Everyday things to know on campus.
A quick reference to the services and spaces you'll use most as a student at the University of Helsinki.
As a member of HYY, download the Frank app to activate your digital student card. It unlocks Unicafe prices, museum discounts, Unisport prices, and public transport discounts. A physical plastic card is optional and paid.
Show your student card at Unicafe or Food & Co restaurants for a hot lunch around €2.95 with at least one vegan option. City-centre spots include Kaivopiha (open until 7pm, Saturdays), Porthania, Metsätalo, Soc&Kom, Rotunda, Myöhä, Olivia, Topelias, and Sodexo at the Main Building.
Log in to Eduroam with your UH IT account username (username@helsinki.fi or username@ad.helsinki.fi) and password. Eduroam also works at most universities and research institutions worldwide.
The Helka card is your digital library card. Activate it via Studies (studies.helsinki.fi) after your UH account is active.
Go to studies.helsinki.fi and log in with your UH username.
Open the Helka card icon (top-right, or from the mobile menu).
If prompted, first log in to Helka to create your customer data.
Select 'Get a Card' and set a PIN code.
Your digital card is ready — you can also book study rooms in Kaisa-talo and Aleksandria via Outlook calendar.
HYY members can pick up a free student calendar from early September at Kaisa Library, Meilahti, Kumpula, Viikki service points, or the HYY service point. It contains useful info about student organisations.
Several advice services exist: International Student Advice (tuition, scholarships, registration), Kaisa House Student Advice (general study matters), Faculty-Specific Advice (degree-level questions), Career Services (jobs and traineeships), and International Exchange Services (study abroad and JOO rights). The Guidance Compass helps you find the right desk.
The city-centre campus sits in downtown Helsinki with no gate between city and campus. Main buildings include Päärakennus (Main Building), Porthania, Metsätalo, Snellmania (Social Sciences), Soc&Kom, Kaisa-talo (library), Aleksandria, and Think Corner / Tiedekulma. Reach it via Metro (University of Helsinki station), several tram lines, or buses.
UniSport is the main student sports provider with centres in Kluuvi, Kumpula, Meilahti, Otaniemi, and Töölö — gym access, group classes, and ball sports. Your first session is free. The City of Helsinki also runs free or cheap swimming pools, outdoor gyms, tennis, skating rinks, and ice-skating facilities (many free in winter).