Student guide
Living in Finland
Finnish climate
The Finnish climate might be colder than in many other countries but by embracing the beauty of nature's seasonal changes, and with suitable clothing, one can really grow to love living in Finland!
The seasons in Finland in a nutshell on InfoFinland's website and learn more about the Finnish climate from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Everyday shopping
Shopping in Finland is easy and flexible due to a large selection of grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants and smaller local markets which are open almost every day - some even 24/7. Especially large markets have a wide selection of all sorts of products, so you can often find everything you need from groceries to electronic devices from one store.
Opening hours are usually clearly displayed at the store entrance and on store websites and social media accounts. The largest stores and shops may have limited opening hours on public holidays but you will always find a small grocery store or gas station that will serve you. Also, in addition to most restaurants, many stores offer home delivery.
When paying in cash, please note, that 1 and 2 cent coins are not used in Finland, and cash payments are always rounded to the nearest 5 cent.
There are two shopping centers 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 center or somewhere further 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 such as gluten free food, vegetarian and vegan food. There are also numerous oriental and ethnic food shops in the metropolitan area.
Market halls and marketplaces offer local produce and fresh food 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 and Itis in Helsinki, Iso Omena and Sello in Espoo and Jumbo in Vantaa. Most malls have clothing stores with 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.
There are number of chains specialised in electronics in Finland such as 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 (e.g., flu medications and mild painkillers) and prescription drugs (e.g., antibiotics) can only be purchased from pharmacies.
Most pharmacies serve customers with prescriptions with a turn number system where customers are served by queuing number. Look for a device near the wall or counter from which you get a queuing number and have your Kela card ready for your turn!
Recycling culture is strong in Finland for both household goods and clothing. Especially students with only a limited stay in Finland are encouraged to seek second-hand furniture and household items, 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 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 discuss in English with sellers.
Recycling
Recycling is well organised in Finland and most housing providers have proper sorting solutions on their premises. Recycling is important as most material can be reused.
Please see InfoFinland website for detailed instructions about recycling.
Hobbies
Exploring the Finnish nature during different seasons is almost a hobby on its own. However, one can find loads of possibilities for in and outdoor sports, artistic hobbies or maybe gaming, you choose!
Both cities and private service providers offer a lot of hobby possibilities. See also InfoFinland website for their list of leisure time possibilities.
As a student, be sure to also check what clubs associated with the Aalto University Student Union have to offer. In the metropolitan area Unisport offers sports facilities, group exercise and other wellness services at student prices.
Finnish customs and manners
Finnish customs are European with some national characteristics. In general, attitudes and lifestyles in Finland are liberal, and basic courtesy and respectful behavior goes a long way. However, there are a few aspects related to the Finnish landscape and Finnish nature which it is good to be aware of. Note that these are generalizations and do not apply to all Finnish people.
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 hug or just wave your hand in the air to greet them and say "Moi", "Hei" or "Terve".
Personal space
Giving personal space to others is typical of Finnish culture and the concept is considered important whether it’s keeping a physical distance while chatting or on public transportation or avoiding intrusive questions. Although this may give the impression of reservedness or that the person is not interested in you or your cause, it is more a matter of respecting others.
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 a common cause 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
Honesty and frankness are very Finnish traits: Finns generally mean what they say and tell things as they are. Keeping promises and speaking the truth are highly valued.
Equality
In Finland, equal treatment of different groups (social, gendered, minority, religious and so forth) is highly embedded and accepted. Students and CEO's share the same morning bus, women are active in working life and politics, and and people express themselves in appearance according to their own taste, not by external expectations.
Hierarchies and titles
Finns are not supporters of a strict hierarchy and this applied to both working life and university context, where the treatment of others does not depend on status.
It is also not customary in Finland to address a person with Mr., Mrs., or Madam (neither orally nor in writing). Often individuals and e.g. professors and staff members are simply called by first name but of course if a person asks for a certain title, please use it.
Punctuality
Finns are punctual people and being late is considered rude both at work, at university, and among friends. An appointment or lecture marked 12 PM actually starts at that time and it is better to be five minutes early at the location or meeting than to come 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 in public buildings or spaces (e.g., restaurants, cafes, bars) unless there are specially marked rooms. Smoking is also prohibited inside almost all rental apartments, at bus stops and so on. Therefore, even when smoking outdoors, pay attention to signs or texts that prohibit smoking at that location and move before anyone points out about it.
