In case of emergency, call 112. This number connects you to the ambulance service, police, and fire department. The service workers speak Finnish, Swedish, and English well. Emergency services are trusted in Finland, and your situation will be handled professionally and with care.

It is a good idea to install the free 112 Suomi application on your phone. When making an emergency call through the app, your exact location (even if you are in a moving car) will automatically be shared with the emergency response centre.

Going grocery shopping is one of the basic everyday things and in a new country it can feel different at first.

Read about visiting a grocery store in Finland and get tips about bottle returning system etc.

Welcome to Finnish Grocery Stores - Blog post

Student meals are a very important part of a student's day. It supports well-being and learning. Find out more about student restaurants in Lahti and Lappeenranta and watch a video about the student dining.

Medicines can only be bought from pharmacies in Finland. Pharmacies also sell vitamins, antihistamines, painkillers, and skin creams. The Finnish word for a pharmacy is apteekki.  

Medicines such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and asthma medication can only be bought with a prescription from a doctor. Medical prescriptions are usually electronic – doctors do not tend to issue paper prescriptions, however they can if asked. You can purchase medication prescribed to you at any pharmacy by presenting personal identification. The pharmacist can find your electronic prescription in the online database with your personal details.  

You can view your own prescription and medical information through the MyKanta service. You log into the service with your Finnish online banking credentials. You can renew an electronic prescription through MyKanta, your doctor, or a pharmacy. Pharmacies and doctors may charge a fee for renewing a prescription. 

Libraries in Finland are open to everyone. Most libraries have self-service hours (6-22) on weekdays. The libraries online services are available at any time, in any place.  

You can use all library's services when you have a library card. You can order the card at the library or online.

Obtaining a library card is free (first card free, new card usually 2-5 euros). Note, you must be at least 18 years old and you are asked to present a photo ID (for example a driving license or a passport) and fill out an application form which can be done online or at service desks.

In addition to loaning books you can also loan free of charge for example (depending on the libraries services):

• Digital and audio books for the phone
• Movies and CDs
• Music players and e-materials for music
• Board games and various games for consoles
• Season tickets for cultural and sport events

Some libraries offer also services such as:

• Study rooms for group or solo study sessions
• Game and TV rooms
• Music studio
• 3D printing
• Digitization and editing services. 

You can also make a purchase proposal for material that cannot be found in your own library's collections.

Info about libraries in

• Lastu libraries - Lahti area
• Heili libraries - Lappeenranta area

In Finland, using public transport is the most affordable and ecological choice. The systems are often on time and are comfortable to use. You can get a student discount for public transport in most cities.

Check this eLUT page for more information on public transport and students discounts in the Lahti and Lappeenranta region.

For travelling between cities, check the Matkahuolto website for long-distance buses, and the VR website for long-distance trains.

City bikes offer a fast way to move around Lahti and Lappeenranta. City bike season begins in April and lasts for seven months.

Public transport Lahti - Blog post

Public transport Lappeenranta - Blog post

Lappeenranta:
Please find more information on child day care and education services from here.

Lahti:
Please find more information on child day care and education services from here.

In order to open a bank account, you need to make the registration at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Many d to make the registration at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Many banks prefer to reserve an appointment in advance to open an account, so you might want to arrange a time for your visit. Before deciding on the bank you might want to find out what services they offer you and the costs – there are significant differences between banks. Ask your fellow students or your tutor students’ for their opinion and which bank they recommend.

The practice of opening a bank account varies according to bank and branch in Finland. Each case is decided individually by the bank. However, every bank has a statutory obligation to open basic payment account services to anyone who has a legal residence in an EEA member state. Please notice that you should always contact the bank beforehand to make an appointment and confirm the documentation you need with you.

In many banks you can get your account number immediately, but getting a Visa Electron bank card will take longer and an access to internet banking even two to four months after the account has been opened.

Please note that a VISA card, a MasterCard or equivalent is useful in Finland as there are cash machines everywhere.

Kela is the social insurance institution of Finland and has a key role in implementing the Finnish social security system. When you move to Finland from another country, your entitlement to benefits from Kela is determined on the basis of how long you intend to stay in Finland, which country you come from and your reason for the stay in Finland.

