Tel. +358 40 152 8395 Tel. +358 40 152 8295 [email protected]

ROTKO - STUDENT UNION OF The Board of Representatives holds the Student union card LAPLAND UAS highest authority in the Student Union. As a student you are entitled to many ROTKO is the Student Union of Lapland The Board of Executives is responsible discounts and benefits. The most common University of Applied Sciences. It is here to of the everyday activities of the Student discounts for students are on the student promote the interests of students at UAS, Union. The Board of Representatives lunch at university cafeterias and discounts of Kemi, Rovaniemi and Tornio, and chooses the Board of Executives. on train and long-distance bus tickets. also in nationwide decision making. Everyone who is interested in the Some shops, restaurants and services offer Every member of the Student Union has Student Union and its activities are various discounts for students. In most a right to vote and run as a candidate in the warmly welcome to join! Contact the cases discounts require a student card, elections of the Board of Representatives. office or the board members! which can be obtained through the student unions. Exchange students can apply for the student card from ROTKO by filling in an online form. You’ll find the link at our website: www.lapinrotko.fi. Please do not pay the bill that you receive after order! Payments from abroad won’t register to our system. The student card will be given to the exchange student during the orientation week after paying the student card fee. Please note that doctoral Students are not entitled to the same benefits and discounts as undergraduate students.

www.lapinrotko.fi/en

12 • Practical Information Guide Confirm your study place in Lapland UAS well before deadline BEFORE COMING 29 July. More information in the acceptance package. TO LAPLAND

VISA AND RESIDENCE PERMIT permit to study in Finland. If you stay in EU/EAA citizens Finland for longer than six (6) months, As a citizen of one of the EU/EEA Citizen of the you are required to register personally at countries you do not need a visa As a citizen of one of the Nordic countries the local Register Office (maistraatti). entering Finland. You are allowed to you do not need a visa or a residence See Contact Information on pages 51–52. study at Finnish educational institutions for three (3) months without visa or residence permit. If your studies/ practical training last longer than three (3) months you must register your right to reside in Finland. The registration takes place at the local police station and it costs about 50 Euros. To do the registration you need to have with you:

• Passport (recommended) or internationally recognized official identity card • European Health Insurance card • Letter of Acceptance or study certificate from Lapland UAS • You must be able to show that your upkeep is secured during your stay in Finland. (e.g bank statement, grant certificate) Non-EU citizens You are allowed to study at Finnish educational institutions for three (3)

Practical Information Guide • 13 CHECK LIST FOR STUDENT’S RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICANTS

Submit your application to a Finnish Your health insurance and passport months without applying for a residence mission abroad once you have received must be valid during your entire stay in confirmation of a student place with Finland. If your studies take one year permit. You can then complete your studies the invitation letter. Make sure before or longer, your health insurance and within the period of validity of your visa or submitting your application that you passport must be valid for at least one while an agreement on the abolition of the have assembled all the necessary year from your date of arrival in Finland. visa is in force. If your studies last longer appendices with your application. If your studies take less than one year, than three (3) months, you need to apply We recommend that you also apply the the validity of your insurance and for a residence permit from the Finnish Finnish social security number at the passport must cover your entire stay in embassy or mission that represents Finland same time with you residence permit. Finland. in your home country before your Fill in application form OLE_OPI. You Your livelihood must be secured. For departure. can apply for a residence permit online a one-year residence permit you will For further information visit the at https://e-asiointi.migri.fi. Sign the need to have 6,720 euros available. For website of the Ministry for foreign Affairs form and include your contact details. studies taking less than a year you will in Finland formin.finland.fi (> Services > Include all the necessary appendices need 560 euros for each month. You listed in Section E of the form. Please must have the required sum deposited foreign nationals arriving in Finland > note that any missing item will delay the in an account under your name or a Visa requirement and travel documents processing of your application. Do not certificate of a scholarship or bursary accepted by Finland). add any unnecessary appendices to your granted by an official body. Sponsorship You have to prove that you have sufficient application. The Finnish Immigration guarantees given by private persons, funds to cover your living expenses in Service will ask you to provide further such as relatives, friends or employers Finland, that is, a minimum of 560 €/ clarification, if needed. Mention the will not be accepted. month or 6 720 €/year. After the first year planned date of your arrival in Finland on your application form. You cannot expedite the processing of you must apply for the continuation of your application, for example because your residence permit for each academic Give your fingerprints at a Finnish you have already purchased a flight year at the local police station. When embassy. An application submitted ticket. Applications are processed in applying for a residence permit you must via e-service cannot be processed the order in which they are received. attach to your application details of your until you have given your fingerprints You cannot expedite the processing for the biometric residence permit of your case by contacting migri by comprehensive health insurance cover card. You also need to verify your email or telephone. Please note that with a reliable company or institution identity and present the original copies if you have not applied for a permit via and when extending your residence of any supplements needed for the e-service, it takes an average of one permit, also certifications of your success application. If your documents are not in month for applications submitted at in studies. Finnish, Swedish or English, have them diplomatic missions to reach the Finnish translated into one of these languages Immigration Service. by an authorized translator. Take the originals of your documents with you to the embassy.

14 • Practical Information Guide  Follow the progress of student application processing at the Finnish Immigration Service at http://www. migri.fi/ processing times. If you applied via e-service, you can check the status of your application online by logging in to e-services. Migri’s website will give you information and instructions if there are exceptional For local police stations see Contact • guardian of a child changes in average processing times information on page 51–52. For further under 18 years of age and if the decisions cannot be made before the studies begin. information visit the website of the • child Finnish immigration Service www. Note!  Wait for the decision abroad. You migri.fi (> english > Studying) and the may not come to Finland while your website of the Finnish Police www.poliisi. If you give birth to a child in Finland the application is being processed and fi (> Licenses > Licenses and permits for child will not automatically get Finnish receive a residence permit card foreigners). citizenship. The citizenship will be here. A favorable decision on a determined by the citizenship of the residence permit cannot be delivered Family members immediately after it is made, because parents. Your child will also need a the manufacturing and posting A person who wishes to come to Finland residence permit to Finland. Residence of a residence permit card takes and live in the same household with a permit will be given to the child for the approximately three weeks. family member residing here must have a same period as parents’ residence permit  If you have questions, check the residence permit. The permit can be is. Check the demands for the residence frequently asked questions on the granted on the basis of family ties. If you permit for the child. website of the Finnish Immigration want your family members to move to More information: http://www.migri. Service for possible answers. If Finland to live with you they will need fi/moving_to_finland_to_be_with_a_ you cannot find an answer to your their own residence permit. The demands family_member question, you may contact the service for the residence permit will be the same as numbers of the Finnish Immigration any other applicant. For example the Service. HEALTH INSURANCE applicant needs to prove that he/ she has the needed financial support to live in Citizens of the EU/EEA Finland. The family member who already the Finnish National Health Insurance Source: www.migri.fi is in Finland is so called sponsor. Who are plan administrated by the Social Insurance considered as family members is quite Institution (KELA) covers citizens of the narrow compared to other countries. By EU/EEA. You need to get a European the Finnish law the family members are: Health Insurance Card from your local • registered partner social security office in your home country before departure. Find out about the • cohabiting partner validity period of the card. You will be

Practical Information Guide • 15 offered the same services as Finnish citizens and your health expenses will be DOCUMENT CHECK LIST covered on the same conditions. It is still Exchange students need: Degree students need: good to have a valid travel insurance which covers the possible healthcare costs. Passport (recommended) or Passport (recommended) or internationally recognized official internationally recognized official Non EU/EEA citizens identity card; note that a passport is identity card; note that a passport is necessary if you necessary if you you must have a valid comprehensive a) come from outside of a) come from outside of insurance cover issued by a reliable and the Schengen area, the Schengen area, solvent company or institution. If your b) wish to travel outside the EU/EEA b) wish to travel outside the EU/EEA studies in Finland last less than two years, from Finland, for example to Russia from Finland, for example to Russia you must have private insurance which Letter of acceptance sent to you Letter of acceptance sent to you primarily covers the costs of medical from Lapland University of Applied from Lapland University of Applied treatment up to about 100 000€. If your Sciences Sciences studies in Finland last two years or more, you will usually have a home municipality European Health Insurance card European Health Insurance card or in Finland (Kemi , Rovaniemi or Tornio) (EU/EAA citizens) Insurance certificate, see page 15 and are entitled to municipal healthcare Insurance certificate, if you come Several passport sized photographs services. Therefore your private insurance outside EU see page 16 should primarily cover the cost of Credit card(s) or travelers’ checks (it medicines up to about 30 000 €. Several passport sized photographs is not advisable to carry a lot of cash) For further information go to the Credit card(s) or travelers’ checks (it website of the Finnish immigration Service is not advisable to carry a lot of cash) www.migri.fi (> english > Studying) Certificate concerning your Erasmus grant or other proof of your financial support

The document, which will be needed when applying for a Finnish social security number from International Relations Office / Register Office 16 • Practical Information Guide pakkaraja.fi – Lapland UAS student's Info

ACCOMMODATION airport and continue travelling on a bus recommended, because changing can be from the airport to the bus quite tricky with lots of luggage. Notice Please make sure you have arranged your station. The bus trip takes about 3 hours. that there are very few train connections accommodation before you arrive to Tornio in Finland is situated right across from Kemi to Tornio and usually you must Finland. To read more about the border. take a bus connection from Kemi train accommodation possibilities in your town station to Tornio. check page 25 for Kemi and Tornio or page By Sea More information on www.vr.fi 26 for Rovaniemi. Travelling to Finland by sea is also possible, regardless of the time of the year. You can By Road TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS find connections from , Another option is to drive a car or travel on and . The main ports of arrival are a bus. By Air and . Find out more about • : Alta, and If you are going to fly to Finland, you will schedules and prices for ships: Tromso offer connection to Rovaniemi most likely land at Helsinki- airport. • www.vikingline.fi (you can continue your trip to Kemi by If you have spare time, you’ll have a great • www.tallinksilja.com/en train or bus; to Tornio by bus). opportunity to tour around Finland’s • www.finnlines.com Find more at capital, Helsinki. The quickest and easiest www.eskelisen-lapinlinjat.com way to reach Kemi, Rovaniemi or Tornio is From Helsinki and Turku you can continue to take a domestic flight from Helsinki- your journey by train. • Russia: Murmansk offers Vantaa to Kemi-Tornio airport or connection to Rovaniemi . The flight will take By Rail (you can continue your trip to Kemi about an hour. Find out more about The train is an easy way to continue by train or bus; to Tornio by bus). schedules, prices and available seats: travelling in Finland. You can find a direct Find more at www.goldline.fi bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa • www.finnavia.fi/en • Sweden: Stockholm offers connection to airport to the railway station. If you travel • www.finnair.fi Haparanda-Tornio (you can continue from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the trip lasts • www.norwegian.com your trip to Rovaniemi by bus). about 12 hours. Travelling to Kemi and • www.flybe.com Find more at www.tapanis.se Tornio takes a few hours less, 8-10 hours. Another air route goes through Sweden. You can take a day or night train. A You can fly via Stockholm to Luleå-Kallax connection with no train changes is

Practical Information Guide • 17 MURMANSK

Airport Taxi Taxi from the airport from the airport to Rovaniemi to Rovaniemi tel. + 358 16 362 222, tel. + 358 16 106410, about 10 euros about 15–20 euros 20–30 min. 15 min.

