SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES GUIDE FOR NEW STUDENTS

SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES GUIDE FOR NEW STUDENTS

CONTENTS 1. KUOPIO THE CENTRE OF EASTERN... 4 2. VARKAUS A LIVELY CITY SURROUNDED BY LAKES... 4 3. SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES... 4 4. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY KUOPIO... 5 5. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY VARKAUS... 5 6. BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION KUOPIO... 5 7. BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION VARKAUS... 5 8. COMING TO STUDY AT SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES,... 6 8.1 DEGREE STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE EEA/EU COUNTRIES... 6 8.2 DEGREE STUDENTS FROM EEA/EU COUNTRIES... 6 8.3 STUDENT UNION OF SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (SAVOTTA)... 7 9. INSURANCE... 7 10. ONE PLACE PER STUDENT PROVISION IN HIGHER EDUCATION... 7 11. THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE STUDY PLACE... 8 12. ENROLMENT AS A STUDENT... 8 13. PROCEDURE TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT IN... 8 13.1 BANKS IN KUOPIO... 8 13.2 BANKS IN VARKAUS... 8 14. ACCOMMODATION... 8 14.1 ACCOMMODATION IN KUOPIO... 8 14.2 ACCOMMODATION IN VARKAUS... 9 15. CHECKLIST BEFORE COMING TO... 9 16. USEFUL LINKS...10

the Savonia University of Applied Sciences are based on academic training and practical work experience. The workrooms, laboratories, computer equipment, measuring and testing systems as well as the library and information services are of a high standard. Degree programmes on Bachelor level, BEng: Energy Technology (in Finnish), Industrial Management (in English) Degree programmes on Master level, Master s: Industrial Management (in English) More information: http://portal.savonia.fi/amk/savonia-uas 4. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY KUOPIO 10.00. Registration will be in Building A, Entrance Hall before the orientation. Orientation will start at 10.00 in Auditorium, Building A. WELCOME TO SAVONIA 1. KUOPIO THE CENTRE OF EASTERN The Kuopio region is located in central Finland, in the province of North Savo. The region can be reached in less than an hour by air from Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and by road or rail the journey only takes a few hours. Kuopio is surrounded by lake Kallavesi. Kuopio is the centre of commerce, whose wholesale and retail services cover the whole Eastern Finland. There are many important administrative centres and institutions in Kuopio, for example the University of Eastern Finland, the Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the Orthodox Church Council of Finland. Kuopio and the surrounding districts offer many interesting experiences throughout the year. Various museums provide an insight into the local heritage and way of life. You can admire the spectacular lakeland scenery from the Puijo Tower or you can go on a sightseeing tour by bus. There are special events, theatre and music, as well as many other opportunities for fun, relaxation and retreat. In Kuopio region you can meet the Finnish way of life that combines all the advantages of high-tech society with the vast expanses of unspoilt nature. More information: http://www.kuopio.fi 2. VARKAUS A LIVELY CITY SURROUNDED BY LAKES Varkaus is a small, modern city of ca. 23,000 inhabitants in Finland s lake district. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, the warmth and treatments at the spa, high quality cultural and sports services, interesting visiting sites and numerous leisure activities. Varkaus is easy to reach, as both national roads 5 and 23 lead into the city. Boats can use the Saimaa deepwater channel to travel to Varkaus all the way from the Baltic Sea. The flight from Helsinki to Varkaus takes a mere hour, while by car the distance is 320 km. Varkaus is highly skilled in forestry and paper milling, energy production and high technology. One of the latest innovations includes an experimental biodiesel plant and a lithium battery factory. More information: http://www.varkaus.fi 3. SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES The Savonia University of Applied Sciences was established on August 1, 1992 as an interim University of Applied Sciences and its status became permanent on August 1, 1998. Savonia University of Applied Sciences comprises seven campuses located around the region of North Savo. These campuses are situated in towns of Kuopio, Varkaus and Iisalmi. Bachelor s degrees are offered in six fields of study: Social Sciences, Business and Administration, Culture, Natural Resources and Environment, Tourism and Catering, Social Services, Health and Sports, Technology, Communication and Transport. One of the strengths of the Savonia University of Applied Sciences lies in its multi-disciplined programmes. This concept provides the Savonia University of Sciences with flexibility in designing its degree programmes to reflect the requirements of working life. The professional skills of the personnel at The school has a long tradition of engineering education since 1883. The school has significant strengths in diversified engineering know-how and in excellent working cooperation with businesses, which enhances the expertise in key areas. Another strength is the up-to-date facilities and teaching equipment. The school has also a vital role to play in the development of business activity in the local economic area and in the creation of the necessary infrastructure in support. In Kuopio s own science park school s research and development operations focus on electronics, information and environmental technology. Degree programmes (Bachelor): Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology, Fire Engineering, Wood Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology (in Finnish and in English), Environmental Technology. 