Tipping
There is no actual tipping culture in Finland, but sometimes, for example, there is a small tip jar on the counter in cafés or you can leave a small tip for the staff when paying with a card at a restaurant. Most service prices (e.g., restaurants, hotels, taxis) already include a service charge, but no one will object if you leave an extra tip for good service.
Sauna
In Finland, saunas are everywhere from private homes, gyms, hotels, 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 saunas. It is the custom to wash before going to the sauna and go to the sauna without a swimsuit and/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 beers, ciders and long drinks under 5,5 % alcohol by volume at supermarkets between 9 AM and 9 PM. Stronger beers and ciders as well as wines and spirits can only be purchased at the state owned Alko stores.
All young people are required to prove their age with photo ID or passport when shopping alcohol. There are also age limits; an 18-year-old can buy alcoholic beverages with a max. 22% alcohol content and an 20-year-old can buy all alcoholic beverages.
Bilingual country
If you didn't know yet, Finland is a bilingual country with Finnish and Swedish being the two official languages. Finnish-speakers make up the majority of the population, but there is a 5 to 6 % Swedish-speaking minority. Most Swedish-speaking areas can be found on the west and south coasts and throughout the Turku archipelago.
Authorities, laws and rights
Finns have a strong trust in authorities such as the police or the judiciary, and the whole society is largely based 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.
Equality, religious freedom, freedom of expression and many other rights apply to everyone, including foreigners living in Finland.
Please see the InfoFinland for more detailed description about Finnish 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 culture in every country!
Grains, fish, root vegetables, dairy and berries are in the essence 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. Out of these for example Christmas and Easter are public holidays during which offices and most shops are closed. The blue-white Finnish flag is flown on public holidays and other Flag Days marked in the calendar.
Learn more about Finnish holidays and other festivities on InfoFinland website.
| In English | In Finnish |
| Hello | Moi/Terve/Hei |
| Good Morning | Hyvää huomenta |
| Good day | Hyvää päivää |
| Good evening | Hyvää iltaa |
| Good night | Hyvää yötä |
| Goodbye (informal) | Moikka/Hei hei/Heippa |
| See you/See you later | Nähdään/Nähdään myöhemmin |
| Thank you | Kiitos |
| Yes | Kyllä/Joo |
| No | Ei |
| I don't understand | En ymmärrä |
| How are you? | Mitä kuuluu? |
| Fine, thank you. | Kiitos, hyvää. |
| Excuse me (getting attention and apologising) or I’m sorry | Anteeksi |
| Do you speak English? | Puhutko englantia? |
| I can’t speak Finnish | En puhu suomea |
| Help! | Apua! |
Where to find help?
On this page you can find sources of information and support in different kinds of situations in life. A good general source of information concerning the functions of the Finnish society is InfoFinland -site.
For any questions or issues to do with your wellbeing you are always welcome to contact and/or visit the Starting Point of Wellbeing which offers a wide range of advice and guidance on different services at Aalto.
Finnish 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, property or the environment is under threat or in danger.
When speaking with the emergency call operator, listen to their instructions and answer their questions.
Emergency treatment means the immediate assessment and treatment of sudden illness, injury or chronic illness that has taken a turn for the worse, or severe and sudden 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 joint emergency departments in the capital region (see Health care services)
- Note that you need a permanent municipality of residence registered OR the European Health Insurance Card (EU/EEA citizens) OR private health insurance to cover the expenses.
- You receive an invoice to your home address afterwards, 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 services depend on whether you are a degree student, a double degree student or an exchange student, and where do you come from (EU/EEA citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen). Please read the detailed information provided on 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.
- YTHS Student health care services (Please note that from the beginning of 2021 onwards, exchange students do not have access to Finnish Student Health Services.)
- For more urgent needs: City of Espoo mental health services (also without an appointment in Iso Omena Service Center).
- For emergency, 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 a victim or a witness of 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 in Aalto
- Aalto University Student Union harassment contact persons (AYY)
- 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 in Aalto
- Non-discrimation 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 health care for an examination and advice.
If you have 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:
For any issues with substance dependency or addictive behaviour, please use the links below to access help, support and resources.
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.
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 the moment)
- Kela financial aid for students with permanent residency in Finland (book an appointment to check 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 related matters
- Aalto Career services
- TE -Services (Public employment and business services)
- City of Espoo labour force service center
- City of Helsinki employment services