Information for families
Before arrival
Preparing to study in a new country is an exciting time for both students and their families, and the months before arrival often involve many questions and important decisions.
In this section, you will find some of the most important things to prepare for before the student's move to Finland- from residence permits, budgeting, housing, healthcare and practical arrangements for a confident start to life at Aalto!
Starting university is a major step towards independence and adulthood. Families can offer guidance and emotional support, while students are responsible for personal choices, academic progress and communicating with the university.
To help students prepare for this, Aalto provides clear checklists that outline the most important steps after admission. You can find more information in the following links:
International students who are not EU/EEA citizens must have a valid residence permit to study in Finland. Students arriving with family members should note that a residence permit is required separately for each accompanying family member.
Residence permit requirements and application processes depend on factors such as nationality, degree level and family situation. Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements early and begin the application process as soon as possible.
When applying for residence permit for family members, it is important to be aware that:
- Financial requirements are higher for students arriving with family
- Sufficient income must usually be demonstrated for the entire famly
- Processing times for family permits may be longer
Important links to check:
Planning finances well in advance is essential, especially for students arriving from abroad. Finland has a relatively high cost of living, and budgeting realistically helps avoid stress later on. Average cost may vary widely depending on the person’s lifestyle, but the following link provides a good estimate for monthly living expenses.
It is possible for students, spouses or partners to seek employment in Finland to cover their costs, but they should be aware that finding work may take time, particularly without Finnish language skills. Thus, it is highly recommended to have sufficient funds available for your studies and living before arriving in Finland.
Students can get affordable housing from student housing providers such as AYY and HOAS. However, there is usually a long queue of applications, so it is recommended that students apply as soon as possible. Students should also apply to many different types of housing in different locations to increase their chances of getting an apartment on time. There are also options for private housing which are easier to get but they are usually always on the pricier side.
The following link provides more detailed information about housing:
Insurance
Students must have valid private health insurance as part of their residence permit requirements which should cover their medical and drug expenses. This is also to ensure that students have access to necessary healthcare and medications during their stay in Finland and are protected against unexpected medical costs. The insurance should meet the following requirements:
- The insurance excess should be at a maximum of EUR 300
- If the study period is less than a year, the insurance must be valid throughout their entire stay in Finland
- If the study period is more than one year, the insurance policy must be valid continuously for a minimum of one year. For example, if the student has a residence permit for two years but the insurance is valid for one year, they must renew their insurance to cover for the second year
You can find more information about health insurance here.
Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS)
Students completing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Finland can access basic healthcare services provided by the Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS). You can find more information about FSHS here.
Other Healthcare Options
Besides FSHS, there are other healthcare services such as municipal healthcare services and private clinics. However, these options are not free of charge but may be covered by the student's insurance depending on the insurance policy.
Find more information in the following links:
In case of an emergency
In cases where the student needs emergency attention, they should call 112 immediately. If hospitalization is necessary, the payment for the emergency room can be made afterwards. For resident or students with a European Health Insurance Card, the fees are generally low. For others, a private health insurance policy may cover the expenses of the emergency treatment.
Term Dates
The academic year is divided into two terms. The autumn term begins annually on 1 August and ends on 31 December. The spring term begins on 1 January and ends on 31 July of that year.
Orientation Period and First Week of Studies
For the academic year 2026–2027, the orientation period is scheduled between 24–30 August 2026.
Attending the orientation events and activities is highly recommended for all new students but not mandatory.
The first week of study for the autumn term begins on 1 September. Students are not required to arrive in Finland by early August, but it is recommended that students arrive in Finland 1–2 weeks before the orientation week to have enough time to settle in and get adjusted to the new environment.
Teaching Periods
The academic year at Aalto is divided into five teaching periods, each lasting six weeks. In periods I–IV, the last week is always an evaluation week, where different methods are employed to assess learning. The courses offered in Period V are usually ones where the examination does not heavily contribute to the overall assessment since the examination week will partly or fully take place in June.
Holiday Breaks
The academic year includes two main holiday breaks – the winter break which is between Period II and III, and the summer break which is after the end of Period V. There is also a one week spring break at the end of March during Period IV.
You can find more information about the academic calendar through this page: Academic calendar.
Arrival and settling in
As students embark on their academic journey at Aalto University, we are here to support them through their transition into both academic and everyday life. The first few weeks and months after arrival are crucial in feeling settled, connected and prepared.
Orientation serves as an introduction to the new environment and is designed to help them integrate smoothly into their academic programme and life in Finland. Participation in orientation activities is strongly recommended as they support both academic understanding and social connections.
What to expect during Orientation:
- Programme Introduction: Get to know the specifics of the study programme, meet the faculty and understand the expectations and opportunities it offers.
- Tutor Group Meetings: Chance to connect with your tutors and fellow students. These meetings provide valuable opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance from those who are familiar with both the programme and the broader university environment.
- Social Events and Campus Tours: Students have opportunities to participate in social activities designed for new studentsand to explore the campus through guided tours provided by student tutors. These activities help students build connections, locate important facilities and become familiar with their new surroundings.
