Special days for students at JYU
Whether you're new to the university or just looking for more ways to enjoy your time, here are some of the key events and celebrations you shouldn’t miss.
University Highlights: Special Days and Traditions
Orientation Week – your first step!
If you are new to JYU, your journey starts with Orientation Week, which takes place at the end of August for autumn semester students and in early January for those arriving in spring. This is where you get to meet new people, learn about university services, and start feeling at home in Finland. Attending orientation made my transition so much smoother, and I highly recommend making the most of it!
The University Opening Ceremony welcomes the new academic year
Held at the beginning of September, the Opening Ceremony marks the official start of the academic year. It’s a formal event, but also a great opportunity to experience the university’s traditions and connect with the academic community.
Finnish Independence Day and the torchlight procession
On December 6th, Finland celebrates its Independence Day, and the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ has a long-standing tradition to mark the occasion. Every year, first-year teacher students organize a torchlight procession, which starts in front of the University’s Main Building and ends at the Old Cemetery of Jyväskylä. Participants receive torches to carry, and the event includes a choir performance and speeches. It was such a powerful experience to walk with everyone, holding a torch in the dark winter evening, honoring Finnish history. Definitely a must-try experience!
Easter Break – a springtime pause
Easter is a time to relax and recharge before the final months of the semester. During Easter, students usually have at least four days off from classes, from Good Friday until the second day of Easter. Many students use this time for travel or to visit family.
Vappu is the biggest student celebration
If there’s one event you must experience as a student in Finland, it’s vappu, celebrated on April 30th and May 1st. This is the ultimate student season, filled with events, music, fun, and colorful student overalls! Last year, we spent the whole day picnicking on Harju ridge, watching the summer cars, and just soaking in the atmosphere.
The next day, we headed to Mattilanniemi park, where students were dancing, playing frisbee, and sewing patches onto their overalls. The sunshine was perfect, and the energy was incredible! Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen—trust me, you’ll need them, if the weather is fine.
City Celebrations: Unique Festivals and Events
City of Light
The City of Light festival, also known as Valon kaupunki in Finnish, in September–October is pure magic! Every year, the city transforms with stunning light installations, projections, and performances. The best part? The festival is never the same—each year brings fresh creativity! I’ve attended twice, and each time I was amazed by the unique atmosphere. My tip? Get a festival map because the installations are spread out across different areas of the city, and you don’t want to miss any of the highlights!
Christmas season in Jyväskylä
December brings a special festive mood to Jyväskylä. The holiday season officially begins with the opening of the Christmas season in late November, featuring joyful performances and a warm atmosphere. As December unfolds, the Christmas Market becomes the perfect place to experience Finnish holiday traditions, from handmade gifts to delicious seasonal treats. One of my favorite moments was watching the Santa Claus parade with a horse-drawn sleigh, while listening to a choir sing Christmas carols. It’s the best way to get into the holiday spirit!
Pride Week – celebrate diversity!
Jyväskylä’s Pride Week is a time of joy, inclusivity, and community, held annually during the first week of September. I attended the Pride Picnic, and it was such a warm, welcoming atmosphere with great conversations and new friendships. Next time, I would like to join the Pride Parade—it looks like such a fantastic experience! The week also includes workshops, discussions, and performances, so there’s something for everyone!
Finlandia Marathon at the Finnish Capital of Sport
I’m not a professional runner, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I signed up for the mini-marathon (5 km) as part of the Finland Marathon held in Jyväskylä. It was such a rewarding experience!
What struck me the most was the incredible diversity of participants—there were seasoned athletes pushing their limits, parents jogging while pushing strollers, and even elderly runners keeping a steady pace with smiles on their faces. Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds running together was truly inspiring. The energy from the crowd, the cheers from supporters along the route, and the shared sense of accomplishment made it unforgettable.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking for a fun way to be active, you can definitely do it too! The atmosphere is so supportive and welcoming—give it a try! And if you dream of completing your first marathon, this could be the perfect place to take that brave first step!
Did you know that Jyväskylä is called the Capital of Sport in Finland? In the city, activities range from physical activity that promotes the well-being of residents to international top-level sport.
Other events to watch for
- Student Union Events – Throughout the year, the Student Union of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ (JYY) organizes a variety of events that enrich student life.
- Winter Swimming & Sauna Experiences – A Finnish classic!
- Food & Culture Festivals – Keep an eye out for food fairs, music events, and more!
Make the most of your time in Jyväskylä
Student life at JYU is full of amazing experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you love sports, festivals, or just meeting new people, there’s always something happening. If you’re new to Jyväskylä, step out of your comfort zone and get involved—you won’t regret it!
Lirong Yu
Information Systems
Faculty of Information Technology
