All international flights land at Helsinki- Vantaa airport. You can travel to Joensuu from Helsinki- Vantaa Airport by train, by bus or by domestic flight.
There are several trains daily from Helsinki to Joensuu (about 440 km north-east of Helsinki).
If you are travelling from Helsinki- Vantaa airport to Joensuu, you must first take commuter train to Tikkurila railway station or to Helsinki main railway station, where you can transfer to Intercity or Pendolino train going to Joensuu (Joensuu is the last destination).
Commuter trains P and I operate between Helsinki- Vantaa airport and Helsinki city centre. (Please note that commuter train I do not go via Tikkurila railway station)
Travel time is 4,5 – 5 hours. You can find the timetables from VR (finnish railways) website.
In advance from the VR (Finnish railways) website OR VR Matkalla App
OR
- from the ticket vending machine at the airport, Helsinki main railway station or Tikkurila railway station, or
- from any R-kioski, for example at the airport or Tikkurila railway station
Buying online several weeks before the trip is the cheapest option. If you buy just before the trip, the price is much higher. It is NOT possible to buy a ticket from the conductor on the train.
- Student discounts: please familiarize yourself with the criteria for student discounts on the VR webpage! The valid student card is always checked by the conductor.
Please note: From VR you can buy only train tickets from Helsinki- Vantaa airport to Joensuu. If you are travelling more inside HSL area (Helsinki public transport system) you need to buy tickets from HSL app, HSL ticket vending machines or R-kiosks.
Finnair flies 1-2 times a day between Helsinki and Joensuu. Travel time is 50-60 minutes.
The Joensuu airport is located about 11 km from the city centre. There is a bus/minibus connection from the airport to the city centre after each flight. Airport information.
You can check the timetables and buy tickets from the Matkahuolto website. Buses from Helsinki leave from the Kamppi bus terminal once a day. Travel time is 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Students need to arrive at Karelia UAS campus by 16 February 2026 at the latest. You need to do the on-campus registration and leave your original educational documents you have used in the admission process for verification. The presentation of all original certificates is mandatory.
Registration is arranged at Wärtsilä Campus and the registration times are marked in your schedule. Please, follow the given timetable.
Please, read more information: Registration
Students need to arrive at Karelia UAS campus by 30 September 2026 at the latest. You need to do the on-campus registration and leave your original educational documents you have used in the admission process for verification. The presentation of all original certificates is mandatory.
Registration is arranged at Wärtsilä Campus and the registration times are marked in your schedule. Please, follow the given timetable.
Please, read more information: Registration
You need to register your data in the Population Information System in order to handle a wide range of practical matters in Finland. You will receive a personal identity code upon registration, if you do not already have one, and your data – including name, date of birth, gender, nationality, mother tongue and address – will be stored in the Population Information System. In addition, information on your spouse, children and parents may be entered under certain conditions.
Please note that all higher education students need a Finnish personal identity code, which may also be needed in other educational institutions. It is likely that you have already received your personal identity code once receiving your residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service. If not, you will receive it once you register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
Your address will be recorded together with your personal data. The address can be temporary, permanent or only used as a postal address. We recommend you to register a permanent address. It means that you are registered as living at that address until further notice.
In order to have a municipality of residence in Finland, you need to have a permanent address. However, you can only receive a municipality of residence and associated permanent address if you meet the conditions for receiving a municipality of residence.
Municipalities offer various services to the people living in them, such as public healthcare and child day-care. If you have a municipality of residence, you usually have the right to use the services provided by this municipality. Sometimes a municipality of residence is also needed to receive financial benefits or subsidies. In some municipalities, it may be necessary to receive a student discount on public transport.
We can register a municipality of residence and permanent address for you even if you still live in a hotel or Airbnb as long as you meet the conditions for obtaining a municipality of residence.
You can receive a municipality of residence if you have entered the country and plan to live in Finland for more than a year.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
- You are a citizen of a Nordic country.
- You are a citizen of an EU member state and you have received a positive decision from the Finnish Immigration Service to register your right of residence.
- You are a citizen of some other country and your residence permit is a continuous A-type or permanent P-type permit.
- You are a citizen of some other country and your residence permit is a temporary B-type permit, which is valid for at least one year. In addition, you must have a study certificate stating that your studies will last at least two years. Please note: The studies must be vocational or higher education studies that lead to a degree. For example, studies at an upper secondary school or comprehensive school are not sufficient grounds for the municipality of residence. If you work alongside your studies, a two-year employment contract is also valid.
If your family member has a municipality of residence in Finland, you can also obtain a municipality of residence and permanent address for yourself provided that the family relationships are registered in the Population Information System.
