Living in Finland

There are two shopping centres in the heart of Otaniemi campus, A Blanc and A Bloc, where you will find the goods and services you need in your daily life.

However, in the metropolitan area, whether you live in Otaniemi campus, Helsinki city centre or somewhere further away in a suburb, a grocery store is almost always nearby. The biggest service providers are Kesko Corporation, with stores named K-Market, K-Citymarket, K-Extra, K-Supermarket, and S-Group, with stores such as Sale, Alepa, Prisma and S-Market. Lidl is also a growing chain in Finland.

Most grocery stores are well equipped with foods for special diets, including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan. There are also numerous ethnic food shops in the metropolitan area.

Market halls and marketplaces offer local produce and fresh ingredients especially in the summer time.

Clothes shopping for every season is easy when shopping at malls. The biggest malls in the Helsinki metropolitan area are Kamppi, Forum, Tripla, Redi and Itis in Helsinki, Iso Omena and Sello in Espoo, and Jumbo in Vantaa. Most malls have clothing stores with everyday casual, fashion, sports and outdoor clothing.

Don't forget to explore second-hand shops both online and around the metropolitan area!

There are multiple possibilities for second-hand furniture shopping. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, often have different groups for second-hand goods. Facebook also has the Marketplace feature which helps you to find second-hand goods being sold nearby.

Tori.fi is also a good place to find used furniture. The site is in Finnish, but messaging with sellers in English is possible most of the time.

If you wish to buy new furniture and other home supplies, there are of course multiple options. For example, there are two Ikea stores in the metropolitan area as well as other retail businesses specialised in furniture and home supplies.

See more in Housing -page.

There are number of chains specialised in electronics in Finland – Gigantti, Power and Verkkokauppa.com, to mention a few. However, most of the larger grocery stores also sell a variety of electronics.

Second-hand shopping for electronics is also a good option since there are many service providers online and in the metropolitan area who sell used electronics. 

Both over-the-counter medicine (e.g., flu medications and mild painkillers) and prescription drugs (e.g., antibiotics) can be purchased only from pharmacies.

Most pharmacies serve customers with prescriptions by using a queue number system. Look for a device near the wall or counter to get your queuing number and have your Kela card ready when it's your turn!

Finland has a strong recycling culture for both household goods and clothing. Students with only a limited stay in Finland are particularly encouraged to choose second-hand furniture and household items over new ones, as this is good for both the globe and one's wallet!

For Aalto students, Aalto Marketplace is a good place to start – through the website you can sell, lend and rent things, exchange services, set up a carpool and find student apartments. Take a look also at the Teekkari Village's Market Facebook group. If you want to go see the goods right on the spot, you might want to head out to Otaniemi Recycling Center on campus.

Outside of student platforms, Tori.fi is Finland's largest and most popular consumer marketplace. Even if the site is in Finnish, you can post your own announcement in English or communicate with sellers in English. 

Greeting others

When meeting a new person for the first time, it is customary to shake hands, look the other in the eye and introduce yourself by either first name or full name (depending on how official the situation is). A new person is not usually hugged or otherwise approached more closely, as Finns often like to keep a certain distance until they know the person better.

When you meet someone you already know, instead of shaking hands, you can just wave your hand to greet them and say "Moi", "Hei" or "Terve".

Personal space

Giving ample personal space to others is typical of Finnish culture and the concept is considered important whether it’s keeping a physical distance while chatting with some or while riding on public transportation, or whether it's avoiding asking the other person intrusive questions. Although this may give the impression that the person is not interested in you or what you are talking about, it is more a matter of showing respect by giving the expected amount of personal space.

Sociality and getting to know people

The impression that Finns are silent, sullen and introverted people is mostly outdated and especially for the younger generations. Most Finns are friendly and outgoing, and are not afraid to speak to strangers even in a foreign language.

However, it is true that building deeper friendships with Finns can take time or be challenging, for many do not want to immediately invite a new acquaintance to their home or do something together in their spare time. Usually meeting several times and having a project or pastime in common is a good way to get closer, and especially an invitation for coffee and/or a walk rarely is turned down!

