Getting started in Turku

For exchange students

• Please see the checklist for exchange students. 
• Information on the University registration process and how to activate your UTU user account will be sent to you by email in June - August (Autumn Semester) or November- -December (Spring Semester).
• NB! Exchange students cannot use Finnish Student Health Services but should turn to their local health station.
• Ask your tutor to collect Starting Package if you want one.

For Bachelor's and Master's Degree students

• If you have been admitted conditionally (see your original admission offer), fulfill your condition by the deadline in order to keep your study right:
  • Those who must provide their degree documents for verification, do so by 31 May. Follow the instructions on the page Providing Original Educational Documents
  • Those who must pay tuition fees must pay the full tuition amount or its first installment by 31 July.
  • Those who applied with incomplete degrees, must send proof of their graduation to the Admission Services by 12 August by 15:00 (3 pm, local Finnish time). See your admission offer for instructions.

• Pay the Student Health Care fee (compulsory for all attending Bachelor's and Master's degree students). Student health care (Finnish Student Health Service, FSHS) is available to all attending Bachelor's and Master's Degree students. The compulsory health care fee must be paid directly to Kela once per term (spring term 15 March and autumn term 15 November) either with Finnish online banking credentials or as a bank transfer. 

   

Common to all students

• Update your address in Turku yourself in the University's study data system Peppi. Also check that all your personal information is correct in the system. If anything is incorrect (such as the spelling of your name), please contact disco@utu.fi 
• Pay the Student Union membership fee (voluntary for exchange students and doctoral students) You can also download a digital student card, the Tuudo App, for iOS and Android phones. Exchange students, the invoice for paying the voluntary membership fee will be sent to you by email in August/December.
• Apply for a Finnish ID code at the Local Register Office (DVV) or during DVV's specific registration days for international students (see the orientation programme for the dates) and send it to disco(at)utu.fi. More information regarding applying for the Finnish ID Code available during Orientation.
• Attend the orientation and possible other info sessions organised by your programme.
• Sign your lease at the housing office.
• Get your electronic tag to access University buildings and printing services.
  • Requires active UTU credentials.
• Open a bank account, if you need one. To open a Finnish bank account, you will need at least the following documents:
  • your passport (or official EU ID card)
  • a Finnish ID code and you need to be registered as a foreigner in Finland (DVV, see above)
  • your housing information in Finland
  • a study certificate from the University.
  • The bank may also ask for a statement from your previous bank. 
  • It is possible to open an online bank account like Revolut, Wise to manage your banking in Finland.
• Get a bus card at Turku Region Traffic (Föli) office if you need one. 
• Make a change of address notification so that you get mail delivered.