Please see the step-by-step instructions on how to register on DVV website: https://dvv.fi/en/as-a-foreigner-in-finland. DVV has reserved separate registration dates for Karelia UAS students. You will be notified of your own group’s day after your studies have started. You can go to register on that day without a separate appointment. However, be sure to fill out the application form carefully online in advance and bring all the necessary documents: your travel document, residence permit and study certificate, which you can print out yourself.
The registration is free of charge. The handling time of the registration is from 2 to 4 weeks on average. The processing time starts from the day you visit the service point. You will receive a notice, when the registration is done.
Studying at Karelia UAS is beneficial to you
Student life at Karelia UAS and Joensuu is vibrant and filled with opportunities to study 24/7. You have also many possibilities to spend your free time in a meaningful way. As Karelia UAS degree student you are entitled to many benefits which are available to degree students only. They include:
All degree students in higher education are eligible for discounted meals at participating student restaurants. You can qualify even if you are not a Finnish citizen. The subsidy is deducted from the price of the meal at the student restaurant. You pay the discounted price. The subsidy is available for one meal per day. Students can show a Poka student card or Kela meal subsidy card available in the Tuudo app (which you can get from Student Services) and get a meal discount.
POKA is the student union of Karelia University of Applied Sciences. The POKA student card gives you the right to get the student discount at for example museums, local shops and restaurants, swimming or other sports halls, and any other places that sell tickets with student prices. It is always wise to ask about student discounts!
The student card is valid only when a sticker for the current study year is visible. The stickers are available for a fee from the student union organization.
All university (UEF and Karelia) sporting services in Joensuu for students and staff members are united under the same concept Sykettä Susirajalla! You get a large variety of sports to try out and continue to exercise. The fees for these, including gym and group exercises, are much cheaper than local gyms.
Students receive a discount for train fares from the VR railway system with the issuance of a student VR card.
Students are entitled to fare discounts on national long-distance coaches. Students may also obtain a combination card for train and bus travel from the “Matkahuolto” sales offices.
Within the Joensuu region public transport, over 25-year-old students are eligible for a discount on tickets loaded onto Waltti cards. Students younger than 25, may travel with a Youth ticket.
The purpose of the FSHS is to provide student health services, as stipulated in the Health Care Act, for those studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a university or other institution of higher education.
Please check also other general information on public and private health care services in Joensuu.
Student Services is responsible for general student administration.
The staff of Student Services will serve and advise you, for example, in issues related to enrolment and right to study. Student Services also proves your certificates with a student status for the Finnish Immigration Services, Employment Office and insurance companies, if needed.
Admission Services is responsible for student admissions.
Location:
Karelia UAS integration services guide international students in various topics. Students can contact integration services before their arrival to Karelia UAS and during studies. You can contact the integration services in the following topics:
- Matters related to authorities (residence permit, DVV-registration, ID-cards, opening a bank account, Finnish social security, taxes…)
- Housing (applying for housing and other matters related to housing)
- Arriving with family members (schooling, daycare and other services for families)
- Social and healthcare services
- Public transport
- Free-time related questions
- Finnish language studies
- Getting familiar with city of Joensuu and North Karelia region
- Guidance for using different services
- Help in problem situations
- General information about employment in Finland
How to contact integration services?
E-mail: [email protected]
Integration services will also have walk-in information desk for international students in Wärtsilä campus lobby during the academic year. Schedule for information desk can be found in student intra Pakki. Also private counselling sessions (on campus/online) can be booked.
Karelia UAS Helpdesk assists students with problems related to information technology. Helpdesk is a centralized support service dealing with IT-related error reports and requests for help.
The support requests sent to Helpdesk will be forwarded to ICT support personnel or other experts.
Helpdesk contact information:
- E-mail [email protected]
You can report problems via e-mail 24/7. Please remember to include your contact information and a detailed description of the problem!
You can read more information from student intra Pakki
Students can borrow course books and other study-related materials from the library. These materials can be found on the online library, Karelia-Finna. A library card is required to borrow printed materials. Karelia UAS students can obtain a library card through the Tuudo App. Students can also use e-resources like databases and e-books available on Karelia- Finna. Students should log in with their Karelia UAS credentials to access these materials remotely.
It’s recommended to participate in the library info session at the beginning of studies for guidance on using the library and its materials.
The library also offers various study spaces, including a silent study room. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the library’s facilities and service.
More details about the library services can be found on the library’s website.
Library – Karelia University of Applied Sciences
Read about the Karelia UAS Career Services on their website.
