5 tips that make new students' lives easier
1. Take advantage of the orientation week
During the orientation week, you will get a general overview of how things work at the Ģֱ, and there will be a lot of presentations and networking opportunities. Tutors also give tours around the campus and the city or plan gatherings, so you can meet with your fellow new classmates. The amount of information might be overwhelming, but taking some notes to look into them in more detail later on can be very useful.
2. Keep in touch with your tutor
Your tutors are the ones who get proper training; thus, they should know either to answer most of your concerns or people who could answer those concerns. If you get stuck at any point, do not hesitate to contact them.
3. Frequently check your email, organise your time with an e-calendar, and use the My JYU app to stay up-to-date
The University uses Microsoft Outlook to communicate events, announcements, updates, or changes regarding the courses. Be sure to familiarise yourself with Outlook and check the notifications in your email inbox. JYUsletter, the university newsletter for students, is sent twice a month.
Since there is not necessarily the same lesson schedule every week, having an e-calendar can help you keep up with the lesson times. The calendar also helps you plan and manage your time to meet deadlines.
An app called My JYU is also extremely helpful in figuring out the menus and opening times of the student restaurants, when and where the courses take place, any possible changes, and other student-related information. You can download the My JYU app from the app store for free.
4. Build a network online and in person
If you have not been an active user on Facebook, you might want to change your mind. There are plenty of Facebook groups that you could join, depending on your purposes.
Usually, every master’s degree programme has a Facebook page, and group chats are created for every cohort to communicate and support each other throughout their studies. Some groups are highly recommended by long-time inhabitants of Jyväskylä including Second-Hand Items in Jyväskylä, Roskalava Jyväskylä, and Foreigners in JYVÄSKYLÄ.
For socializing in person, be sure to look into the Student Union’s community page for upcoming events, but also check out the list of a variety of associations and hobbies, where you can meet new people with common interests. For example, one way to connect with other international degree students is through .
If you are a Soihtu resident, you can also look at .
Another way to socialize in the “Capital of Sport” is through sports, of course. Students of JYU have access to a variety of sports through .
5. Stay calm and take it easy!
It is understandable if you feel anxious or homesick. You must have traveled so far to come here. So, do not stress out. Everything takes time, especially good things. In addition, bear in mind that lecturers, classmates, and goodies are always available for you to reach out to. Are you ready for the beautiful things that await you ahead? Good luck and welcome to JYU!
More information for the fresh students of JYU is available in the New Student Handbook:
