Pre-departure Orientation
Pre- Departure Checklists for USA
Pre- Departure Checklists for Australia
Pre- Departure Checklists for Canada
Pre- Departure Checklists for Finland
1. Documentation
Required Documents:
- Passport with a valid residence permit for studies.
- Letter of Admission from the Finnish university.
- Proof of finances (bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.).
- Insurance documents (mandatory for students; must cover healthcare).
- Flight tickets.
- Copies of important documents (both digital and hard copies).
2. Travel Preparation
Packing Tips
- Weather-appropriate clothing, especially for Finland’s harsh winters.
- Necessary medications with prescriptions.
- Adapters for Finnish sockets (Type C/F plugs).
- Lightweight cookware or cultural items like spices.
- A few personal items for comfort (photographs, souvenirs).
Airport and Travel Tips
- Familiarize with immigration procedures at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport or other entry points.
- Customs regulations for carrying food, medicines, or large amounts of cash.
- Travel light but prepare for all seasons.
3. Financial and Banking Matters
- Opening a Finnish bank account upon arrival.
- Understanding card usage (mostly cashless transactions in Finland).
- Bringing some Euros (EUR) for initial expenses.
- Budgeting tips for Finland’s cost of living.
4. Academic and Campus Life
- Understanding the Finnish education system:
- Independent learning and research-focused academics.
- Credit system (ECTS) and grading system.
- Importance of academic integrity (plagiarism is strictly penalized).
- Utilizing campus resources:
- Libraries, student unions, gyms, and cafeterias.
- IT services and digital platforms for learning.
- Participating in orientation programs and meeting student tutors.
5. Accommodation and Transportation
- Types of student housing:
- HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region) or university-provided housing.
- Shared vs. private apartments.
- Tips on signing rental agreements.
- Navigating Finland’s public transportation:
- HSL cards for public transit in Helsinki.
- National train and bus networks (VR and Matkahuolto apps).
- Cycling-friendly infrastructure and renting bikes.
6. Cultural Adaptation
- Overview of Finnish culture:
- Reserved but friendly nature of Finns.
- Importance of punctuality and respecting personal space.
- Sauna culture as a Finnish tradition.
- Tips for overcoming culture shock and making friends.
- Major Finnish holidays and festivals (e.g., Midsummer, Christmas).
7. Health and Safety
- Using the Finnish healthcare system:
- Coverage provided by health insurance and student healthcare services (YTHS).
- Registering for a local health center (terveysasema).
- Mental health resources for students.
- Emergency numbers: 112 for police, fire, or ambulance.
- Winter safety tips (dressing warmly, navigating icy roads).
8. Legal and Immigration Awareness
- Maintaining your residence permit:
- Enrolling in full-time studies.
- Reporting changes in address or circumstances.
- Rules for working in Finland (25 hours per week during term, unlimited during holidays).
- Understanding laws about alcohol, smoking, and public conduct.
9. Employment Guidance
- Finding part-time work:
- Jobs in retail, restaurants, or cleaning services.
- University career services and job boards.
- Writing a CV/resume in the European format.
- Learning basic Finnish or Swedish for better job opportunities.
- Information on taxes and registering at the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero).
10. Communication and Networking
- Setting up a Finnish phone number and choosing mobile data plans.
- Staying connected with family via online platforms.
- Joining Nepali student associations and international groups.
- Networking with peers through student unions and local events.
11. Post-Arrival Checklist
- Registering with the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) for a Finnish ID number.
- Registering at the nearest Local Register Office (Maistraatti).
- Familiarizing yourself with grocery stores and essential services.
- Understanding waste disposal and recycling in Finland.
12. Personal Development
- Building time management skills to balance academics and work.
- Volunteering and participating in student organizations.
- Exploring Finland’s natural beauty and outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, skiing).
13. Emergency Preparedness
- Preparing for extreme weather conditions.
- Saving emergency contacts, including the Nepali Embassy in Finland.
- Basic survival tips for snowstorms or power outages.
Additional Tips
- Learn basic Finnish phrases; while most people speak English, it’s helpful for daily life.
- Familiarize with Finnish etiquette (e.g., no loud public behavior).
- Take advantage of student discounts on transportation, events, and groceries.