International office gives information and support for incoming and outgoing exchange students. Karelia has more than 100 partner institutions in 25 different countries. Every year about 160 students from Karelia are either studying or doing practical training abroad and about 120 international students are studying or doing practical training in Karelia/in the region. You can read more information from:
International office – Karelia University of Applied Sciences
You have the right to study counselling from study counsellors, tutor teachers, and other teachers throughout your studies. Individual counselling is available during the entire duration of your studies.
The aim of the study counselling is to:
- support the student in realising their individual study plan (ISP)
- develop and support the autonomy and study skills of the student
- support the student in taking responsibility for advancing his/her studies
- support the student’s individual growth and professional development as well as entering the working life.
If you need special support in your studies, you have the right to request reasonable special arrangements. The need for support may regard, for example, reading, writing, other learning-related difficulties, physical or mental illness/condition, disability, burnout, your situation in life, or differences in language or cultural background. Student counsellors, Student Welfare Officer and student health care can give you guidance on arrangements for individualized special support. If you feel you need special arrangements for your studies, you can contact your student counsellor.
Study counsellors are available to assist you with matters directly related to your studies. Before contacting your study counsellor, check the Study Guide for comprehensive information about your programme and Pakki portal (available through Karelia ID) for additional resources and support related to your studies.
The tutor students will help you to start your studies effectively.
The duties of Student Welfare Officer include encouraging and supporting students’ wellbeing during their studies and promoting smooth progress of studies. Student Welfare Officer provides advice and counselling both in challenges related to studies and management of life in general as well as offers help in dealing with difficult personal issues.
Cooperation between Student Welfare Officer and the student is always confidential. Students may contact Student Welfare Officer themselves or request a teacher or other member of staff to contact her.
You can read more from student intra Pakki: Student Welfare Officer
SYKETTÄ Joensuu is the very own sports service for the students and staff of the Karelia University of Applied Sciences and the Joensuu campus of the University of Eastern Finland. SYKETTÄ offers a diverse and inexpensive sports calendar with something for everyone: around 60 instructed group exercise classes, over 100 ball sports turns and 4 different gyms are available every week. Our goal is an active, social and healthy university community.
Check out the SYKETTÄ ABC and join the activities!
POKA is the student union of Karelia University of Applied Sciences. Student union represents all students at Karelia UAS and supervises their interests in the university administration by the student representatives. POKA impacts on matters concerning education and social welfare, organizes tutoring, offers sports classes through the Sykettä Services, provides various events, free time activities and clubs.
POKA is active in co-operation with other student organisations and societies in Joensuu. POKA is your family at Karelia UAS.
You can read more about POKA from their website: From student to student – Karelia-ammattikorkeakoulun opiskelijakunta POKA
Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kela, provides financial aid for people who are living in Finland permanently.
If you come to Finland from another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom in order to study here, your stay in Finland is usually considered temporary. In that case, your country of origin is responsible for your social security benefits. You are, however, entitled to medically necessary health care if you have a European Health Insurance Card issued by your country of origin. Order the card before coming to Finland.
If you come to Finland from a country other than an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom in order to study here for at least 2 years, you can usually receive a Kela card and certain benefits such as reimbursements from Kela for medicine costs. You are not, however, entitled to all Kela benefits. For instance, general housing allowance is not paid to students.
By presenting your card at the pharmacy or at many private medical clinics, you can get a direct, on-the-spot reimbursement for your costs. You will then only have to pay the copayment.
The right to use public healthcare services is based on you being registered with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency as having a municipality of residence in Finland. Even though you often have to present your Kela card to identify yourself when using public healthcare services, coverage under the health insurance system and proving the coverage by presenting the Kela card are not prerequisites for the right to use public healthcare services.
Your circumstances may change during your studies. When determining whether a person is entitled to social security coverage, Kela also takes into account possible other reasons for the stay in Finland in addition to studies. Such reasons may include previous residence, family ties or employment in Finland. If you work in Finland alongside your studies, you can become entitled to benefits on the basis of your employment even if your residence in Finland is not considered permanent. One requirement for entitlement to benefits on the basis of employment is that your wage amounts to at least EUR 767.98 per month.
Read more about social security for students on the Kela web page.
- First, fill in the form “Notification – Moving to Finland”: https://www.kela.fi/benefit-forms/Y77e.pdf (form, PDF)
- Also, fill in the Kela card application form: https://www.kela.fi/benefit-forms/SV157e.pdf (form, PDF)
- Mail the completed forms to the address Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA or take them to the Kela office in Joensuu, Koulukatu 24.
