New city, new friends: tips for student communities in Jyväskylä

How did you end up in Jyväskylä and start studying?

Iitu: "I'm from Kokkola and moved to Jyväskylä three years ago. I'm studying sports science and business."

Milena: “I'm in my fourth year of studying to be a teacher, and I started my master's degree in the fall. I did my bachelor's degree in Helsinki, and after many twists and turns, I ended up in Jyväskylä to continue my studies." 

Was it easy to find friends in Jyväskylä? 

Iitu: “Yes, I did, even outside my own field, which is nice. The university sports club Liikunnan Riemu has a strong presence, and through it, it has been easy to make friends outside my own field. Riemu offers nearly 20 different sports. I was immediately interested in the dance team, and I've been a member for four years now."

Milena: “My situation is a little different in that I'm doing a master's degree in a multi-disciplinary group and I've already done some of my current studies during my bachelor's degree. So I knew in advance that I would be on my own, so I made a conscious decision to go out and find a group of people like me. I found information about the dance team CaKo on social media, applied to join, and am now in my first year with them."

What if you're not interested in partying or alcohol? Can you still find a community in Jyväskylä?

Iitu: "Absolutely. Nowadays, there are lots of options and opportunities; not everything has to revolve around alcohol and partying. I encourage you to try out different clubs, exercise groups, and organizations—there's something for everyone."

Milena: “I agree that culture is changing. Nowadays, there are many different ways to be part of the student community. Information is easily available online and on social media, and older students can also give you tips on suitable groups."

When I compare Jyväskylä to my hometown of Helsinki, I feel that Jyväskylä is more student-friendly in this respect

How can you find friends outside your own field?

Iitu: "For me, at least, our dance team CaKo has been the best place to meet students outside my own bubble. We already have students from nearly ten different fields, including Jamk."

Milena: “I’m interested in sports, so it was natural for me to look for like-minded people specifically through Riemu. But it seems that there are many other channels for finding friends. When I compare Jyväskylä to my hometown of Helsinki, I feel that Jyväskylä is more student-friendly in this respect.” 

How does Jyväskylä support student communities as a city?

Iitu: “Since I came to Jyväskylä from somewhere else and wasn’t familiar with the city before, it has been easy to settle down here. The fact that the campuses and student apartments are close to each other increases the opportunities to meet new people." 

Milena: “I feel that you can find a place to do things together anywhere. It could be a student apartment where there are lots of events organized for the residents. It's also really nice that everything is so close together on campus, which makes it easy to get around." 

What tips would you give new students for finding a community?

Iitu: “When I think back to the beginning of my own studies, I think it was good and fun to participate in as many things as possible. It's worth trying out as many things as possible, so you can find out what you like and what you don't. There’s plenty to do here, and Jyväskylä is a good-sized student city. Don’t worry if you don’t find your niche right away.”

Milena: “I agree with Iitu. At first, it may take a little effort to get involved in many things. But that's how you find your own interests. Having changed student cities myself, I already knew a little about what interested me, so that helped me find a subject that interested me right away."