ROVANIEMI Travelling by car, you can arrive to Finland by driving E4 road 114 km Bus through Sweden and cross the border in Haparanda. Remember from Kemi to Tornio HAPARANDA www.matkahuolto.fi that the Finnish law makes it compulsory to wear winter tires 125 km about 6 euros between 1 December and 28 February. Usually the weather and TORNIO 30 minutes slippery roads in Lapland make people wear winter tires until LULEÅ 28 km KEMI Airport Taxi late spring. Remember to make sure you have a parking spot for from the airport your car before you arrive. to Kemi or Tornio tel. + 358 200 6800, Read more about driving a car in Finland about 20–25 euros

• www.autoliitto.fi/in_english/ • http://alk.tiehallinto.fi/alk/english • www.lvk.fi FINLAND • http://smartmotorist.com 715 km

834 km INFORM ABOUT YOUR ARRIVAL TIME Degree students

In Kemi and Tornio Inform your arrival time 2 weeks before Confirm your date of arrival at least two weeks in advance to By airplane from Helsinki to Kemi ensure that we are prepared to receive you. Send the information www.fc.fi (exact date, time and place of your arrival) by e-mail to our By train 90 minutes accommodation officer: [email protected]. www.vr.fi/eng from Helsinki to Rovaniemi about 80 euros www.norwegian.com 8 hours www.finnair.com In Rovaniemi 80 minutes Lapland UAS doesn’t organize any transportation to your HELSINKI accommodation. If you need any help for arrival, you can ask your student tutor.

18 • Practical Information Guide Exchange students Please confirm your arrival date in Medicine SoleMOVE by the deadline mentioned in Imports of medicinal products are the information package! In Kemi and Tornio controlled by the customs. When necessary, Lapland UAS organizes free pick up service CUSTOMS the passenger must prove that the for a certain date before the orientation medicinal product is intended for personal If you are planning to bring medicinal week. You will be informed of the pick-up treatment. If you intend to import products, food, money or alcohol beverages service date beforehand. If you come medicinal products to Finland you need to with you in Finland, please read earlier or later than the official date, you have a doctor’s prescription or a medical the following instructions. You can find will have to organize your own certificate with you. more information from Finnish transportation to your accommodation on You are allowed to bring outside Customs your own cost. EEA countries a maximum quantity Our accommodation officer jukka. corresponding to three month’s use. If www.tulli.fi/en/ > Finnish Custums > [email protected] will arrange the you come from EEA country, you have Publications > Passengers and removals pick-up service. He also arranges the a right to bring medicine a maximum > Import Restrictions for Passengers or accommodation for you according to the quantity corresponding to one year use. Customs Instructions for Passengers. arrival date and time you have informed You are allowed to bring medicines that in SoleMOVE. are classified as narcotics outside EEA Please proceed as follows when declaring Please confirm your arrival date in countries to a maximum corresponding passenger imports if there are channels of SoleMOVE by the deadline mentioned in to 14 days’ use. For Schengen- countries the different colors at the place of arrival: the information package! limit for medicines that are classified as • Choose the red channel, if you are narcotics is a maximum corresponding In Rovaniemi carrying goods that are subject to to 30 days’ use Lapland UAS organizes free pick up service customs clearance or declaration or if Please verify beforehand that you are for a certain date before the orientation you are not sure which regulations apply. allowed to bring your medicinal products week. You will be informed of the pick-up to Finland and what is the maximum • Otherwise choose the green channel or, service date beforehand. If you come amount for them. Make also sure you when arriving from another EU Member earlier or later than the official date, you have all the necessary documents. State, the blue channel. will have to organize your own transportation to your accommodation on Even a passenger who has chosen the green your own cost. or blue channel may be checked.

Practical Information Guide • 19 Foodstuff It is prohibited to import meat and meat products, milk and milk products and pet foods from countries outside the EU. BEFORE ARRIVAL CHECKLIST Money A passenger arriving in or departing from Confirm your tudys place Rovaniemi Taxi number is 060 the EU has to declare their cash well before deadline 030 030. Taxi from railway station funds to the customs authority when to DAS accommodation costs about Residence permit, page 13 10-15 € during day time and night carrying cash to the minimum value of time 15-20 € 10 000 euros. Insurance, page 15 Taxi from Rovaniemi airport to city Alcohol Accommodation, page 25–26 center costs about 20€. A little bit cheaper alternative is airport In Finland, persons aged 20 or over are All necessary documents, page 16 allowed to have strong alcoholic beverages taxi http://airporttaxirovaniemi. fi/?language=en in their possession or transport them, and Book flights / ailwayr tickets. If you persons aged 18 or over alcoholic beverages book before you’ve got your residence Kemi-Tornio taxi number is containing less than 22 per cent alcohol by permit, try to book flexible tickets. 0200 68000. Taxi from the railway station to Tornio accommodation volume. Apply for a student card (SAMOK) to costs around 50 €. Taxi drive in Kemi Please proceed as follows when get student discounts, page 12 declaring passenger imports if there are city area costs around 10-15 €. The taxi prices are little bit bigger during Check the weather of your arrival channels of different colors at the place of the evening/night time. arrival: date. Please remember that the weather might be very cold Airport taxi from the Kemi-Tornio (especially in winter) and you should airport to Tornio accommodation • Choose the red channel, if you are pack warm clothes. carrying goods that are subject to costs 25 € and to Kemi accommodation 14-20 € depending customs clearance or declaration or Inform your student tutors/ on where your apartment is located. accommodation officer/confirm in if you are not sure which regulations Airport taxi must be ordered always SoleMOVE about your arrival date and apply. Other wis e choose the green in advance! You must mention that time. Remember to inform the student channel or, when arriving from you want airport taxi when ordering tutors any changes in the schedule! another EU Member State, the blue the taxi. channel. Finances, international credit card, etc. page 33 Even a passenger who has chosen the green or blue channel may be checked.

For further information go to the website of Finnish Customs www.tulli.fi/en/ (> Publications > Passengers and removals > import Restrictions for Passengers)

20 • Practical Information Guide AFTER ARRIVAL

Meal card the student has to pay the actual healthcare CIVIL REGISTRIES In order to eat in the student cafeteria at expenses from the treatments, which will You must get a Finnish social security student discount prices, you will have to be much more expensive than with the number after arrival. The number is obtain meal card from the Study Affairs permanent home municipality. needed for registration purposes in all Office. If you already have a student union In the registration office th e st udents Finnish higher education institutions. To card, it isn’t necessary to get a meal card to must remember to ASK them to mark get the number you need to register at the get the discount. the home municipality as permanent to local Register Office. You need to inform Kemi, Tornio or Rovaniemi. To do this, your Finnish social security number to DEGREE STUDENTS the student must have with them passport your faculty's student's Register Office and study certificate. The re gistration is (maistraatti). They will add the number to Register office in your town free of charge. your student information in WinhaWille. (maistraatti) The social security number is also needed Degree students must get the Finnish Bank if you... social security number from the register Opening the Finnish bank account, ATM office if they have not obtained with the card (Visa Electron), how to use the ATM, • intend to work and receive a salary (even residence permit. They also need to register paying the bill (internet bank). though your stay will last less than a their permanent home municipality in year) their town if they want to. The registration EXCHANGE STUDENTS • plan to apply to go on exchange during office marks automatically the home Police station your studies or apply any grants from municipality temporarily in Kemi, Tornio the university or Rovaniemi. Students who study in Exchange students must register in the Finland two years or more, they have the police station if they are going to stay in On the basis of registration, you will be right to get the permanent home Finland more than 3 months. The assigned the same kind of personal social municipality to the study locality. If the registration costs 50,00 euro. You need to security number as a Finnish citizen has. student has the permanent home prepare to have with you: passport, The personal social security number is municipality in Kemi, Tornio or acceptance letter/ study certificate, proof of used for identification purposes, needed in Rovaniemi, his/her healthcare costs will be adequate financial support for your stay such places as banks, hospitals, libraries, the same as the local citizens in the area. and European Health Insurance Card tax office and the register offices of different Without the permanent home municipality authorities. You obtain your personal

Practical Information Guide • 21 social security number from the local Register Office after you register. The registration is free of charge. AFTER ARRIVAL You have to have your passport, a valid CHECKLIST residence permit and study certificate with you when you register. When you register, we advise that you mention that you want to register as a permanent Participate in the orientation program. Obtain Sports Pass to enjoy resident in your town. Then you will sport services at low cost, Sign the tenancy agreement, see pages 37 benefit from public health care and get the if not done earlier (check also the public health care services at the same price need for washing machine token/card) Visit the nearest post office and file a as local residents. notification of change of address We advise you to take a certificate of the Locate student health services, registration. This certificate co sts 4, 5 €. page 27 Exchange students should register in the police station’s office if they are With this certificate you can prove that In case you have any chronic deceases going to stay in Finland more than you are a permanent resident in your town or medical allergies the school nurse 3 months. The registration costs when you use local health care services, recommends you to contact her as 50 euro. You need to prepare to for example. soon as possible after your arrival, have with you: passport, acceptance page 28 and 29 letter/ study certificate, and proof of Local Register office adequate financial support for your in Rovaniemi Get mobile phone and/or Finnish stay, European Health Insurance Card. mobile number (prepaid). It is easier Lähteentie 2 (P.O.Box 8183), for the tutors and staff ih UAS or Get social security number in local 96101 Rovaniemi practical placement people to reach registration office (maistraatti) if you Tel. 029 553 9661 you expecially needed in Social and have not obtained it at the same time Fax. 029 553 9229 Health Care. Page 34 with your residence permit. Open: Monday to Thursday 9.00-15.00, Get internet connection Inform your Finnish social security Friday 9.00-16.15 (if it’s not included to the apartment) number to your student's affairs page 34 office. It needs to be added to Local Register office WinhaWille to your information. in Kemi Obtain a library card Keskuspuistokatu 20-22, 3rd floor, Kemi Degree students: register your Obtain a SAMOK student card, permanent municipality in the tel. 029 553 9661 page 12 registration office (maistraatti).

Students in Tornio must visit Obtain the meal card from the study the register office in Kemi! affairs office in order to get lunch at student price, if you don’t have Bank appropriate student card You must open the Finnish bank account if Familiarize yourself with your flat and you get a grant from Lapland UAS. The its surroundings, the school facilities grants for students are always paid to a and the city Finnish bank account, never in cash.

22 • Practical Information Guide LIVING IN FINLAND

ACCOMMODATION of the termination of the tenancy property or is continuously acting in a agreement. Normally one month prior socially irresponsible manner. Rights and responsibilities of tenants to departure. • The rent is payable by the agreed date of Living in a rental apartment each month. Rights and responsibilities Living together with another student can of land-lords • The tenant is responsible for any be an experience. It provides you with damage to the property. This includes • The landlord is responsible for the many possibilities to learn different damage caused by visitors of the tenant. maintenance of the property but not for cultures. It is also a possibility to make the damage caused by the tenant. lifelong friendships and it can give you lots • Follow the house rules and regulations, • The landlord can terminate the tenancy of good memories from the time you spend which in blocks of flats are usually here in Finland. When you take care of placed on the wall in the vicinity of the agreement only in writing and an acceptable reason must be given for it. each other’s wishes and hopes, living main entrance. together will work out just great! Different • Tenancy agreements must be • The landlord can evict the tenant if manners and different cultures will not terminated in writing. The property the tenant has not paid the rent for the must be vacated within one month

EXAMPLE OF HOUSE RULES You cannot keep your things in the stairway. Silence between 22.00-6.00. Cars and bicycles must be parked at the places reserved for Smoking in the rooms and in the stairways is forbidden. them. Trash and other garbage musts be taken to waste shelter. Outer doors have to be closed all the time because of the electric locks and safety reasons. Outer doors are usually locked The occupant must take care of the cleaning of the apartment between 21.00-6.00. him/herself. You can air your bed linen in the balcony on weekdays at 7.00-10.00. and 17.00-18.00. Carpets must be taken Flat must be cleaned before moving out and they will be checked outside to the carpet rack. by the Housing Office. Remember to inform the Housing Office one month before you move out. The occupant must move in the stairway noiselessly. Any damages or failures must be notified to the caretaker You cannot keep your flat door open to the stairway. immediately.