The purpose of the FSHS is to provide student health services, as stipulated in the Health Care Act, for those studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a university or other institution of higher education.
Student healthcare services include the following:
- checks on health and safety aspects of the study environment in educational institutions and welfare promotion among learning communities, together with monitoring
- monitoring and promotion of students’ health, welfare and fitness to study
- health checks according to individual needs
- provision of health and medical care services
- mental health and substance abuse services
- promotion of sexual health
- oral health care
- early identification of any special needs and tests required by students, support, and, if necessary, referral for further tests or treatment
FSHS activities are funded by state funding (77% of funding) and by healthcare fees paid by students (23% of funding). The FSHS has no funds of its own other than the capital on formation, which only amounts to a little over €3,000.
Please check also other general information on public and private health care services in Joensuu.
Remember to pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education twice a year. In 2024, the student healthcare fee in higher education is EUR 36.80 per term. The fee is paid to Kela for both the spring and the autumn term. You are not billed for the fee but are expected to pay it unprompted. The amount that must be paid is defined in a Government Decree and may vary from year to year.
Please check the Kela website for further information and instructions on payment.
Health care in Joensuu – public healthcare and private clinics
Degree students are eligible to use Finnish Student Health Service FSHS. Exchange students in Joensuu are recommended to use private clinics in non-urgent situations. In public health care, the fees are the same as for the Finns if you have an EHIC card. More information on the fees on Siun sote website.
You can use the services of private clinics e.g. to see a nurse, a dentist, a general practitioner or a specialist doctor. It may be easier to get an appointment from private clinics than from public health care center if the health problem is not acute. Booking appointments online is possible.
At private clinics you pay the fees of the appointment and treatment yourself. Later, students with EHI card or equivalent documents (citizens of Nordic countries, EU/EEA countries or Quebec) can go to Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland) where they can be compensated for part of the medical fee. Alternatively, they can claim for the compensation from their own health insurance offices later, after returning to their home countries. Naturally, students (including those from non-EU-countries) can also claim for the compensations from their personal travel insurance.
- Pihlajalinna Ite, Pihlajalinna website
- Terveystalo Joensuu Terveystalo website
- Mehiläinen Mehiläinen website
- PK Terveys, PK terveys website
The fees in private clinics are substantially higher but you might get an appointment sooner and claim back the cost later from your insurance company.
All EU students are advised to obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC card) from their home country and always carry it with them. With this card, the students are entitled to medically necessary treatment at the same price as Finns. Please obtain the requested card already in your home country. If you do not have it, please ask your own health insurance office to send it to you.
UK students may use their EHIC card in Finland and other EU countries until its expiry date. The GHIC card (global health insurance card), which provides similar benefits as EHIC for UK nationals, replaces EHIC in the UK gradually as of 1.1.2021.
Finland has social security agreements related to health care with some countries Australia and the province of Quebec, Canada, but we advise you to carefully check the coverage of the agreement and conditions on which benefits are available at your own health insurance office before arriving in Finland.
Please note that despite the EHIC/GHIC card or the social security agreement between Finland and your country, personal travel insurance is strongly recommended.
In case of an acute toothache or infection, contact the dental clinic where your need for care and level of urgency will be assessed. More information on Siun Sote website.
Dentist on call from Monday to Friday: tel. +358 13 330 2411.
Outside office hours call 116117 for consultation of the situation.
In addition to above mentioned public sector service, there are private dentists as well.
Karelia University of Applied Sciences expects that all exchange and international students have a valid personal travel insurance during their stay in Joensuu. Karelia does not provide insurance for incoming students. This means that Karelia University of Applied Sciences is not responsible for any payments or arrangements should something happen.
Students who come from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland need a private insurance to cover their medical and drug expenses. Requirements for a suitable insurance are described on the MIGRI (Finnish Immigration Service) website. Please note that the requirement is different for exchange students and students coming to study the full degree in Finland!
Please make sure that you have valid vaccinations against polio, tetanus, MPR and diphtheria and preferably also COVID-19 already in your home country. Read carefully the instructions that you receive before arrival. This is especially important for nursing, physiotherapy and social services students who aim to carry out clinical practice during their exchange period.
Medicines are sold only at pharmacies (apteekki). Hygiene products are available in all supermarkets and department stores.
Yliopiston apteekki (address: Koskikatu 7) is open Mon–Sat 8–22 , Sun 10–20.
Other pharmacies are located in the centre and in different parts of Joensuu.
We sincerely hope that your stay in Joensuu will be happy and rewarding, without any adversities and hardships. But one can never know what will happen here in Finland or back at home. Do not hesitate to contact the Karelia staff if you find yourself in any distressing situations, regardless of the time of day.
