10 steps to start your studies

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Lapland!

To secure your place, you must accept your study offer by the deadline stated in your acceptance letter. You can do this via the secure link in your email or by logging in to Studyinfo.fi.

Please note that you may only accept one study place per academic term leading to a higher education degree in Finland (Universities Act 558/2009). If you decide not to take your place, please reject the offer in Studyinfo.fi so your spot can be offered to someone else.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, you’ll need to pay your tuition fee before you can register for courses. The details such as the amount, payment instructions, and deadline are provided in your acceptance email. You can check if your eligible for additional funding on our  Tuition Fees and Scholarships page.

Please keep in mind that you will also need to cover the living costs in Rovaniemi, where the average monthly living expenses for a single student can vary from €800 to €1000. These expenses typically include essentials like housing, food and your free time spendings or transport. Plan your budget early to avoid surprises or problems.

Your study right officially begins on August 1st. After accepting your offer (and, if needed, paying tuition), it’s time to register as an attending student. You will get detailed instructions by email after accepting your offer. Registration is required for access to university systems, enrolling in courses, and student benefits.

If you’re not ready to start (due to military service, illness, or parental leave), you can register as “non-attending” (see details).

All degree students must pay the Student Union (LYY) membership fee (€61 for 2025–26) when registering. Membership unlocks benefits such as discounts for meals, student events and travel benefits with VR : the national rail line. You can pay this fee by credit card or another option shown on the LYY website.

If you’re not covered by EU/EEA/Swiss/UK social security, you need to pay the Kela health care fee twice a year (see Kela instructions). This is separate from LYY and required insurance policy of your residency permit application. The payment is legally required for you to have access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). FSHS is usually your first point of contact  for non-emergency health related matters and provides extensive health services coverage.

After you register, you will get a confirmation from Student Services. You can then activate your user ID (next step). Until your student card is active, you can use your study certificate for student-priced meals and health care.

Finding a place to live in Rovaniemi is one of your first big tasks and  wins as a student, so do not leave it to the last minute!

Most students use DAS (Domus Arctica)  as DAS provides affordable housing options for students. You can apply directly on DAS website as soon as you have accepted your study place. Demand is highest in autumn, so the earlier you apply, the better are chances. Descions regarding the placement is usually sent to applicants in late July and early August.

You need to provide a copy of your acceptance letter with your application.

Other housing options include private rentals or shared apartments. You canask current students or check Facebook groups.

Typical student housing costs: €300–450/month for a room in a shared flat. The pricing for studios is higher. You also need to budget for the housing deposit. Electricity, internet, or heating can also be considered as an additional cost if those are already not covered in your renting agreement.

Once offered housing, pay your deposit quickly to secure your place. You’ll sign your tenancy agreement and receive move-in instructions. It is generally advised that you bring basic bedding and kitchen items, or buy them after you arrive to Lapland. There are plenty of second-hand and affordable options available as well.

If you get stuck, Student Services can help with advice or emergency housing contacts.

This step is crucial for non-EU/EEA students!

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you need a Finnish residence permit to study in Lapland.

You need to apply online at Enter Finland as soon as you’ve accepted your offer and paid your tuition, if required. Please take care of documents you will need, including but not limited to : your acceptance letter, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds, up to date passport and etc. You can also apply for your Finnish personal identity code at the same time.

You need to book a visit to your nearest Finnish embassy or VFS Global centre for identification. As residence permit processing can take 2 to 8 weeks, you should not delay starting the application. Once approved, you’ll get your permit card and if possible, your Finnish ID code as well.

Please note that proof of insurance is required for the residence permit (see the next step for details).

You do not need a residence permit, but given that you are staying for longer than three months, you need to register your right of residence after arrival at the DVV office.

Health insurance is required for your residence permit (if you’re non-EU/EEA) and is strongly recommended for everyone.

You must have valid health insurance covering medical expenses for the entire duration of your studies. Your insurance must meet Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) requirements. You need to purchase your insurance before applying for your residence permit, popular providers are listed on Migri website.

Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for emergency care. Extra private insurance is recommended, as EHIC only covers urgent treatment.

All degree students (unless exempt with valid EU/EEA/Swiss/UK coverage) must pay the Kela healthcare fee twice per academic year for access to FSHS student health services. You can find more information about the Kela fee here.

Please plan to arrive in Rovaniemi in time for the orientation week activities for a comfortable start of your studies. You can already check your flight, train, and bus options. Book tickets early as August and September can be busy. If you need a visa or residence permit, do not book non-refundable tickets until it’s approved. Remember to bring all key documents : acceptance letter, residence permit, insurance, housing contract, proof of funds and etc. Pack some warm clothing as even in August, Lapland can get cold.

Before your arrival you will be in touch with assistants, you can inform them of your arrival times if needed. Double-check orientation and webinar dates, as well as emails from Student Services. Make sure your first rent and deposit are paid so you can move in without hassle.

You can also download the Tuudo app before you arrive. It is useful for finding your schedule and campus maps. Your digital student card is also available on Tuudo.

Orientation is where your Lapland student journey begins. This is your chance to meet classmate and get practical tips. You will get to know the campus and Rovaniemi, meet your arrival assistants, fellow students, and key staff members.

You will also learn how to use university systems (Moodle, Peppi, Tuudo) and will receive information about other essentials.

Orientation week also provides important knowledge about Finnish culture and living in Lapland.

Please remember to check your email for the orientation schedule and Teams webinar links. Before your arrival, you can also join pre-arrival info sessions (e.g., “Arrival to Lapland” webinar in May and June, plus Q&A sessions).

Ask questions and do not stress if you feel lost at first.

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, it’s time to sort your local matters. This makes life way easier for everything from healthcare to getting paid for work.

If you have received your Finnish ID code with your residence permit, you can register your local address at the DVV office. DVV usually organizes pop-up events dedicated for students, and the exact timing of those are announced in late summer.

If you do NOT have a Finnish ID code yet, you can apply for it at DVV when registering your address.

You can also open a Finnish bank account. 

Most banks will require your passport, residence permit or registration, Finnish ID code, and proof of address. Compare banks for student deals and English service. You can ask your arrival assistant or at orientation for tips.

You need a local bank account for rent, work, and some offer student benefits too. Having your address and ID registered also makes it easier to access online authorization systems.