We instruct our exchange students in their acceptance letters on how to accept a study place. 

Every exchange student is responsible for applying for and finding their own accommodation. You should start applying for housing as soon as you get your acceptance letter.

Note that housing companies usually will make you only one housing offer so it is highly recommended to accept that offer, if you wish to have an apartment by the time your studies begin.

Make sure you are applying housing in the correct study city. (Campus information is mentioned in the your application and letter of acceptance)

On the Arrival to Finland and practical matters- incoming exchange students | eLAB page, you can find different housing companies that operate in Lahti and Lappeenranta.

LAB has made a Check List for new students. That Check List reminds you of the most important things to do. Here you can find that Check List.

After your acceptance your departmental coordinator can sign your learning agreement. Also if there are any changes needed to do in your Learning agreement, then contact your departmental coordinator/tutor teacher. You can find this information in your LAB Mobility-Online application and also in your acceptance letter. 

Welcome to the land of a thousand lakes, where pristine nature meets cutting-edge innovation – welcome to Finland. Whether you're enchanted by the allure of the northern lights, intrigued by the rhythm of the midnight sun, or captivated by the warmth of Finnish hospitality, living in Finland offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as we delve into the essence of life in Finland, where tradition meets modernity, and every moment is filled with wonder. Welcome to your Finnish adventure. 

Tervetuloa Suomeen! (Welcome to Finland in Finnish) 

I recommend you take a look at our Living in Finland website. Here we have collected most impostant information about Finland.

Citizens of the Nordic countries need not to apply for a residence permit. 

Kindly note that all exchange students have to register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Please find the instructions and timetable for the registration from Student's cheklist item number 14. 

If you are staying more than 90 days uninterrupted in Finland, you also need to register EU citizen's right of residence. Read more here. 

Citizens of other EEA countries need to register their right of residence in Finland if they plan to stay in Finland for more than 3 months non-stop. They can do the registration at the Finnish Immigration Service within 90 days of their arrival to Finland. Please see information on http://www.migri.fi/eu_registration

Kindly note that all exchange students have to register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Please find the instructions and timetable for the registration from Student's cheklist item number 14. 

Persons from outside the Nordic and the EEA countries who intend to stay in Finland for more than 3 months need a residence permit which should be acquired before arrival in Finland at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate. Please see the Finnish Immigration Flowchart: Residence Permit for Studies at www.migri.fi.

Finnish Immigration Service Information for Students​​ - how to apply for the residence permit

Every foreign student needs a Personal Identity Number. It is formed by your birthday and four digits, example 010192-000A. You will receive it from Digital and Population Data Service Agency.

Please find the instructions and timetable for the registration from Student's checklist item number 14. 

Students from the EU/EEA countries are entitled to public health care services in Finland, if they are covered by health insurance in their own country.  More information about Finland's public and private healthcare.

Make sure that you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is needed for public health care services in Finland. The card ensures that you will get the same access to public sector health care as the local residents (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre), covering mainly emergency treatment in the event of an illness or injury, and other medically necessary treatment. Any costs you incur outside the system you will have to pay on your own. 

Citizens of the EU/EEA countries must also have a private insurance in addition to the European Health Insurance Card. The European Health Insurance Card is not valid during your travels to and from Finland and during any excursions to a third country outside of the EU.

Get more information about European Health insurance card EHIC and European Commission.  

Students from outside the EU/EEA must have private insurance to cover the duration of the visa / residence permit and the Schengen area before they enter Finland. More information about Finland's public and private healthcare.

Remember to bring the valid insurance policy with you. 

The insurance must cover the treatment and health care provided by public health care services, cases of illness or accident, and include travel costs to home country as well as liability insurance.
 
Taking insurance from an international insurance company is recommended. For travel outside Finland, please make sure the insurance is valid in these countries as well.

More information about insurance from Finnish Immigration Services and information about insurances for students coming to Finland.