Contact person in case of crisis is any of the staff members, preferably:
- Student counselor
- Tutor teacher
- Student welfare officer
- International Coordinator
Write down and keep with you the contact information of your student counselor from PAKKI (Karelia´s Student Portal) – Services for Students (login with Karelia account).
It is also possible to consult professionals at
- North Karelia Crisis Centre. Tel. +358 13 316 244
- Crisis Service for Foreigners Tel. +358 9 4135 0510
Crisis Helpline in Arabic and English +358 9 2525 0113
on Mon, Tue at 11-15, Wed at 13-16 and 17-21. Thu at 10-15
Important contact information:
- General emergency number 112
- You reach the ambulance, police and fire brigade by calling the general emergency number
- Calls to 112 are free of charge. When dialing the emergency number, you do not need any area code.
- Please do not call the number unless there is a genuine emergency
- North Karelia Central Hospital
- Tikkamäentie 16
- Medical helpline in any urgent situation: 116117
- Toxicological emergency: consultation +358 800 147 111
- Public healthcare Stations: Siun Sote Health Stations and Emergency Care
Joensuu is a university town and the lively capital of the North Karelia. With the total population of 74 168 (of which almost 20,000 are pupils and students) Joensuu is the second biggest town in Eastern Finland. The educational institutions include e.g. Karelia University of Applied Sciences (4,000 students), University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu campus (8,300 students) and a number of vocational colleges and upper secondary schools.
The city of Joensuu offers many possibilities for different kinds of activities. High-quality cultural events and the clean environment increase the attractiveness of the city.
- 77 516 inhabitants
- about 2400 foreign citizens
- area 2 751 km2
- population density 32 inhabitants / km2
Biggest employers are:
- Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa
- Abloy Oy
- Elisa Oyj
- John Deere Forestry Oy
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy
- Kesla Oyj
- Posti Group Oyj
- PunaMusta Media Oyj
- UPM Plywood Oy
- Exel Composites Oyj, Kivara factory
- Valio Oy
- City of Joensuu
- Siun sote
- University of Eastern Finland
- Riveria
More information:
- Joensuu tourism website: Visit Joensuu
- Joensuu City website: www.joensuu.fi
- International House Joensuu: https://www.internationaljoensuu.fi/en/
- Joensuu from another point of view -video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozzf7pfTlyM
- Impressions of Joensuu -video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf5zBhECfnQ
- Map for students with pointed places.
A bicycle is a very practical and popular form of transportation in Joensuu and also a good way to familiarise yourself with the town although there are also people who prefer to walk! Taking a local bus is also a good option. The public transportation is Joensuu is called JOJO- Joensuun joukkoliikenne. You can check routes, timetables and tarifs from JOJO website. Frontpage – jojo-english
For travel outside Joensuu, you need to take a train or bus.
When furnishing your apartment in Joensuu, there is multiple choices for secondhand stores and furniture and interior stores
Some flea markets:
- Kiertämö: Jokikatu 8, Joensuu
- SPR Kontti: Voimatie 10, Joensuu
- Easy Kirppis: Teollisuuskatu 4, Joensuu
- Flea House: Avainkuja 3, Joensuu and Kauppakatu 29 (Centrum, 2nd floor)
- Fida: Teollisuuskatu 21, Joensuu (student discount!)
- Ekokirppis: Siltakatu 18, Joensuu
- Huippukirppis: Sompatie 2 a, Joensuu
- Goodwill: Salpakatu 2, Joensuu access from Helatie (student discount!)
Furniture and interior goods stores:
- Jysk: Voimatie 10, 80100 Joensuu
- Asko and Sotka: Raatekankaantie 1, 80100 Joensuu
- Stemma: Pilkontie 7, 80130 Joensuu
- Masku: Raatekankaantie 4, 80100 Joensuu
There is plenty of things to do in Joensuu and North Karelia all year around. Joensuu offers plenty of options for people interested in sports or culture and of course the wonderful nature is full of possibilities in every season.
As a student, you should remember the possibilities for leisure activities offered by the Student Union POKA (Into freetime activities).
In addition, Karelia UAS Student Union POKA, Karelia UAS, University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) provide a great selection of sports services to all students in Joensuu. Check out the SYKETTÄ Calendar to find the opportunities.
Google map with various destinations
Please check these event calendars:
- Joensuu City Council event calendar
- North Karelia event calendar
- Events in Joensuu and Joensuu English Speakers on Facebook
Interested in golf, kickboxing, curling or etnobick? Willing to play floorball or football in a national level league?
