I've been studying at the University of Jyväskylä for almost ten years now, but until today I hadn't taken a single picture of our campus. I've meant to, many times, particularly in the autumn, but somehow my camera has always remained at home. Today, I finally decided to remedy this scandalous state of affairs, and spent a lovely hour walking in the oldest part of the Seminaarinmäki campus, dodging nervous entrance exam-goers.
The building above is Parviaisen talo, in which our Contemporary Culture department was housed for a brief time - until it turned out that mould had taken over the house (despite, or because of, the recent renovations).
Most of us arts & culture people are now crammed into Juomatehdas - an old lemonade factory, which still retains its solid but bubbly atmosphere of old.
A knit-graffiti attack! I've seen similiar artwork inside Juomatehdas, but these ones are quite new.
Seminarium is one of the oldest buildings on campus (completed in 1883). In the 19th century, it used to be one of the most visible buildings in the city, looming on its high hill. Nowadays it lurks amid some tall pines, and is quite easy to miss.
Oppio and the Gardener's House are also among the older generation of buildings.
The Main Building (here pictured from the back, which I've always thought to be more interesting than the front) was designed by Alvar Aalto. While tourists marvel at its bold modernity, we students have to put up with its unpractical quirks (echoing, red brick-clad walls, uncomfortable furniture, and unpredictable dimensions. The ladies' toilet on the ground floor is well worth a visit for this reason.)
Although I don't appreciate Mr Aalto's architecture (or his wonky vases) as much as I perhaps should, I have to admit that on a sunny summer's day even the main building looks fresh and appealing. Also the grassy roof of the library is an excellent place for sunbathing.
