For new degree students

Remember to bring with you:

• identity card or passport
• original school certificates and official translations of the certificates into either Finnish, Swedish or English
• residence permit card (if applicable)

• Check the office hours of your accommodation providers beforehand and visit the office to pick up your apartment´s keys
• If you have arranged someone else to pick up your apartment´s keys, contact both the person and the accommodation provider beforehand
• If you arrive outside office hours and have not arranged for someone to pick up the keys beforehand, you should stay at a hotel or a hostel of your own choice.

List of hotels and hostels in Häme region (for Evo, Forssa, Hämeenlinna Lepaa, Mustiala, Riihimäki campuses)

List of hotels and hostels in Valkeakoski (for Valkeakoski campus)

2.1.1 Make an appointment and visit the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency DVV office in the municipality of your residence in Finland.

• Students from Valkeakoski Campus – DVV office in Tampere.
• Students from Hämeenlinna, Evo, Forssa, Lepaa, Mustiala, and Riihimäki Campuses – DVV office in Hämeenlinna.

2.1.2 Take care of the following things with DVV:

• If your residence permit card does not have the Finnish identity code yet, apply for one at the DVV office.
• Register your municipality of residence.

2.1.3 Once you have obtained your Finnish identity code, schedule an appointment with any police office (except for the one in Helsinki airport) and apply for a Finnish identity card during the visit.

2.2.1 Schedule an appointment with the Finnish Immigration Services MIGRI  as soon as possible (office that suits your schedule and location the best). Make sure that the date of your visit is within three months of your arrival in Finland. Remember to ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System. This way, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code.

2.2.2 Make an appointment and visit the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency DVV office in the municipality of your residence in Finland. Register your municipality of residence with DVV.

• Students from Valkeakoski Campus – DVV office in Tampere.
• Students from Hämeenlinna, Evo, Forssa, Lepaa, Mustiala, and Riihimäki Campuses – DVV office in Hämeenlinna.

2.2.3 Once you have got your Finnish identity code, schedule an appointment with any police office (except for the one in Helsinki airport) and apply for a Finnish identity card during the visit.

2.3.1 Schedule an appointment and visit the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency DVV office in the municipality of your residence in Finland.

• Students from Valkeakoski Campus – DVV office in Tampere.
• Students from Hämeenlinna, Evo, Forssa, Lepaa, Mustiala, and Riihimäki Campuses – DVV office in Hämeenlinna.

2.3.2 Take care of the following things with DVV:

• Obtain your Finnish identity code.
• Register your municipality of residence.

2.3.3 Once you have obtained your Finnish identity code, schedule an appointment with any police office (except for the one in Helsinki airport) and apply for a Finnish identity card during the visit.

2.4.1 Follow through the immigration process after you have chosen the path that fits your situation. See immigration process for British citizens and a family member of British citizens.

2.4.2 Once you have obtained your Finnish identity code, schedule an appointment with any police office (except for the one in Helsinki airport) and apply for a Finnish identity card during the visit.

If you live in Finland permanently, it is good to know that the country provides comprehensive services, such as access to public transportation and to work and school premises, assistive devices, or even personal assistants. For more information, check services for disabled persons moving to Finland permanently by Info Finland.

In addition, Finland and HAMK follow the EU regulations that require certain allergens to be always mentioned in the food tags, so you do not need to worry about living in Finland with allergies.

A Finnish bank account is a secure option for taking care of your finances when living in Finland. There are many different banks available in Finland, both international and national. It is good to compare the services and fees of different banks and choose the one that suits you the most. Some of the banks that you can contact are: Nordea I OP Bank I Savings Bank I Danske Bank.

If you have not paid for the Finnish student health services FSHS before arrival, you should do so after you arrive in Finland. Note that there is a deadline set by Kela. Only degree students need to pay the fee to FSHS.