Friendships may be slower to build than in other countries, but once a friendship is finally made, it is genuine and often lasts a lifetime.

Honesty as a value

Frank speech is a very Finnish trait: Finns generally mean what they say and tell things the way they see them. Keeping promises and speaking sincerely are highly valued.

Equality

In Finland, equal treatment of different groups (social economic, gendered, ethnic minority, religious and so forth) is highly instilled in most people. Students and CEO may share the same morning bus, women are active in working life and politics, and people express themselves in their appearance according to their own taste, not so much by external expectations.

Hierarchies and titles

Finns are not supporters of a strict hierarchy, and this applies to both working life and the university context, where the treatment of others does not depend greatly on status.

It is also not customary in Finland to address a person with Mr., Mrs.,Sir, or Madam (neither orally nor in writing). Often individuals and e.g. professors and staff members are simply called by their first name but of course if a person wants their title applied, please use it.

Punctuality

Finns are punctual people and being even a few minutes late is considered rude at work, at university and among friends. An appointment or lecture marked 12 noon actually starts precisely at that time, and it is better to be five minutes early than late.

If a delay seems likely, it is crucial to let the waiting party know by message or by calling as soon as possible.

Smoking restrictions

Finland has one of the strictest smoking legislations in the world, which means you cannot smoke inside public buildings or establishments (e.g., restaurants, cafes, bars) unless in a specially marked room. Smoking is also prohibited inside almost all rental flats, at bus stops and so on. Therefore, even when smoking outdoors, pay attention to see if any signs or texts prohibit smoking at that location and if it's prohibited, you should move before anyone has to tell you about it.

Tipping

Traditionally there is no tipping culture in Finland, but nowadays there is sometimes a tip jar on the counter where you can leave a tip when paying at a restaurant, for example. Most prices (in restaurants, hotels, taxis, etc.) already include a service charge, but no one will object if you leave a tip for good service.

Sauna

In Finland, saunas are everywhere from private homes, gyms, hotels, and cruise ships to country cottages. Public swimming pools also generally have saunas.

Public saunas are almost always segregated so that men and women have their own. It is customary to wash before going into a sauna and to go in without a swimsuit or towel (for hygiene reasons), but on some occasions, participants may wear a swimsuit.

Alcohol and legal drinking age

The legal drinking age in Finland is 18. You can buy beer, cider and long drinks under 5.5 % alcohol by volume at supermarkets between 9.00 and 21.00. Stronger beers and ciders as well as wines and spirits can be purchased only at state-owned Alko stores.

All young people are required to prove their age with a photo ID or passport when buying alcohol. There are also age limits: an 18-year-old can buy alcoholic beverages of no more than 22% alcohol content while 20-year-olds and older can buy all alcoholic beverages.

Bilingualism

If you didn't happen to know yet, Finland is a bilingual country with Finnish and Swedish being the two official languages. Finnish-speakers make up the majority while the Swedish-speaking constitute five to six per cent of the population. Most Swedish-speaking areas are along west and south coasts and throughout the Turku archipelago and Åland.

Authorities, laws and rights

Finns put strong trust in the public authorities, such as the police and the judiciary, and the whole society is largely built on this trust. All those residing in Finland (also visitors and foreigners) have statutory rights and obligations. In addition to these, Finnish citizens have a number of rights and obligations that do not apply to foreigners living in Finland.

Equal opportunity and equality before the law, religious freedom, freedom of expression and many other rights apply to everyone, including foreigners living in Finland.

Please see the InfoFinland site for more detailed description about Finland's legislation and rights.

In Finland, you can easily find international delicacies and restaurants from all over the world. However, it is worth getting acquainted with Finnish traditional and regional dishes while you are here – food is a big part of the culture in every country!

Grains, fish, root vegetables, dairy and berries are at the heart of of Finnish cuisine as Finnish food is often based on fresh, natural and seasonal ingredients. Read how Visit Finland describes Finnish food culture.

Many Finnish holidays are rooted in the Christian tradition. Examples of these Christmas and Easter, which are public holidays during which offices and most shops are closed. The blue-and-white Finnish flag is flown on public holidays and other flag days marked on the calendar.

