TOKYO International Student Guide 2026
Last updated: May 2026
Welcome to the updated TOKYO International Student Guide for Aalto University students moving to Finland. This version updates outdated 2020 information and reflects the current systems, services, and practical advice for students arriving in Helsinki and Espoo.
Before Arrival
Housing
The primary student housing providers are still:
• AYY (Aalto University Student Union)
• HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region) Apply as early as possible.
Emergency Housing
AYY emergency housing:
https://ayy.fi/en/housing/emergency-housing
Housing Websites
These are usually more expensive than HOAS or AYY but useful if student housing is unavailable.
• Lumo — https://lumo.fi/en/
• Oikotie — https://asunnot.oikotie.fi/vuokra-asunnot
• SATO — https://www.sato.fi/en
• Vuokraovi — https://www.vuokraovi.com
• Tori — https://www.tori.fi
• HousingAnywhere — https://housinganywhere.com
• Aalto Sharetribe — https://aalto.sharetribe.com/en”
Facebook Groups
Useful groups include:
• Helsinki Student’s Apartment Market
• Flatmate & Apartment Finder Helsinki/Espoo/Vantaa
• Rooms/Apartments for Rent in Helsinki
• Erasmus Helsinki groups
Always be careful with scams:
• Never pay deposits without verification
• Request a video call or apartment viewing
• Avoid Western Union or suspicious payment methods
Arriving in Finland
Picking Up Apartment Keys
Check opening hours carefully before arrival.
AYY
HOAS
Both organizations now strongly recommend checking digital instructions before arrival because pickup procedures may change yearly.
Internet in Student Housing
Most AYY and HOAS apartments include internet in the rent. Typically:
• Ethernet/LAN connection included
• Students buy their own Wi-Fi router
Many newer apartments already include high-speed internet.
First Things To Do After Arrival
The modern recommended order is:
1. Get Finnish phone number
2. Activate Aalto IT account
3. Pay AYY membership fee
4. Register as attending student
5. Register your address and municipality with DVV
6. Open bank account
7. Activate HSL student discount
Finnish Phone Number
Main providers remain:
• Elisa
• DNA
• Telia
Prepaid SIM cards are sold at:
• R-kioski
• Prisma
• K-Citymarket
• Operator stores
Today most students choose unlimited prepaid data plans.
Typical prepaid prices in 2026:
• €5–10 starter package
• €20–35/month unlimited data plans
For best coverage around Otaniemi:
• Elisa and DNA are usually recommended by students
AYY Membership
AYY membership is mandatory for degree students.
Membership includes:
• Student status validation
• Student discounts
• Healthcare contribution eligibility
• Student events and services
Membership information:
https://ayy.fi/en/students/membership-and-fees
AYY office:
Otakaari 1, Espoo
Many payments can now be completed fully online.
Registering as an Attending Student
Starting Point
Starting Point is still the primary student service point.
Location:
Otakaari 1, Undergraduate Centre, room Y199a
Services include:
• Enrollment help
• Student certificates
• HSL discount guidance
• General student services
Website:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/support-services-for-students/starting-point
Most systems previously using WebOodi have now moved to:
• Sisu (study planning)
• MyCourses
WebOodi is no longer used.
IT Services
Activating Your Aalto IT Account
Instructions:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/how-to-activate-your-user-id-without-strong-authentication
Important systems:
• Sisu — study planning and course registration
• MyCourses — course materials
• Outlook — student email
• Aalto VPN
IT Service Desk
Information:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/it-service-desk-contact-information-and-service-hours
Residence Registration (DVV)
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
”Maistraatti” no longer exists.
The authority is now:
DVV — Digital and Population Data Services Agency
Website:
https://dvv.fi/en/foreigner-registration
You should register:
• Your address
• Municipality of residence
• Finnish personal identity code (if not already issued)
Typical required documents:
• Passport
• Residence permit card
• Housing contract
• Certificate of student status
EU students must also register EU right of residence through Migri if staying longer than 3 months.
