Exchange destination: Mikkeli
Welcome to Mikkeli!
Mikkeli in brief
Mikkeli is located in the Finnish Lake District and 24.1% of the area is made up of lakes. It is situated on the shore of Lake Saimaa (Greater Saimaa is 4377 sq.km), one of the three main lakes in the Finnish Lake District.
Most Finnish towns are of fairly recent origin. The history of Mikkeli dates back to the beginning of the last millennium. The town itself was established in 1838 by the order of Czar Nicholas I. In those days there was a modest of 63 inhabitants in Mikkeli. Today approximately 54 000 people live in Mikkeli and it’s surroundings.
In the course of the 20th century, Mikkeli has occupied a prominent position in Finnish history. Marshal Mannerheim established the Headquarters and the military command in Mikkeli during the Winter War (1939-40) and the Continuation War (1941-44).
The Mikkeli of today is a lively town with beautiful surroundings, modern services and a variety of events. It is the centre of a county dominated by cattle breeding, and so the food industry is strongly represented in the town. The changes and innovations in industry have influenced the town. One quarter of the population earn their living directly from industry. The connections from Mikkeli are good. You have an excellent opportunity to visit other towns nearby as well as interesting metropolises not too far away. Many foreign students visit Lapland, Tallinn and Stockholm during their stay in Mikkeli.
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 are normally organised during week 34 or 35 for the autumn term and week 2 for the spring term. Exact information will be notified closer to your exchange period.
During the orientation days on campus we tell more about:
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
- International services staff
- Tutors
- Student services
- Library services
- Computer systems
- Student registration system
- Student e-mails
- Living in multicultural environment, etc.
Accommodation
Mikkeli Student Housing Ltd (MOAS) is specialized in student accommodation in Mikkeli.
Applying
You can apply the accommodation as soon as you have received the letter of acceptance from Xamk. Be sure to write your email address correctly in the application form because MOAS will e-mail you when they have an apartment reserved for you.
Rent
The amount of rent varies depending on the location and size of the apartment. The rent for a shared apartment is approx. from 300 €/month upwards and for a single apartment from 405 €/month upwards. The rent includes electricity, water, internet connection and the fee for using laundry and sauna. There are also apartments with basic furniture. You can write in the application if you wish a furnished or unfurnished apartment.
Deposit
The deposit fee is 300 € for a shared and single apartment. The deposit will be returned to you after moving out.
Receiving the key
A new tenant will receive the key from the area janitor in the apartment. You need to contact the area janitor about a week before your arrival in Mikkeli and agree on a date for having the key. Generally, keys are handed over at the earliest from 12 noon on the start date of the lease, only on weekdays (Mon-Thu) between 8am and 4pm and on Fridays between 8am and 2pm.
If the tenancy period begins during the weekend or on a public holiday, a new tenant can get the key on the following working day by contacting the maintenance / area janitor at the agreed time i.e. between 8am and 4pm and on Fridays between 8am and 2pm. A new tenant must be prepared to prove their identity by showing a passport or identity card.
- How to activate Internet-connection in the apartment? Please have a look at it before arrival in Mikkeli!
- We expect you to arrive 1 – 4 days prior to the Orientation days. Please remember to fill in the arrival information in SoleMOVE portal as soon as you know the precise date and time of your arrival in Mikkeli.
Getting to Mikkeli
From Helsinki airport/Helsinki to Mikkeli
Travelling by train
You can take the train either from the airport through Tikkurila station or Helsinki main railway station.
From Helsinki airport to Mikkeli:
Take the commuter train P from the airport to Tikkurila station and change to long distance train to Mikkeli. There are two stations between Tikkurila and the airport. I and P trains stop at all stations and they run in opposite directions on the ring rail line.
From Helsinki railway station to Mikkeli:
You can check the timetables and buy the tickets to long-distance trains in the train, ticket offices in Helsinki and Tikkurila or in advance at Finnish Railways online shop.
Travelling by bus
From Helsinki bus station to Mikkeli:
Take Helsinki Region Transport bus number 615 from Helsinki airport to Helsinki railway station. From the railway station, walk to Kamppi bus station.
The distance is about 500 meters.
Tickets can be bought in the bus or Matkahuolto Travel Services service points or online. Also check the timetables and ticket prices for Onnibus company.
Please note! Mikkeli has one central station area in which all trains and buses arrive!
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
Mikkeli has plenty of different hobby and free time opportunities for students to spend an active leisure time. Town’s sport clubs offer services for student prices. You can choose from a wide variety of sports such as swimming, aerobics, tennis, basketball, floorball, football, etc. In Mikkeli nature is the most beautiful with good outdoor recreation areas. In winter you can try cross-country skiing or downhill skiing in ski centre Tornimäki. It is also possible to try ice-skating.
Mikkeli has two swimming halls but if you prefer a truly Finnish experience, you can have a swim in one of the many lakes in the area.
You could also visit one of the town’s museums Centre of War and Peace which focuses on Second World War.
It is good to see something else besides Mikkeli, too. Our location gives good possibilities for that. You can easily travel to other towns in Finland or up to North to see Lapland’s stunning landscape and experience the peaceful atmosphere. Other popular destinations are Stockholm and the capitals of Baltic states.
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 Mikkeli:
Studies:
Ms. Ulla Vuorinen
Patteristonkatu 3
50100 Mikkeli
Finland
ulla.vuorinen(at)xamk.fi
+358 400 872 764
Internships:
Ms. Sari Kärkkäinen
Patteristonkatu 3
50100 Mikkeli
Finland
sari.karkkainen(at)xamk.fi
+358 503 124 988