Students in Finnish universities of applied sciences are entitled to Finnish Student Health Service FSHS when they pay a health care fee to Kela (Finnish Social and Health Care Services). The health care fee is compulsory. Please note that Kela will not send you an invoice for the fee, so you must make sure to pay it on your own initiative. See How to pay the student healthcare fee in higher education in Finland for more information regarding amount of fees and due dates of the payment.

You can get a Finnish phone number by purchasing a Finnish SIM card. There are many mobile phone SIM card providers in Finland, so it is good to compare the services and fees of different companies and choose the one that suits you best. Some of the Finnish mobile phone operators that you can purchase services from are: DNA I Elisa I Telia.

If you do not have a Finnish identity card yet, you can buy a pre-paid SIM card. With a pre-paid card, you need to top up your phone before you can start making phone calls or using the internet. You can get the pre-paid SIM cards at R-kioski, some supermarkets or over the internet.

If you have a Finnish identity card and a bank account, you can take out a mobile phone subscription with one of the above-mentioned providers. A subscription allows you to pay your phone bills at the end of each month and no payment in advance is needed. To purchase a mobile phone subscription, you need to visit the service provider personally or make a phone call.

When you are in Finland, there are many places where you can get public internet for free, for example libraries, buses, and trains, and in some cafes. After you have activated your HAMK student ID, you can access the internet when you are at the campus. Almost all the student accommodation and some private rental apartments include a 10 Mb/s internet. If you need to purchase or upgrade internet connection services, you can contact the primary internet providers in Finland, which are also providers of telephone, mobile services, and TV services: DNA I Elisa I Telia.

Furniture is usually not included in rental apartments in Finland. In some of the student apartments offered by HAMK or by HAMK´s partner, some basic furniture is available if requested well in advance. Refer to your own campus for more information. You should be prepared to furnish your apartment, whether it is student apartments at HAMK campuses or a rental apartment by private providers.

You can find furniture from both nationally and internationally known brands. Some of them are IKEA, Masku, Jysk, Isku, and Asko. There are IKEA stores in both Tampere and Vantaa. There are also free-trading online secondhand platforms where you can purchase used items at good prices, such as Tori. Please note that most of the time you need to take care of the transportation of the furniture purchased from private traders. Check out HAMK living and leisure time for more information on shopping opportunities.

It is recommended to take out home insurance if you live in a rental apartment in Finland. For most private accommodation providers, it is compulsory.  With most of HAMK´s student accommodation providers, it is not compulsory, but it is worth having home insurance. Home insurance coverage depends on the contract and may include, robbery of property, damage to furniture or others. You can consider contacting one of the home insurance providers: Pohjola I Fennia I If I Tapiola. Other insurances, such as car insurance, health insurance, or pet insurance can also be obtained from those providers.

The insurance providers might provide information online in Finnish and in Swedish only, but you can contact them via phone or by visiting their local offices, as the personnel usually is able to provide you with services in English.

Electricity is included in the rent in those student apartments at HAMK campuses. If you live in a private rental apartment, remember to sign an electricity contract before moving in.

You can connect the electricity to your apartment in advance by simply calling a local electricity company in the region where you live. You will need to provide your name and your new address. The cost of electricity in Finland has two parts: electricity sales and electricity distribution. You can choose to purchase electricity from any vendor who offers electricity to your region, but you cannot choose the electricity distributor.

Electricity vendors available for all HAMK campus areas: Fortum I KSS Energia I Lumo Energia  I Vattenfall (information in Finnish).

There is only one emergency number in Finland – 112. Please do not call the emergency number unless you have a genuine emergency and need urgent assistance from the authorities (police, paramedics, firefighters, or social services). Please refer to Emergency Response Center Agency Finland for more detailed information on calling the emergency number. You can also download the 112 Suomi application.

