Study in Finland Student Guide: ESN, Housing & Banking

Welcome students to Finland.

The Roadmap: How to get settled in 5 steps.

Moving to a new country is exciting, and Finland makes it easier than most. We’ve broken it down into 5 steps so you can get settled, handle the paperwork fast, and actually enjoy student life:

1. Housing and Community - Find a place and connect with other students, even without a Finnish guarantor, you will need your rental agreement when applying Finnish ID - Get your Finnish ID and credentials online. This unlocks access to banking and healthcare.

2. Banking, Home Insurance & Connectivity - Set up a bank account, home insurance, phone, and internet without the usual runaround.

3. Healthcare & Benefits - Register for Kela and student healthcare so you’re covered from day one.

4. Social Integration - Join student orgs, language cafes, and events to make Finland feel like home.

5. Bike Culture & Public Transport

In Finland, public transport and cycling are not just a way to get around, they are a central component of the country’s sustainable and efficient lifestyle.

First Step

Housing, Community & Digi- ja väestötietovirasto((DVV) Finnish ID)

- Student Housing Foundations

- Private Market

- Student Housing Foundations(SOA)

- Private Market Options: For private rentals, explore major national property portals such as Vuokraovi and Oikotie .

- Application Process: Apply directly through the portal of your choice as soon as you have your residence details or acceptance letter.

- Get your Finnish ID and credentials online. This unlocks access to banking and healthcare.

Student Housing Foundations(SOA): Find the official student housing foundation for your specific city via SOA , the national association for student housing.

- Application Process: Apply directly through your local foundation's online portal as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

- Community Living: Living in student housing is the most effective way to integrate and meet both local and international students.

Vuokraovi.com is the largest and most popular rental search site in Finland. It is the main tool used by almost everyone who wants to find an apartment in this country, with over 30,000 constantly active listings.

Digi- ja väestötietovirasto(DVV)

Digi- ja väestötietovirasto(DVV) – The Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The Goal: Get your personal identity code (Henkilötunnus) to officially exist in the Finnish system.

Why it matters: Without this code, you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental agreement, or get a phone contract

Second step

Banking, Home Insurance & Connectivity

Banking

To open a bank account, you typically need your Finnish identity code and proof of residence.

Crucial for Suomi.fi (Electronic ID): Digital or international banks (like Revolut or Wise) cannot be used to authenticate your electronic identity on Finnish government portals like Kela (Social Security), Migri (Finnish Immigration Service) (Maahanmuuttovirasto) or Vero (Tax Office). To access official state services, you must physically open an account at a local bank like OP (OP Financial Group), Danske Bank, Nordea or S-Pankki to receive your e-ID credentials (Tunnistautuminen).

S-Pankki

S-Pankki - A highly practical choice for everyday banking, especially for those who shop within the S-Group network. It is known for its accessibility and seamless integration with the S-Etukortti loyalty program, allowing you to earn bonuses on your daily groceries and purchases while managing your finances.

OP (OP Financial Group)

OP (OP Financial Group) - One of the largest and most reliable banking groups in Finland, offering comprehensive financial services and a wide network of branches and ATMs across the country. It is a popular choice for students due to its robust mobile banking application, which is essential for managing daily transactions and accessing various digital services

Nordea Bank Finland

Nordea Bank Finland - One of the largest financial institutions in the Nordic region, offering a wide range of services and a highly user-friendly digital banking experience. It is a solid, reliable choice for international students who need robust online banking tools and extensive international support.

Danske Bank

Danske Bank - A major Nordic bank known for its efficient digital solutions and straightforward banking processes. It is often a convenient option for students seeking a modern, streamlined approach to personal finance management in Finland.

Home Insurance

Top Insurance Companies
The following companies cover over 85% of the home insurance market in Finland:
- If Vakuutus
- LähiTapiola
- OP (Pohjola)
- POP Vakuutus
- Fennia
- Turva

If Vakuutus

If Vakuutus - Known for its quality customer service and fast claims processing. It is one of the largest companies in the Nordic region.