Practical Information Guide • 23 create problems if you are willing to be When you move out: flexible. The regulations for living will NOTE! • Give notice to the Housing Office one guide you and your room mate. Here are You should submit a notification of month before you move out. also a couple of tips for making living more moving (muuttoilmoitus) every time you • Notify the local register office of change your accommodation in Finland. comfortable. your moving by filling in the online See civil registration on page 21. Get to know your room mate. Talk and form at www.posti.fi/changeaddress. make together some basic rules for living, You can also get the form in the register for example visitors, listening music etc. office in your town or local post office. Cleaning the common areas is every More information: tenant’s responsibility (kitchen, hall, toilet Notice of moving (muuttoilmoitus: www www.vaestorekisterikeskus.fi. and bathroom). One good way is make .posti.fi/changeaddress/) to local register cleaning shifts. After using the kitchen office (maistraatti) within one week after • Return the keys to the Housing Office and bathroom always clean it after use. your arrival to Finland. You should make or caretaker. For example, wash the dishes after use. this Notification of moving every time you • Fill in the form registering changes of Take care of the garbage also. Because of change your residence in Finland and also address in the post office. Post offices health reasons the garbage bag has to be when you move out of Finland. have free post cards which you can send taken to the waste shelter immediately It is important to notify the Post Office to your friends and family to inform of when it gets full. Garbage is not allowed (Posti) of your moving so that your mail your new address. More information: to be kept indoors, not in the flat or in the will be delivered to the right place. The www.posti.fi. stairway. This also prevents bad smells forms for notification are available at post • Remember to change the address to the and makes the flat more cozy! And please, offices, register offices and police stations. WinhaWille Student Administration respect your roommate’s property. Posti will forward all mail addressed to System of the school. Also it is a good If you do not pay your rent in time, the the old address of a person who has filed idea to inform the library and banks of housing office can terminate your rental a change of address notification for one your new address. agreement and you’ll have to move. month free of charge. Posti will send you automatically a letter where they offer you • Clean the flat before you move out. Notice of moving a service of redirection of all postal items If the Housing Office has to clean your If you stay in Finland for longer than a for 12 months. This service is subject to a flat after you move out, it will bill you month, you have to submit an official charge and it is voluntary. for the cleaning costs.

REMEMBER! • Your own property is not included in the • By the Finnish law there has to be a fire real estate insurance of the Housing Office. alarm in every flat. Check that the alarm is in • The tenant cannot let anybody else live in his/ You can ask for a home insurance in the operation. Tenant’s responsibility is to replace her flat. insurance companies. The companies require the batteries approximately once a year! • If you want to move out or change your rental the Finnish social security number when • If the occupant has caused damage to the agreement you must yourself inform the obtaining the insurance. flat, s/he is liable to compensate the damage Housing office • The tenant has to change in full. the light bulbs his/herself.

24 • Practical Information Guide Find out... • Fill in the application for Degree students can pay the rent • how to use the apartment key (how to accommodation and send it to monthly. Degree students pay the first lock and unlock the doors). And take accommodation month rent and the rent deposit within a care of the key. If you lose the key or Officer Jukka Ikäläinen, week of student’s arrival to the apartment. lock yourself outside the apartment, P.O. Box 505, After arriving you need to make a rental it costs to call the janitor to open the FI-94100 Kemi, Finland. agreement with the house lord as soon as apartment door! possible. The application form is attached • how the fridge is working. Contact information for Student to this guide, page 55. housing foundation of Kemi (Kemin • how the oven/stove works. opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) Service Providers Accommodation in Kemi • how to use the washing machine in the laundry room. Accommodation in Kemi is located within Student Housing Foundation of Kemi a 2.5 km radius of the Lapland UAS (Kemin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö • where are the garbage cans. education units. Students live mainly in Keskuspuistokatu 6-8 And two or three bedroom apartments. Every FI-94100 Kemi • Notice silence student has his or her own bedroom. If you (usually between 22.00-7.00) want, you can also share your bedroom Accommodation in Tornio with your friend. You will share a kitchen The accommodation is located within a 0.5 ACCOMMODATION and a bathroom/shower with one or two km radius of the Lapland UAS education IN KEMI AND TORNIO other students. The apartments are units. You will have your own room and Students are accommodated either in Kemi furnished. The rent is about 250 €/month/ share kitchen and a bathroom/shower with or Tornio depending on their study student. You will have to pay a deposit rent two other students. If you want, you can program or the location of the practical of one month’s rent, which will be returned also share your bedroom with your friend. training placement. When applying please to you when leaving if there are no claims. The apartments are furnished. Free laundry indicate what kind of accommodation you Deposit rent covers possible accidental facilities are available. The rent is about 250 prefer, the housing office try to fulfill your damage to the property, unpaid rent and €/ month. Electricity, heating, water and expectations. If you want to move in to the replacement of keys/locks when keys are internet connection are included in the flat together with another person, please lost or not returned. Remember to give rent. You will have to pay a deposit of 200 € name the person in question. your bank account information to the which will be returned to you when leaving Lapland University of Applied Sciences housing company before your departure. if there are no claims. Deposit covers does not have dormitories. The apartments Exchange students don’t have to pay possible accidental damage to the property, are rented by housing companies (Kemin deposit rent in Kemi. Internet is not unpaid rent and replacement of keys/locks opiskelija-asuntosäätiö and Tornion included in the all rental apartments. If you when keys are lost or not returned. Krunni Oy) and private sector. want to have an internet connection in Remember to give your bank account Exchange students apply the your apartment, you should turn to local information to the housing company accommodation in Kemi or Tornio internet service providers. The rent before your departure. Exchange by filling in the application for includes water, heating and electricity. students must pay the rents for one accommodation in Kemi-Tornio. You Exchange students must pay the semester and the deposit at once (autumn need to attach the application to your rents for one semester at once (autumn semester rents in September and spring SoleMOVE application. semester rents in September and spring rents in January). In Tornio the rents must International degree students fill in the rents in January). In Kemi the rents must be paid within a week of student’s arrival to application for accommodation in Kemi- be paid when student arrive to pick up the the apartment. Degree students can pay the Tornio and return it to the to the housing apartment key. rent monthly. Degree students pay the first office.

Practical Information Guide • 25 month rent and the deposit within a week in autumn DAS receives many more the latest of November. Please keep in of student’s arrival to the apartment. applications than there are apartments mind that sometimes it is impossible to get See contact information for Tornion available. housing option you wanted and you might Krunni Oy Service Providers be offered a different kind of option. Apartments Tornion Krunni Oy There are three types of apartments to Degree students Lukiokatu 10 choose from: studio, family apartments The applications are stored in the order of FI-95400 Tornio and shared apartments. arrival. Only the date matters, the time of DAS has furnished apartments day is not relevant. The apartments ACCOMMODATION which are reserved for exchange are assigned according to the waiting IN ROVANIEMI students in the Kuntotie area. list. There is shorter waiting list for It is highly recommended to arrange In shared apartments you the shared apartments; you might accommodation before arriving to Finland. either have a single have to wait a one year to get a The student housing fills up quickly at the bedroom or share studio. Be prepared to answer beginning of each semester. Therefore it is a double bedroom within deadline when you get an very important to be on time with your with another person. offer of an apartment. accommodation application. Keep in mind You share the kitchen, that staying at a hotel is expensive in bathroom and toilet with Domus Arctica -säätiö Finland. Please read chapters below to apartment’s other residents that are Ylikorvantie 28 A learn more about accommodation options the same gender as you. FI–96300 Rovaniemi, Finland in Rovaniemi. The prices vary depending on the area and the type of flat. For example, Open on weekdays 9.30-16.00 (Thursdays DAS in Kuntotie rent varies from 87 €-320€/ 12.00-16.00)And the first and last working Domus Arctica-säätiö (DAS) is a Student month/ person. Keep in mind that you day of every month 8.00-16.00 Housing Foundation that offerswill have to pay also utility fee (water and Email: [email protected] accommodation in the city of Rovaniemi electricity) of 20 € and possibly monthly Internet: www.das.fi (online application) for Finnish and foreign students. DAS furniture payment which varies. apartment buildings are situated in four In the furnished apartments the rooms Please note that these 0207-starting phone different parts of the city, at approximately contain basic furniture: a bed, mattress, numbers are chargeable: of 3,5 kilometer radius from premises of desk, ceiling lamp, wardrobe and chair. Tel. +358 20 7699 180 Lapland UAS. The areas are called Kuntotie, The kitchen contains a kitchen table, Fax +358 20 7699 188 Rovala, Asemarinne and Rantavitikka. You chairs, an oven/stove and fridge/freezer. phone 8,21 snt/call + 6,9 snt/min can find more information about DAS Please note that there are no dishes, mobile 8,21 snt/call + 14,9 snt/min accommodation and the housing areas at cleaning equipment, cutlery, cooking For all issues related to DAS www.das.fi utensils, curtains, pillows, blankets, accommodation, please contact DAS All foreign and Finnish students sheets or towels in the rooms. customer service directly: [email protected] can apply for accommodation in DAS apartments continuously. Majority of Information about application process Other options these apartments are not furnished. The Exchange students It is also possible to look for an apartment applications are handled in “first come, Application for housing has to be in the from the city of Rovaniemi, estate agencies first served” basis so it is highly important DAS office at the latest on 25 June for the or the private sector. Usually the to apply as soon as possible. First-year autumn semester, submitted directly to apartments are unfurnished. It is possible students always have priority in August DAS office by using their online application to get low price furniture from second- and September. Please remember that form. The spring semester deadline is at hand shops.

26 • Practical Information Guide Private apartments rent vary depending landlord well in advance so he/she knows recommends you to contact her as soon on the condition of the apartment and the when you will come to pick up keys. If you as possible after your arrival. You may area nearby. Apartments are usually more are going to DAS accommodation, see the make an appointment via phone or email. expensive in the city centre and in the opening hours of the DAS housing office The school nurse has recommended that Viirinkangas-Rantavitikka area than, e.g to get your keys. Also remember to have all students would have the following in Ounasrinne or Korkalovaara. It is also all the necessary documents with you! vaccinations before arriving to Finland: possible to rent an apartment together Depending on the furniture and other polio, tetanus-diphteria and MMR with friend or friends. furnishings in the dormitories, it may be a (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. For more information, please check good idea to take a sleeping bag with you. You are not able to have the vaccinations www.vuokraovi.com and www.kas.fi. The first days can be quite busy, and it may in Finland except tetanus and influenza take a day or two before you have time to vaccinations. PRIVATE go shopping. There are some second-hand Take with you your recipe and English ACCOMMODATION shops in Rovaniemi where you can buy descriptions if you have any regular You can also rent an apartment from a dishes, curtains, etc. at a lower price. Your medication. This helps you to continue private owner. The rent for a single room student-tutor will help you locate all the your care in Finland. (studio) apartment is approximately 300– necessary shops. 400 €/ month and for two rooms + kitchen EU/EAA- citizens 350–500 €/month. Usually you are If you are an EU-citizen, remember to requested to pay a deposit of 1–3 months’ HEALTH CARE SERVICES obtain your European Health Insurance rent. In Finland the public health care services card and show it when you are using health are organized by the municipalities. As a care services. Show the card even if you are Important student you are able to use the public not asked. Please notew that every tenant must sign a health care services in Finland if you have tenancy agreement with the landlord. Only a municipality of residence in Finland. one person can live in an apartment per Public health care services are financed tenancy agreement. The tenant has no right through tax revenue and are quit cheap for to let people who are not mentioned in the customers. Source: infopankki.fi tenancy agreement live in the flat without As a student of Lapland UAS, you are the landlord’s (for example DAS) entitled to use the services of the student permission. Your friends are not allowed to health care nurse. The nurse counsels live in your apartment. You will lose your students on health issues and gives advice tenancy agreement and the right to live in in case of illness. The school nurse can your apartment if you do not follow the write certificates of illness for a short time. tenancy agreement. Also she will give the first aid in sudden In case of questions, always contact the emergencies. School nurses services are housing office. available during the academic year and For more information about multicultural on weekdays. Check your own school student housing in Finland, see: www. nurses appointment times from pages opiskelija-asunnot.fi/en/studenthousing 28- 29. Student nurse’s services are free of If you have not agreed with your charge, but you are charged Health Centre student-tutor about your arrival at fee from medical doctor appointments. the dormitory, it is important to make In case you have any chronic deceases arrangements to get the keys to your or medical allergies the school nurse accommodation! Be sure to contact your

