New students

Starting your studies and a new chapter in your life is, of course, the best thing ever – but not necessarily easy. That’s why we have made a to-do list in order to help you out. Check out what you should do before your studies begin.

Don’t worry! We’ve gathered all the information you need about the student union for international students. Joining HYY is voluntary for exchange students, but we encourage you to join us! As a member, you get access to student benefits all over Finland, and we can better safeguard your rights as a student in Finland.

After you have registered for attendance at the University and paid HYY’s membership fee, you can order yourself a student card through the Frank service. Frank’s website also has hundreds of student discounts that you can use by registering to the online service. Further information on picking up the card and on different card types is available here.

If academic freedom leaves you puzzled, you can find help from our survival guide for students. The guide provides answers to questions you may have on subsistence, housing, public transport, health and wellbeing.

Would you like to meet students from all campuses, learn about organisations over disciplinary boundaries and enjoy communality on University campuses, city streets, parks and night clubs? Come to our events!

Our committees focus on brainstorming and developing activities for our Student Union’s different sectors. This translates to organising events, supporting organisations, conducting advocacy work related to educational policy and developing our University community, for instance.

There are more than 250 organisations operating within HYY. You’ll find subject and faculty organisations, departments and hobby organisations suitable for all!

The joint organization UniSport of University of Helsinki, the University of the Arts, Hanken and Aalto University offers students affordable sports and wellness services for a wide range of needs – whether you want to channel your energy in the gym, challenge your friends to badminton or calm your mind with restorative hatha yoga.

UniSport’s sports centers are located in Kluuvi, Töölö, Meilahti, Kumpula, and Otaniemi. The popular seasonal card provides access to all UniSport gyms, group exercise classes, and ball game groups. Other services include massage, various courses and personal training.

UniSport is a place with a positive vibe, where everyone can come as they are. The most important thing is the freedom to move in your own way; casually, purposefully or something in between. Read more about UniSport’s services here.

HYY’s Member Newsletter arrives in your email inbox every two weeks during the semesters! Also follow HYY’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X.