Redad more about If Vakuutus

LähiTapiola

LähiTapiola- A mutual company with a strong regional presence throughout Finland. They often offer benefits if you centralize several of your insurance policies with them and collaborate with the S-ryhmä group (you can accumulate bonuses).

OP (Pohjola)

OP (Pohjola) - The largest financial group in Finland. It is a very popular choice if you are already an OP bank customer, as you can use your accumulated bonuses (OP-bonukset) to pay for your insurance premiums.

POP Vakuutus

POP Vakuutus - Often considered the most affordable option. It operates mainly digitally and is ideal if you are looking for a simple and inexpensive solution without the need for a physical branch network.

Fennia

Fennia - Another major company that offers complete packages, including identity theft protection.

Turva

Turva - Known for its high level of customer satisfaction.

Connectivity

Main operators (Own networks)
In Finland there are three main operators that own their own network infrastructure:
- Elisa
- Telia Finland
- DNA

Elisa

Elisa - It is the largest operator in Finland. It is known for its very good coverage, especially in rural areas, and for the quality of its 5G services.

Telia Finland

Telia Finland - Part of the international Telia Company group. It offers stable services and has a strong presence in both the residential and business markets.

DNA

DNA - It is very popular due to its competitive offers and fixed internet services via cable/fiber, with a large loyal customer base .

Third step

Healthcare & Benefits

- Kela(Kansaneläkelaitos) - the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

- YTHS(Yylioppilaiden terveydenhoitosätiö) - Student Healthcare

Kela(Kansaneläkelaitos)

Kela(Kansaneläkelaitos) - the Social Insurance Institution of Finland: Use Kela as your primary source for information regarding your residence, social security status, and potential financial aid.

YTHS(Yylioppilaiden terveydenhoitosätiö)

YTHS(Yylioppilaiden terveydenhoitosätiö) - Student Healthcare : If you are a student in higher education (University or UAS), you are required to pay the healthcare fee to Kela to access YTHS services.

- Vocational Students: If you are attending a vocational college (ammatillinen oppilaitos), please check your specific school's student portal, as healthcare services are provided directly by your educational institution or the local public health center, not by YTHS.

Fourth step

Social Integration

SYL (National Union of University Students in Finland)

Find your specific union through SYL (National Union of University Students in Finland)

- SYL is a protective shield and a massive benefits package. Here are the 4 key roles it plays for you:
- Save money - It offers you the student card (Frank/Slice) with 50% discounts on train/bus and lunch in the canteen for only ~€2.60.
- Cheap health - It ensures you access to the university health service (YTHS), including dentists, psychologists and general practitioners.
- Advocate before the law - Fights against the increase in fees for non-EU students and lobbyes the Immigration Office (Migri) for easier visas.
- Integration and support - Through your faculty union, it offers you tutors upon arrival, social events and free legal assistance in case of problems with rent or employment.

SAMOK

SAMOK is the same organization as SYL, but dedicated exclusively to students at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS / AMK). Here are the 4 key points to remember:
- Save money - They offer you a student card (Frank/Slice) with 50% discounts on train/bus and lunch at the cafeteria for only ~2.60 €.
- Focus on jobs and internships - Being focused on technical/vocational education, SAMOK directly helps you find your mandatory internships.
- Help for foreigners - Fights for Finnish companies to hire international students without requiring them to have perfect Finnish.
- Defense against fees - Protests against government decisions to increase tuition fees for non-EU students.

Although English is widely spoken, you can explore introductory resources for Finnish. Learning a few basic phrases will help you feel more connected to the community.

- Student Events: Participate in "fuksiaiset" (freshers' events) and other campus activities. These are the primary social networking opportunities to meet both local and international peers.

- Hobbies & Clubs: Look for student organizations or local clubs (kerhot) related to your interests. Check your school's website or the local student union portal for a list of active clubs in your city.