Practical Information Guide • 27 Citizen of Nordic Countries that Health care centers are closed in the ´´Reception without appointment and evenings and weekends. calling time Mon–Fri from 8–8.45 and As a citizen of the Nordic countries, you 10.15-11.15 and Wed 8.00-11.15. can prove your entitlement for medical Medicines If the school nurse is not available, treatment with identity card. You can also medicines are sold in pharmacies. Please students can contact the nearest healthcare obtain European Health Insurance card. note that a doctor’s prescription is required centre. The school nurse can advise you for certain medicines. Some medicines are which is the nearest centre to you. Non-EU- citizen sold without a prescription. Non-EU citizen has to have a valid health Contact information for HEALTH CARE SERV ICES insurance that covers for medical treatment the health care centers are: IN KEMI AND TORNIO in Finland. Remember that you have to register at the local Register Office in order In Kemi and Tornio there is a school nurse In Kemi to get the public health care services at the in every campus. Open weekdays from 8.00–15.30: same price as the locals! • Sauvosaari Healthcare centre To read more about the insurance, go to In Kemi (= Sauvosaaren terveysasema) www.migri.fi and www.kela.fi. Health Care Kirkkopuistokatu 1, tel. 016 259 705 School nurse Ms Kati Ypyä open on weekdays mon- thu 8.00-15.00 Health care centers Tel. 050 314 6497, fridays 8.00-14.00, tel. 016-259705 Health care centers are usually open from e-mail: [email protected] calling time between 8.00-14.30 Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. To Lapland UAS, Healthcare Campus make an appointment you should call the Meripuistokatu 26, A-stairs In Tornio health center in the morning as soon as it Reception by appointment from 8 am –3pm: opens. When you call to the appointment Reception without appointment • Tornio Health care center (= Tornion desk, the nurse will make an evaluation of Mon–Fri at 8.00–9.45. terveyskeskus) medical treatment. The nurse will ask you At other times only by appointment. Sairaalakatu 1, tel. 016 431 835 questions concerning your case and make the decision whether you need to see a Technology, Business Management & All non-urgent matters such as time doctor, a nurse or the nurse can give you Social Services: reservation and lab results Weekdays 8.00- care instructions by phone and ask you to School nurse Ms Laura Pernu 15.00 hrs, tel. 016 432 835. If the answering contact them later if the situation has not Tel. 050 461 7224, machine goes on, leave your name and improved in couple of days. Source: e-mail: [email protected] telephone number of on answering infopankki.fi Kosmos Campus machine after the tone. You are called back Tietokatu 1, First floor, room 1045 Reseption the same day. Doctor without appointment on weekdays A doctor’s order is usually required if you 8.00-10.00. Other times only by Emergency Duty are in need of tests or treatment in appointment. In urgent cases of sickness and accidents hospitals, except in cases of an emergency. you will be treated in the emergency duty. If you need the services of a specialist, you In Tornio Contact information to emergency need to book an appointment first with a Business and Culture policlinics: general practitioner. The general School Nurse Ms Sini Peteri, practitioner will write you an order for a Tel. 050 314 6505, In Kemi specialist. Hospital patients must pay a e-mail: [email protected] For urgent matters (infections or accidents) share of the costs of the treatment. Note Asuntola (Dormitory) the doctor is on call Kauppakatu 35 A Stairs

28 • Practical Information Guide • Emergency Health Centre, to dental clinics. Dental clinics charge a fee School social worker Kauppakatu 25, 8.00-16.00 hours for their services and the fee is determined tel. 016-259750 by the Finnish government. Private dental The school social worker clinics are available for everyone. Contact (kuraattori) encourages students in their • Joint on-call duty, Kauppakatu 25 information for the public dental care studies and helps them cope with 16.00-8.00 hours including weekends services: big and small problems in life and public holidays tel. 040-1491340 (stress, frustration, loneliness, In Tornio Kemi homesickness or related hardships) private discussions with For urgent matters (infections or accidents) Reservations at Kemi municipal dental the social worker are strictly the doctor is on call clinics • Tornio health care center, Emergency confidential. There are also group tel. 016 259 769 Mon - Fri at 8 - 15.30 hrs polyclinic Weekdays 8.00–16.00 hrs meetings where students can meet their at other times tel. 040 149 1340 (joint duty) tel. 016 432 814 peers and exchange experiences. If you find yourself in any distressing Emergency duty for both towns on • Karihaara dental clinic, Purolankatu 3 situation, do not hesitate to contact workdays after 4 pm, on midweek holidays • Syväkangas dental clinic, Kivalontie 19 the school social worker for and during weekends is in the (Only life • Sauvosaari dental clinic, assistance and support. You may threatening situations). Kirkkopuistokatu 1 A 2 arrange an appointment with the • Länsi-Pohja central Hospital, school social worker by e-mail or phone. Kauppakatu 25, Kemi tel. 040 149 1340 Tornio Tornio city offers all students an School Social Worker Ms Maria Sipilä When you call to these numbers, you will opportunity to visit an oral hygienist once Student Affairs Office first be connected for the evaluation of at school nurse premises. The oral hygienist Lumikontie 2, Kemi medical treatment. The nurse will ask you counsels students on health issues and in mobile +358 (0)40 847 4219 questions concerning your case and make case you need dental care, you will be e-mail: [email protected] the decision whether you need to see a offered an appointment for either doctor. inspection or treatment in municipal Ms Paula Perttunen dental care. Please consult first the school Jokiväylä 11, Rovaniemi Dental care nurse about your district. mobile +358 404844243 Dental care is arranged by the city of email [email protected] • Reservations at municipal dental clinics: Rovaniemi and it is subject to charge. You tel. 016 432 955 can make an appointment to the dentist by HEALTH CARE SERVICES Weekdays at 8am-3pm calling, the number is 016 322 4630. Please IN ROVANIEMI keep in mind that you may have to wait a certain amount of time before getting The city of Rovaniemi arranges the health to the dentist, which is defined in the care services for students. statutory care guarantee. School public health nurse Dental care is available in the health care centers and in private dental care Minna Lohela, clinics. Lapland University of Applied Lapland University of Applied Sciences Sciences students belong to the municipal Ounasvaara campus student health care system. EU-citizens Rantavitikka campus must have their European Health Study Programs in English Insurance cards with them when coming [email protected]

Practical Information Guide • 29 NOTE!

Do not forget to cancel the dentist appointment in case you can’t go! Otherwise you’ll have to pay a fine of 33 euros.

Phone service Hospital Sairaalakatu Monday-Thursday 8.00-16.00 In case of medical emergency or sudden Health Centre Friday 8.00-14.00 illness that needs to be treated or assessed • Sairaalakatu 1 Tel. 016-322 4280 immediately, you can go to Hospital Team Ounas, tel.+358 (0)16 322 4453 Emergency Unit. If your illness doesn’t Team Uitto, tel.+358 (0)16 322 4454 Address require immediate medical treatment or Team Kaira, tel. +358 (0)16 322 4455 Pohjolankatu 2 assessment you may make an appointment Team Rova, tel. +358 (0)16 322 4456 96100 Rovaniemi to a doctor. Hospital Emergency Unit is only 1. floor, B-door meant for patients who require immediate • Pulkamontie Health Centre medical assessment and treatment and Pulkamontie 4 Opening hours whose treatment cannot be prolonged Team Saaren, tel.+358 (0)16 322 4575 Monday-Thursday: 8.00-16.00 without any significant health damage. Team Koski, tel.+358 (0)16 322 4585 Friday: 8.00-14.00 Health Centres are open: • Central Hospital of Lapland, General Mon – Fri 8.00-16.00 Doctor Emergency, Ounasrinteentie 22 In case you need to see a doctor, public Emergency & accident 8.00 am – 10.00 Healthcare fees from person over 18 years: health nurse can help you to get an pm, tel. +358 (0)16 328 2140 • Yearly fee 41,70€ appointment. There is also a possibility to Night emergency duty 10.00 pm – 8.00 use services of public health care center am, tel. +358 (0)16 328 2100 • Visit fee 20,90€ (terveyskeskus), hospital (sairaala) with Duty fee 22,10 € on working days General Practitioners first aid, and private clinics. Please keep in between 8 am- 10pm and also on (GP’s) mind that EU-citizens have to show their Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays European Heath card and non-EU citizens Each resident of Rovaniemi has his/her between 8 am – 10 pm Night duty fee have to have registered in the Register own GP and treatment team based on between 10 pm – 8 am, 27,40 € per Office. his/her street address. Please check visit. Not cancelled appointment 51,40 € which team you belong to from http://rovaniemi.fi/International/English > Services > Health Care Services

30 • Practical Information Guide GENERAL EMERGENCY NUMBER 112 LAPLAND POLICE SWITCHBOARD +358 71 876 0321

Answer all questions calmly and hang up MENTAL HEALTH only after the mergencye centre has given 4th month of pregnancy. The clinic you a permission to do so. monitors the health of the mother and the For example difficult life situations can child. They also organize classes for provide psychological and physical SE XUAL I T Y mothers and fathers where you can prepare symptoms; friendships are neglected, yourself for the coming of the baby and personal welfare and hygiene are Family planning learn how to take care of the new arrival. overlooked, hobbies are abandoned and a Help with family planning and The services are free of charge for the person does not show interest towards the contraception can be obtained at the customers of the clinic. things they have been interested in before. health care center. Contraceptives Help for mental health care problems are (condoms) are sold in pharmacies, shops Children’s Clinic available from the health care services. Ask and newsagents, birth control pills only by Once the child has born, the doctors and for more information from school nurse or prescription from pharmacies. Ask more nurses of the children´s clinic take care of school social worker. advice from the school nurse. the health and vaccinations of the child. Local health care center will provide EMERGENCY HELP Gynecology services you with more information on maternity In case of emergency for example life- Gynecological check-ups you can ask from and infant healthcare clinics. threatening situation, accident, fire or your local health care center or contact a urgent police assistance call the emergency private medical center. Women can request Sexually transmitted diseases number of the emergency response centre: to have a female doctor. Pregnancy tests If you suspect you have contracted a 112. You do not need an area code when can be taken at health care centers or from sexually transmitted disease, contact local calling the emergency number, not even pharmacy you can buy a home test. health care center or the school nurse. from a mobile phone. Emergency calls are free of charge from all phones. Do not call If you are pregnant SOCIAL SECURITY the emergency number in the case of Maternity Clinic FOR STUDENTS common illnesses. When calling 112, be The task of the maternity clinic is to foster The Finnish social security system is built sure to mention the following things: the health and well-being of the pregnant to ensure adequate basic security for 1. Your name. woman, unborn and new-born child, as people in all situations in life. However the 2. What has happened? well as other family members awaiting the students moving to Finland only for the 3. Where has it happened? new arrival. Women should visit a purpose of studying will not be entitled to 4. Are there people in danger? maternity clinic as soon as they become Finnish social security because your pregnant or at least before the end of the Practical Information Guide • 31 residence permit requires the adequate high in Finland, so it is recommended to in Lapland. Temperatures are most of the financial support. Also your family pack with you suitable clothing. If you’re time below zero and temperatures such as members or your children are not entitled missing some of the essentials, you can -20C and -30C are quite normal from to Finnish social security for the same purchase them from clothing shops and December to March. Sometimes it can get reasons. second-hand shops at your town. Check even colder! That is why you should really from the following chapters, what are the prepare yourself with warm clothing. You WEATHER AND CLOTHING essential pieces of clothing during your should at least have quilted jacket or Finland goes through four seasons each stay at Finland. windproof coat with warm lining, insulated year. When temperatures easily vary from shoes, a warm hat and gloves. -30C to +30C during the year, you have to Winter One good tip is to wear clothes in layers. be prepared for each season with certain Wintertime (November- April) can be very The air between the layers will help you clothing. The prices of clothes are relatively cold time of the year in Finland- especially to keep warm. For example you can wear

EXAMPLE OF DRESSING IN WINTER

First layer Head • Underwear with long sleeves and legs • Hat (wool, quilted material or fur cap) • Socks Head without cover will give off 80% of your bodyheat. Second layer Hands • Trousers • Gloves or mittens (wool, guilted material, leather with lining) • Woolen Jumper/Fleece Footwear Third layer • (Wool)socks and wintershoes (thick bottom and lining) • Winter Trousers and Jacket (quilted) • Scarf Remember that the shoes should be big enought to move your toes. Always use dry socks and shoes!

