A sympathetic home in Kortepohja

Housing, Kylä magazine, News, Tenant story / 10.5.2024

Text: Anni Pajari | Pictures: Tiina Salminen, Tiitu Design

Valtteri Hiltunen ended up in Jyväskylä partly by chance. His grades guaranteed him a place to study at the University of Jyväskylä, and the new student guide that came with his welcome letter advised him to apply for an apartment at Soihtu. The apartment offer for the newly renovated building D came quickly, and as both the study place and the apartment took care of themselves, it was an easy decision to move from Vantaa to Jyväskylä. 

“Initially, I didn’t really know anyone from Kortepohja. Now, a lot of friends from university have come to tell me that they are moving to Kortepohja too,” Valtteri says now, after living in the Student Village for almost three years. 

The best thing about Kortepohja is the location. Having grown up in the Helsinki metropolitan area, he appreciates the freedom and easiness to move around. 

“I like to go to the university to study on site. It’s great to be able to walk or cycle to almost anywhere, and I can be in the city center in 10 minutes when I need to.” 

From an activist to a board member 

Valtteri is a member of JYY’s board this year, with a responsibility for association and tutor activities. Every year, the Council of Representatives elects the Board to take care of the day-to-day decision-making of JYY. The Board’s tasks also include, for example, making statements on matters concerning students and implementing the decisions of the Council. 

Valtteri was actively involved in student organizations from the beginning of his studies, and his interest in these activities led him to apply for a position on the Board. Combining studies with board work is possible but challenging. Board meetings are often held on weekdays, so one has to study and do other activities in the evenings. 

 Valtteri admits that sometimes the days can get long, and there isn’t too much free time. 

“The amount of work has been surprising, but on the other hand, it’s what you get paid to do. I also appreciate the fact that I can plan my work freely and use my creativity.” 

Tetris with the furniture 

The computer science student’s interests lie in films, games and his own creative projects, such as producing music. However, Valtteri has made a conscious decision to try to stay away from screens in his free time. 

“I like to get out and be with people, otherwise I’d be sitting at my computer 24/7. I like to go to student events, such as sitsit and karaoke Tuesdays.” 

In his apartment, Valtteri particularly appreciates the separate kitchen, even though the 22-square-metre studio apartment is compact. There could be more storage space. 

“I’ve managed to fit everything in by playing Tetris with my stuff. In a way, it’s a bit hard to let go of things. I keep my old Donald Duck magazines in the storage room,” Valtteri laughs. 

In general, Valtteri describes the Student Village as a surprisingly peaceful place. There are a lot of things happening in the Village, but his neighbors are quiet. 

“I’ve sometimes thought about moving to a bigger apartment, but this place is really nice.”