Moving to Finland and financial matters
This page gives you further information for planning your move to Finland.
Student benefits and services
Living in a student-friendly culture has its perks! Students in Finland are offered a wide selection of benefits from discounted public transport to low-cost housing and healthcare.
Finland’s student-friendly culture aims to support the well-being and financial stability of its students. There is a wide range of benefits and services for students, including discounts for public transport, affordable housing options, and health care at a very low cost. Additionally, numerous stores and service providers have exclusive discounts offering ways to save money as a student.
Most of the student perks are available through the student card, which is proof of your student status. The student ID is the simplest way to get discounts, for example in university restaurants and public transportation, and it offers you plenty of other benefits nationwide and online.
Student union
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) is an organisation representing around 17 000 students. AYY promotes the rights and interests of its members.
As a member of the student union you can, for instance, get a student card, apply for AYY housing, and rent AYY facilities. All students pursuing degree studies at Aalto University are members of the union. Doctoral students and exchange students may also join if they wish to do so.
There are more than 200 sub-organisations and communities, such as subject associations, sections, guilds and recreational clubs, operating within AYY.
Student housing
There are student apartments available throughout the Helsinki metropolitan area. Due to the great public transportation services, accommodation options can be sought in the whole capital region. With some student accommodation options at Otaniemi campus, you have an opportunity to live in a full-service campus setting, unique to Aalto University.
The main student housing providers for Aalto students are AYY and HOAS in the capital area, and MOAS for students living in Mikkeli.
Read more about student housing hereTake a virtual campus tour
Student discounts for meals and public transportation
Aalto University students are entitled to a discounted meal at student canteens. Only on the Otaniemi campus, there are more than 20 restaurants that offer diverse meal options daily. You can also use the meal benefit in other university campuses’ restaurants around Finland.
Students are allowed a discount for seasonal tickets for public transport in the Helsinki capital region. You can also find lowered student prices for other public transport such as long-distance buses, trains, and even flights.
Student discount for public transportation in the Helsinki capital region
Student healthcare
Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) provides general, mental and dental health care to university students. Aalto University students are entitled to use the FSHS services after paying the AYY membership fee and the student healthcare fee to Kela. All general and mental health appointments, including appointments with specialists and physiotherapists as well as group activities, are free of charge for students. Appointments with a dental hygienist are also free but students are charged a fee for dentists’ appointments.
The FSHS health centres are located in Töölö, Otaniemi and Viikki. During evenings, nights and weekends, students can use the health care services provided by their own municipality.
Students' sports and wellness services
UniSport is the provider of the Aalto University sports services. Operating on six campuses in Helsinki and Espoo, UniSport is a sports centre for the whole university community.
The sports centres offer a wide range of sports to choose from, facilities for training on your own as well as in a group, and other wellness services. The best training buddy for anyone wanting to stay fit is the UniSport Training Card, which students can purchase at an affordable student price.
The Aalto University Student Union AYY also organises various sports events and has approximately 60 clubs specialising in different sports and general wellbeing.
Read more about personal finances and budgeting tips for students
Living in Finland
What is everyday-life in Finland like? How should one prepare themselves for seasonal weather? Read what it is like living in Finland!
Living in Otaniemi: A Key to an Easy Student Life (external link)
In this blog post, Olia shares her experience of living on campus and provide insights into the various housing options available.
Tips and tricks on saving money as a student (external link)
Being a student on the budget is certainly one kind of a quest! Aalto student ambassador Anastasiia gathered a few tips that she has used to cut her costs.
How to furnish your student apartment low budget (external link)
Student ambassador Francesco gives you all the necessary tips on how to get a cozy and well-furnished room on a budget and without stressing too much!
Student support networks
In addition to the financial and health-related perks, there are additional services that support students’ mental wellbeing. You can get counselling, for instance, for study skills or coping with stress, or find supportive network from the student community.
On Otaniemi and Töölö campuses, students can use the services of a psychologist or a chaplain.
The psychology service for students offers counselling and support for learning, motivation, self-regulation, study skills and coping with stress. The meetings are confidential and the aim is to discuss the problem or situation brought up by the student, working together on possible solutions.
The psychology service supports students’ development and is involved in developing a more learning-oriented teaching culture at the university level. Central activities include individual and group counselling as well as the development of teaching.
More information on psychology services
You can contact a university chaplain for counselling regardless of your religion. All conversations with the university chaplains are confidential and you can discuss with them anything that is weighing on your mind.
More information on Aalto chaplains' services
Nyyti is a registered association that promotes and supports students’ mental well-being and life management skills. More information on the activities of the student support centre is available on www.nyyti.fi
Many student organisations operate within the Aalto University Student Union (AYY). The students of the School of Business have their own association, the KY - Aalto University Business Students, whereas the association for the students at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture is called TOKYO. The culture of the students at the schools of technology (Aalto SCI, Aalto ENG, Aalto ELEC and Aalto CHEM) is promoted by the AYY guilds for technology students.
- AYY website (ayy.fi)
- Sub-associations within AYY (ayy.fi)
- AYY on Facebook (facebook.com)
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