32 • Practical Information Guide underwear with long sleeves and legs and mind that summer nights in Lapland can usually subject to a fee. Please ask the bank put regular clothing on top of it. Don’t be full of light, because at the time of the for a price of a service package and list of forget your winter coat, gloves, hat and the sun stays above the other fees (e.g. international money scarf. When it is really cold, you might horizon. transfers). Fees are usually charged for want to add insulated trousers to the list. receiving money to your account from It is always good to have wool sweater and MONEY AND BANKING abroad and sending an international warm socks, just in case the temperature money order. Fees depend on the bank and drops down. The Finnish monetary unit is the Euro (€). the form of transfer. One euro is divided into 100 cents. There You will be given an ATM card with Autumn and spring are bank notes of EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, which you can withdraw money from During autumn and spring temperatures 200 and 500. The coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cash machines (called OTTO) throughout are usually below + 10 C but above zero. It cents and EUR 1 and 2. Credit cards like Finland. If you lose your ATM card, call can be warmer during May and August Visa and MasterCard or travelers’ checks 020 333, 24 h/day. and then you can sometimes wear trousers are the most convenient to use. With All banks have special banking and t-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt. Eurocheque cards and Visa cards you can terminals (maksuautomaatti) for paying Windproof jacket is a good piece of get money from cash machines. You can bills. You can also make your payments clothing for both seasons. Prepare yourself exchange currency in all Finnish banks at via the internet with specific personal for rain and puddles of water with the same rate but there may be differences banking codes. Self-service is much umbrella/raincoat and a pair of rain boots. in commission fees. cheaper than paying bills at a bank desk or on the banking terminals. You can get Summer Bank account banking assistance from student tutors Summertime gives you a chance to wear Banks are usually open Mon-Fri 10-16.30 and bank officials. t-shirt and shorts, because the weather is hrs but many times the cash services in usually sunny and quite warm. Naturally banks are open Mon–Fri only 10.00–13.00 Living expenses occasional rain showers and thunderstorms hrs. Students are advised to open a Finnish These are approximate prices in February may occur. Daytime temperature can often bank account as soon as they arrive. To do 2012 just to give you an idea of the price be around +20-25 C and usually that you will have to show proof of your level in Finland. There are school temperatures drop down during night. identity (e.g. passport). There is no fee for restaurants in every unit where students The warmest month is July. Please keep in opening an account but other services are can buy their lunch at the student price.

Practical Information Guide • 33 COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA • www.lapinamk.fi/en It is your responsibility to be active and to STUDENTS “Student’s Info Agency”, keep yourself updated, so as not to miss Every student at Lapland UAS will be the most important source of updated important info. Though we utilize digital provided with an e-mail account by the information on studies, student life and communication channels at Lapland UAS, school: firstname.familyname@edu. educational news. Under STUDENTS there is always the good old alternative to lapinamk.fi. The personnel’s e-mail is in you will also find the curricula for walk up and ask anyone for advice and form firstname. [email protected]. degree programs as well as course info. E-mail is an important tool for descriptions Mobile phone communication among students, lecturers • Avack and other staff. So make sure to check your An electronic bulletin board used in the There are not public phones available in the e-mail on a regular basis. education units to announce possible Lapland region, as almost everybody has a The principal channels for disseminating changes and the latest information on mobile phone. If you are planning to bring information are: class schedules and upcoming events along a mobile phone from your home • www.lapinamk.fi/en country, note that there might be some • Traditional noticeboards in the hallways The official website of Lapland difficulties to use it in Finland due to the of the education units University of Applied Sciences incompatibility with Finnish SIM cards – APPLICANTS (especially for • Virtual learning environments (especially prepaid cards). To avoid these applicants) like Moodle difficulties you might consider buying a second hand mobile phone in Finland. The

LIVING EXPENSES Student apartment in Kemi 250 €/month (includes water and electricity) Student apartment in Rovaniemi 87 -320€/ month/ person (not included furniture payment and utility fee) Student apartment in Tornio 270,00 € / month (including water, electrcity and free use of laundry room) Internet, normal broadband connection 15–30 € / month (depending on the speed of the connection) Internet, mobile broadband connection ...... 10–30 € / month (depending on the speed of the connection) Sports Pass 25.00 € / semester (35,00 € the academic year) Prepaid phone card from 10 € and up Samok student card, first year ...... 22 € Lunch in student dining room 2–3 € Freshments 2–3 € Pizza in a pizzeria (lunch time) ...... 6–7 € Bowling, student price ...... 9,50–12 € Swimming, student price 3,60 € Ticket to see a band 5–25 € Bus ticket from Kemi to Tornio ...... 5,90 € Airport-Taxi from the airport to the centre of Kemi ...... 12 €/person Airport-Taxi from the airport to the centre of Tornio ...... 18 €/person

34 • Practical Information Guide GROCERIES (FEBRUARY 2012) Apple (omena) ...... 1,99 €/kg Macaroni (makaroni) 0,65 € /kg Banana (banaani) 1,25 €/kg Margarine (margariini) ...... 2,45 € / 400 g Black bread slices (hapanleipä) 1,50 € / 500 g Microwave oven pizza (mikropitsa) . . . 2,99 € / 700 g Candies (karamelli) 1,70 € / 125 g Milk (maito) 1,39 €/l Canned tuna (tonnikalapurkki) . . . . 1,29 € / 140 g Olive oil (oliiviöljy) ...... 5,32 €/l Carrot (porkkana) 0,79 €/kg Onion (sipuli) 0,89 €/kg Cheese (juusto) 8,99 €/kg Orange (appelsiini) 1,99 € / kg Chicken legs (kanankoipi) 1,99 €/kg Pork chops (porsaanlihasuikale) 5,50 € / 400 g Chocolate cookies (suklaakeksi) 2,36 € / 350g Potato (peruna) 1,19 €/kg Coca-Cola ...... 2,15 € / 1,5 l Rice crispies (riisimurot) 2,39 € / 500 g Cocoa (kaakao) 5,61 €/kg Sausage (makkara) 2,19 € / 400g Coffee, good quality (kahvi) 4,19 € / 500 g Shampoo (shampoo) 1,59 € /l Cucumber (kurkku) 2 ,49 €/kg Salt (suola) 0,69 €/kg Curry 0,99 € / 45 g Sugar (sokeri) ...... 1,00 €/kg Eggs (kananmunat) 1,59 € / 10 pcs Tea (tee), 100 teabags . . . . 3,70 € / 100 tea bags Garlic (valkosipuli) ...... 7,45 €/kg Toast (paahtoleipä) 1,19 € / 400 g Grapes (viinirypäle) 2,69 € / 500 g Toilet paper (wc-paperi) 2,99 € /10 rolls Honey (hunaja) 2,99 € / 450 g Tomato (tomaatti) ...... 4,49 € / kg Jasmine rice (jasmiiniriisi) ...... 2,15 €/kg Toothpaste (hammastahna) 2,99 € / 75 g Juice (mehu) 0,92 €/l Washing-up liquid (astianpesuaine) 1,29 € / 500 ml Laundry detergent (pyykinpesuaine) 4,29 € / 1,36 kg Yogurt (jogurtti) 0,25 € / 200 g Lemon (sitruuna) 1,38 €/kg Ketchup (ketsuppi) ...... 2 € / kg

prices for used mobile phones start from required to have a Finnish Id number and destination that is outside of the country, 5 € and new ones from 40 €. credit information or to pay a deposit of first dial the international prefix. There are The easiest way to get a mobile 300–600 € to obtain your own SIM card. several international prefixes depending phone connection is to buy a prepaid If you have an internet connection, it on the phone company you choose subscription. You can purchase prepaid may be cheaper to make international SIM cards at e.g. R-kioski and shops calls via VOIp providers like Skype or • Sonera: 990 or 99590 selling mobile phones. However, the rates VoipDiscount. • Elisa: 999 for phone calls are a bit more expensive You can get help with these matters • DNA: 99555 than if you have a monthly mobile from your student tutors. • Globetel: 992 subscription. Alternatively, you can open If you call from outside Finland you • Kolumbus: 99559 a mobile phone connection (monthly should dial the international access • Saunalahti: 991 subscription) through several GSM code (often 00), the Finnish country • Pan-European code: 00 service providers in Finland: e.g. Sonera, code 358 and then leave out the first zero Elisa, DNA, Saunalahti, TeleFinland. It is (in parenthesis). When you call within After the international prefix, dial the always worthwhile to check the services Finland, leave out the country code 358 country code, area code (the first number and fees, as they may vary a lot between and add the zero given in parenthesis. – 0 – is usually omitted) and the different operators. As a foreigner you are When you make a telephone call to a subscriber’s number.

Practical Information Guide • 35 Internet connections provides news and information in several you have right to work in Finland without You might not have Internet connection in languages at www..fi/international. any restrictions, if the work is related to your dormitory or apartment in Kemi, your studies. In this case, the work is part Rovaniemi and Tornio. Prepaid internet Postal services of your practical training or making connections are very easy way to purchase You can buy stamps at post offices, kiosks diploma. Lapland University of Applied your own internet connection. You can get and some stores. A standard letter or Sciences does not offer jobs and is not help with these matters from your student postcard can be mailed at post offices or obligated to find students any jobs. All tutors. dropped into orange or blue-colored students have responsibility for themselves mailboxes (if available) in the town. If you to find a job. Please see more information International press use the orange-colored mailbox your letter below regarding working in Finland. You can find international newspapers and will be send as 1st class letter and if you use magazines in the libraries (the town blue-colored mailbox your letter will be Citizens of the Nordic Countries libraries of Kemi and Tornio and the send as 2nd class letter. The 2nd class letter A citizen of a Nordic country doesn’t need Lapland UAS libraries). Foreign language is cheaper to post but it will take two a residence permit to work, live and study papers are sold in well-stocked R-kioski´s weekdays for the letter to arrive to the in Finland. However, it is necessary to and local stores. recipient. In 1st class, it will take only one register your new address at register office weekday for the letter to reach the recipient. (Maistraatti), if your stay lasts longer than TV and Radio You can ask for more details at your nearest six (6) months. The operations of the Finnish Broadcasting post office or from the internet. Incoming Company are financed by public service mail is delivered to your address Monday EU/EEA citizens broadcasting tax collected by the Tax through Friday. There are no deliveries on As an EU/EEA citizen you have Administration. The Finnish TaxSaturdays, Sundays or on public holidays. unrestricted right to work and study in Administration’s website provides further For further information go to the website Finland for less than three (3) months. If information on the public service of the Finnish Post: www.itella.fi the stay lasts longer period of time, EU/ broadcasting tax. EEA citizen has to register for the right to For information on broadcasting tax WORKING IN FINLAND reside in Finland at the local police station. see: www.vero.fi/ en-US > Individuals > Finding a job alongside your studies can be Public broadcasting tax really challenging in Finland. Often Non-eu citizens Listening to a radio is free of charge. workers are expected to speak at least the As a non-EU citizen, you have right to The national broadcasting company YLE very basics of Finnish language. Naturally, work 25 hours a week during the academic

