Student guide

After arrival checklist for international degree students

Here is a list of things you need to take care of after your arrival.

If you are an exchange student, please see your instructions in the exchange students's page.

Note that the things you need to do before your arrival are listed separately in the degree level instructions (see bachelor's students or master's students).

All the necessary steps for settling in Finland are collected here. Detailed descriptions and instructions are linked.

What	When	Actions
1. Register your right of residence (EU/EEA-citizens only) Non-EU students: this is already covered with your student residence permit.	Soon after arrival Note! Migri is a busy place. It is recommended that you submit the online application and book the meeting already during summer before your arrival. You can book the visit before your arrival and then make the visit after your arrival.	Online application Pre-book a meeting to Migri Visit to Migri office See instructions under registering with the authorities.
2. Apply for a municipality of residence	Soon after arrival Note! You must have your own address in Finland. Note! EU-citizens must have the certificate of EU-registration (see above).	pdf application form pre-book a meeting to DVV Visit to DVV office of your city See instructions under registering with the authorities.
3. Update your contact information and Finnish ID-code in the Sisu student register.	At the beginning of the semester Note! You can't use FSHS student health care without registered ID-code in Sisu.	Login to Sisu A secured e-mail OR visit to a student service desk on campus See instructions under registering with the authorities.
4. Pay the student health care fee	By 30 September	Bank transfer If you have Finnish online bank credentials, you can also use an online service. See instructions under new bachelor's or new master's students
OPTIONAL/RECOMMENDED:
5. Register your student discount on the HSL public transportation service	After your DVV registration (see number 2) is ready. Note! Double degree students only need a document from the university.	Visit to HSL services point If you have Finnish online bank credentials, an update in the HSL app See instructions under local transportation
6. Open a bank account	After your DVV registration (see number 2) is ready.	Compile documents Book a meeting to a bank Meeting at the bank(s) See instructions under registering with the authorities.
7. Get a home insurance	Soon after arrival	(Pre-booked) visit to a service desk of an insurance company See more under housing for students.
OPTIONAL AT THE UNIVERSITY:
8. Activate campus access (Otaniemi campus only)	At he beginning of the semester Note! Common study areas do not require access token. You will reveive more information in the orientation week.	See instructions under campus guide
9. Order a university library card	At he beginning of the semester	Login to Aalto Primo Visit to Learning Centre See instructions in Learning centre pages.

Crack the abbreviations

AYY = Aalto-yliopiston Ylioppilaskunta, Aalto University Student Union. An independent student association. Membership is compulsory to all degree students by law and payment is thus connected to the annual enrolment at the university.

DVV = Finnish Digital and Polulation Data Services Agency. Registration of your local residency is done with DVV.

FRANK = A digital student card service provider

FSHS = Finnish Student Health Care service. Called YTHS in Finnish.

HSL = Helsinki Regional Transport Authority

KELA = Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The FSHS health care fee is collected by Kela. Kela student health care fee is compulsory to all degree students by law.

MIGRI = Finnish Immigration Service. Registration of your stay in Finland is done with DVV (application for residence permit or EU-citizen's stay).

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Published: 10.1.2023
Updated: 10.1.2023