Your rights and responsibilities as a student in Finland are derived from both HAMK´s Degree regulations and Finnish current legislations. HAMK Student Union HAMKO has also clearly listed your rights and responsibilities. If you live in Finland permanently. It is also good to check your rights and obligations as a resident on a permanent basis in Finland.

You need to have a valid driving license in order to drive in Finland. A driving license issued by European Union Member States is valid in Finland without limitations.

If your driving license has been issued by a country outside the EU, please be sure to check if it is valid on Ajokortti-info website. If you want to exchange your driving license, be prepared to wait for six months for all the legal documents to be issued.

It is good to know that car services in Finland are expensive. It is compulsory to have a car insurance. If you have not driven in Finland before, be aware of the animals you might encounter on the road and prepare essentials to drive in winter. Read the guide to driving in Finland by Visit Finland for more information.

In Finland, you are free to explore and roam in the open nature. This freedom is known as “everyman´s rights”. You are allowed to roam freely, fish with a string and a rod, as well as forage for food.

However, those rights come with responsibilities. While the Finnish nature is accessible for all, you should also take good care of it. You are expected to follow the rules, such as getting a permit for fishing, respecting landowners´ privacy on private lands, causing no disturbance to animals, and leaving no traces behind.

Familiarise yourself with the Finnish everyman´s rights before exploring the Finnish nature.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL coordinates and develops substance abuse prevention nationally, which covers alcohol, drugs, gambling, and smoking. Read more about substance abuse prevention in Finland and follow the related rules and regulations strictly.

There are many opportunities to enjoy yourself and make new friends, whether you prefer to party, do sports, go sightseeing or hiking, visit a museum or a church, dive into books in a library, study languages, volunteer, do a part time job, or just simply lounge with your new friends at the campus common areas. Learn more about leisure time activities at HAMK localities.

HAMK offers a broad selection of sport activities on all campuses to all students. To start using HAMK`s sports services, you are recommended to get a sports pass. The sports pass can be added to your student union card. All the information related to sports activities on HAMK campuses can be found at HAMK Moves.

HAMK’s Friendship Programme will continue in autumn 2023 on the campuses of Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, Valkeakoski, Forssa, Mustiala and Evo. In HAMK’s Friendship Programme, international students can get to know everyday Finnish life. Joining the programme is voluntary. All the information related to the programme can be found at HAMK Friendship Programme.

• Contact lessons on campus will start on 17th August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies, please contact computerapplications@hamk.fi
• Learn more about Hämeenlinna University Centre

• Contact lessons on campus will start on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies in Hämeenlinna, please contact construction@hamk.fi.
• Learn more about Hämeenlinna University Centre

• Contact lessons on campus will start on 16th August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies in Valkeakoski, please contact electricalandautomation@hamk.fi. Arrival guidance to Valkeakoski you can find on Valkeakoski Campus.

• Contact lessons at the campus will start on Wed 16 August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies, please contact bioengineering@hamk.fi.
• Additional information about arrival in Forssa on Forssa Campus.

Full-time studies:

• Contact lessons on campus will start on 16th August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies in Valkeakoski, please contact internationalbusiness@hamk.fi. Arrival guidance to Valkeakoski you can find on Valkeakoski Campus.

Part-time studies:

• The orientation will take place online in Zoom in August 2023.
• The link will be emailed to your personal email address.
• For any information regarding studies, please contact internationalbusiness@hamk.fi.

• Contact lessons will start on campus on Tuesday, 15 August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies in Riihimäki, please contact mechanicalengineering@hamk.fi.
• Learn more about Riihimäki Campus

• Contact lessons will start on campus on Wednesday, 16 August 2023. Registration between 9am-9.30am in Building D lobby.
•  Remember to bring your passport or ID-card with you.
• For any information regarding studies in Hämeenlinna, please contact smartandsustainabledesign@hamk.fi.
• Learn more about Hämeenlinna University Centre

• Contact lessons will start on the campus at Mustialantie 105, 31310 Mustiala (Tammela) in August 2023:

Wednesday 16.8. Welcome to Mustiala
10.00 Starting of orientation day, room Karsten, Old Main Building

Thursday 17.8. HAMK International Orientation in the main campus, Visamäki, Hämeenlinna city

Transportation from Mustiala to Hämeenlinna is organized by the university.

