Living in Finland 🇫🇮

Finland is a land of countless lakes, forests, fells and archipelagos – it is one the most extensive and unspoiled natural environments in Europe. Finland’s air, forests, lakes and drinking water are exceptionally clean by global standards. More than 70% of Finland’s land area is forest, which makes Finland one of the most forested countries in the world.

The air quality in Finland is excellent because Finland is situated far from large sources of emissions and the country has successfully cut back on its own emissions. Finland has four very distinct seasons – temperatures may vary between -35°C and +35°C.

Finland is a country of innovation and technology and has continuously topped related global indices. Finnish companies highly value innovation designed to solve problems in a pragmatic and surprising way. In fact, Finland is the home of many world-leading companies in areas such as forest products and the biomass industry (UPM, Stora Enso, and Metso), transportation services (KONE) and design (Iittala and Marimekko).

General information

Finland is...

The safest place in the world.
The happiest country in the world.
The most advanced country in the EU in the utilisation of digitalisation.
The third most innovative country in the world.
The fourth most gender equal country in the world.
Finland ranks as the top OECD country in education.
Finland’s share of renewable energy in the country’s total energy consumption is the second largest in the EU.
Finland has the cleanest air in the world.
Finland is the water richest country in the world.

Facts about Finland

Currency: Euro (€)
International status: Independent since 1917, member of the European Union since 1995, militarily non-aligned
Area: 338 000 km² (130 500 square miles)
Location: Northern Europe; shares borders with Sweden, Norway and Russia
Capital: Helsinki (population 596 000)
Official languages: Finnish 90.4%, Swedish 5.4%
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 78%, Orthodox Christian 1%, no religious affiliation 19%, other religious communities 2%
System of government: Parliamentary democracy, presidential elections every six years, parliament (200 members) elected every four years
Population: 5.4 million

Cost of living in Finland

Finland is known for its high standard of living, which means prices are not the lowest in the world. However, the cost of living in Finland is about the same as in other EU countries. The expenses vary depending on the accommodation you decide to choose and your personal spending habits, including food, health care, social life, and travel.

In Lappeenranta and Lahti, living expenses including accommodation in a student apartment may amount to roughly EUR 700/month. As a degree student in Finland, you will be issued a student card that entitles you to student discounts on meals and other services (e.g. transport, museums, cultural events and recreational activities).

A few approximate examples of prices:

Student lunch at the university 1.80–4.60 €
Single bus ticket 1.60 €
Monthly bus pass 42 €
Coffee at a café 3 €
Beer at a bar 5–9 €
Movie ticket 15 €

Saving tips - Flea markets and second hand shops are popular in Finland, so there are several of them around the city. In these places you can find all kinds of second hand products, such as furniture, electric appliances, tableware and clothes. The prices are very reasonable, and in places such as the Red Cross flea market and recycling centres you can find all of their items in a very good condition.

Learn more about studying and living in Finland

The Finnish language

Foreigners moving to Finland often find the Finnish language strange and daunting at first. Only few words look familiar to anyone whose own language is not in the obscure Finno-Ugric linguistic family. But with a positive attitude and a sympathetic teacher, even the most tongue-tied newcomer can get to grips with Finnish surprisingly quickly. We offer a special Finnish language course for exchange students in the beginning of each semester. We recommend that you make an effort to learn Finnish also during your free-time as that will help you settle in the new country.

Finnish people

As a people Finns are often said to be relatively shy, quiet, straightforward and honest. They appreciate privacy and space. However, a visitor who accepts an initiative will soon overcome the first difficulties in becoming acquainted. Once the ice is broken Finns will show that they are open, warm and reliable. Honesty, independence and punctuality are the three characteristics most highly valued by the Finns.

If you ever struggle to find a topic for discussion with a Finn it is good to remember that Finns have a special passion for sports. Ask about ice-hockey, cross-country skiing or javelin and you might well have found a new best friend.

Services

Child day care and education services

Banks

In order to open a bank account, you need 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.

Emergency services

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.

Grocery stores

Pharmacies and medicine

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.

Phone services

If you need to get Finnish Prepaid card for your mobile phone, the easiest way to get one is to buy this ‘pay as you go’ phone contract at a local R-kiosk. The benefit of this service is that 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.

Public libraries

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

Recycling

While living in Finland it is important to remember to reduce and recycle waste as much as possible.
You will normally find the recycling instructions next to the waste containers outside your home, and if not please ask them from your lessor.

More information about recycling in Lahti and Lappeenranta

Waste sorting webinar by Salpakierto

Blog post about recycling

Transport

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 the eLAB pages 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

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

In Finland we have four seasons

Autumn

Winter

A day in the Finnish winter - Blog post

Winter landscape

Winter is the coldest season in Finland, with temperatures often near freezing. In Finland, winter is a time to enjoy stunning icy and snowy landscapes.

Winter starts around November and lasts until the beginning of spring, around the end of February, when the snow starts to melt.