ESN Finland: Your Ultimate Ticket to an Unforgettable Nordic Adventure

If organizations like SYL and SAMOK are the protective shield for your student rights, ESN Finland (Erasmus Student Network) is the absolute beating heart of your social life. Operating across 15 vibrant local chapters—from the bustling streets of Helsinki to the snowy landscapes of Rovaniemi—ESN is your ultimate gateway to making lifelong friends and diving headfirst into Finnish culture.

The Legend: Pirates of the Baltic Sea

Imagine stepping on board a massive cruise ship alongside thousands of other international students from all over Northern Europe. This is ESN Finland’s legendary flagship event. It’s not just a trip; it’s a multi-day floating festival across the Baltic Sea, packed with theme parties, cultural exchange, and memories that will define your university years.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland

Finland is world-famous for its magical winters, and ESN ensures you experience them to the fullest without breaking your student budget. Through exclusive partnerships, they organize unforgettable expeditions to the Arctic Circle. You’ll find yourself riding husky-drawn sleds, visiting the official Santa Claus Village, and watching the breathtaking Aurora Boreală dance across the sky.

Saunas and Ice Swimming: The Ultimate Initiation

You haven’t truly experienced Finland until you’ve been to an ESN "Saunailta". These traditional sauna nights are the ultimate local integration ritual. You’ll sweat it out in a steaming room alongside local and international peers, only to build up the courage to jump straight into a frozen lake. It sounds wild, but it’s the quickest way to bond with your new campus family.

Seamlessly Digital: Powered by Kide.app

Finland is heavily digital, and ESN keeps it seamless. Forget physical tickets or membership cards. Everything—from your official ESN membership to passes for the hottest student parties—lives inside Kide.app, Finland’s mandatory student ecosystem. One download, and the entire student community is at your fingertips.

Perks that Pay for Themselves

Joining ESN gives you access to the ESNcard, a golden ticket that unlocks massive international and local discounts. We are talking about 10% off Ryanair flights, free checked luggage, FlixBus vouchers, and exclusive deals at student-friendly bars and cafes across your city.

Fifth step

Bike Culture & Public Transport

Bike Culture & Public Transport

In Finland, public transport and cycling are not just a way to get around, they are a central component of the country’s sustainable and efficient lifestyle. The system is designed to work flawlessly 365 days a year, regardless of whether it’s +25°C or -20°C outside.
Here’s a complete overview of transport and cycling culture in Finland, optimized with practical details for students:
Public Transport: Massive Discounts and Total Digitalization
Thanks to the efforts of the student unions (SYL/SAMOK), students benefit from some of the biggest discounts in Europe. The condition is to have a digital student card activated in the Frank or Slice apps.

- National Trains (VR): The VR railway network offers a constant 45–55% discount for students on all intercity journeys. The trains are modern, equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets and dining cars.
- Long-distance buses (Matkahuolto): Offers similar discounts of almost 50%. They are ideal for reaching smaller areas or cities where the train does not have direct access.
- Local Transport (Urban Apps): Each large region has its own transport app (for example: HSL for Helsinki/Espoo/Vantaa, Nysse for Tampere, Föli for Turku).
After logging into the local app, you can connect your student profile (the system automatically checks your status in the national KOSKI database).
You instantly benefit from a 40–50% discount on monthly passes.

Bike Culture: Top Infrastructure and Winter Cycling
Finland has an incredibly developed bicycle infrastructure, completely separated from car traffic and sidewalks. Many tracks connect student campuses to city centers through green areas or along lakes.

- Winter Cycling (Talvisiilä): Snow and ice don't stop Finns. City councils clear cycle paths with priority (often before car roads) and spread fine gravel for grip. For the coldest months (January-March), students often use studded tyres (nastarenkaat).
- Where do you get your bike from? Don't buy an expensive new bike. Most students buy sturdy second-hand bikes (käytty pyörä) on Facebook Marketplace, Tori.fi or from local recycling centres (Kierrätyskeskus), for prices between 40 and 100 EUR.
- City Bikes (City Bikes): During the warm season (usually from April to October), large cities offer public bike networks (such as the yellow ones in Helsinki). A season ticket costs extremely little (around 30–35 EUR) and allows you unlimited 30-minute trips.