Friday 18.8.
10.00 – 14.00 Starter Kit of Digital Skills

•  
• For any information regarding studies in Mustiala (Tammela), please contact farming@hamk.fi.
• More information about Mustiala Campus

• Thursday 17.8. HAMK International Orientation in the main campus, Visamäki, Hämeenlinna city
• Contact lessons will start on 21 August 2023.
• For any information regarding studies in Evo, please contact forestry@hamk.fi.

• MSB orientation will start with online orientation Monday 7 August at 14.00 UTC+2.
• The first Intensive week will be held in Hämeenlinna University Centre 25-29 September.
• For any information regarding the studies of this programme, please contact sustainable.business@hamk.fi.

Welcome to study in Degree Programme of Sustainable Technologies!

Studies will start at campus at Vankanlähde 9, 13100 Hämeenlinna on 24 August 2023 with a full day contact session (9-16 o’clock) . This day’s programme in compulsory for all Sustainable Technology students. If you arriving by car, please park only on HAMK student parking places. Link to the campus map.

If you are arriving from abroad to study in HAMK you are welcome to participate the special programme for international students on 17 August at University Centre in Hämeenlinna. More information about the programme of the day coming later.

On the module map you can see the schedule of your studies for the academic year 2023-2024.

Please activate your HAMK user ID and start Starter Kit of Digital Skills well in advance of the starting day. Started Kit is compulsory part of starting your studies. It will help you to get acquainted with the IT systems used in HAMK. We recommend that you complete all the sections in Starter Kit.

When you get to know Yammer on Starter Kit, join at least the groups listed below. In the settings, specify that you receive e-mails collected from Yammer.

• HAMK students
• Master’s Information
• Service Breaks
• Sustainable Technologies Master´s Degree

HAMK’s e-mail is HAMK’s official communication channel. If you are unable to commit to read HAMK’s e-mail often enough, we recommend that you forward HAMK’s Outlook e-mails to the e-mail address you otherwise use. You must have 2-Step Verification enabled before attempting to forwarding. When contacting HAMK, always use HAMK’s e-mail. We need to identify you as a HAMK student for security reasons.

For any information regarding studies in Degree Programme in Sustainable Techologies, please contact sustainable.technologies@hamk.fi

Orientation Get-Together Day Autumn 2023 will be held on 17 August at Hämeenlinna University Centre.

During the day, there will be presentations, stands, activities to help you get started with your studies and everyday life. The full programme will be published soon. Stay tuned.

More information regarding the event and transportation for different campuses, you can visit here.

When should I confirm my study place?

Confirm your study place by 15 July 2022 at 3:00 pm (Finnish time UTC+3) at the latest. If you do not confirm the study place by the deadline, you will lose your study place.

When should I pay the tuition fees?

If you are a non-EU/EEA-citizen and you have not provided any document that would exempt you from paying the tuition fee, you are required to pay a tuition fee for your studies by 15 July 2022.

When should I register for the academic year?

After you have accepted the study place and paid the tuition fee (if required), you can register for the academic year. A link to the enrolment service will be activated at www.studyinfo.fi after you have accepted the study place and paid the tuition fee (if required). If you do not register as a student, you will lose your study right.

When should I arrive at the campus?

You are expected to participate in the Orientation Days programme for new international students (both degree students and exchange students). Arrive a few days before the Orientation Days start. The schedule of the programme is different depending on the academic year.

When should I apply for a residence permit?

If you need a residence permit, start the application process as soon as possible – right after you accept the study place at HAMK. The processing time can be over two months during peak application time. If you need to register your right of residence, you can send the application before arriving in Finland.

