What is the best thing about Jyväskylä? We asked those who have moved to Jyväskylä from abroad!

Currently, one in every 13 residents of Jyväskylä has moved to the city from abroad. People come to Jyväskylä for various reasons, including high-quality education, love, and work. Known as a city of education, Jyväskylä attracts international talents and companies to the area for innovation and research. These international experts bring new business and networks with them. The city aims to retain these international talents by all means.

— Jyväskylä is an international city that thrives when international talents find their place here. It is important for us to build a common Jyväskylä where everyone feels at home," says Timo Koivisto, Mayor of Jyväskylä.

International residents who have moved to Jyväskylä share what they love most about the city

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— Nature is the best thing here. It is also quiet and peaceful. I love walking in the beautiful forests. People are friendly, and it feels like one big family. University education is of high quality, and services for those aiming for the job market are intensive and useful, says Desie from Eritrea.

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— I got engaged five months ago and now live in Jyväskylä. I was here as an exchange student in 1996 and also worked as an au pair for a couple of years. During that time, I met my husband in Jyväskylä, and we reconnected later on Facebook. My husband does not speak Portuguese or English with me, so I learned Finnish. The best things here are nature and the library, as I read a lot, says Adriana from Brazil.

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— The silence, nature, and clean air. There are no traffic jams here. These are the things I admire in Jyväskylä. I have lived here for nine months, and my wife and I want to give our children a Finnish education, which is highly valued worldwide, says Ashan Fernando from Sri Lanka.

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— Shops, offices, hotels, and restaurants are modern. Everything is close by, and there is no long distance to anywhere. Buses arrive on time at the stops. You can get to nature easily. I am aiming to work in the hairdressing industry. The materials used in hair salons here are excellent. However, the softness of Finnish hair presents its own challenge, as hair needs to be cut differently than in my home country, explains Nilab from Iran.

International House Jyväskylä: support for job search and everyday matters

You can contact International House Jyväskylä’s multilingual guidance and advisory service even when you are just planning to move to Jyväskylä. The service provides guidance and advice on everyday matters such as finding housing, arranging daycare for children, or understanding Finnish official procedures. Multilingual guidance and advice support the integration of those living in Jyväskylä as well as those planning to move there.

Career counselors at International House Jyväskylä help with job searching and finding study opportunities, and you can also discuss entrepreneurship with them. Career counseling is available in Finnish, English, or Russian.

International House Jyväskylä organizes various events and courses on topics such as job seeking and the Finnish language.

Read more about International House Jyväskylä!

Tips for new residents

There is plenty to do and see in Jyväskylä for all ages. Various events, such as concerts, theater performances, and sports events, are held throughout the year.

Browse event tips in the Central Finland event calendar.

Rantaraitti is one of the best exercise areas and is located near the city center. The Rantaraitti, which circles Lake Jyväsjärvi, is excellent for jogging and cycling. Along the route, you can enjoy beautiful lake views and stop for a picnic.

Linkki local transport takes Jyväskylä residents from place to place. Linkki routes cover various areas of the city, making public transport easy and convenient. Get to know Linkki and its routes to find the best connections for you.

On the Visit Jyväskylä Region website, you can find the best tips from locals. The site provides information on the event calendar, sports facilities, activity tips, and the city's gems. With these tips, you can find new favorite places and activities.

Jyväskylä offers diverse opportunities and experiences, so it's worth boldly exploring the city and what it has to offer!