Housing, student financial aid, and everyday practical matters
A student’s everyday life is built on many practical matters — housing, financial support, and getting around. On this page, you’ll find key services and tips that help you manage daily life and stay focused on your studies.
Students needing residence permits
For any questions about immigration or residence permits, we recommend contacting the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), as they are the official authority and always have the most accurate and up‑to‑date information. We may not have the full picture of your situation and we don’t want to give guidance that could accidentally be incorrect.
During your studies, please make sure you are aware of Migri’s requirements for your residence permit. For example, if you are considering enrolling as absent for a semester, remember to check beforehand whether your residence permit conditions allow it.
Sites for newcomers
- The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is the government site for immigration processes. Everyone must follow the entry processes described there.
- Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) registers your Finnish identity code, home address, and municipality, which you need for many practical matters such as opening a bank account, accessing public services, and applying for the HSL student discount.
- InfoFinland is your guide to Finland.
- Keys to Finnish society service provides information about living, everyday life and working in Finland.
- International House Helsinki offers excellent advice for anyone arriving to the Helsinki capital region. Check out, for example,
The Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS) provides healthcare services for degree students studying in Finnish higher education institutions. Read more about who is entitled to their services. All higher education students must pay the health care fee to Kela unprompted. Read more about the FSHS fee.
Cost of living in Finland
Finland has a high cost of living. This is worth considering when planning your finances and budget.
Housing
Finding a place to live in a new city is a major first step for many. HOAS provides student housing in the Helsinki metropolitan area — explore the options and application process directly on the HOAS website. Apartments can also be rented in the open market, but the rents are somewhat higher.
Getting around
Getting around is affordable for students, because your student card is the key to many discounts. HSL offers discounted public transport in the capital region in busses, capital region trains, trams and metro. VR provides student‑priced train tickets for long distance travel. Matkahuolto and other long distance bus companies offer discounted bus travel across Finland.
Haaga-Helia tuition fees and scholarships
For details please click here.
Student financial aid
KELA offers information about available benefits, who is entitled to the benefits, and how to apply. Please note that a residence permit granted for the purpose of full time study does not entitle the student to KELA student support. For more information and exceptions, please consult KELA.
Affordable options for getting a laptop
Haaga-Helia has BYOD policy (Bring Your Own Device). This means that you need a computer (desktop or laptop) to study.
If you do not have a computer, and are buying a new one at the start of your studies take advantage of student discounts for new computers. Many manufacturers (e.g., Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft) offer student discounts that can make a new laptop more affordable.
If you are on a limited budjet, refurbished laptops are an affordable option. Many online stores and specialty retailers sell used or factory‑refurbished laptops at student‑friendly prices (e.g., Verkkokauppa.com, Nuvoo, Halpis.fi, Kierrätyskeskus, and GreenData).
Used laptops are also available on second‑hand marketplaces like Tori.fi and Facebook Marketplace.
Briefly some cultural tips
The Helsinki capital region, Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa, form a culturally diverse community. You will meet people from all around the world. Many Finns, especially younger ones, have good English skills. This will help you get to know the culture and make friends. It is often said that Finns take a little to warm up, and are very friendly once you get to know them.
Finns share many cultural values. As an example, many love the nature, use the newest digital gadgets, speak at least one foreign language and are environmentally aware. Recycling and secondhand shops are popular (e.g. Kierrätyskeskus, Fida and SPR Kontti (only in Finnish).