When should I apply for an accommodation?

Most HAMK campuses offer student accommodation, but a private rental apartment is also a viable option. We cannot guarantee that all the students will acquire a student accommodation place. Therefore, start looking for accommodation as early as you can. For more details check the information on HAMK´s website.

How do I confirm my study place?

You can confirm your study place electronically through the confirmation link sent to you by email. You should confirm your study place by the deadline set for your academic year. If you are not able to confirm your study place electronically, please contact admissions@hamk.fi.

Can I accept another study place after I have accepted the study place at HAMK?

The confirmation of a study place is binding, and it cannot be cancelled. This means that you can confirm the study place only once, and you cannot change it afterwards.

What happens if I do not confirm my study place by the deadline?

You will lose the study place if you do not accept the study place by the deadline.

How do I register for the academic year?

After you have accepted the study place and paid the tuition fee (if required), a link to the enrolment service will be activated at www.studyinfo for you to register for the academic year.

I cannot register for the academic year electronically. What should I do?

If you are unable to register electronically, please contact admissions@hamk.fi.

Can I delay the start of my studies?

If you are not able to start your studies in the semester that you are accepted, you can delay the start of your studies if there are legal grounds for your absence. Read more: Registering for the academic year.

Do I need to pay tuition fees?

If you are a non-EU/EEA-citizen and you have not provided any document that would exempt you from paying the tuition fee, you are required to pay a tuition fee for your studies by 15 July 2022. Read more: tuition fees and scholarship

Does HAMK provide any scholarship?

From 1 January 2020 onwards, HAMK grants scholarships based on Finnish language skills. The scholarship programme awards scholarships to those students who are liable to pay tuition fees. Check out more on HAMK´s tuition fees and scholarship programme.

Which airport do I need to fly to?

There are a few of viable airports in Finland. To learn morego to this page and choose your campus location.

How can I get from the airport to the campus?
You can take a train, a local bus, or a taxi from the point of your arrival. Check campus and map for more information.

How do I get from the campus to the bus/train station?
Train stations and bus transport hubs are usually located in the city centre. Depending on which campus you are studying at, please check campus and map for more information.

I am from a non-EU/EEA country. What kind of permit do I need to study in Finland?

If you are coming to study at HAMK from outside the EU/EEA countries, it is compulsory to apply for a residence permit for studies. Start your application for the first residence permit for studies at MIGRI Online Service.

I am from an EU/EEA country. What kind of permit do I need to study in Finland?

If you are coming to study at HAMK from EU member countries, Lichtenstein, or Switzerland (full list of countries), you do not need a resident permit. Instead, you need to register your right of residence at Finnish Immigration Service MIGRI. You can start the process by sending an application online before you arrive in Finland.

I am from one of the Nordic countries. What kind of permit do I need to study in Finland?

If you are from one of the Nordic countries (list of Nordic countries), you do not need a resident permit . Instead, you need to register your right of residence within three months of your arrival at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency DVV.

I am a British citizen. What kind of permit do I needto study in Finland?

As a British citizen or a family member of a British citizen, if you arrive in Finland for the first time after 31 December 2020, you need to apply for a residence permit in the same manner as other persons from outside EU countries. Read more: Entering Finland under the withdrawal agreement of Brexit.

What is difference between the Finnish Identity Code and the Finnish Identity Card?

The Finnish identity code (also known as social security number SSN) is a unique, personal number. It is compulsory to have if you live in Finland permanently or for a long period of time (more than three months). Read more: The personal identity code.

Finnish identity card is different from other forms of identification such as a Finnish identity code, a residence permit, or a passport. A Finnish identity card is important as it allows you to fully access different services in Finland, such as banking and telephone. Read more: How to apply for an identity card.

When and why do I ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System?

When you apply for the residence permit or register your right of residence at MIGRI, make sure to ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System as well. By doing so, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code (social security number SSN), which is compulsory to have while staying in Finland.