There are dozens of sports clubs in Joensuu, everything from martial arts to petanque and from traditional individual level sports to team sports, even on national level. Besides sports club activities, you can do sports in many of the sports centres in the city and in the beautiful nature surrounding Joensuu. If looking for more extreme experiences, you can try sliding on ice with a snowboard and a paraglider, and if looking for peace and quiet, you can cross-country ski or snowshoeing.
Koli national park is a place worth visiting. The scenery from the top of Ukkokoli to lake Pielinen has inspired artists throughout history. There are nature trails and hiking routes of different lenghts and after a hike you can relax in the spa in the hotel. It is worthwhile to visit Koli during different seasons.
More information:
- Joensuu Sports facilities, hiking routes and nature trails: https://www.joensuu.fi/web/english/sports
- North Karelia hiking routes: http://www.vaellus.info/
- Koli national park: https://www.koli.fi/en
- Swimming halls: https://www.joensuu.fi/web/english/swimming-halls-and-gyms
- Ice-swimming: https://www.joensuunjaakarhut.fi/in-english/
- Sport halls: Joensuun Kuntokeidas www.joensuunkuntokeidas.fi and Raatekankaan liikuntakeskus www.liikuntakeskus.net
There are also many teams in Joensuu that play at the national level. In proportion to its population, Joensuu is extremely well-represented in many sports. Tickets are usually available at the box office before the game. Check at least the following teams:
- Kataja Basket : https://www.katajabasket.fi/in-english/
- Joensuun Kiekko-Pojat (ice hockey) : https://joensuunkiekkopojat.fi/
- Joensuun Maila (Finnish base ball): https://joensuunmaila.fi/
- Karelian Hurmos (volleyball): https://www.karelianhurmos.fi/
- Josba (floorball): https://www.josba.fi/
- Jippo (football): http://jippo.fi/
- Biathlon – World Cup events in Kontiolahti: https://kontiolahtibiathlon.com/en
Cinema
- Cinema Tapio: www.savonkinot.fi/joensuu
- Foreign films are shown in the original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles.
- Rokumentti Rock Film Festival: https://rokumentti.com/2024/english/
Theatre
- Joensuu City Theatre: https://www.joensuunteatteri.fi/, tickets from Carelicum
- Student Theatre: http://joensuunyt.wordpress.com/etusivu/
Music
- Ilosaarirock: The biggest annual event in Joensuu is music festival Ilosaarirock that is organised every July. Find out more about Ilosaarirock: https://ilosaarirock.fi/en/
- Live gigs: Restaurant Kerubi is a popular rock club, where many bands perform. Please see the programme: www.kerubi.fi
- Live gigs are organized every week in other locations too, please follow the social media and event calendars
- Joensuu City Orchestra: https://www.joensuu.fi/web/english/joensuu-city-orchestra, tickets from Carelicum
- Art Museum Onni: https://joensuuntaidemuseo.fi/in-english
- A permanent collection of Finnish art, sections of Chinese art, ancient Greek and Roman art, and Orthodox icons from the monastery of Megri. Changing exhibitions.
- Art Centre Ahjo: https://joensuuntaiteilijaseura.fi/en/taidekeskus-ahjo
- A fresh view of North Karelian and other Finnish art in exhibitions of photographic art, paintings and handicrafts.
- Carelicum – North Karelian Museum: https://pohjoiskarjalanmuseo.fi/in-english
- A modern museum of history and culture. An exhibition entitled “Karelia – both sides of the border” takes a look at the region of Karelia in its historical and cultural entity. Please ask at the Tourist Information Desk in Carelicum for information on the smaller art galleries!
- Fishing
- Persons 18 years of age and over must pay a fisheries management fee (kalastonhoitomaksu in Finnish), more information on the Eraluvat.fi website. In addition, a local fishing license (kalastuslupa) might be required. Fishing licenses for the rapids of the River Pielisjoki are available at the Joensuu Tourist Office, Carelicum and Hotel Kimmel, Itäranta 1. However, no fishing licenses are needed for ice fishing or hook and line fishing
- Botania – Art garden: https://www.botania.fi/home-en
- City library: https://vaara.finna.fi/?lng=en-gb
- You can borrow books in many languages
- Joensuu Region Adult Education Centre: https://uusi.opistopalvelut.fi/joensuu/en/
- A wide selection of courses: arts and crafts, languages, sports etc.
- LGBTI: https://pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi/ and https://en.seta.fi/
- Associations and volunteer work: https://www.jelli.fi/yhdistykset-teemoittain/
- Student ministers
- Help and information is available for students from different religious backgrounds. Student minister can be reached by mobile telephone or e-mail.
