Starting university studies
Academic freedom and responsibility
As a university student, you are a member of the academic community. You are responsible for your own studies and their progress. However, you will be supported by your university teachers and tutors.
On this page you will find more information about the content of your university studies and tools to help you plan your studies.
Study counsellors
Study counsellors will help you with all your questions related to studies. University of Vaasa offers students support in their studies and in other practical matters to ease the adaptation to academic environment. If necessary, you can get certificates and guidance concerning registration for the academic year also from your study counsellor.
Tools for your studies
The study guide contains detailed curricula, modules and course descriptions, as well as information on schools, fields of study, studying and degrees. In the study guide, course schedules can be viewed by academic year or semester. For each course, you can see the course schedule and lecture times in the course information. Study guides are published online only.
You can create your own timetable on Lukkarikone. You can add your own courses to your timetable and, if you wish, synchronise your timetable with your electronic calendar.
Once the courses have been scheduled, you can register for classes. Enrolment is done in the Peppi student system at the University of Vaasa.
Academic year and lecture times
The academic year starts on 1 August and ends on 31 July. The year is divided into autumn semester (September-December) and spring semester (January-May) and both semesters are divided into two study periods. Some of the courses, however, start in the middle of the semester. Lectures are generally held as 90-minute lectures. Lectures start 15 minutes after the hour, unless the lecturer indicates otherwise.
Support for Career Planning from the Beginning of Your Studies
Career planning should begin early in your studies, as the choices you make during your degree influence the development of your expertise and shape your future career opportunities. Thoughtful career planning enables you to identify your strengths and interests while supporting a balanced approach to academic studies, professional development, and personal well-being.
Career Services supports students in career planning throughout their studies by offering career counselling, job search guidance, courses that enhance employability and professional skills, as well as mentoring opportunities. Career counselling provides a space to reflect on your personal goals, career aspirations, and future professional pathways. Job search guidance, in turn, helps you identify suitable internship and employment opportunities and develop effective job-seeking skills.
You can book an appointment for individual career counselling through the Bookings system (please note that sign-in with your University credentials is required). Career counselling is provided by Malin Wälitalo-Palo.
For further information about Career Services, please visit Jolla.