Can my family member get a residence permit?

If your family member is coming to Finland with you, they are obliged to follow the immigration process as well.  You can find information from MIGRI at residence permit on the basis of family ties.

How do I activate my HAMK user ID?

After you have enrolled for the academic year, you will receive an automated message requesting you to activate your user account at HAMK. You can activate your HAMK user account via self-service user registration. If you have problems activating your HAMK user ID, please contact it@hamk.fi.

What is Digital Starter Kit and when do I take this course?

Digital Starter Kit is an online self-study course that will help you start using HAMK online tools, equipment, environments, and methods, which are widely used in higher education studies in Finland. It is compulsory for you to take this self-study course before starting your degree studies. Some degree programmes might require their students to complete at least some modules in the course before they can start their degree programme courses. Consult your degree programme guidance counsellor for more information.

How do I access the Digital Starter Kit course?

Please read the instructions for studying the online Digital Starter Kit course.

Where can I find my timetable?
When you start your studies at HAMK, you will be instructed on how to enrol on the modules/courses and search for timetables. If you wish to search the timetable of your studies in advance, HAMK’s timetables are available at lukkarit.hamk.fi. NB: The course timetable will be published slightly before the start of the teaching period.

Do I need to bring my own computer with me?
Yes, BYOD (bring your own device). Read more about BYOD and other IT-related information here.

What specifications should my computer have to be suitable for studying at HAMK?

You can read more about the recommended computer specifications and other IT-related information here.

I have problems with selecting my courses, what should I do?
Contact your degree programme´s guidance counsellor.

I want to go for an exchange during my degree studies. What are the opportunities?
It is possible to go for an exchange during your degree studies. Check HAMK´s Go Abroad webpage for more information.

Where can I get my transcripts of records and other studies related certificates?
You can contact HAMK Student Services about transcripts of records and other studies related certificates.

What support does HAMK offer to special needs students?

If you have any special needs, please inform student services of your campus. HAMK offers special arrangement and support for students with special needs. It is possible to make an individual arrangement with our special needs teacher.

How do I find an accommodation?
You can find information about accommodation on each campus on our HAMK´s accommodation webpage. Choose your own campus and follow the instructions accordingly.

Do I need to apply for the student apartment?
If you would like to be granted an accommodation in student apartment, you are responsible for filling in an application in this regard. HAMK does not arrange accommodation for degree students.

Do I need to buy furniture?
Rented apartments in Finland usually come with no furniture. Check with your apartment provider for more details.

Is there an internet connection in my accommodation? Is it wireless?
In student housing apartments (HOPS), there is normally internet (wireless or wired) but you may need to make a separate agreement with the operator. If you are living in a private sector apartment, normally you should make an internet agreement of your own.

Do I need to pay for the electricity?
In student apartments, the electricity is usually included in the rent. In private sector apartments, it is likely that you need to make an electricity agreement your own. Ask your apartment provider about it.

Do I need to pay the water fee?
In student apartments, monthly water fee is usually included in the rent. In private sector apartments, ask your apartment provider about the details.

There are some problems with my accommodation, what should I do?
You need to contact the accommodation provider.

Where can I do the laundry?
In student housing apartments, there is often a laundry room. If not, you might have to purchase your own washing machine. If you live in a private sector apartment, ask your landlord if the building has a laundry room. If not, you will have to get a washing machine yourself.

My internet is not working, what should I do?
Contact your internet service provider.

How to dispose of the garbage?
Recycling bins are usually somewhere nearby your apartment. The detailed information on how and where to dispose of the garbage should be provided by your landlord. It is important to recycle the right way so make sure to pay attention to the instructions.  It is also worth noting that some types of bottles and can packaging are collected by the supermarkets with a small amount of money in return.