36 • Practical Information Guide www.outdoors.fi

term. When there is no teaching at the Travelling by bus from Kemi to Tornio 2013 the student discount percentage for institution during holidays, it is possible to or vice versa costs you 6,90 €. If you need Basic and Extra class tickets has started to work full-time. You will need to get a to take a bus daily, it is worth buying a vary between 45 to 55 per cent. What this residence permit before arriving to Finland monthly card. It is valid for 30 days from means is that students receive the highest in order to work. the date you buy the ticket within the discount for tickets with low demand, For more information about working in Kemi-Tornio transport area and costs while more popular tickets entitle to a Finland: 69 euros + a renewable card 6,50 euros lower discount. VR has convinced the • www.mol.fi (deposit). The card can be purchased at student organisations that the reform will, • www.infopankki.fi bus stations and it can be renewed on on average, make travelling by train more • www.migri.fi buses. Local buses depart from the bus affordable for students – even despite the stations in Kemi and Tornio. Timetables slight increase in the prices of the most Taxation are available at the bus stations, the popular departures. Remember to take care of your taxation, if Matkahuolto office and on buses. In You need to present your Student Union you work during your stay in Finland. You Rovaniemi the bus card at student price is membership card (SAMOK student card) can get your tax deduction card from your 31€/month and you can buy it from Osviitta or a special Matkahuolto/ VR discount local tax office. You will need it for each (located in the city hall of Rovaniemi) or card when purchasing the ticket time you work and receive salary. Matkahuolto (Lapinkävijäntie 2). Don’t Train connections in Finland: In order to learn more about taxation in forget to take Lapland UAS attendance www.vr.fi/eng Finland, visit www.vero.fi certificate and pass-port with you. If you take a bus ride to a destination Bicycles FREE-TIME of a distance of 80 km or more, you are With some good luck you may find and How to get around entitled to a special student rate. The buy a decent bicycle for a reasonable price Although in small towns like Kemi, discount is 50 % for a one-way or return from a bicycle repair shop, recycling center Rovaniemi and Tornio all the services are ticket. You need to present your Student (kierrätyskeskus), flea market (kirpputori) in the center, within walking distance, a Union membership card (SAMOK or your fellow student. bicycle is a nice way to familiarize with the student card) or a special Matkahuolto/ When you park your bicycle always surroundings of the towns. There is also a VR discount card when purchasing the remember to lock it and preferably fasten possibility to buy a buss card and use the ticket. it to a bicycle rack or some other solid public transportation for moving around Travelling by train you are entitled to a structure to avoid anyone steeling your towns. special student rate. Beginning on June 3rd

Practical Information Guide • 37 bike. You can buy bicycle locks from well- from each other. Another great place to • Viikkotori, Keskuspuistokatu 17, Kemi stocked stores. shop and visit is Village at the • Aseman tori, Rautatiekatu 9, Kemi Please remember to also purchase a . There are many specialty light for your bike, because the Finnish shops and souvenir shop in the center of • Monitarmo Kierrätys, Asemakatu 4, Kemi law demands you to have one. Light helps Kemi and Tornio, as well as a mall in • Vaarin Vintti, Länsiranta 13, Tornio other traffic users to see you better and Tornio. You can also enjoy a mall and lots • Tositori, Länsiranta 13, Tornio makes it easier to drive your bike when of other shops in Haparanda, Sweden. In it’s dark. It is also good to have a bicycle Sweden the currency is Swedish krona, but • IHA Lähetyspuoti, helmet. in Finland the currency is Euro. Kauppakatu 11, Tornio These shops sell used bikes and are Shopping hours are generally 9 a.m. located in the city centre of Rovaniemi: to 6 or 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sports Pass • Mountain Bike Center, 9 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. Saturday. Stores are With Sports Pass you can enjoy of culture Ruokasenkatu 10 typically closed on Sundays, but grocery or sports. The provided benefits vary • Tuhattori, Harrikatu 2 stores are usually open every day. depending on the town, please check details below. You can use the same Sports With good luck you can find used bikes in Second hand shops Pass in Rovaniemi, Kemi and Tornio. Kemi and Tornio from: Second-hand stores are ideal for low- • Viikkotori, Keskuspuistokatu 17, Kemi budget shopping. You can find many Sports Pass in Kemi-Tornio area • Monitarmo Kierrätys, Asemakatu 4, second-hand shops in Rovaniemi: In Kemi-Tornio area Sports Pass gives you Kemi the opportunity to participate in different • Tositori, Länsiranta 13, Tornio • Tuhattori, Harrikatu 2 kinds of cultural or sport activities with no • Varastotien kirppis, Varastotie 8 cost at all or with a discount. With the Shopping Sports Pass you can enjoy of multiple Rovaniemi offers variety of shopping • Rovaniemen Kontti, Kierrätystavaratalo, exercise locations in the school premises possibilities. There are many supermarkets, Teollisuustie 13 and on private sector. Different group grocery stores, home-furnishing and • Vintikki, Varastotie 2 exercises e.g. zumba and ball games such as clothing shops. In downtown you can shop volleyball, basketball and football have • Toivon Tori, Lapinkävijäntie 23 in three shopping malls: Sampokeskus, been popular options. There are also many Revontulikeskus and Rinteenkulma, which There are many second-hand shops also in opportunities to exercise for free without are only a short walking distance away Kemi and Tornio: the Sports Pass. You can get the card

38 • Practical Information Guide EVENTS FOR EVERY TASTE Sea Lapland area has several events throughout the year. Annual events in Kemi • In January Pakkasukko Blues & Jazz • In March Sea Lapland Ski (Lapin meren hiihto) In May Cartoon festival (Sarjakuvapäivät) • In August Satama Open Air, music festival • In August Venetsialaiset against the payment receipt from the FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES IN Annual events Students Affairs’ Offices. KEMI AND TORNIO in Tornio-Haaparanta area • In March Ice Fishing event Further information on the Pass and the Local Area (Suurpilkit) Several times a summer payment will be given by the Instructor of The following places are worth checking Peräpohjola Fair Leisure Activities Mr Jukka Ikäläinen out in the Kemi-Tornio area: • In July Twin City Festivals [email protected] and In Sweden, Kalix and Luleå are so close from student union ROTKO that you can make a day trip there. On • In July Tradional Whitefish Festival in Kukkolankoski [email protected]. the Finnish side of the Torniojoki river, as you go northward you find the town of • In November Artbazaar on the Aine Museum Sports Pass in Rovaniemi , which is home to the Aavasaksa In Rovaniemi you can enjoy of the sport hill, from which you can see far into Tutor’s tips services intended for students with Sports Sweden, and the town of , which is Here are a few tips on how you can Pass. You can get some the services free of located within the arctic circle. spend your free time in Kemi- Tornio area: charge or against a small fee. You can If you go 100 km northeast from choose from variety of outdoor and indoor , you get to the city of • From pastel painting to hunting courses and everything in between activities. From page 42 you can check Rovaniemi, where Santa Claus has built provided by: some of the places that offer benefits from his own tourist trap. From Rovaniemi Kemin Työväenopisto Sports Pass in Rovaniemi. you should continue on toward Marina Takalon katu 3, Kemi Learn more about Sports Pass and the and stop by the Ranua zoo to say hello to tel. 016 258 240 services in Rovaniemi at: Jaska, a talking raven. www.kemi.fi/kto/ Also not too far is , which is a little “Good selection of different • www.ulapland.fi/sportservices over 100 km from Kemi. Before you get kind of hobbies” • www.lyy.fi to Oulu there is a stone age village in the • Tornion Kansalaisopisto Opistotalo town of Ii. Seminaarinkatu 14, Tornio tel. 040 770 5972 For more information contact the Sports There are some natural sights we www.tornio.fi/Kansalaisopisto coordinator Mika Vettainen. mika. recommend that you check out: “Lots of different courses for [email protected] Between Simo and Keminmaa is everybody” the preserve of Martimoaava –

Practical Information Guide • 39 TIPS OF PLACES

SPORT ACTIVITIES In Kemi In Tornio • Kemin keila- ja tennishalli • Tornio swimming hall (bowling and tennis hall) Viidankatu 22 Tervaharjunkatu 16 tel. 050 597 1256 tel. 045 279 3119 www.tornio.fi www.keminkeilajatennishalli.com “Nice, relaxing. Swimhall also has a gym.” “Room for lots of people. Good opening • Tornion naisvoimistelijat hours. Little expensive.” ”Disco-Fever (Female gymnastics) bowling.” Lumiaava – Penikat. It provides visitors Arvontie 10 with hiking trails, night lodging in • Bodycenter http://tornionnv.sporttisaitti.com/ Valtakatu 3, tel. 010 396 8000 and “Cheap and it’s easy for newcomers to wilderness huts, bird watching, and eating Asemakatu 9, tel. 010 396 8003 hop in.” in lean-to shelters. www.bodycenter.fi • Tornio-Haaparanta “Jogging route” The coastal region is home to the “Good and professional instructors. Perämeri National Park, where visitors Nice gymnastic exercises.” “Route has signposts. Goes nicely around can become familiar with the marine the river, nice scenery.” • Swimming hall habitat of (Perämeri) as well Meripuistokatu 28, tel. 016 259 455 • Tornio bowling hall as the fishing outposts and traditional Teollisuuskatu 8–10, “Nice swimming hall but small. Has tel. 016 445 722 landscapes produced by the traditional music. Quite expensive prices. Water tornio.kemi-torniokeilailu.com. fishing industry. gymnastics are effective and has good In the bird watching tower of Alkunkari instructors.” “Cheapish if you reserve a lane with a group. Has music, cafeteria and disco- in Puuluoto of Tornio, visitors can watch • Naisvoimistelijat (Female gymnastics) fever during evenings.” the lives of birds and enjoy campfire coffee Lukkarilankatu 2, at the campfire area, which is large enough tel.040 026 2400 • Vocational College Gym Downstairs of the dormitory at “Affordable. Student friendly.” for twenty visitors at a time. Kauppakatu 35 Another place worth visiting near • Kiikeli, in ruutinranta “Gym is in good shape and is free for Tornio is Kukkolankoski rapids, “Nice and big dogpark. student.” where you can watch and admire Empty during morning and evenings. • Hall hours for students Lappiahalli, Lot’s of people during afternoon” living traditional fishing culture of the Etappitie 4 www.lappiahalli.fi Tornionlaakso Valley. “Hiking path and lean-to.” “Nice place for soccer.” On the Swedish side, the island of • Jogging paths: Takajärvi path and • Climbing wall at Kiviranta Seskarö is famous for its great beaches. Mansikkanokka path People in the Arctic like winter Tapiolantie 8 swimming and ice fishing in the winter • Bodycenter time. The coastal region of Kemi and Kauppakatu 12 tel. 010 396 8001 the Torniojoki river provide excellent www.bodycenter.fi opportunities for both of these activities. “Good and professional instructors. Nice gymnastic exercises.”