- Contact Minister Markku Fräntilä, tel. 050 383 0336, e-mail [email protected]
- The Joensuu Lutheran Student Parish offers various activities. During semesters the main gatherings are at Kirkkokatu 28. Discussion topics vary from religious matters to relationships. Information on the FB site.
- Lutheran congregations
- Parish hall, Kirkkokatu 28, tel. (013) 263 5300
- Church of Joensuu, at the south end of Kirkkokatu street
- Church of Noljakka, Noljakantie 81
- Church of Pielisensuu, Tikkamäentie 15
- Church of Rantakylä, Rantakylänkatu 2
- The Orthodox Church of Saint Nikolaos, at the north end of Kirkkokatu street, Saturday Vigilia at 6 p.m., Sunday Liturgy at 10 a.m.
- The International Christian Fellowship in Joensuu is an interdenominational and international group of people, seeking to build bridges, encourage unity and love between people of all nations. You are welcome to share with and meet others in these meetings. Activities: regular get-to-gethers, English Services, Holy Catholic Masses. Contact Lea Honkanen, e-mail [email protected]
- Catholic Church, activities published on FB site
- Evangelical Free Church, Leinikkitie 1, interpretation into English on Family Service on Sundays, information on website.
- Pentecostal Church, Niinivaarantie 26; information on website
- Joensuu Mosque, information on their FB site
The Finnish time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There is only one time zone covering the whole country.
Summertime/Daylight savings time (kesäaika) is used from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
The electrical current in Finland is 220V (230V), 50Hz. Plugs are the two-pin continental size.
The quality of tap water in Finland is very good and it is safe to drink!
In Finland the unit of measurement is the metric system.
Metric Conversion Chart
A service charge is automatically included in hotel and restaurant bills.
Smoking is prohibited in public facilities (schools, trains, hospitals, buses, restaurants, pubs etc.).
Cigarettes are sold only to persons over 18 years of age.
Finland has four distinctive season and the weather varies a lot from season to another. The climate has characteristics of both maritime and continental climate and in most of Finland, including Joensuu area, the climate is subarctic with cool summers and wet all year (Wikipedia). Still, there are warm days, especially in summer, and it does not rain every day or even every week!
June, July and August are considered as summer months. The highest daytime temperature can rise up to 25-30 Celsius. During the summer it never gets dark and in the northernmost Finland the sun does not set. Summer weather can vary greatly; it can be anything from beautiful sunny moments to showers accompanied with thunder.
First signs of autumn are visible already in late August. Days get more chilly, there are more rainy days and the leafy trees start to change their colour. Daily variations in temperature get bigger (from +5 to +20) although throughout the year one may see rapid changes in temperature. The autumn brings lower temperatures and darker days as the hours of daylight decrease gradually. A waterproof jacket and shoes as well as gloves, beanie (and why not an umbrella) are recommended. In most parts of Finland snow first falls in November and clears by the end of April.
In autumn and winter, you should use safety reflectors in your bags and clothes to make yourself visible for the car drivers! See the website of Finnish Road Safety Council for more information!
In winter, outside temperatures vary from 0 Celsius to freezing -30 Celsius. Winter clothing is needed to protect from the cold. This includes proper gloves or mittens, stocking cap, scarf, thick jacket, warm socks and long underwear. Also winter boots or hiking boots with thick sole are recommended to keep the feet warm. Without suitable clothes one’s ears, fingers, toes or cheeks that have been exposed to freezing temperatures can get frostbitten. Dressing in layers is a good idea and allows one to adapt to changes in the temperature. Things to consider in winter are also slippery, icy ground especially when the temperature is close to 0 degrees Celsius (be careful, have proper boots) and the darkness (always wear at least one reflector attached to your clothes and bag). Due to central heating and three-glazed windows, it is always nice and warm inside the Finnish buildings.
In spring the daily temperature rises above 0 Celsius again. The amount of daily light increases and snow begins to melt away. In North Karelia spring becomes visible in April-May and the first light-green leaves appear in trees by mid-May.
If you live in a Joensuun Elli apartment, you can get an internet connection from Joensuun Elli. More information about Ellinet: https://www.joensuunelli.fi/en/tenants/ellinet/. If you live in a privately rented apartment, ask about the internet connection from your landlord.
You can also use your mobile device as a hotspot and buy a prepaid sim card with unlimited data package. Elisa, Telia and DNA are the main operators in Finland. Mobile connections are available from R kiosks, DNA, Elisa and Telia shops.
