SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY
Library
Language Centre
Computers, Email and Intranet
Staff and Student Cafeterias
University Leisure Activities
Practicalities
LIBRARY
The University library primarily serves education and research of the University of Joensuu. The library's services can also be used by the region's industry and commerce, general government, private citizens and students of other educational institutions. http://www.joensuu.fi/library/english/
Library's basic services include providing and lending different types of resources to the customers. The library provides guidance on the use of materials. Other services include interlibrary lending, information retrieval and mediation of university publications to the Internet and customers. The library provides facilities and equipment for study and the use of materials.
All customers can access databases and electronic resources at the library. University staff and students can also use network computers for other purposes and they have access to remote access services. Some services are subject to a charge.
http://www.joensuu.fi/library/english/
back 
LANGUAGE CENTRE
The University of Joensuu Language Centre is an independent unit within the university. It organises language training for the personnel and provides translation and language revision services.
The Language Centre of the University organises Finnish courses for international students and staff of the University. The courses range from survival level to more advanced courses. Courses require pre-registration, and the number of students in groups is limited. Students and staff may participate free of charge, only a little fee for the course materials has to be paid.
More information and links to self-study materials are available at the Language Centre
www.joensuu.fi/kielikeskus
Translation and language revision services are also available at the University’s Administration Office, but please note that the services are intended for duties-related texts only. Contact details: Maj Vuorre, tel +358 13 251 2090, maj.vuorre@joensuu.fi
back
COMPUTERS, EMAIL AND INTRANET
It is easy for scholars of the University to obtain an email address. Each department and faculty has a contact person who will take care of the practical arrangements for obtaining a user account for you. User accounts are valid for a limited time only.
Basic computing services are free of charge for students and staff. The intranet of the University of Joensuu is accessible to all who have a University user account. The intranet contains issues related to administration and personnel as well as information and news relevant to the entire University.
You can enquire on second-hand computers from the Computing Centre, tel. +358 13 251 3069.
back
STAFF AND STUDENT CAFETERIAS
There is a cafeteria or a restaurant in most buildings of the campus. Cafeterias on campus provide meals at fair prices. A meal costs about 4.60 euros. The menus take lactose free, vegetarian and vegan diets, among others, into account. If in doubt about the ingredients in any particular dish, please ask the staff.
back
UNIVERSITY LEISURE ACTIVITIES
The University organises leisure activities for its employees and students to support their well-being. The activities include exercise groups, cultural groups and events. Detailed information on the offerings can be found in the intranet: Henkilöstö → Harrastustoiminta.
Joensuu Into Association
Joensuu Into is an association for international degree students which aims to function as their social network
cc.joensuu.fi/~intory/index.html
Joensuu University Choir
cc.joensuu.fi/~joykuoro/about.htm
back
PRACTICALITIES
Academic year
The academic year is based on a system of two semesters. The official academic year is from August 1 to July 31, but in the Autumn Semester studies mainly start in the end of August and end in mid December, and in the Spring Semester they start at the beginning of January and end in mid or late May. The Christmas break is about three weeks and during the Spring Semester there is a week-long Easter break. There is no teaching during the summer with some exceptions (e.g. field courses).
Academic quarter
There is an expression akateeminen vartti (“academic quarter”). It means that lectures begin 15 minutes past the announced time. For example, if a lecture is announced to take place at 14-16, it begins at 14.15 and ends at 15.45 (unless the lecturer has informed otherwise). This does not apply to exams or meetings.
Buildings
The University buildings are usually referred to by their names: Aurora, Educa, etc. The buildings are marked on the campus map (see Maps) by using the initial letter of the street address and the number of the building.
Dress and clothing
For daily wear at the university, lecturers normally wear casual suits, sport coats or sweaters. You may need formal outfit (dark suit or dress) on occasion, including receptions, the opening ceremony of the academic year, and invitations to the homes of your host professor or colleagues. It all depends on the situation. It is quite okay to ask your host.
As is the case in any country, it is important to dress for the climate. This is especially true in a country like Finland that experiences all of the seasons to some degree.
News in English
The most important foreign western newspapers can be bought in Finland or read in the libraries. Moreover, the Joensuu University Library offers the PressDisplay newspaper service, which is a web-based portal providing access to over 400 newspapers from more than 65 countries in 45 languages. For more information on PressDisplay, please visit www.joensuu.fi/library/english/
USEFUL LINKS:
Information on both Finnish and international affairs: virtual.finland.fi/news
The biggest newspaper in Finland, Helsingin Sanomat, publishes an English edition at http://www.hs.fi/english/
Information for postgraduate students: the Student Union and the Survival package
The Student Union is an independent organisation, although closely linked with the University. It looks after the students’ rights and interests.
The Student Union membership is voluntary for post-graduate students. In the academic year 2007-2008, the membership fee is 40 euros for the full academic year and 22 euros for one semester. The membership benefit for postgraduates is health care in Finnish Student Health Service (no dental care). When using this service, you need to show your Student Union Membership Card. To get a card, you need to pay the membership fee, go to the Student Union Office (located in Niskakatu 16A), fill in a card application and attach a passport photo to it. The card itself costs 8 euros and you can collect it from the Student Union office after a couple of weeks.
Members of the Student Union can rent a "Survival package" which includes several things that are needed in everyday life: a blanket, a pillow, sheets, plates, cups, cutlery, a kettle, a kitchen towel, a frying pan and some other cooking utensils. The idea is recycling, so most of the items are second-hand. The rent for a package is 40 euros for one semester up to five months and 46 euros for both semesters or for a time exceeding five months. A deposit of 16 euros is refunded when the package is returned.
USEFUL LINK:
The Student Union - www.joyy.fi/
|