40 • Practical Information Guide EVENTS FOR EVERY TASTE Sea Lapland area has several events www.outdoors.fi throughout the year. Annual events in Rovaniemi • In June: Rovakatu Market, at the town centre • In June, March and September: Rovaniemi Market (traditional market at Kauppatori) • In August: Old Market Square FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES IN few of the possibilities; there are many Carnival of Rovaniemi ROVANIEMI more activities available. Elonkorjuu Market at the town There is also a possibility to go centre, Rovakatu Simerock (Music festival) There are many possibilities to spend your explore city’s cultural life. For example spare time in Rovaniemi. Nature is not far at House of Culture, Korundi, you can • In September: Rovaniemi week (A chance to get to know city’s away from the city and it is easy to go enjoy see contemporary art, enjoy concerts services, history and architecture) it throughout the year. You can do many or attend a lecture of the current art • In December: Street outdoor activities: skiing, swimming, ice theme. You can also go see the Provincial Opening, at town centre skating, cycling, snow shoeing, hiking and Museum of Lapland in Arktikum and • In February: Arctic Design week fishing… If a rainy (or a very cold) day its exhibitions, or drop by on one of the comes by, you can always turn to the smaller art galleries downtown. You can Please note that these are just a few examples of what interesting events services that gyms and sport centers also lend a book or read papers at the Rovaniemi has to offer. provide. Gather your friends and go for library, watch a movie at the cinema or example climbing, bowling or swimming. see a play on one of the theaters. A good place for outdoor activities is To see more information about cultural Ounasvaara, which is not far away from activities check http://rovaniemi.fi/ the city. It is a recreational area that has International/English/Cultural Services. well-maintained trails with signposts Rovaniemi is a tourist destination and which are ideal for hiking and skiing. therefore it provides many exotic things Ounasvaara is a hill and it gives you a to experience. You can pay a visit to chance to enjoy of amazing views and Santa Claus or . There is also Since Rovaniemi is a student city, landscape. Be sure to visit the Ounasvaara’s a possibility to enjoy of outdoors with it has an active student life: degree observation tower because the view up husky sleigh rides or snowmobiling. You organizations, student unions and there is mesmerizing! During winter it is can find more information about these student tutors organize all kind of events possible to go snowshoeing or downhill and many other services from the local throughout the year. Other organizations and cross-country skiing. Hiking, playing safari companies. also organize many kinds of events, golf and enjoying the ride on a summer More information www.visitrovaniemi.fi lectures, shows and theme days that you bobsleigh are fun summertime activities. and www.outdoors.fi can participate in. And these mentioned activities are just

Practical Information Guide • 41 FINNISH FRIEND PROGRAMME

TIPS OF PLACES Lapland UAS and ULapland organize Sports • Fitness boxing international friend activities between (some benefits from Sports Pass) • Vesihiisi Swimming hall Lessons held at: Urheilukatu 1, 96100 international students and local people (some benefits from Sports Pass) Rovaniemi (Downstairs of Wiljami) each semester. Participation in the Nuortenkatu 11 activities is voluntary and free of charge for 96100 Rovaniemi Culture both the students and the locals, and there • Santasport Lapin Urheiluopisto • Korundi House of Culture are no limitations or obligations. Generally (some benefits from Sports Pass) Concerts, exhibitions and lectures Bowling alley, swimming hall/spa, Lapinkävijäntie 4, 96100 Rovaniemi the idea is to introduce Finland, Lapland gym etc. www.korundi.fi and Finnish culture to international Hiihtomajantie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi • Arktikum students coming to Rovaniemi. The student http://santasport.fi Museum and arctic science center and his/her local friend(s) meet according • Gym Everybody Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi to their own schedules and organize (some benefits from Sports Pass) www.arktikum.fi activities together. Gym, exercise classes • Pilke Rovakatu 24, 96200 Rovaniemi Finnish Friend activities are a Science Centre, www.gymeverybody.com/ wonderful opportunity for the student focus on the northern forests • Kunnon Paikka Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi to integrate into the Finnish culture (some benefits from Sports Pass) www.sciencecentre-pilke.fi and way of life while local people get Gym, exercise classes to know new cultures and enrich their • Maxim Rovaniemi, Movie theater Lähteentie 20, 96400 Rovaniemi Koskikatu 17, 96100 Rovaniemi language skills. Students can sign up for www.kunnon-paikka.com/ www.biorex.fi/ this activity during the orientation week. • Rovaniemen Vuoristoklubi Courses More information is available on the (some benefits from Sports Pass) Universities’ web pages. Offers a chance to practice climbing • Rovalan Setlementti ry Varastotie 2, 96100 Rovaniemi Rovaniemen kansalaisopisto provides rovaniemenvuoristoklubi.blogspot.fi/ variety of courses e.g. language, dance, music… Rovala 5, 96100 Rovaniemi www.rovala.fi/

42 • Practical Information Guide ABOUT FINLAND

WHERE ARE WE? Finland is located in northern Europe between the 60th and 70th parallels of latitude. One quarter of Finland’s total area lies north of the Arctic Circle (Napapiiri in Finnish). The topography of Finland is flat with the exception of the high rounded in Lapland, the northern part of the country. Thousands of lakes, rivers and streams as well as forests and woods dominate the Finnish landscape. The climate is marked by cold winters and warm summers. In winter, the mean temperature remains below 0 °C. In Lapland the winter usually begins in mid-October. In summer, the mean daily temperature is consistently above 10 °C. The summer usually begins in June and lasts until August. In spite of the northern

338 km2, Finland is the seventh Total area largest country in Europe

69 % forest, 10 % water, 8 % cultivated Of the total area land and 13 % other

Maximum distances 1 157 km north to south, 542 km east to west

with Sweden in the west (614 km), with Land border Norway in the north (736 km) and with Russia in the east (1 340 km)

Highest point , 1 324 m

Longest river river, 483 km

188 000 lakes, 180 000 islands and Blue and green 35 national parks with a total area of 884 600 ha

Practical Information Guide • 43 Population 5.4 million people

Population growth 4.1 ‰

Population density 17 people per sq km

90 % Finnish (suomi), 5 % Swedish (ruotsi), 0,03 % Lappish Main languages For further information on (saame) Finland’s history visit virtual.finland.fi Main religions 78 % Lutheran, 1 % Orthodox

location, the climate in the region is still The distance from Rovaniemi to Kemi mild due to the effects of the Gulf Stream. is about 114 kilometers. Way to Tornio The average temperature in July is from takes a little bit more time, because the +15 to +18 °c and in February from -10 to distance is 125 kilometers. Railroad and -15 °C. Snow covers the area from early bus connections make the distances easier November until the end of April. to travel. Kemi and Tornio WHAT´S THE TIME? The towns of Kemi, Tornio and Haparanda Finland is two hours ahead (+2) of (Sweden) and three municipalities, Greenwich mean Time (GMT) and one Keminmaa, Simo and comprise hour ahead of central European Time (CE the Kemi-Tornio region with about 61 000 T). We set the clocks twice a year: daylight inhabitants. Saving Time (or summer time) is in effect Kemi and Tornio are located about from the last Sunday in March to the last 25 kilometres apart, but they are well Sunday of October. A 24-hour timetable is connected by regularly running buses. commonly used. For example 8.00–16.00 Due to the location on the northern coast means the same as from 8 am to 4 pm. of the , into which the region´s three great rivers – the Simo, WHO ARE WE? Kemi and Tornio Rivers –flow, the area is The Finns form a distinct linguistic and sometimes called Sea Lapland (Merilappi). ethnic population bearing features from both Eastern and Western Europe. The Rovaniemi Finnish language, with Estonian and Rovaniemi is a town of 61 000 inhabitants Hungarian, belongs to the Finno- Ugric and it is located on the Arctic Circle. Due group of languages. The population of to the location and the exotic experiences Finland is 5, 4 million people. Families the city offers, Rovaniemi attracts tourists with one child are the most common. The all over the world. Finland’s longest river, average life-expectancy of Finnish women The Kemi River, flows through Rovaniemi. is 83 years and of men 76.

44 • Practical Information Guide Finland’s History at a Glance

The end of the ice age Early settlers (hunters, fishermen and food gatherers) arrived in Finland following the retreat of the continental About ice-sheet. For a long time they were thought to be the first inhabitants of Finland. However, the latest archaeological findings suggest 8000 B.C that there have been settlements in Finland before the ice age, over hundred thousand years ago.

The first crusade to Finland. Led by King Eric IX of Sweden the missionaries arrived in Finland. Finland became part of the Kingdom of 1155 Sweden for 600 years.

1543 The first book in Finnish Mikael Agricola’s ABC Book, the first book written in the Finnish language, was published.

1640 The oldest institution of higher education The Royal Academy of Turku was founded. Nowadays it is known as the University of Helsinki.

The between Sweden and Russia. Sweden surrendered Finland to Russia. The new border in the North was drawn along the 1808–1809 Tornio River.

The Autonomous Grand Duchy 1809 Czar Alexander declared Finland an autonomous Grand Duchy with himself as the constitutional monarch represented by a Governor General.

Kalevala 1835 The Finnish National Epic was published.

1862 The Finnish Markka was introduced replacing the Russian rouble as the currency of Finland

Equal and Universal Suffrage 1906 Finnish women were the first in Europe to gain the right to vote in parliamentary elections

Declaration of Independence 1917 Finland declared its independence of Russia on 6 December and became a republic.

Civil War 1918 between the Reds (leftwing) and the Whites (rightwing) ended with victory for the latter (government troops)

The 1939–1940 against the . In a peace treaty Finland had to surrender southeastern Finland to the Soviet Union.

The against the Soviet Union. In addition to the areas already lost to Russia, Finland also ceded Petsamo on the Arctic 1941–1944 Ocean and was penalized with severe war reparations in the Paris Treaty in 1947.

The against German troops present in North Finland. In the Second World War (comprising the Winter, Continuation and 1944–1945 Lapland wars) Finland was never occupied by foreign forces, but the war claimed a heavy toll: over 90 000 Finns got killed.

Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance 1948–1992 with the Soviet Union. In 1992 Finland and Russia confirmed that the Treaty was null and void.

1952 The Olympic Games in Helsinki

1955 Member of the United Nations

1995 Member of the European Union

2000–2012 Tarja Halonen was the first female President of Finland

Arrival of the Euro 2002 Finnish Markka was replaced by the Euro To learn more visit the website of the Finnish Sauna Society www.sauna.fi

Gross Finns are curiously silent in public places and they rarely enter domestic 180 billion euros (2011) into conversation with strangers, but will converse after you take product (GDP) the initiative. Most Finns speaks English fluently except most of the elderly people. Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3%, mining and quarrying 0,5%, Manufacturing 17,9%, Finns are better at listening than at talking, and interrupting Electricity, gas, steam and air conditiong another speaker is considered impolite. A Finn does not grow supply 2,5 %, Water supply; sewerage, waste nervous if there are breaks in the conversation; silence is regarded management and remidiaton activities 0,8 %, as a part of communication. Having once got to know a stranger Construction 6,6%, Wholesale and retail trade; better, Finns are quite willing to discuss any topic; generally not even repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles religion or politics are taboo way of life visit: http://virtual.finland.fi 10%, Transportation and storage 5,3%, Accommodation and food service activities GDP by HOW DO WE LIVE? 1,7%, Information and communication 5%, industry Financial and insurance activities 2,8%, Real There is a high degree of equality between the sexes in Finland, as estate activities 11,8% Professional, scientific can be seen in the relatively high number of women holding and technical activities 4,4%, Administrative advanced positions in politics and other areas of society. and support service activities 3,4%, Public Chauvinistic or patronizing attitudes towards women are generally administration and defence; compulsory considered unacceptable. Women are usually independent social security 6,2%, Education 5,3%, Human health and social work activities 9,7%, Arts, financially and may offer to pay their share of a restaurant bill, for entertainment and recreation 1,3%, Other instance. A man may politely refuse such an offer but it is equally service activities 1,8% polite to accept it. Although a total of 5.4 million Finns, about 80 % of the Chemical industry products 21,8%, Fores population live in urban areas in the southern part of the industry products 19,6%, Metal and metal country, many people have summer cottages in the countryside. Exports products 16,2%, Machinery and equipment 13,9%, Electric and electronics industry Practically every Finnish house has a sauna of its own. There are products 13,4%, Other 15,2% public saunas in swimming halls with indoor swimming pools, water slides, water massage, Jacuzzi and so on. What do you do The Finnish monetary unit is the euro (€) which Monetary unit in a sauna? To learn more visit the website of the Finnish Sauna is divided into 100 cents Society www.sauna.fi

46 • Practical Information Guide WHAT DO WE DO FOR A LIVING? Vappu, May Day ( 1st of May) Finland belongs to the 20 wealthiest countries in the world. The May Day is for celebrating International Worker’s Day and the GDP has increased in real terms by over 50 percent over the past soon ending spring. This is a holiday for students - even the old ten years. The ratio of R&D investments to domestic output in students put their graduation hats on. People enjoy the outdoors Finland is among the highest in the world. if the weather permits and usually restaurants and bars are full of people. Goods such as sima (mead), tippaleipä (funnel cake) and FINNISH HOLIDAYS doughnuts are usually part of the celebration. Balloons and Independence Day (6th of December) serpentine are popular decorations and some people might even 6th of December is the date for celebrating the Finland’s wear fun costumes. independence that started 1917 after the declaration of independence. The day consists of parades and patriotic speeches. Juhannus Midsummer At the evening, Presidential Independence Day reception is held (Friday between 19th & 25th of June) and televised. Guests of the reception are members of the Finns usually spend midsummer at the countryside. They go to parliament and government of Finland, veterans, previous their cottages or either rent one. Typical traditions are going to presidents, diplomats, otherwise distinguished individuals and sauna and lighting a bonfire. Some might even try to do famous Finns. During the day it is a custom to remember and midsummer magic, which can e.g. help you to see your future honor veterans and those who we lost at wars. Another tradition is spouse in your dreams. Enjoying good food, company and drinks to light two candles on a window sill and turn the lights off at 6 pm. are essential parts of Finnish Midsummer.

