Check list for new exchange students 2013

The checklist below applies to those students who have been granted an exchange student status at the University of Helsinki, i.e. your home university has a valid student exchange agreement with UH and you have been nominated by your home university.

Before arrival

1. Apply for housing as soon as possible. You can apply for housing immediately after submitting your UH application.

2. Non-EU students: Apply for a residence permit as soon as possible. The processing time for the permit can be over a month (even 2-3 months in China), so it is important that you apply as early as possible. More information available on the Permits -page. University level bilateral exchange students from partner universities outside EU, ISEP, AEN, MAUI, North2North exchange students: you can apply for a residence permit after you have received an Acceptance letter from the International Exchange Services. It is always sent to the coordinator of your home university.

3. In matters concerning your Learning Agreement, Contact your Faculty Coordinator.

4. Pay the Student Union membership fee if you wish to join the Student Union (further information on the Student Union website).

After arrival

1. Visit the Welcome Fair at the University and attend the orientation arranged by your Faculty. (Exact dates and times are available at http://www.helsinki.fi/orientation/.) Have your Arrival Certificates etc. signed and stamped at the Welcome Fair.

2. EU-students: Register your right to reside in Finland at the local police office if your stay lasts longer than 3 months.

3. Students from the Nordic countries: Register at the municipal register office (maistraatti) if your stay lasts longer than 6 months.

4. Non-EU students who have applied for a residence permit before arrival: you do not need to register your right to reside in Finland, because you already have a residence permit

5. Obtain a Travel Card after you have a student discount certificate for the travel card (certificates are available at the Welcome Fair and afterwards from the Student Services). The student discount is only available to undergraduate and graduate students under the age of 30.

6. If you have joined the Student Union, apply for the student card at https://myfrank.fi/en/.

7. Update your Finnish address in the student register. You can do this yourself via the Weboodi system.

8. Open a bank account if you need one.