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Information for International Students

Every year, a growing number of international students from around the world choose the Helsinki capital region to pursue their higher education degrees.

For international students, arriving in a new country is both exciting and challenging. Beyond academic life, settling in involves navigating housing, local services, healthcare, and practical matters like registering your residence or understanding public transport. Access to clear guidance and support is essential to making this transition smooth and successful.

International House Helsinki (IHH) is here to help international students through this journey!

About International House Helsinki

Whether you’re preparing to move or have just arrived, IHH offers you practical information, guidance, and services to help you settle in.

IHH helps you:

  • Understand life in Finland
  • Connect with key public services
  • Find your place in the Helsinki capital region

For students at the beginning of their moving process, IHH provides pre-arrival support services.

Upon arrival, many students use IHH’s authority services to take care of their necessary paperwork.

For more general support, IHH also provides guidance and support services about life in the Helsinki capital region.

IHH for International Students

Our aim is to provide you with reliable information and a welcoming experience, so you can focus on your studies and personal growth with confidence. From arrival guidance to everyday advice, we’re here to help you feel at home in Helsinki.

For international degree students in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, International House Helsinki helps make your transition to student life in Finland a little bit easier.

Are you curious about free time activities? Wondering about finding work after graduation? Worried about settling-in practicalities? 

Read on to learn about these topics and more.

To find city-specific services, please visit Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa’s websites directly. 

Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki Partners

 

 

Helpful information for international students

 

Newcomer information for students

If you are still planning your move to Finland as a student or just arrived, your first step should be to watch our Newcomer Information Session for international students >>.

The session is hosted as a video online and provides key information about the essential steps you need to take when relocating to Finland for your studies.

The video is time-stamped, so skip ahead to whatever section you need information on!

Watch the video >>

Study & Stay game

Follow the Path to Belonging in the Study & Stay Game and get to know the Finnish way of life in work, study, and leisure.

This game is designed for international students to help you get to know Finnish culture, understand study and work practicalities, and discover what life in the Helsinki capital region has to offer.  

Play Study & Stay

General practicalities

Whether you’re just arriving in Finland or have already settled in here, there are practicalities that are good to know regardless of any stage of your integration!

Below you will find information on residence permits, transportation, and other services. Espoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki also offer services for integration, as well as essential and urgent assistance if needed.

Practicalities for International Students

Use the links to find practical information that align with your needs. 

  • The Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV in Finnish) registers your personal data into the Finnish Population Information System. If you’ve just moved to Finland, it’s important to book an appointment with DVV to register yourself and apply for a Finnish personal identity code and a municipality of residence, if applicable. Visit the Moving to Finland as a Foreigner page to read more about the registration process.

  • If you plan to work in Finland or come from outside of the EU, you may plan to open a Finnish bank account. Depending on which bank you choose, it may take several weeks to receive basic services. For this reason, it is suggested to have your home country’s bank account accessible until your account in Finland is open.  

  • A foreigner’s identity card is issued by the Finnish Police (Poliisi). This identity card is the most common piece of identification in Finland. You can be issued an identity card if you permanently reside in Finland, have a valid residence permit, and have registered with the DVV. Instructions for applying for a card can be found here. It’s important to note that a foreigner’s identity card cannot be used for travel.  

  • EU citizens do not need residence permits in Finland. If you are a non-EU citizen, apply for your residence permit well in advance before your studies begin.

    As a student, you are granted a residence permit for the full duration of your degree. After graduation, you are required to apply for a new residence permit depending on your working situation. Migri, the Finnish Immigration Service is your best resource for up-to-date information.

    Further information:

  • The Helsinki capital region is easily accessible via public transportation. Helsinki’s public transportation operator HSL offers tickets at a discounted rate for students that live in the HSL area. You can activate the discount in the HSL app or at an HSL service point.  

  • Each city within the Helsinki capital region offers their own social and integration services. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for these services. You can read more about Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa’s integration services through the links.  

    Need urgent social support? Please refer to the City of Helsinki’s services for essential and urgent social services. The material is also available in multiple languages. 

Free time activities

While your studies may take up a lot of time, it’s important to take breaks to recharge, have fun, and discover your new surroundings.

One of the best ways to find community and feel more at home in Finland is through hobbies, student activities, and exploring your new city. Luckily, Helsinki offers plenty of activities for any interests!

Free time activities for international students

MyHelsinki lists all of the upcoming events in the Helsinki capital region, with the option to filter for free events. From big music festivals to design exhibits and startup events to sport games, there are many categories to choose from and endless events to attend year-round.  

  • Each university and UAS in Finland have a student union which organizes events, manages student services, and advocates for student rights. If you attend a university, you can find your student union from the list provided by the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) or from the National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK).  

