General information about Finland
The new environment and culture can be surprising, so we've prepared Finland 101 for you to get acquainted.
Finland is a republic and a member of the European Union (EU). The capital of Finland is Helsinki.
- In Finland, we have 5.5 million inhabitants (2024), of which 1.2 million live in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
- Finland has two national languages, Finnish and Swedish. About 5% of Finns speak Swedish as their native language. Many Finns also speak fluent English, so don't hesitate to ask us for help!
- Our currency is euro.
- Finland has high-quality tap water that is safe to drink throughout the country. It's common for both residents and visitors to drink tap water without any concerns.
- We have four seasons, and in winter, it's cold and snowy, so remember to pack long johns if you are visiting during winter!
If you want to learn more about Finland, check out the website InfoFinland.fi.
Introduction dates
Students can arrive to Finland during the weekend, before the introduction day. They will need to have their own program for the weekend.
Autumn introduction dates 2025
August
- School starts - week 33
- Introduction day - week 35, Monday 25.8.
September
- Introduction day for teachers - week 37 Monday 8.9.
- Introduction day for students - week 38 Monday 15.9.
October
- Introduction day - week 41, Monday 6.10.
- Autumn holiday - week 42
November
- Introduction day - week 45, Monday 3.11.
December
- Christmas holiday - week 52, starting Monday 22.12.
Spring introduction dates 2026
January
- Christmas holiday - week 1 and 2, ending Tuesday 6.1.
- Introduction day - week 4, Monday 19.1.
February
- Introduction day - week 7, Monday 9.2.
- Winter holiday - week 8
March
- Introduction day - week 11, Monday 9.3.
April
- Introduction day - week 14, Monday 30.3.
- Easter holiday - week 14, Friday 3.4.
- Easter holiday - week 15, Monday 6.4.
May
- Introduction day - week 18, Monday 27.4.
- Labour day holiday - week 18, Friday 1.5.
- School ends - week 22
June
- Summer holidays - week 25 >
Introduction day schedule
The introduction day is on Monday, the schedule for this day is:
- Meeting at Leppävaara Station or Helsinki Railway Station.
- Buying the Public Transportation Season Card (HSL Card) with Student Discount.
- Going to the campus and having a walking tour, presentation and lunch in Omnia.
Arrival in Finland and travel tips
Arriving at Helsinki Airport serves as the starting shot for a new phase in life. Let's see how we can get you to your new home most easily and how getting around using public transportation works!
How to get to Helsinki city center from the airport
There are several different transportation options to choose from to get from Helsinki Airport to the Helsinki city center. Explore with the available travel options (finavia.fi).
Traveling by public transportation
Traveling in the Helsinki metropolitan area (Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa) is easy with public transportation. The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (in Finnish Helsingin Seudun Liikenne, HSL) manages public transportation in the metropolitan area. You can travel with the HSL public transportation ticket on the metro, train, bus, commuter train, tram, and even on the ferry to Suomenlinna.
You can plan your journey on the Helsinki Region Transport’s official website (hsl.fi) or on the HSL mobile application (available for Android (play.google.com) and iOS (apps.apple.com)).
Please note that you cannot buy a ticket on board public transportation. You must have a ticket purchased before boarding the vehicle. Tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines, HSL service points, or on the HSL mobile app.
To ensure that the bus stops at the station and to make your journey with public transportation as smooth as possible, remember to check HSL's travel tips (hsl.fi).
To travel by train elsewhere in Finland, you can purchase a ticket from VR (vr.fi), which is responsible for domestic train services in Finland.
If you want to travel by bus outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, you can buy bus tickets from companies such as Onnibus or Matkahuolto.
Student Discount
As a student, you are entitled to a lower-priced HSL travel ticket depending on your age:
- if you are aged 18 years or over, you are entitled to a student discount (40% on season tickets).
- if you are under 18 years of age, you can buy child tickets (discount 50%).
To receive the legal age (18 years or over) student discount on a season ticket, you need to fill out the "Exchange Student discount ticket application" and return it to an HSL service point. You can find the application form and other requirements for student discount page (hsl.fi).
Accommodation
The first thing to have in place before arriving in Finland is your new home. Below, check out the home options that suit you best and either apply for an apartment for yourself or share it with a friend!
Options for accommondation
Healthcare and emergencies
We hope that during your stay in Finland, you stay healthy and well, but sometimes life gets in the way. If misfortune strikes you in the form of illness or accident, it's good to know whom to contact.
Emergencies
The emergency number (hätänumero) in Finland is 112. Call the emergency number only in genuine emergency situations, when someone’s life, health, property, or the environment is in danger.
You can install the free-of-charge 112 Suomi mobile application (112.fi) on your phone, so, if necessary, the Emergency Response Centre operator will see your location automatically when you make the call through the app.
Healthcare
Those who stay in Finland temporarily and who do not have a place of domicile here will receive medically necessary treatment in the public healthcare system if the person has a European Health Insurance Card.
- If you come from another Nordic country, you can also present an official identity card or passport.
- If you come from Great Britain or from Northern Ireland, you can present your European Health Insurance card, “Citizens Rights” –card or GHIC-card.
- If you come to Finland temporarily from some other country than an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, Great Britain, or Northern Ireland, you are only entitled to emergency treatment. You can be charged for the costs for the treatment afterwards. You are not entitled to reimbursement for the costs for private healthcare services. You will also not receive reimbursement for the costs for medicine purchases and travel costs in connection with medical treatment.
Information about public health services
Police
The police (poliisi.fi) in Finland are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. Police also issue foreigner's identity cards.
If you need police assistance quickly, call the emergency number 112. Only call the emergency number in case of emergencies where life, health, property or the environment is in danger.
Public holidays in Finland
Omnia's academic year is divided into spring and autumn semesters, which include non-teaching days and holidays, during which there may not be any classes.
Check the structure of the academic year in vocational education and training.
In general, public holidays affect the availability and opening hours of some private and public services, so remember to mark them up!
Getting to the campus
Depending on your study program, your campus is located either on Espoo Keskus, Leppävaara or at Kirkkonummi. Traveling to all campuses is easy with public transportation or by car. If you come with car, note that parking passes are required in the Omnia parking areas Mon–Fri at 7–16. Visitor parking passes can be requested from campus caretakers.
You can check the public transportation schedule on the HSL website (hsl.fi)or the HSL mobile app. More detailed information about the campuses can be found on the campus introduction pages.
Want to hear more? Contact us!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding studying abroad at Omnia. Please feel free to ask!