Postal services in most areas are available in local stores which are open also on Saturdays and Sundays. You can buy stamps at some stores and kiosks.
Incoming mail is delivered to your address Monday through Friday. There are no deliveries on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays or on public holidays.
More information on Posti website: https://www.posti.fi/en
International calls
Finland’s area code is +358. Note that the first number of the area code (often 0) is usually omitted.
Pre-paid SIM-card
A pre-paid SIM-card is the best option for persons who only stay in the country for a short period of time. You can purchase pre-paid SIM-cards at e.g. R-kiosks.
International newspapers and magazines are sold in local bookshops, supermarkets and R-kiosks. Also use the opportunity to read international newspapers and magazines in the libraries (Karelia UAS Library, Library of the University of Eastern Finland and City Library). The libraries offer a wide range of books in several languages.
Finland is located in northern Europe and borders such countries as Norway, Sweden and Russia. In 1995 it became a member of the European Union. Currently, its population accounts 5.48 million. Officially, Finland has two languages, Finnish and Swedish, nevertheless English is also widely spoken.
An international student can find Finland as an exotic and a secured country. Picturesque nature, clean air and water are what makes Finland stand out from other European countries. The midnight sun in the summer and the polar night in the winter are among others the features that make living in Finland a unique experience.
Such factors as high standard of life quality and equality are the essential forces in Finnish society. Moreover, Finland is identified to have one of the most developed educational systems in the world. The main aim of Finnish educational policy is offering everybody equal opportunities in receiving education. The system is highly penetrable, so that higher education levels can be achieved by anyone.
Both universities and universities of applied sciences utilise substantial autonomy and construct their operations based on the freedom of education and research. In practice, every higher education institution manages its own administration, decides itself upon student admission and creates the contents of degree programmes.
Eastern Finland can be called a Land of Lakes as this region consists of an endless patchwork of lakes and low rolling hills. This is one of the main reasons why it Finland is top destination for summer cottages. Moreover, there is innumerous number of spots to indulge in the Finnish national obsession for sauna, sausages and a dip in the lake.
North Karelia is the easternmost province of Finland with a population of approximately 161,000.
About 70 % of the area is covered by forest. North Karelia is divided into municipalities, each offering various cultural and exotic seasonal travel activities from river rafting to wilderness survival experiences throughout the year.
More information:
North Karelia website: Welcome to North Karelia
Visit Karelia website: Visit Karelia
Finns generally have a relaxed attitude towards manners and dressing, and a visitor is unlikely to offend them by accident. Common sense is quite enough in most situations, but there are a couple of things one should keep in mind.
Finns are generally helpful and polite, and glad to help confused tourists if asked. The lack of niceties has more to do with the fact that in Finnish culture honesty is highly regarded. A visitor is unlikely to receive many compliments from Finns, but conversely, they can be fairly sure that the compliments they do receive are genuine.
Another highly regarded virtue in Finland is punctuality. A visitor should apologize even for being late for a few minutes. 15 minutes is usually considered the threshold between being “acceptably” late and very late. Some will leave arranged meeting points after 15 minutes or 30 minutes (maximum).
The standard greeting is a handshake. Hugs and kisses, even on the cheek, are only exchanged between family members and close friends.
If you are invited to a Finnish home it is recommended to remove your shoes. For much of the year shoes will carry a lot of snow or mud, and therefore it is customary to remove them, even during the summer. During the wet season you can ask to put your shoes somewhere to dry during your stay. Bringing gifts such as pastry, wine, or flowers to the host is appreciated, but not required.
The Finns are also crazy about coffee, which is odd, when you come to think about it: the coffee beans themselves grow quite a way away. You will rapidly get used to the fact that when Finns get together for a chat, coffee is invariably part of the scene. But note that the coffee in Finland is usually not as strong as in Central and Southern Europe.
But, after all, please keep in mind that people are not all alike and these are generalisations. Your own experiences with Finns might give you a totally different opinion.
Sauna is an essential part of the Finnish culture. There are five million inhabitants and one and a half million saunas in Finland. For Finnish people sauna is a place for relaxing with friends and family, a place for physical and spiritual relaxation. Finns think of saunas not so much as a luxury, but as a necessity, and after trying a few saunas you will probably agree.
Practically almost every Finnish house has a sauna of its own. There are also public saunas available at such places as swimming pools and student dormitories (please ask the Elli housing office for the sauna schedule in your building). Public saunas are separated by gender (men together, women together). You are not allowed to wear clothing or swimming clothes in sauna because it is considered to be unhygienic.
More information: https://sauna.fi/en/