9.00. Orientation will be in classroom A-2041, 2nd Floor, Building A. 5. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY VARKAUS Varkaus Campus has a long tradition of educating engineering experts since the 1930 s. During the decades, the town of Varkaus has become the most international business orientated and industrialized area in Eastern Finland and this environment provides excellent learning-by-doing possibilities and projects for teaching. The main areas of expertise are related to energy technology especially in power plant and boiler technologies, paper, pulp and saw mill industries, automation and electronics. The study programmes have changed a lot during the decades. Nevertheless, the basic reason for existence has stayed the same: to educate highly skilled and motivated engineers for industrial companies and businesses for Savo region, Eastern Finland but also for European and global markets. 6. BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION KUOPIO Savonia University of Applied Sciences School of Business and Administration Kuopio has given education since 1887. The International Trade Expert specialisation alternative enables you to take the full degree, Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA, in English. The studies deal with various aspects of international business. During your studies you will familiarise yourself with different cultures and your language skills will improve considerably. You will study in an international environment since your fellow students come from several different countries. Opistotie Campus is a truly international one with students from all over the world. Furthermore, we also have numerous international partner institutions around the world, so you can widen your internationality with an exchange student period. Compulsory intership can also be completed abroad if you wish. 9.00. Orientation will be in classroom A-1038, 1st Floor, Building A. 7. BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION VARKAUS Savonia University of Applied Sciences School of Business and Administration Varkaus has a strong tradition in teaching business since 1951. It provides higher level education in two international degree programmes. The 3,5 -year business education leads to Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and the studies comprise of 210 ECTS credits. The study environment is very multi-cultural, since the students come from different countries and continents. The education provides the students with professional skills in various tasks within international business. The teaching methods aim to ensure high quality of learning and education as well as to upgrade the quality in the learning and R&D processes. Modern teaching methods are used on Varkaus Campus. 4 5

The main idea in all of them is that he students are participative learners. Within the new learning environment, OIS (Open Innovative Space) the students work with various assignments with the supervision, support and guidance from the teachers and are also often given independent assignments which are linked with working life and company cooperation. Close cooperation and common courses with the engineering students prepare the business students for real business world working environment, atmosphere and cooperation between professionals from different fields. Degree programmes on Bachelor level, BBA: Business Administration (in Finnish), International Business (in English) 10.00. Registration will be in Building A, Entrance Hall before the orientation. Orientation will start at 10.00 in Auditorium, Building A. 8. COMING TO STUDY AT SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, 8.1 DEGREE STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE EEA/EU COUNTRIES Please read carefully the following information about the visa, residence permit and financing your studies. Visa and residence permit If you come outside EEA/EU countries, remember to apply for a visa from the nearest Finnish embassy in your home country in good time before your departure. More information is available: http://www.migri.fi/frontpage Financing your studies International students coming from outside the EEA and EU countries are required to prove that they have sufficient funds by depositing the sum of EUR 6000 (approx. USD 8000) yearly with a Finnish bank or with an international bank, with no conditions restricting the use of this account. A new deposit is required at the beginning of each academic year. Savonia University of Applied Sciences has no scholarship programmes and cannot therefore offer any financial aid for either Finnish or international students. International students must be able to finance their studies themselves or have a scholarship from their home countries or other sources. Monthly costs for students are roughly estimated to be: Accommodation 170 400 Lunch at student canteens 35 65 Self-catering 85-130 Other expences 85 150 NOTICE! This estimate does not include social activities, travel or clothing. It has been estimated that an average Finnish student spends 600 800 a month. 8.2 DEGREE STUDENTS FROM EEA/EU COUNTRIES Please read carefully the following information about the visa and residence permit and financing your studies. Visa and residence permit Citizens of the EEA/EU countries do not need to apply for a visa or residence permit before arriving in the country, but if they stay for more than three months, they must apply for a residence permit in Finland within the three months through the local police station in Finland. In order to obtain a residence permit for studying in Finland, an international student must generally bring the following documents: passport two passport-size photos a certificate of your registration at Savonia University of Applied Sciences proof of funding or scholarships to cover the study and living expenses in Finland. Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need residence permits, visas or work permits. Financing your studies Savonia University of Applied Sciences has no scholarship programmes and cannot therefore offer any financial aid for either Finnish or international students. International students must be able to finance their studies themselves or have a scholarship form their home countries or other sources. Monthly costs for students are roughly estimated to be: Accommodation 170 400 Lunch at student canteens 35 65 Self-catering 85-130 Other expenses 85 150 NOTICE! This estimate does not include social activities, travel or clothing. It has been estimated that an average Finnish student spends 600 800 a month. 8.3 STUDENT UNION OF SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (SAVOTTA) The Student Union of the Savonia University of Applied Sciences (SAVOTTA) is a non-political service and support organisation for all students in Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Savonia UAS). SAVOTTA is an autonomous, public corporation. It is founded by the law of the Universities of Applied Sciences. According to the law, the Student Union is part of the Savonia and its mission is to act on behalf of the students and as their representative. Each and every student of Savonia can join the student union. SAVOTTA supervises and develops the interests of the students in Savonia, acts as a link and a channel of communication for its members and develops the conditions and contents of teaching and studying by for example making proposals and statements as well as participating in different working groups of Savonia. As a member of student union, you get a national student ID-card which entitles you to a number of discounts. SAVOTTA offers a remarkable amount of local, regional and national benefits to its members. Currently the union has about 4000 members. It speaks up for students social and financial rights and represents students in matters of education, studies and student s status. Our student union also co-ordinates and develops tutor activities at Savonia UAS. SAVOTTA runs student cafeteria cafesavotta at Sairaalakatu campus and cafesavottamicro Microkatu campus. Cafeterias are students get together places offering student priced coffee and other services. SAVOTTA works in close co-operation with the administration of Savonia UAS and develops education together with the working groups Savonia. The union nominates representatives to the board of Savonia UAS, Board of Study Grants and other working groups. SAVOTTA is a member of SAMOK (Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences). In SAMOK our local student union has influence on national matters and the members of the executive board have access to the seminars provided by SAMOK. SAMOK is also our mouthpiece to the state administration and national organisations. More information is available: http://www.savotta.org Find Student Union from Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/opiskelijakuntasavotta 9. INSURANCE Before you leave, remember to check up on travel insurance. International students are not considered as permanent residents in Finland and therefore not entitled to residence-based social security benefits and will not be issued a Finnish Kela sickness insurance card. It s recommended that you bring your vaccination certificate to Finland with you. Social security for NON EEA/EU citizens: Degree students who come from outside of EEA / EU countries must have a valid health and accident insurance. Savonia University of Applied Sciences is not responsible of any costs related to international student s cases of illness or accident caused during leisure time. Social security for EEA/EU citizens: If you are only staying temporarily in the Member State where you are studying, you are entitled to receive all medically necessary care. For this, you will need the European Health Insurance Card, which you can get from the institution with which your parents are insured. The card must be obtained before departure. The card confirms that holders are covered by sickness insurance in one of the EEA/EU member states and that they have the right to immediate medical treatment while they are in any other EEA/EU member state. More information about insurance policy is available: http://www.migri.fi/studying_in_finland/filling_in_the_ application/insurance 10. ONE PLACE PER STUDENT PROVISION IN HIGHER EDUCATION According to this provision, a student may accept only one study place included in joint applications leading to a higher education degree during one academic term. The academic term (1 August - 31 December or 1 January - 31 July) is the essential time framework for the implementation: the provision does not prevent acceptance of a place in another degree programme during another different academic term. Although you could postpone the commencement of studies for a year, or interrupt your studies, you would still be unable accept another place for a degree programme starting in the same academic term. More information about the one-place-per-student provision is available: http://www.koulutusnetti.fi/?file=325 6 7

11. THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE STUDY PLACE By confirming the acceptance of the study place, the admitted informs that: he/she will accept one of the study places offered, or he/she will accept one of the study places offered and wishes to wait and see if another study place, either in a university or a university of applied sciences, which he/she has applied for and would prefer will become available, or he/she will not accept the study place The confirmation of acceptance of the study place is binding an irrevocable and it cannot be altered. Fill in the confirmation form with clear writing, tick the attendance (present/absent) information and remember to sign the form. Send the confirmation form by the 31 July 2012, at 16.15 o clock Finnish time, at the latest to the following address: Savonia University of Applied Sciences Admissions Office Sairaalakatu Campus P.O. Box 1028 FI-70111 KUOPIO 12. ENROLMENT AS A STUDENT Every student has to enroll each academic year as present or absent the way the University of Applied Sciences orders (Polytechnic Law 23). Student who has not enrolled in time will lose his/her right to study. Student who has enrolled absent: cannot study, e.g., no courses can be included in the study records during the absence (with the exception of open Polytechnic courses which are accepted and transferred after enrolment as present) does not have a right to student grant nor to supported meals at school cafeterias does not have a right to student benefits (reduced train and bus tickets, use of Internet at school etc.) for the whole academic year, can enroll present for the spring term 2013. In this case the student should contact study counselor at his/her own school in order to check the study plan. This might cause some problems to the student as, for example, the course supply might change. 13. PROCEDURE TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT IN Information about opening an account can be found at the webpages of each bank. 13.1 BANKS IN KUOPIO Nordea Bank Plc Kuopio Branch Kauppakatu 28 FI-70110 KUOPIO http://www.nordea.com/our+services/international+pr oducts+and+services/cash+management/opening+an +account+with+nordea+nordic+countries/68832.html Sampopankki Puijonkatu 35 70100 KUOPIO http://www.sampopankki.fi/en-fi/about/ CONTACTUS/PERSONAL/Pages/Personal.aspx Osuuspankki Puijonkatu 25 70100 KUOPIO https://www.op.fi/op 13.2 BANKS IN VARKAUS Varkauden Osuuspankki Kauppakatu 54 78200 VARKAUS https://www.op.fi/op Sampopankki Kauppakatu 48 78200 VARKAUS http://www.sampopankki.fi/en-fi/about/ CONTACTUS/PERSONAL/Pages/Personal.aspx Nordea Bank Kauppakatu 40 78200 VARKAUS http://www.nordea.com/our+services/international+pr oducts+and+services/cash+management/opening+an +account+with+nordea+nordic+countries/68832.html 14. ACCOMMODATION Savonia University of Applied Sciences does not provide accommodation for incoming students. 14.1 ACCOMMODATION IN KUOPIO Tekman Tuki association rents rooms and apartments for students in the Savonia University of Applied Sciences (mainly for students in the School of Engineering and Technology). Office address: Tekman Tuki ry Retkeilijäntie 1 D 2 FI-70200 KUOPIO Tel: +358 17 2822 831 (abroad) 017 2822 831 (within Finland) Fax: +358 17 2825 359 (abroad) 017 2825 359 (within Finland) Email te.tu@tekma.inet.fi Rooms and apartments Rooms and apartments are in Puijonlaakso area about 1,5 km from the School of Engineering and Technology, Kuopio. There are different kinds of common apartments where kitchen and bathroom are shared with one or two other students. There are also apartments for couples and families. All rooms are rented without furniture. KUOPAS (Kuopio Student Housing Company) KUOPAS provides accommodation for students and their families (spouse and children) in the Kuopio area. Kuopas has 40 apartment buildings around the town situated 0,5 10 km from the city center. Please notice that a monthly bus ticket costs about 50 euros, which you might have to add to the living costs. Office address: Torikatu 15 FI-70110 KUOPIO Tel: +358 02 710 9740 or +358 20 710 9741 (abroad) 017 264 0700 (within Finland) Fax: +358 17 264 0755 (abroad) 017 264 0755 (within Finland) Email asiakaspalvelu@kuopas.kuopio.fi http://www.kuopas.fi/tenant%20info/moving%20 out%20quick%20guide/moving%20out.aspx How to apply? 14.2 ACCOMMODATION IN VARKAUS Students arriving to Varkaus should ask about the accommodation from the Housing Office of Varkaus town and make a reservation for a room after he/she has been permitted the visa to Finland. Wartalo Kodit Oy Wartalo Kodit is the biggest housing company in Varkaus. They are owned by the town of Varkaus and have offered services over 30 years. Student can apply for apartment by email as soon as he/she has a confirmed study place in Savonia University of Applied Sciences. Customer Services Wartalo Kodit Oy Antinpuisto 8 78250 VARKAUS Email raija.pulkkinen@wartalo.fi http://www.wartalo.fi/opiskelijaasunnot.php Dormitories near the school (Opiskelijankatu) Further information: reservations@varkausrentrooms.fi 15. CHECKLIST BEFORE COMING TO Mail the confirmation form to the Admissions Office by 31.7.2012 at the latest. Arrange accommodation before you arrive in Finland. Arrange visa and residence permit issues if needed Check up your insurance and health care issues (If you need constant medication or medical treat-ments during your study period in Finland, negotiate with a doctor in your home country before leaving.) Bring some warm clothes with you. Take your original school certificates with you. More information is available: http://portal.savonia.fi/amk/savonia-uas/studies/ studying-in-savonia-uas/how-to-enrol-as-a-student TEKMA Tekman Tuki ry / Tekman Tuki Association In order to apply for a room or an apartment fill in the application form in Internet: http://www.kuopas.fi/applicant%20info.aspx 8 9

16. USEFUL LINKS Savonia University of Applied Sciences http://www.savonia.fi City of Kuopio http://www.kuopio.fi City of Varkaus http://www.varkaus.fi Finnish railways http://www.vr.fi Finnish buses http://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/ or http://www.expressbus.fi/timetables-and-tickets Flights http://www.finnair.com/int/gb/home or http://www.blue1.com/en/fi Ministry of Education http://www.minedu.fi/ Virtual Finland http://virtual.finland.fi/ Studying and living in Finland Weather in Finland http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/ Finnish Immigration Service http://www.migri.fi Licenses (police) http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/ pages/index_eng Maps all around the world http://maps.google.com/ maps?hl=en&tab=wl