If you come to Finland from a country other than an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom in order to study here for at least 2 years, you can usually receive a Kela card and certain benefits such as reimbursements from Kela for medicine costs. You are not, however, entitled to all Kela benefits. The DVV registration is a pre-requisite for the KELA registration.

If you come to Finland from another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom in order to study here, your stay in Finland is usually considered temporary. In that case, your country of origin is responsible for your social security benefits. You are, however, entitled to medically necessary health care if you have a European Health Insurance Card issued by your country of origin. Order the card before coming to Finland. More information on KELA's website.

Every foreign student needs a Personal Identity Number (also known as social security number or “henkilötunnus” in Finnish) that is used with different service providers and authorities in Finland for identification purposes. It is needed for example when opening a bank account, registering at the university, making work contracts, when visiting the hospital etc. You may have received the personal identity code already with your residence permit, but if you did not, you will receive it from Digital and Population Data Service Agency. DVV registration is free of charge. Read more: DVV info

Please note! LUT & LAB collaborate with DVV by arranging pop up -registration days at campus during the Autumn. Students are expected to participate in the pop up -registration days, and not to book their own appointments with DVV.

Read carefully the instructions and timetables on: Registering at Digital and Population Data Service Agency (check list bullet number 14).

People with a driving license issued abroad are usually allowed to drive in Finland, but in some situations such license must be exchanged for a Finnish driving license. Check if your license needs to be updated to a Finnish one and about the process: https://traficom.fi/en/transport/drivers-and-vehicles/driving-licenses

Before heading to the Finnish roads, familiarize yourself with the Finnish traffic rules and traffic signs. Also, driving in the winter conditions might be new to you. The cars should have winter tires during the winter months (depending on the weather conditions) and the speed limits are also lower for winter.

If you own a vehicle in Finland, you have to pay vehicle tax, the car must be inspected, and an insurance is compulsory. More information on: As a foreigner on Finnish roads | Ajokortti-info

Living in Finland comes with some general customs, that are present in all types of apartments. 

• If you live in a apartment building, check your apartment's rules. Most likely the rules include: 
  • Silence during night time
  • How to reserve building services such as laundry room or sauna
  • What to do if something is broken in your apartment
  • What to do if you lose your key or lock yourself out
  • You as a tenant are responsible for keeping the apartment tidy and clean.

  • Finns value honesty - if something happens, the best thing to do is tell about it to your landlord. The consequences are often easier if you tell about any issues or incidents yourself.

     

• The tap water is safe to drink in all Finnish apartments and buildings, but only cold water. If you prefer your water warm or hot, you should boil the cold water in a kettle or in a pot on your stove. 
• Finns value clean nature and there are trash bins all over the cities. If you are in an environment without trash bins (e.g. hiking trails in forests), you should take your trash with you and dispose them to the trash bin. Note, that all apartments have recycling bins that you should utilize. You can read more about recycling in the section below.

To get a general idea what living in a student apartment looks like, watch a video about living in a student apartment in Finland from here.

Electricity (= sähkö in Finnish) is the main source of energy in Finnish homes. For example, gas is rarely used.

• If you live in Lahti / in Lappeenranta shared apartment (furnished student apartment), you don’t need to make your own electricity contract. The electricity payment is included in the rent.
• If you live in other apartment types, you may need to make your own electricity contract.

Please note that you will most probably need a Finnish personal identity code and at least European banking credentials to get a contract done. And after having the contract done it may take a day or two to turn on the electricity after moving in.

Electricity is bought from electricity companies. The cost of electricity in Finland consists of two components, electricity sales and electricity distribution. You can purchase electricity from any operators in Finland, but you cannot choose the electricity distribution network. The local distributor in Lahti region is Lahti Energia and in Lappeenranta Lappeenrannan Energiaverkot Oy. This system means that you will have to make two different agreements for the electricity!

Check that your charger cables are compatible with the Finnish power plugs or use an adapter! In Finland, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type F are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Read more about Finnish power plugs and sockets.

The main mobile operators in Finland are Elisa, DNA and Telia. In most mobile packages the operators offer, unlimited talk time and messaging are included, as well as internet connection. The prices may vary, but the services and coverage are as good with all operators.