    Additionally, joining International Student Associations (such as ESN) or your study field’s student organisation are also great ways to meet other students on campus, volunteer, or attend events! 

  • Fintegrate.fi is a website that showcases all activities happening across Finland. These are typically organized by civil society organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions. You can easily search by language, location, and theme to find an activity that interests you.  

    Ilmonet is a service point which lists all of the events, courses, activities, and lectures hosted by Adult Education Centres across the Helsinki capital region. Filter by subject, language (8+ languages offered!), and location to find courses on anything from dance improv to trail running.  

  • Cultural Spots: If you’re into theatre, don’t miss the Helsinki Student Theatre or Kellariteatteri, which are open to all students. Whether you’re into indie films, classical performances, or the latest hits, Helsinki capital region has a venue for you. 

    Popular Attractions: There’s no shortage of cool places to visit, like Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Kallio District for its trendy vibe, and Linnanmäki Amusement Park for a fun day out.  

    For more art and leisure activities, go to MyHelsinki and discover all the Helsinki capital region has to offer! 

  • Finland offers numerous opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in voluntary work. Whether through local associations, charities, or community projects, volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social and professional network. Volunteering provides an opportunity for making new friends and finding a community to belong to. It’s also a unique way to immerse yourself in Finnish culture through hands-on experiences. No need to worry about language barriers—everyone can volunteer, regardless of their Finnish language skills. Your contribution is valuable, and there are plenty of volunteer roles where communication happens in more ways than just speaking. Check out the Spouse Program’s list of volunteer organizations for more information on opportunities in the Helsinki capital region.  

Language Support

Settling into a new country that speaks a different language can be difficult, but learning even a few words or phrases can make a big difference in helping you feel more comfortable while settling in!

While many people in Finland speak English, using some Finnish or Swedish in daily interactions shows effort and helps you connect with locals. Plus, it might open doors for job opportunities and make everyday tasks easier, like understanding signs or menus.  

You don’t need to be fluent—just starting with simple greetings, polite expressions, and basic questions will already help. Even a small effort to speak Finnish can make your life smoother and help you build a stronger connection to the community. 

 

Language Learning Opportunities

Whether it be Finnish or Swedish, there are plenty of opportunities to learn one of Finland’s national languages. From traditional classroom courses and language cafes to friend programs and individual learning, you can create your own language journey by choosing which learning ways work best for you!  

  • Kielibuusti / Språkboost is a service that helps international students find the best ways to support their language learning. It offers plenty of language learning materials, courses, tips, and tests in both Finnish and Swedish.

  • Your university likely offers language courses, but there are also opportunities to study from other institutions. Find Finnish courses here and Swedish courses here. 

  • These meetups allow you to practice your language skills with other learners and native speakers, focusing on everyday conversation. They are typically organized by libraries and civil society organizations which often provide reading circles or small language learning groups too. For example, you can visit Café Lingua, Helsinki Central Library Oodi for Finnish or Swedish, and many more in libraries across the Helsinki region! 

     Language cafes provide a comfortable, encouraging environment for language learners of any level.  

  • Having a language friend can help language development by having a resource to ask questions, practice, and get feedback in a comfortable environment. Connecting with friends through platforms like kaverihaku.net can help you connect with Finns (both Finnish or Swedish speaking) and others interested in improving their language skills.  

    IHH also offers the Friend Program which connects you with different service providers which offer activities in 3 formats: meeting one-on-one, connecting with a small group, and/or large group activities.  

Health & Well-Being

As a student, your health and well-being are important! Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also bring challenges that affect your wellbeing. It’s completely normal to experience culture shock or feel overwhelmed at times from things like exams or your finance.

Health & Well-Being  

Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing includes regular self-care, seeking support from friends, engaging in activities that bring joy, and staying connected with your communities. Helsinki’s capital region also has professional services to help you.  

  • Navigating a new country’s healthcare system can be difficult, and understanding which resources are available to you can be confusing. FSHS (YTHS in Finnish) is healthcare specifically for students which provides services for physical and mental health. As a student, you are automatically enrolled and required to pay for this service through Kela. Click the hyperlinks to read more about the student payment and benefits offered by Kela and FSHS throughout your degree.  

  • Health is more than just physical; it’s also mental and emotional. Mental and emotional well-being is about maintaining a balanced and healthy state of mind and emotions. It involves managing stress, building resilience, and understanding and processing feelings in a positive way. Mental well-being includes aspects like clear thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to handle life’s challenges. Emotional wellbeing is more about understanding and expressing feelings, as well as forming healthy relationships with others. Organizations such as Nyyti Ry and Mieli Ry are here to provide mental health support and resources throughout your time in Finland.  

