FAQs for new Aalto students Part 1 (updated in April 2020)

Congratulations and Welcome to Aalto University!
Here are some frequently asked questions.

Please see all up to date information on admissions and the beginning of your studies on Aalto’s website (aalto.fi) or by contacting Aalto’s Admissions Services (admissions (at) aalto.fi) or your programme’s student services.


♣Student housing

  • Two student housing organizations: Ayy & Hoas. Please apply for both once you accept the study offer. New students have higher priorities for getting a student housing. Please be aware that Ayy and Hoas could not accommodate all students.

When will I get a housing offer?

  • Ayy (Aalto Student Union) will only provide a housing offer one month prior to your request, for example, if you request to start on 01.08, the offer will be given in July not before.

Can I move in few days before the lease starts?

  • It depends, for Ayy, if the tenant moved out earlier, you might get the key few days before.

How much does it cost?

  • It depends on the type, size, location of the room and the age of leasing building. Both Ayy & Hoas have student housing in Helsinki and Espoo, some close to Otaniemi campus, some not at all. The building address and information are listed on the website. Generally, a single room in the shared apartment or an ensuite single room with a shared kitchen in the common area costs around 250-350 euros. The rent of a studio usually starts from 450 euros.

What if I don’t receive an housing offer before coming to Helsinki?

Unfurnished rooms for degree students

  • The furnished room is usually only provided for exchange students. For degree students, most of rooms have only a closet. A studio room and a shared apartment might have more, such as stove, oven, kitchen cabinets. Please be prepared that you will need some time to buy furniture before the school starts.

Where to get second-hand furniture?

Study residence permit

  • All non-EU international students have to apply for a study residence permit. Please apply it through Finnish immigration office (Migri). The law and regulations has changed, if you have any questions related to a study residence permit, please contact immigration office for updated and accurate information.

♣Living expense per month

  • The school suggests 800 euros per month.
  • The rent is explained as above.
  • Public transportation: 32.80 euros per month (AB zone, student discount)
  • Student meal: 2.6 euros per meal. The student meals are provided not limited to Aalto campus. Every student (not included PhD) can have student meals everywhere in Finland, in other universities, or any restaurants providing it. Some restaurants are also open on Saturday. Please download the app “Kanttiinit”, which shows daily menu and locations of each restaurant in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. Students get discount for coffees in the student canteen as well.
  • App – Kanttiinit shows everyday menu of each restaurant with student meals.
  • Student cafeteria on campus
  • Dine out: generally, a dish starts from around 10 euros. Some of them provides student discounts.
  • Study materials – most of mandatory readings are provided in PDF documents on mycourses. (a platform for courses materials)

♣Job opportunity

Can I get a summer job?

Can I get a part-time job?

  • Yes, if you’re active, it’s possible to get a part-time job in the university and in cities. It’s also possible to get one if you don’t speak Finnish. Helsinki is quite an international city.
  • Check Facebook group International Jobseekers in Helsinki. The pinned post shows useful links for job searching.
  • Check student experience: how I get part-time jobs inside campus

When can I discuss my study plan?

  • You can discuss your study plan with the program director and study coordinator in the beginning of first semester.

Student insurance

Student Health Care

Gym and sports activities

Tutors from each program

Each program has two or several tutors of 2ndor 3-year students to help new students in the summer and the beginning of first semester. Tutors will contact new students in June. They will organize activities, answer questions and provide guidance.

Campus Tour

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZJWZpYkKnM[/embedyt]

How to get student ID & IT account?

  • You can activate your IT account online from Aug 1st.
  • If you can’t activate it online, please contact  Aalto Student Services. You can also visit starting point inside campus to activate it.

Other information:

Check FAQs Part 2.

You can ask our squad members about student life through this email: aaltosquad(at)aalto.fi

 

Wish everyone a smooth trip to Finland and an amazing start in Aalto University.

Greetings,
Aalto Squad.

(Information collected from Aalto Squad Members and edited by Hsiao-Pei Liao)

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