I remember myself three years ago - what an adventure to collect all necessary documents during first days of moving to another country, even for a person like me, who enjoys planning everything in advance. I hope that my checklist may be helpful for you!
Still, remember, I am not a primary source of truth - make sure you check official websites for up-to-date informatin about procedures, fees, forms to fill in and addresses. Downloading offline map in advance (such as MAPS.ME) would help you to survive in planning your route before you get your mobile phone subscription (prepaid sim cards may actually be given for free at student welcome fairs or at student office).
Student card. It entitles you to relatively cheap food (EUR 2.60 per lunch, in some cafes also discounted takeaway options before the closing), discounts for travel card, gym card, and generally confirms your student status. You can get digital card using Frank app and order usual student card. Usual student card may include ISIC license (costs extra, but provides discounts not only in Finland), and may be a usual card, or linked to payment card (pay attention to service fee conditions).
University IT credentials. Your university may have really sophisticated intranet with detailed guides for new students - make sure you can login, and also check your e-mails! Also ensure that you ask about the procedure for restoring forgotten passwords.
Identity card. For non-EU/EEA nationals, it is almost 100 % sure, that you will need it to get internet bank codes. In general, it is also more convenient to carry it around than carry around your national passport that in case of loss may be more difficult to restore. Read more here.
Bank account and internet bank codes. If you are not EU citizen, you may need to apply for ID card (henkilökortti) before you are granted internet bank codes, that not only give you authorisation in bank services for online payments, but e.g. will also allow you to renew university password online or log in any other government services. Note that not all banks offer online interface in English, so feel free to ask about it. Also enquire in advance what documents you need to open a bank account (list may be specific depending on the bank).
Registration at maistraatti. In some cities, it is necessary to do it even before getting a travel card. Make sure to enquire how fast your registration will be shown in database to plan next steps. Read more here.
Travel card. Many municipalities offer discounted fees for students (proved by student card) and/or residents (proved by registration at maistraatti). Before you get it, you may be able to pay a usual fee (in Helsinki area, use HSL app for it as fees as a bit cheaper). Prepare cash if you want to pay already at bus (general rule is that there is no exchange for more than 20 EUR bank notes). Buses run in accordance with schedules - check their routes through Google Maps or local websites for public transportation (e.g. HSL.fi for Helsinki area).
Library card may entitle you to up 24/7 entrance to campuses. Ask your tutor for more details. You can also get library cards at municipal library or other universities (not only the one you are studying at). Libraries are cool - they have board games, musical instruments and some even allow to borrow tools for making a small repair at home.
Feel free to drop me a question at #startyourFinnish Facebook page - I will be happy to address important questions flagged by you in my next posts.
Still, remember, I am not a primary source of truth - make sure you check official websites for up-to-date informatin about procedures, fees, forms to fill in and addresses. Downloading offline map in advance (such as MAPS.ME) would help you to survive in planning your route before you get your mobile phone subscription (prepaid sim cards may actually be given for free at student welcome fairs or at student office).
Student card. It entitles you to relatively cheap food (EUR 2.60 per lunch, in some cafes also discounted takeaway options before the closing), discounts for travel card, gym card, and generally confirms your student status. You can get digital card using Frank app and order usual student card. Usual student card may include ISIC license (costs extra, but provides discounts not only in Finland), and may be a usual card, or linked to payment card (pay attention to service fee conditions).
University IT credentials. Your university may have really sophisticated intranet with detailed guides for new students - make sure you can login, and also check your e-mails! Also ensure that you ask about the procedure for restoring forgotten passwords.
Identity card. For non-EU/EEA nationals, it is almost 100 % sure, that you will need it to get internet bank codes. In general, it is also more convenient to carry it around than carry around your national passport that in case of loss may be more difficult to restore. Read more here.
Bank account and internet bank codes. If you are not EU citizen, you may need to apply for ID card (henkilökortti) before you are granted internet bank codes, that not only give you authorisation in bank services for online payments, but e.g. will also allow you to renew university password online or log in any other government services. Note that not all banks offer online interface in English, so feel free to ask about it. Also enquire in advance what documents you need to open a bank account (list may be specific depending on the bank).
Registration at maistraatti. In some cities, it is necessary to do it even before getting a travel card. Make sure to enquire how fast your registration will be shown in database to plan next steps. Read more here.
Travel card. Many municipalities offer discounted fees for students (proved by student card) and/or residents (proved by registration at maistraatti). Before you get it, you may be able to pay a usual fee (in Helsinki area, use HSL app for it as fees as a bit cheaper). Prepare cash if you want to pay already at bus (general rule is that there is no exchange for more than 20 EUR bank notes). Buses run in accordance with schedules - check their routes through Google Maps or local websites for public transportation (e.g. HSL.fi for Helsinki area).
Library card may entitle you to up 24/7 entrance to campuses. Ask your tutor for more details. You can also get library cards at municipal library or other universities (not only the one you are studying at). Libraries are cool - they have board games, musical instruments and some even allow to borrow tools for making a small repair at home.
Feel free to drop me a question at #startyourFinnish Facebook page - I will be happy to address important questions flagged by you in my next posts.