For new students

A good way to get started is to have a look at the Aalto Student Guide, for example, where you will find plenty of information on university studies, student services and your own degree programme.

In addition, you should take a look at the Member services section on this website to find more detailed information on housing and the student card, for example.

You can find information specific to your own study field on the website of your school, as well as on the sites of associations representing your study field. Links to the association websites can be found here.

Checklist for new students

Your life as a new student goes smoothly as long as a few basic issues are in order. So make sure to check at least the issues listed here.

Before your studies begin

• Register for attendance and pay the AYY membership fee. Save your membership fee receipt and keep it with you until you receive your student card.
• Order a student card from Frank and/or download Frank App or Kide.app.
• Pay the healthcare fee to Kela if you are an attending degree student. 
• Apply for AYY student housing and get a roof over your head. Another recommended housing provider for students in the metropolitan area is Hoas, the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region. You can also look for housing on the private market at Oikotie.fi or Vuokraovi.fi, for example.
• Remember to submit a notification of change of address.
• If you are entitled to benefits from Kela, apply for a study grant and housing allowance on the Kela website. Remember to keep an eye on your income limits if you have any other income.
• Find out the transportation options between your home and campus using the HSL route planner.

If you are an international student, ensure you familiarise yourself with relevant practices well ahead of commencing your studies. You can find relevant information here, for example.

In the beginning of autumn/spring

• Pick up your Design Notebook at AYY service point.
• For public transport, download the HSL application or get a travel card from HSL service point and activate the student status in order to get the student discount.
• Do not hesitate to ask your tutor about anything troubling you.
• Take part in the activities organised by your tutor group, AYY and various associations and get to know new people – studying is much more fun in good company!
• Get involved with association activities! AYY has a huge number of various associations, which you are welcome to join. The associations include, for example, subject associations, recreational and study clubs, the Swedish-language student society Teknologföreningen (TF) and the guilds of technical students. The associations organise various events and bring together like-minded people.

Where can I find information?

• AYY’s weekly newsletter – subscribe here.
• AYY's Instagram and Threads. Like or follow to keep up to date. Also follow AYY Housing on Facebook and Instagram if you want to know more about student housing at AYY.
• AYY's Telegram channels AYY info and AYY events.
• Design Notebook – the notebook and pocket data bank for all Aalto members. Pick up yours for free at AYY service point!
• Notice boards. Ads for various events appear regularly on notice boards around the campus.

Whom can I ask for help?

• Your own tutor / ISO person / Fresher Captain – they can usually guide you onwards.
• Course staff / study advisor / teacher tutor – experts on study-related questions.
• Any student union employee or board member.