Click any step-by-step guide below to expand it. You can also add the task to your checklist.
Register your address at DVV
Register your Finnish address with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to get a personal identity code (henkilötunnus).
Apply for a Finnish Police ID
A Police ID card is optional but much more practical than carrying your passport. Required by some banks and services.
Apply for a student residence permit (non-EU/EEA)
Non-EU/EEA students need a Finnish student residence permit before arriving. Processing can take 1–3+ months.
Get a Finnish tax card (verokortti)
You need a tax card before your first salary — without it, the employer withholds 60% as tax.
Open a Finnish bank account
A Finnish bank account is essential for mobile identification (used for student services, Kela, Vero, and more).
Apply for HOAS student housing (Helsinki)
HOAS is the main student housing foundation in the capital area. Apply as early as possible — demand spikes in August.
Apply to the University of Helsinki
UH English-taught programmes accept applications once a year via Studyinfo.fi.
Activate your University of Helsinki user account
Your UH account unlocks Sisu, Moodle, Eduroam, the library, and email. Activate up to four months before studies begin (earliest 1 August).
Register for courses in Sisu (UH)
Sisu is UH's study-planning and course-registration tool — you'll use it throughout your studies.
Get your Helka library card
Helka is the UH library card — activated digitally via Studies service after your UH account is active.
Book a group study room at Kaisa or Aleksandria
UH students can book group study rooms at the Main Library (Kaisa) or Learning Centre Aleksandria via Outlook calendar.
Print at the UH library
UH printing requires a UH account and either an HSL travel card or a Unigrafia ID card as your physical print key.
Arriving late to UH — full checklist
Official UH checklist for degree students who arrive after the start of term.
Activate your Frank digital student card
The Frank app is your digital student card — unlocks Unicafe prices, museum discounts, Unisport prices, and transport discounts.
Start using FSHS/YTHS student healthcare
FSHS offers free or low-cost physical and mental healthcare for all degree students (including international students).
Buy HSL tickets at student price
After Finnish banking credentials you can buy 14-day or 30-day HSL season tickets at student prices through the HSL app.
Get a Helmet public library card
One Helmet card works in every public library in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa — including Oodi.
Get a Finnish prepaid SIM card
If you've lived in Finland less than ~2 years, you'll likely need a prepaid SIM instead of a monthly plan.
Connect to Eduroam Wi-Fi
Eduroam is the campus Wi-Fi for students and staff at both UH and UEF. Your university credentials log you in at any Eduroam-enabled university worldwide.