Collecting your apartment key can be your first step after arrival in Finland. If you have rented housing through a student housing company like TOAS, HOAS, or a local provider in your city, you will usually need to pick up your keys from their office. However, if you are arriving at an odd hour — for example, late at night or during the weekend when the office is closed — you should contact your student tutor in advance. In most cases, tutors can help you by picking up the key for you, as long as this has been arranged beforehand.

Make sure you participate in your university’s Orientation Week. This is usually organized right before the semester starts and is the best way to get familiar with your new environment. During orientation, you will receive essential information about your studies, student services, campus facilities, and everyday life in Finland. It is also a great opportunity to meet other new students and make friends. Keep in mind that some universities may require document verification or collect your original certificates (such as degree certificates or transcripts) upon arrival. Make sure to bring these documents with you just in case.

Once you arrive in Finland, it’s important to register your home address with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). This registration is mandatory if you’re staying in Finland for more than a year. EU/EEA citizens staying longer than three months must also register their right of residence. This process helps you get access to many local services, such as healthcare and banking.

If you didn’t receive your Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) during your residence permit process, you should apply for it at DVV. This code is very important — it’s used in almost every official process in Finland, from opening a bank account to signing up for healthcare and even getting a SIM card.

A local Finnish phone number will make your life easier for communication, online banking, and student services. You can buy a prepaid SIM card easily from supermarkets (R-Kioski etc.) or get a contract-based SIM if you already have your personal identity code. Major operators include Telia, Elisa, and DNA.

Your student card will give you access to discounts on public transport, student meals, and various services across Finland. Most universities provide instructions on how to apply for it.

Having a local bank account is essential for paying rent, receiving possible student benefits, managing everyday expenses, or getting salary. Most banks require your Finnish personal identity code and proof of address. Some of the popular banks among students in Finland are OP, Nordea, S-Pankki and Danske Bank.

Each city in Finland has its own travel card system for buses, trams, and trains. As a student, you can usually get a discounted fare by showing your student status. Check the local transport website for your city and apply for your travel card either online or in person.

Helsinki (HSL): https://www.hsl.fi/en

Tampere (Nysse): https://www.nysse.fi/en/

Turku (Föli): https://www.foli.fi/en

Jyväskylä: https://www.jyvaskyla.fi/en/services/jyvaskyla-public-transport

Oulu: https://www.ouka.fi/oulu/joukkoliikenne

Pori: https://www.pori.fi/en/public-transport

Kuopio: https://www.kuopio.fi/en/public-transport

Lahti: https://www.lahti.fi/en/services/public-transport

Rovaniemi: https://www.rovaniemi.fi/en/Public-transport

Lappeenranta: https://www.lappeenranta.fi/en/transport

Learning Finnish will make your life in Finland much easier, both socially and professionally. There are many free or affordable language courses available for students. You can search for suitable courses by city on https://finnishcourses.fi/