Easter Christmas (4 day period in March- April) (from 24th to 26th of December) Easter is church holiday for celebrating the resurrection of the Christmas is a time of families and homes. People decorate with Christ. People usually make Easter cards, decorate Easter Eggs Christmas decorations, prepare traditional foods, listen to and grow decorative grass. Easter is a time of many goodies, such Christmas carols, go to sauna and enjoy the company of their as chocolate eggs and mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding). On Palm loved ones. At midday of Christmas Eve, Turku (the former capital Sunday, children dress as witches and carry decorated willow’s of Finland) declares the Christmas peace. Naturally Santa Claus sprigs. They go around houses and recite a special verse, give one can pay a visit and bring presents. of the sprigs and get a reward in return which can be chocolate, candy or a few coins.

Practical Information Guide • 47 SURVIVAL FINNISH

Useful phrases At the university Good morning! Hyvää huomenta! Academic year lukuvuosi WANT TO LEARN MORE? Good afternoon! Hyvää iltapäivää! Study guide opinto-opas CHECK OUT THESE LINKS Good night! Hyvää yötä! Semester lukukausi ► www.yle.fi/opinportti/ Hello! Hei / Terve! Assessment arviointi ► supisuomea/01/ Goodbye! Näkemiin! Lecture luento ► www.uuno.tamk.fi Excuse me / Credit opintopiste I’m sorry! Anteeksi Library kirjasto Thank you! Kiitos! Student opiskelija Here you are Ole hyvä Degree programme koulutusohjelma My name is… Minun nimeni on… Lecturer opettaja What time is it? Mitä kello on? University yliopisto It is one o’clock. Kello on yksi. University of I don’t understand. En ymmärrä. applied sciences ammattikorkeakoulu I love you! Rakastan sinua! Cheers! Kippis!

Shopping Milk maito Onion sipuli Coffee kahvi Vegetables vihannekset Tea tee Fruit hedelmä Yoghurt jogurtti Pasta pasta Butter voi Rice riisi Bread leipä Sugar sokeri Fish kala Salt suola Beef naudanliha Toothpaste hammastahna Chicken kana Toothbrush hammasharja Meat liha Shampoo shampoo

48 • Practical Information Guide LINKS WORTH CHECKING

Main website Rovaniemi Government and Administration Lapland University of Applied Sciences • www.rovaniemi.fi • Parliament of Finland: www.lapinamk.fi • www.visitrovaniemi.fi http://web.eduskunta.fi

Education in Finland Working in Finland • Finnish government: http://valtioneuvosto.fi/hallitus/en.jsp • Data on Finnish science and • Federation of Finnish Enterprises: technology: www.research.fi/en www.yrittajat.fi/en-GB • Ministry for Foreign Affairs: www.formin.finland.fi • The portal by the ministry of Education • Infopankki: www.infopankki.fi provides information about studies Finland Embassies in Finland taught in English: www.opintoluotsi.fi/en-GB • Information on politics, society, media, • formin.finland.fi history etc.: http://finland.fi (> diplomatic missions > • Information about studies, practical • Gateway to public services: Representation of foreign states in training or youth exchange in Finland: Finland) www.studyinfinland.fi www.suomi.fi • Centre for International mobility; • Basic information about the Finnish National Authorities scholarship and exchange programs EU functioning of society and • Finnish Immigration Service: education, training, culture and youth opportunities in Finland: www.migri.fi/frontpage www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/home programs: www.cimo.fi • National Finnish Employment Office • National Union of Students in Finnish • Information for tourists: pages: http://www.te-services.fi/te/en/ Universities of Applies Sciences: www.visitfinland.com index.html http://samok.fi • Statistics on Finland: • Finnish police: www.poliisi.fi www.tilastokeskus.fi/index_en • Finnish customs: www.tulli.fi/en Kemi and Tornio towns • Weather in Finland: • Finnish tax system: www.vero.fi/en-US • www.kemi.fi http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi • www.tornio.fi • News in English by YLE, Finland’s • National register offices: national public service broadcasting www.maistraatti.fi/en company: www.yle.fi/international

Practical Information Guide • 49 CONTACT INFORMATION

Note that for your convenience the Please note that these 0207-starting phone Mobile Phone and telephone numbers here are given in numbers are chargeable: Internet Service Providers Finnish form. When you are in Finland Tel. +358 20 7699 180 • Sonera, www.sonera fi/en you can just dial the number as given. Fax +358 20 7699 188 Sonera Kauppa, Länsiranta 10 phone 8,21 cents/call + 6,9 cents/min (Rajalla shopping center), Tornio Student Accommodation mobile 8,21 cents/call + 14,9 cents/min tel. 0200 20010 In Kemi and Tornio Sonera Kauppa, Koskikatu 27 B Accommodation officer Jukka Ikäläinen Health Services (Revontuli shopping center), mobile +358 (0)50 461 2335 Check pages 27–31. Rovaniemi tel. 0200 20010 E-mail [email protected] Postal Services • Elisa, www.elisa.com/en Kemi Elisa Shopit, Valtakatu 11–13, Kemi Student Housing Foundation of Kemi tel. 010 262 0200 (Kemin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) Main Post Office, Keskuspuistokatu 1, Elisa Shopit, Länsiranta 10 Keskuspuistokatu 6-8, FI-94100 Kemi Kemi (Rajalla shopping centre), Tornio Open Mon-Fri 9.00–18.00 tel. 010 262 0200 Tornion Krunni Oy Tornio Elisa Shopit, Koskikatu 27 Lukiokatu 10, FI-95400 Tornio (Revontuli shopping center), Main Post Office, Länsiranta 10 Rovaniemi In Rovaniemi (Rajalla shopping center), Tornio Domus Arctica -säätiö Open Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00 • DNA, www.dnaoy fi/en Ylikorvantie 28 A DNA Kauppa, Länsiranta 10 FI–96300 Rovaniemi, Finland Rovaniemi (Rajalla shopping centre), Tornio Main Post Office, Koskikatu 27 B tel. 0800 550 044 (sales) Open on weekdays9.30-16.00. On (Revontuli shopping center ), DNA Kauppa, Koskikatu 27 Thursdays 12.00-16.00 and the first and 96100 Rovaniemi (Revontuli shopping center) Rovaniemi last working day of every month 8.00-16.00 Open Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00 tel. 044 033 8000 Email [email protected] Sat 10.00-14.00 Internet www.das.fi (online application) www.posti.fi

50 • Practical Information Guide FOLLOW US

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Local Register Office /Maistraatti Tax Offices Taxi • Keskuspuistokatu 20-22, 3rd floor, • Meripuistokatu 16, Kemi • Kemi- Tornio Airport-taxi Kemi tel. 029 553 9661 tel. 020 612 000 (call at least two hours before • Lähteentie 2, PO box 8183, 96101 • Suensaarenkatu 2, Tornio departure) tel. 0200 68000 Rovaniemi tel. 020 612 000 • Rovaniemi Airport-taxi tel. 029 553 9661 (open Mon-Tue 9.00-15.00) tel. +358 16 362 222 Police Departments • Hallituskatu 3 A, Rovaniemi • Rovaniemi Taxi • Peräpohjolan poliisilaitos tel. 020 612 000 tel. 016 106410 (police department) (open Mon–Fri 9.00–16.15) • Kemi- Tornio area Taxi Tornio main police station www.vero.fi tel. 0200 68000 Pitkäkatu 1, Tornio tel. 071 876 6139 Transportation (foreign resident issues) Railway • Kemi police station • Railway Station, Rautatienkatu 3, Kemi Valtakatu 28, Kemi • Railway Station, Ratakatu 3, Rovaniemi tel. 071 876 6411 Timetables: (foreign resident issues) www.vr.fi/en/index/aikataulut.html • Lapland Police Department Bus Rovaniemi police station • Kemi Bus Station, Matkahuolto office Hallituskatu 1 A, Rovaniemi Asemakatu 13, Kemi tel. 071 87 60321 EMERGENCY NUMBER • Tornio Bus Station, Matkahuolto office everywhere in Finland Torikatu 10, 95400 Tornio • Rovaniemi Bus Statio, Matkahuolto 112 office Lapinkävijäntie 2, Rovaniemi

timetables: www matkahuolto fi/en

Practical Information Guide • 51 Kosmos, Tietokatu 1 Tekniikka • Technology Sosiaaliala • Social Services Kosmoskirjasto • Kosmos Library Opiskelijakunta • Student Union Compus, Tietokatu 1

Lumikko, Lumikontie 2 Opiskelijapalvelut • Student Affairs Office KV-toimisto • International Office

Terveysala, Meripuistokatu 26 Terveysala • Health Care and Nursing Terveysalan kirjasto • Library Hyvinvointipysäkki • Health and Rehabilitation Stations KEMI 7.8 km Arctic Power, Innokaari 10 Arktinen olosuhdetutkimus • Cold Climate Engineering

Urheiluopisto, Hiihtomajantie 2 Liikunta ja vapaa-aika • Sports

Matkailun tutkimus- ja koulutusinstituutti • Multidimensional Tourism Institute, Viirinkankaantie 1 Matkailu-, ravitsemis- ja talousala • Tourism and Hospitality Management

Rantavitikka, Jokiväylä 11 Rantavitikka, Jokiväylä 13 Tekniikka ja liikenne • Technology and transport eOppimispalvelut • Liiketalous • Business and Administration eLearning Services Terveysala, fysioterapia • Health Care, physiotherapy Luonnonvara-ala • Forestry and Rural Industries Rehtorin toimisto • Rector’s Office Avoin AMK • Open UAS Hakutoimisto • Admissions Office KV-toimisto • International Office Opiskelijakunta • Student Union Kirjasto • Library ROVANIEMI © Rovaniemen Kaupunki/Maankäyttö 2011 Urheilukatu 6 Kuvataide • Visual arts studios Minerva, Kauppakatu 58 Kulttuuriala • Cultural & Media Arts Liiketalous ja tietojenkäsittely • Business & ICT eOppimispalvelut • eLearning Services Minervakirjasto • Minerva Library LiikeAkatemia

TORNIO

6 • 2015

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Kemi • Rovaniemi • Tornio LAPLAND UNIVERSITY GUIDE OF APPLIED SCIENCES