Moving to a new country involves more than just starting a degree programme. Everyday routines, social norms and practical matters may differ from what students are used to. Adjusting to life in a new country takes time. This section introduces everyday aspects of living in Finland.
Public Transport and Cycling
Finland has a very reliable and well-organized public transport system, particularly in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Buses, trams, metro and trains are widely used by students and discounted travel passes are available.
Cycling is also very common and safe with dedicated bike lanes in many areas. There is also the option to rent city bikes during warmer months at an affordable price. Many students choose to commute by bike during the summer.
Weather and Clothing
Finland has beautiful spring and summer with long daylight hours and is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter, on the other hand, can be cold and dark but it is not difficult to handle if proper preparations are taken by students. It is suggested that students buy proper winter clothes such as winter coats, boots and layers before arrival if possible, since it might get a little expensive purchasing everything here in Finland. It is also possible to buy winter clothing from second-hand shops for a lower price.
Students often adapt quickly to the climate. Furthermore, campuses, houses and public spaces are well heated during the colder months.
Social life and Activities
Student life at Aalto university offers many opportunities for students to meet people, build friendships and pursue interests outside their academic studies. Taking part in social activities and hobbies can play an important role in helping students feel connected and supported during their time in Finland.
One of the main ways students engage in campus life is through the Aalto University Student Union (AYY) and its wide network of student organizations.
Beyond campus activities, Finland offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Students often enjoy nature, parks, lakes and seasonal activities such as hiking, skiing and cycling. The Helsinki region also provides museums, concerts, festivals and other cultural events throughout the year.
Families can encourage their student to explore these opportunities and become involved in campus communities early on. Participating in social and recreational activities can help students build friendships, develop new skills and maintain a healthy balance between studies and personal wellbeing.
Follow these links for more information:
How families can support from abroad
Families often remain an important source of support even when living in a different country. While university life encourages independence and personal responsibility, staying connected with family can help students feel supported as they adjust to their new environment.
Family members can support the students by maintaining open communication, encouraging independence and reminding of support services available at the university.
Due to Finnish and EU data protection regulations, universities are not permitted to share personal, academic or wellbeing-related information about students with anyone.
Students are responsible for managing their own communication with the university and for sharing information about their studies with their families if they wish.
Finland is widely considered as one of the safest countries in the world, and Aalto University places strong emphasis on student wellbeing and safety.
Students have access to a wide range of services designed to support their health, wellbeing, academic and career success. These services include mental health support, counselling, guidance services and resources that help students manage stress and challenges during their studies.
The university also provides information and support related to campus safety and emergency situations.
Moving to Finland with family members
Some students choose to move to Finland together with their partner or children. Finland offers a safe environment, high-quality education and family friendly services. However, moving to a new country as a family requires careful planning and realistic expectations so that things can run as smoothly as possible.
Practical aspects should be strongly considered such as housing, childcare, schooling, healthcare, finances and employment opportunities for spouses or partners. Adjusting to a new environment may take time for all family members, and it can be helpful to research available services and support networks in advance.
The following section highlights some key considerations for families moving to Finland together.
Being able to manage university and family responsibilities can be rewarding, but it also requires proper time management and planning. Academic programmes at Aalto can be demanding and students need to balance coursework, group projects and independent study alongside family responsibilities.
It would be helpful to discuss expectations and responsibilities in advance, including how time will be shared between the different tasks. Creating a planned schedule can help students maintain a healthy balance between academics and wellbeing.
Students arriving with families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the support services available at Aalto, such as academic advising, student wellbeing services and guidance on managing study workload.
Finland is well known for its high quality education system and family services. Municipalities provide a range of childcare and education options for children of different ages.
- Early childhood education and care (daycare) for young children
- Pre-primary education before starting school
- Comprehensive schools for children aged approximately 7–16
- International schools offering instruction in English
Childcare and school places are organized by municipalities, such as the City of Espoo and the City of Helsinki. Availability, application procedures and fees may vary depending on the family’s residence status and location.
Finland provides healthcare services for pregnancy and family wellbeing. Access to maternity services and parental benefits depend on the residence status, employment situation and eligibility for the Finnish social security system.
Spouses and partners accompanying students can look for employment in Finland. However, it is important to be aware that finding work can take time and can be difficult, especially without Finnish language skills or local work experience.
Sectors such as technology and international companies offer opportunities in English. However, many jobs in Finland require Finnish language skills, as well. Hence, family members seeking employment should prepare for the fact that it might take some time. Networking is quite important in the Finnish job market and learning Finnish can significantly improve employment opportunities.
Learning Finnish can help a lot integrating into the Finnish society. Even though most people in Finland speak fluent English, understanding the local language can make everyday life easier since it opens doors to participating in different types of events, connect with local communities and navigate through situations such as healthcare, childcare and local services which may be offered only in Finnish. Furthermore, it can tremendously improve employment opportunities.
Family members may benefit from participating in Finnish language course or integration programmes offered by municipalities, educational institutions and other organizations.