Learn more about Finnish holidays and other festivities on the InfoFinland website.

The emergency number (in Finnish: hätänumero) is 112.

Call the emergency number when:

• You have an emergency or you need urgent assistance from the authorities
• You know or suspect that somebody else's life, health, private or public property or the environment is in danger.

When speaking with the emergency operator, listen to their instructions and answer their questions.

Emergency treatment means the immediate assessment and treatment of an acute illness or injury or a chronic illness that has suddenly taken a turn for the worse, or acute mental–health symptoms (such as psychosis, suicidal thoughts). Emergencies are situations where treatment cannot be postponed to the following day.

• Call the emergency number 112 or visit an emergency department in the capital region (see Health care services)
• Note that, to cover the expenses, you need to have your permanent municipality of residence registered OR a European Health Insurance Card (for EU/EEA citizens) OR private health insurance.
• You receive wikk an invoice at your home address afterwards; there is no need to pay at the entrance.

 Please see the emergency and crisis procedures in Aalto

There are different health care services available for students in Finland. The service depends on whether you are a degree student, a double degree student or an exchange student, and where you come from (EU/EEA citizen or non EU/EEA citizen). Please read the detailed information provided on the page Health care for students.

If you experience any issues affecting your mental health - such as difficult life situations, difficulties adapting to new culture, relationship- or family problems, suicidal thoughts, sudden loss, anxiety, violence or accidents – please use the contacts below to access help, support and guidance.

• Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). (Please note that from the beginning of 2021 onwards, exchange students do not have access to the FSHS.)
• For more urgent needs: Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (also without an appointment at the Iso Omena Service Centre).
• For emergencies, see 'Emergencies' above.
• Life crisis counselling and guidance: MIELI Mental health Finland and helplines (in Finnish, Swedish, English and Arabic).

In urgent situations call the emergency number 112

• Reporting an offence to the police
• If you become victim of or witness a crime: Victim Support Finland
• Public legal aid

If you experience any kind of inappropriate conduct, violence, domestic violence, bullying or sexual harassment please use the contacts below to access help, support and guidance.

• Reporting harassment at Aalto
• Aalto University Student Union's (AYY) harassment contact persons
• Reporting an offence to the police, see 'Crimes' above
• A collection of support services by different service providers (also if you have used or fear you might use violence)

If you experience unequal treatment due to religion, gender, ethnicity, language etc.

• Reporting harassment at Aalto
• Non-discrimination ombudsman (if you have experienced discrimination or feel that you have been treated in a racist or inappropriate manner due to your ethnic background or foreign status)
• Ombudsman for equality (If you suspect an employer, educational institute or other party of discriminating against you due to your gender or otherwise violating the Act on Equality between Women and Men)
• Advocacy and guidance by AYY

Do you suspect that you might have a learning disability? Contact healthcare service for an examination and advice.

If you have a learning disability or other condition that is restricting your learning ability, you are entitled to individual study arrangements.

If you experience problems in your relationship or family, you can find help and resources from:

• MIELI Mental Health Finland
• The Family Federation of Finland
• See the 'Family' page of InfoFinland

For any issues with substance dependency or addictive behaviour, please use the links below to access help, support and resources.

• The range of substance abuse services offered by A-Clinic
• Problematic gaming
• Gambling problems

For any issues relating to or directly resulting from sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, please use the links below to access support, guidance and resources.

• Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland
• GAYY (in the AYY student union)

Money problems and related issues can affect your wellbeing in many ways. You can find counselling and advice from the links below.

• Guarantee foundation (in Finnish at this time)
• Kela financial aid for students with permanent residency in Finland (book an appointment to see if you qualify for the financial aid)

• Legal advice for immigrants and refugees
• Free movement - A collective of experts (lawyers and counsellors) who help immigrants with resident permit matters

• Aalto Career services
• TE Services (Employment office and small-business services)
• City of Espoo employment services
• City of Helsinki employment services

• Advocacy offered by AYY
• Public legal aid