  • Mental health support is more than just services, it’s also in everyday wellness. As you’ve settled into life in Finland, you may have noticed a few things that make Finland unique, including the sauna culture, the Finnish love for nature, and active lifestyles. Whether you’re into sports and physical activity or prefer to wind down in nature or in the sauna, you can be sure to find something that suits you in the Helsinki capital region.  

    Unisport & Zone: If you enjoy staying active, Unisport & Zone offers affordable gym access, group classes, and sports activities tailored specifically for university and UAS students. It’s a great way to stay healthy and meet new people. 

    Sauna: With friends or alone, sauna is a great way to relax and unwind. Helsinki capital region offers plenty of public and private saunas… There might even be one in your apartment building! 

    Nature: In Finland, nature is on your doorstep. Check out what Espoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki have to offer! 

Working life

Working life

  • International House Helsinki Jobseeker’s Guide is a helpful starting point for more overall information on work in the Helsinki capital region.

    It offers clear advice on how to understand the local job market, build your networks, and take your first steps into working life.

    Read the Jobseeker's Guide

     

    Also consider International House Helsinki’s other guides for international newcomers.

     

  • Before you can work in Finland, you need to ensure that you have a legal right to work.

    • EU citizens have the right to start working immediately after arriving in Finland. You also have an unrestricted right to work while waiting for a decision on your EU registration application.
    • Third-country nationals with a residence permit for studies can work without restrictions if the work is related to their degree. This means practical training or your thesis as part of your studies. In addition, you can work in paid employment for a maximum of 30 hours per week. You may exceed the 30 hours in some weeks, as long as your average working hours do not exceed 30 hours per week by the end of the year.

    Learn more by watching Foreign Students’ Right to Work on the Newcomer Information Session for International Students.

  • Working in Finland comes with specific rights and responsibilities that ensure fair treatment and protect both employees and employers. As an international student, it’s crucial to understand these regulations so that you can confidently navigate the job market, such as:  

    • Employment contract: In Finland, all jobs should have a written employment contract, specifying your working hours, salary, and other conditions of employment. 
    • Minimum wage: While Finland doesn’t have a universal minimum wage law, most sectors are governed by collective agreements that set minimum pay levels. 
    • Working hours: The standard working week in Finland is 40 hours, but for part-time jobs, your hours are typically defined in your contract. 
    • Sick leave: Employees in Finland are entitled to paid sick leave, starting from the first day of illness, depending on the employment agreement. 
    • Vacation: After one year of employment, workers are entitled to paid vacation time, generally 2.5 days per month of work. 

  • You are required to apply for a tax card from Vero – Finnish Tax Administration, before starting work. Employers will use this to withhold the correct amount of taxes from your salary. Failure to provide tax card will result in 60% tax, but you will get the excess amount of paid during next year’s tax refund. 

  • Most students start out as interns, regardless of their previous backgrounds. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and begin your career in Finland. While it is possible to find internships throughout the year, most companies begin recruiting interns in the early winter months for positions that begin in spring/summer. Keep an eye out for open positions on Duunitori, JobTeaser, Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori), Work In Finland, LinkedIn, and from your university!  

    Another way to gain experience is by writing your thesis for a company. Many companies offer thesis positions, meaning that students work and write their thesis on a specific topic for their employer. These positions can be found on the above job search platforms or, if you have a particular company in mind, directly from a company’s website. Don’t be afraid to approach and ask a company if you have an interesting thesis idea for them!  

  • Websites such as JobTeaser, Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori), Work In Finland and JobsFinland are popular for finding part-time, internship, and full-time work. Search by location, job type, and language to find roles to apply to that suit you! LinkedIn is also useful for networking and finding job leads.  

  • Finding a job in Finland can be challenging, especially for international jobseekers. One reason is that up to 75% of job vacancies are not publicly advertised, a phenomenon known as the “hidden job market”.

    This is why networking, personal connections and being proactive are so important when looking for work in Finland.

    To know more about the hidden job market and what you can do, read more from Work in Finland.

  • As you familiarize yourself with the Finnish culture, it’s also important to understand the Finnish working culture too. There are some unique aspects of the work culture which may be different from your home country. For example, some social expectations are: 

    • Lunch breaks: In Finland, lunch breaks are a common way for colleagues to bond. People often eat together in communal kitchens or nearby cafes, and it’s seen as an opportunity to connect on a more personal level. 
    • Workplace events: Finnish companies often organize social events, such as summer parties and pikkujoulut (Christmas parties). These events are great for deepening work relationships in a relaxed setting. 
    • Teamwork: Finns value efficiency and collaboration in the workplace. Colleagues are expected to contribute equally to the team’s success and communicate openly. Through teamwork, you can build trust, which often extends beyond work tasks. 

    Read more about Finnish work culture from Work In Finland.