My friends are coming to visit me, can they stay in my apartment?
Make sure to discuss with your landlord in case any of your friends would like to move in with you. Temporary guest visits do not require a permission. If you are living in a shared or student apartment, make sure to have a conversation about it with your roommate beforehand.

Can I drink tap water in Finland?
Yes, you can. Finland is one of the countries with the cleanest tap water in the world.

How can I terminate my rental agreement?
In case of student apartments, you usually need to terminate your agreement at least one calendar month before you move out of the apartment. For example, if you want to leave at the end of May, you need to notify your housing provider the latest by the end of April. You need to fill in an official form to terminate the agreement. Check with your accommodation provider for more information.

Do I get a basic home equipment (survival kit) after I move in?
No. HAMK provides survival kit to exchange students only.

What to do with leftover furniture after I move out?
When you move out, you need to leave your student apartment in the same state it was when you moved in. You will be charged a fee for any furniture left that has not been there when you moved in.

How do I get my deposit back?
In case of student apartments, rental supervisor returns deposit approximately 3 weeks after lease ends. You receive deposit in full, if all rent is paid and apartment is cleaned to moving-out standards.

What kinds of insurance do I need?

You will need at least:

International Insurance in order to get a residence permit or register your right of residence. You should have a private insurance that can cover your medical expenses, or either European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). HAMK requires all foreign students to have extensive insurance coverage for their studies. The insurance must be valid when you arrive in Finland. The insurance fee depends on the insurance you take out.Read more: Finnish Immigration Services: Insurance requirements for international students in Finland.

Student Health care: students at Finnish universities of applied sciences are entitled to Finnish Student Health Service FSHS when they pay a health care fee to Kela (Finnish Social and Health Care Services). The health care fee is compulsory. Please note that Kela will not send you an invoice for the fee, so you must make sure to pay it on your own initiative. See How to pay the student healthcare fee in higher education in Finland for more information regarding amount of fees and due dates of payment.

Do I need a home insurance?

It is recommended to take out home insurance if you live in a rental apartment in Finland. For most private accommodation providers, it is compulsory.  With most of HAMK´s student accommodation providers, it is not compulsory, but it is worth having home insurance. Home insurance coverage depends on the contract and may include, robbery of property, damage to furniture or others. You can consider contacting one of the home insurance providers: Pohjola I Fennia I If I Tapiola.

Where can I get insurance for cars/pets/others?

In Finland, it is compulsory to have a car insurance if you own a car. Pohjola I Fennia I If I Tapiola are the insurance providers that you can contact for more information. You can also obtain other kinds of insurance from those providers.

I need a Finnish mobile phone number, how can I get it?
When you arrive, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card at R-kioski. If you have a Finnish identity card, you can visit one of the SIM card providers and get a SIM card based on subscription. A SIM card based on subscription allows you to pay bills after every month.

Do I need insurance?
Please read the section above INSURANCE.

How can I join HAMK Student Union?
Information can be found on the HAMKO web pages.

What kind of winter clothing do I need?
Read more here.

Where can I buy winter clothing?
You can purchase winter clothing from clothing stores, markets, and flea markets in Finland.

How can I meet other students?
You will meet your colleagues during the Orientation Days which are organized specifically to welcome all new international students. Remember to also take part in the student activities organised by HAMKO or the tutors of your degree programme.

I need to book an appointment to the doctor. How can I do that?
You will find campus-specific information about student health care here.

How do I get my library card?
Please check the instructions here.

I feel very stressed, who can I contact?
In case you are feeling stressed or anxious contact HAMK Student Wellbeing Services. You will find contact information here.

How can I participate in sport activities or go to the gym?
Read more about sports activities for each campus here.

Where can I buy lunch?
Each campus offers student-friendly meals. Read more here.

Is it compulsory to become a member of the Student Union?

No, it is not compulsory to become a member of the Student Union, but it is highly recommended. You can get a student card with many student benefits. Read more: HAMK Student Union HAMKO.