The easiest way to get started with a Finnish mobile phone service is to buy a prepaid package. Prepaid subscription can be purchased from R-kiosks, some supermarkets (such as Prisma and City-Market) and online. The benefit of this service is that you do not need a personal identity code and an address in Finland and instead of purchasing by credit, you pay for the service before using it. When you need more credit to your prepaid card, you can buy more credit from the same kiosks. The prices for prepaid cards start normally from 10 euros.

Setting up a prepaid subscription is easy – after buying the package, install the SIM card and start using the new phone number. The prepaid SIM card has already been loaded beforehand with a certain sum with which you can call. You can follow-up on your balance and top up the balance online.

• Elisa: https://elisa.fi/en/moving-to-finland/
• DNA: https://www.dna.fi/liittymat-ja-palvelut/puhe/prepaid/other-languages
• Telia: https://www.telia.fi/kauppa/liittymat/prepaid?anchor=in-english

With general mobile contracts, you need a Finnish personal identity code, and you must have an address in Finland.

Internet 
All students will have wi-fi access (Eduroam) on campus for their studies. The mobile phone subscriptions usually include an internet connection that might be enough to be shared to your computer/laptop. If you need a separate internet connection to your apartment, check first if your apartment has one and how to use the connection, or get the connection from a local companies. 

While living in Finland it is important to remember to reduce and recycle waste as much as possible. In Finland, all habitants are required to sort their waste and recycle as much as possible. This means that every building has several recycling bins and waste bins. All citizens are responsible to sort their own waste.

You will normally find the recycling instructions next to the waste containers outside your home, and if not please ask them from your lessor. There might be regional differences, so always refer to the recycling guidelines by your municipality or your building. The links below familiarize you to different waste types.

More information about recycling in Lahti and Lappeenranta.

Waste sorting information video by HSY (Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority)

Recycling in Finland - Blog post

In Finland, the resident is responsible of keeping their apartment clean and tidy - whether you own the place or are renting. To avoid any cleaning fees when moving out, you should make cleaning a weekly routine. Below you can find tips for cleaning your apartment. Student housing providers also share cleaning tips regularly in their websites and social media channels.

The Youth Housing Association has number of good tips for living on your own from moving in, housekeeping, and moving out. Read more from NAL's website.

The Martha Association (Martat) has numerous instructions and tips for household and cleaning, as well as some services for immigrants and integration. Read more from Martat website.

Employers in Finland value problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. Over 80% of jobs are hidden—never publicly advertised! Networking is key to accessing these opportunities. Language requirements are important, but your attitude matters just as much! Learning a language is a journey, and employers value willingness to improve. Show in your application that you're actively developing your language skills!

Where to Find Jobs

• General: JobTeaser, job hunting portals
• English-friendly: Work in Finland
• More information: Finding a job in Finland

CV, Applications & job hunting skills

• Keep it concise (1–2 pages). Tailor it to the role. Cover letters matter!
• Tailor your job hunting skills to fit the Finnish job market : Read more
• Learn more about your field of study and your future career choices 

Networking Matters

• Most jobs are filled through networks. Attend career events, use LinkedIn, and connect with professionals.
• Learn more about growing your networks: Info Bank

Work Permits, Rights & Obligations

• Check Migri.fi for work permits. Know your work rights and obligations.
• Trust and being initiative are among the most appreciated values in the Finnish working culture. Learn more about the Finnish working culture. 

More Help?

• Career Services at your service!

If you find a job in Finland, you pay taxes on your salary and other income. With the collected tax money, the state and municipalities arrange for example public health care, education, childcare and defense, to name a few.

The amount of taxes (tax percentage, veroprosentti in Finnish) depends on the income you receive. The employer withholds the taxes directly from your salary. For this purpose, you will need a tax card. The salary cannot be paid in cash so a bank account is also necessary when working. It is not necessary to get a tax card before finding a job and knowing your income. Getting a tax card takes only some days.

You can order a tax card from the Tax Office. It is also possible to apply for the tax card online if you have the online banking to identify yourself with strong identification. Estimate your income for the whole year for the income tax card. You also need a Finnish personal identity code before visiting the tax office.

More information: Academic studies in Finland - vero.fi and Finnish tax cards - vero.fi