Student housing is offered by various student housing foundations. Housing is also offered by national and local rental housing companies as well as private renters.  

Student housing: 

• HOAS – Helsinki Region Student Housing Foundation. Please note that while Humak is not a co-operating school with HOAS and our exchange students cannot apply for furnished apartments, you can still apply for an unfurnished one via HOAS. Please note that HOAS housing is in high demand. 

• Sato student housing 

Other rental apartment companies: 

• Lumo (remember to check the contract period before applying) 
• Noli Studios (short-term housing)
• Furnished apartments, hostels and aparthotels – Forenom accommodation (short-term housing)
• Local Facebook group for rental apartments: Short-term rental Helsinki and Vuokra-asunnot Helsinki 

Being updated.

non-EU/EAA citizens

If your studies in Finland take longer than 90 days, you need a residence permit for studies. The permit is granted for the entire duration of your studies. Familiarize yourself with the instructions of Finnish Immigration Services (Migri):

• Residence permit application for studies
• Instructions for exchange students
• Studying in Finland

EU/EAA citizens

• EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit for Finland.

EU/EEA Citizens

As an EU/EEA citizen, you’re entitled to the same public healthcare services as Finnish residents. To access care, you must present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card confirms that you are covered by your home country’s healthcare system.

Note! The EHIC does not cover all healthcare costs, such as some treatments or prescription medications. We strongly recommend that you also have travel insurance to cover additional expenses

🔗 More information on the EHIC – European Commission

Non-EU/EEA Citizens

If you are a non-EU student, health insurance is mandatory while studying in Finland.

You must have valid insurance that covers medical expenses for the duration of your stay. This insurance can be arranged either before or shortly after arrival in Finland.

🔗 More information on insurance – Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)

How to access healthcare in Finland

Public Health Center

In Finland, healthcare services are primarily provided through local health centers (terveysasema). The health center you should use is determined by your postal code.

To book an appointment:

1. Find the contact details of the correct health center based on your address.
2. Call or use online booking systems where available.

🔗 More information on Health Services – The city of Helsinki

Private Clinics

Private healthcare providers are also available for students. These clinics tend to be more expensive but might offer faster service. Travel insurance may help cover private clinic costs, depending on your policy.

Emergency Healthcare Needs

If you have an urgent medical need, especially outside normal working hours e.g. weekends or holidays, you can visit an emergency clinic (päivystys) either in a public center or a private clinic.

Costs

The city may ask clients to pay a small fee for some public health services. Check the approximate costs of healthcare services (both public and private) in Helsinki on the City of Helsinki website. 

Additional links

• Healthcare system in Finland – Contact Point for Cross-Border Healthcare
• Do you know your healthcare rights in the EU? – European Commission
• Health Services in Helsinki – InfoFinland
• City of Helsinki: Health Services

Finnish bank account

Online banking is the most convenient and cost-effective way to manage your finances and pay bills in Finland. Opening a Finnish bank account is recommended if you plan to stay in Finland for more than a few months. A local bank account allows you to:

• Receive a debit card for ATM withdrawals and everyday purchases
• Pay bills easily using online banking services
• Avoid international transaction fees

Note! To open a bank account, you need the Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus). 

Finland has several banks to choose from, for example, Osuuspankki, Nordea, S-pankki, Danske Bank, and Aktia. Service fees and features may vary by bank, so it’s worth comparing options.

Digital-Only Banking Options

You can also consider digital banking options like Revolut or Wise, which allow you to open an account without a Finnish personal identity code. These services are useful for international transfers and everyday spending, but they do not provide Finnish online banking credentials, which are often required for services like KELA, Suomi.fi, or paying rent through local systems.

Other payment methods in Finland

• The cheques are not used in Finland.
• Finland is increasingly cashless. Most purchases are made by card or mobile payments, even for small amounts. Make sure you have a functioning card or banking app set up.
• Mobilepay is the most used, free mobile payment application.

Being updated.

The Student Union of Humak University of Applied Sciences HUMAKO makes sure that your studies run smoothly. Any student studying at Humak can become a member of HUMAKO. As a member, you can become part of the student community and take advantage of communal and national student benefits.

The student union HUMAKO supports you during your Erasmus+ studies and increases the community spirit between students. Tutors provide peer support and tips for studying or student life. You can meet other Humak students through HUMAKO’s online activities.

You can read more about the student union membership and activities on HUMAKO’s website.

Being updated