7. STUDY EXPENSES
Students of the University of Joensuu and North Karelia Polytechnic are not
required to pay tuition fees when coming through exchange programmes/ agreements.
Students on exchange programmes such as ERASMUS and ISEP are required to pay
only for the optional study tours, study materials (handouts, books, printed
materials, practical work manuals, copies, printouts, etc.). Students who are
enrolled in an institute of higher education are entitled to several student
benefits by presenting their student card or a special train/bus
card (polytechnic students). University students get their student card when
they become members of the Student Union. The Student Union membership fee for
the Academic Year 2001-200 is EUR 89 (FIM 529) for a full year and EUR 49 (FIM
279) for one semester. The card entitles the student to discounts on train and
bus fares (about 50% off, not effective on local transport), special prices
on meals at university and polytechnic cafeterias, etc. In addition, the Student
Union membership entitles the student to use of Finnish Student Health
Services.
Please note that an ISIC card (International Student Card) does not entitle
you to the above-mentioned benefits!
8. LIVING EXPENSES
An international student must be able to pay for his food, lodging, social life,
etc. The average cost for a single student would be about FIM 3,500/ EUR 589
per month. Living expenses are relatively high in Finland, though comparable
to the EU average. Since international students are granted work permits on
a restricted basis and the unemployment rate in Joensuu area is quite high,
one should not anticipate studies to be financed by part-time work. However,
if you are living on a tight budget, here are some useful tips for you:
a) Make sure that you are aware of all the possible student reductions
and other reductions available and compare the prices. Please notice that the
open market place (tori) is not necessarily the cheapest place to buy food in
Finland as it is in some other countries. Ask the Student Union for a complete
list of places that offer student reductions by showing your Student Card and
get tips from fellow Finnish students.
b) The meals at the student cafeterias, both at the university and the
polytechnic, are inexpensive and nutritious!
c) You may want to check rummage sales and flea markets for inexpensive
second-hand goods. To find bargains, you should look for ALE or TARJOUS signs
which indicate sales or special offers. The flea markets are also worth visiting
(cheap second-hand clothes, kitchenware, books, etc.). They are popular among
all the students. A list of some of the flea markets is provided in chapter
12.
d) You can read many international magazines and newspapers at the libraries
and at the Aurora International Meeting Centre.