The Children’s House and Babysitters 

Housing, Kylä magazine / 3.10.2025

The first residential building in the Student Village was completed in 1968, and by the end of 1975, the village already had 16 residential buildings and a central building. In addition to the Rentukka restaurant, the central building housed the village’s telephone exchange, offices for the student union and resident services, as well as a leisure space called Lillukka. 

Until the 1980s, it was common practice for a new student’s first home to be a shared studio apartment. Only later, as their studies progressed, could they apply for a shared flat or a family apartment. Family apartments were located, for example, in the Q-building. 

Arranging childcare was quite a challenge, as students had to keep their official residence registered in their hometowns. Occasionally, residents would post requests for babysitters in the community’s own magazine, Kylähullu. Eventually, the student union opened its own daycare center in the basement of the Q-building – which earned the building the nickname Children’s House. Today, the Kortesuo Daycare located in the Q-building is provided by the City of Jyväskylä. 

Kylähullu 1/83-84. Kylähullu was a zine published by the residents of the Kortepohja Student Village. It was in circulation until the 2010s.

Kortepohja Bingo, the village’s helpful phone line, the Children’s House and babysitters, and the Olvi runs. Poetry and wine evenings, and Rentukka Rock. And how exactly was Kekkonen connected to the Student Village? 

In this new section, we explore fascinating events from the history of the Student Village and the student union. We also appreciate tips and stories from the tenants.