Exchange destination: Kouvola
Welcome to Kouvola!
Kouvola in brief
Kouvola is BIG on experience. Whether you prefer culture or sports, urban amusement or the great outdoors, Kouvola has got you covered. But if we had to pick just one thing (we know, we know, it’s almost impossible…), it would have to be nature.
Finland, of course, is the “land of a thousand lakes” – and we have dibs on over 450 of them. Along the shorelines you’ll find over 7,000 summer cottages (also rental) that go a long way of showing what the “Finnish Way of Life” is all about. (Hint: this involves sauna.)
- The legendary Repovesi National Park is simply a must see for every nature-lover, as is the Mustila Arboretum. What’s more, both attractions are known for being quite family-friendly, too. In addition, Kouvola boasts its very own UNESCO World Heritage site, the Verla Mill – and after a tour at the venerable Verla, perhaps a quick stop at Tykkimäki Amusement Park and / or AquaPark? (Okay, okay, we know it won’t be a ‘quick’ stop.)
What else is there? Well, you can golf, go rock-climbing, take in a midnight concert at Hiidenvuori or check out the mighty Kymi River tour the local museums and mansions, or go shopping!
Here’s even more good news: Kouvola is right around the corner! Take a train from Helsinki and you’ll be here in less than 90 minutes.
And you need that time to study up on the local attractions – take our word for it.
Orientation before studies
The International Services of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences welcomes the new incoming exchange students by organizing orientation days before studies begin. The purpose of the orientation days is to introduce the people, facilities as well as tools and platforms used during the studies. You will also get to know tutors who will help you to settle down and feel comfortable in the new environment.
Orientation days, during week 3, 13-14. January for the spring term.
During the orientation days on campus we tell more about:
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
- International services staff
- Departmental coordinators and tutors
- Student services
- Computer systems
- Student registration system
- Student e-mails
- Living in multicultural environment, etc.
Accommodation
Exchange students, who study in Kouvola, are normally accommodated in Kouvola city’s student residence in Kuusihaankatu, located about 4,5km away from the campus and 2km from the city center. The International Office (Xamk) will make the bookings for you in Kouvola.
Each apartment consists of either 2 or 3 rooms with shared kitchen and toilet facilities. There is a total of 100 rooms in 2 houses at Kuusihaankatu. The rooms are furnished (if arranged through XAMK) and ready for moving in. Internet is included in the rent, to connect a VDSL2 router is needed.
Xamk will provide the mattress (80cm x 200cm), duvet and pillow.
Prices vary from approximately 290€ to 300€/month. Please note, we cannot guarantee you being accommodated in a preferred (two- or three-room) flat.
Address:
Kuusihaankatu 6
45150 Kouvola
There is a bus connection to and from the campus.
Please be aware that this is a service provided by a private entrepreneur.
Getting to Kouvola
Kouvola is situated some 140 km from Helsinki, and 60 km from Kotka. Depending on where you are coming from, there are different means of transport you might find convenient:
- If you are traveling via Helsinki Airport, you most likely will prefer to use a train connection.
- If you are coming from Helsinki city center or other cities in Finland, please check VR, Matkahuolto or Onnibus web-pages for the options.
Insurance
All incoming exchange / dd-students need to have a personal insurance with a full 3rd part liability and health coverage for the entire stay in Finland including traveling days. If you intend to study in Finland for one year take out a one-year insurance policy. Be sure to renew your insurance policy prior to expiry. Make sure not to terminate your insurance policy, or you will have to cover your medical and hospital expenses yourself.
EU/EEA and Swiss residents
In addition to your personal insurance, you need to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for your exchange period. By presenting the European Health Insurance Card, you can prove your right to necessary medical treatment in another EU or EEA country and in Switzerland. With the card, you can get medical treatment if you become suddenly ill or have an accident. You can also get medical treatment if you have a chronic illness that requires medical attention. The card also gives access to necessary treatment during pregnancy and childbirth.
The European Health Insurance Card is recognized within the public health care services as well as by private doctors and hospitals that have signed a health insurance agreement.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss residents
As a student, you will be responsible for your illness-related expenses in Finland. For your residence permit, you will need private insurance to cover your medical and pharmaceutical expenses. The accepted students are sent the instructions of Finnish Immigration Services including information about the requested insurance.
Free time activities
The City of Kouvola, where multiculturalism is evident in many events, offers wide range of alternatives for spending your leisure time. Kouvola offers many options in the field of sports as well. There are also special sports groups for foreign people.
Leisure services are also offered by the city library. At the library, you can borrow literature in different languages, use the internet, borrow DVDs and CDs, read newspapers and take part in plenty of more activities. Also, the museums in Kouvola offer a wide range of high-quality art and culture experiences.
You can also voluntarily take part in the activity of different clubs and societies. Leisure activity specifically aimed at foreign people is organised by, for example, the local Red Cross, the International Meeting Point at the Saaga Centre of Multiculture and the Kouvolan Korttelikotiyhdistys ry.
Next to what the city of Kouvola is listing a lot of events and happenings are handled by the student union.
BYOD – Bring Your Own Device
Use of student’s own device in studies
Xamk follows the BOYD policy which means that students primarily use their own devices like laptops and smartphones in their studies.
Student union
The student union Kaakko is a service provider and lobbying organisation for students at Xamk. Kaakko’s role is to ensure that students’ voices are heard in every decision-making organ of Xamk. Together with Xamk, Kaakko arranges various leisure time activities. Kaakko is also responsible for coordinating the tutor activities and it arranges a few big parties for all students during the academic year.
All exchange students are welcome to join our Student Union Kaakko and benefit from being a student of Xamk.
Contact information
Contact information for incoming exchange and double degree students
to Kouvola:
Studies:
Mr Ulf Jensen-Munk
Paraatikenttä 7
45100 Kouvola
Finland
ulf.jensen-munk(at)xamk.fi
+358 44 7028479
Internships:
Ms Anna-Reetta Nyyssönen
Paraatikenttä 7
45100 Kouvola
Finland
anna-reetta.nyyssonen@xamk.fi
+358 504431690