Public Transportation and HSL
The HSL system still covers:
• Helsinki
• Espoo
• Vantaa
• Kauniainen
Otaniemi is in Zone B.
Airport is in Zone C.
Most students use AB or ABC tickets.
Student Discount
HSL student discount is now usually activated digitally through:
• HSL App
• My Studyinfo integration Discount:
• 40% off season tickets
Website:
https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/discounted-travel/student-discount
Exchange students without Finnish permanent residence may still need physical verification at HSL service points.
HSL App
Strongly recommended.
Functions:
• Buy tickets
• Journey planner
• Real-time transport
• Route planning
Access Control with HSL Card
Some Aalto buildings can still use HSL cards for access.
Information:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/access-control-with-hsl-card
Furnishing Your Apartment
Student apartments are generally unfurnished.
Recommended Places
IKEA
Kierrätyskeskus
https://www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_english
FIDA
Kontti
Tori.fi
Very popular for second-hand furniture.
Facebook Marketplace
Commonly used by students.
Recycle and Reuse Otaniemi
Still one of the best student options for cheap household items.
Opening a Finnish Bank Account
The most commonly used banks among students are:
• OP
• Nordea
• Danske Bank
Requirements usually include:
• Passport
• Residence permit
• Finnish personal identity code
• Finnish address
• Student certificate
IMPORTANT:
Bank account opening has become stricter due to anti-money-laundering regulations.
It may take:
• 1–4 weeks for online banking access
• Longer for strong authentication credentials
Book appointments online whenever possible.
Student Cards and Discounts
Frank App
The Frank app is still widely used.
Functions:
• Digital student card
• Student discounts
• Restaurant discounts
Website:
Other digital student apps also used in Finland:
• Slice
• Tuudo
Mobile Payments
Popular payment apps in Finland:
• MobilePay
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay”
Most students use MobilePay for splitting bills and student events.
Studies
Course Registration
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Course registration now uses Sisu.
Sisu:
• Study plans
• Course registration
• Degree structure
• Credits
MyCourses:
• Assignments
• Lecture materials
• Course communication
Language Requirements
Requirements vary by programme.
Common language-related studies:
• Academic writing
• Finnish courses
• Swedish courses
• Communication studies
Always verify requirements directly from your programme.
Student Healthcare
University students now use:
FSHS / YTHS
Website:
Healthcare fee is paid to Kela.
Services include:
• General healthcare
• Mental health services
• Dental care
Useful Apps for Students in Finland
Transportation
• HSL
• VR Matkalla
Food and Delivery
• Wolt
• Uber Eats
Student Life
• Frank
• Tuudo
• MobilePay
Shopping
• Tori
• Facebook Marketplace”
General Tips
Winter
Prepare for:
• Darkness in November–January
• Cold temperatures
• Snow and ice
Good winter shoes are essential.
Sauna Culture
Most student housing includes sauna shifts.
Sauna etiquette:
• Shower before sauna
• Respect private shifts
• Swimsuit rules vary
Grocery Stores
Main supermarket chains:
• K-market / K-supermarket
• S-market / Prisma
• Lidl
Student budget favorites:
• Lidl
• Prisma
Important Changes Since 2020
Major updates include:
• Maistraatti → DVV
• WebOodi → Sisu
• More digital verification systems
• HSL student discounts integrated digitally
• Increased use of strong authentication and Finnish bank IDs
• More services available online
Emergency Numbers
General emergency number:
112
Non-emergency medical advice:
116117
Poison Information Centre:
0800 147 111
Final Advice
The first weeks in Finland can feel overwhelming because of paperwork and systems, but things usually become much easier after:
• obtaining your Finnish personal identity code
• opening a bank account
• activating digital identification
Ask tutors and older students for help whenever needed — most international students go through exactly the same process.
Welcome to Aalto and Otaniemi!
