01Before You Arrive
Enrolment
Accept Your Offer
Ensure you have accepted your admission offer, paid tuition fees, and completed enrolment as an attending student. Carry printed copies of your confirmations.
Legal
Visa & Permits
International students (outside EU/EEA) should apply for a residence permit early. Ensure your passport is valid and carry your admission letter when travelling.
Housing
Accommodation
Secure housing before arrival. Confirm your move-in date, key collection, and transport route. We suggest arriving a few days early.
Essentials
What to Bring
Bring your passport, residence permit, insurance, and enrolment documents. Pack items suitable for the local climate.
02Arriving
Logistics
Airport & Transit
Use public transport based on instructions from your accommodation. Taxi services are available but expensive. Keep your address and directions ready.
First Days
Move into your home, register with local authorities, and consider opening a bank account or getting a local SIM card.
Locale
Familiarise yourself with nearby public transport routes, grocery stores, and essential services.
Starting at Kestora
Engagement
Orientation Week
Orientation sessions help you understand your programme, meet faculty and fellow students, and learn to navigate campus systems. Attendance is strongly encouraged.
Support
Student Services
Access academic advising, wellbeing services, career guidance, and international support. We encourage you to seek help whenever needed.
03Success
Academic Life
Attend classes regularly, use digital platforms, and manage your time between lectures, projects, and independent study.
Health & Wellbeing
Ensure you have valid health insurance and register with local health services. Take time to adjust to your new environment.
Learn the language
You can get by in Finland with English only - especially in the capital region - as the Finnish people are among the best non-native English speakers in the world. However, learning the local language will make your stay more rewarding and improve your career options significantly.
Finland is officially a bilingual country with Finnish (95%) and Swedish (5%). Finnish is part of the Finno-Ugric family of languages, and the structure and vocabulary are very different from the Indo-European languages. But it doesn't mean that it is difficult - it is merely different!
For enrolled exchange, visiting and international degree students, Kestora College offers free Finnish language courses. They are a fun way to learn the language and network with other students across the fields, and you get to know the culture as well.
"Kielibuusti" is a project that develops solutions to support the Finnish and Swedish language skills of international talents. Check out their website, which provides practical, research-based models and tools for language learners, teachers, higher education institutions, and work communities. The materials are available for all, free of charge.
Kielibuusti: language learning tips and materialsStay Connected
Check your Kestora email and student portal regularly for updates, schedules, and important announcements.
We Are Glad You Are Here
"Arriving in a new place can feel overwhelming, but Kestora College is here to support you from arrival through graduation. With preparation and curiosity, your experience will be both rewarding and memorable."