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Before Arriving
Before Arriving
1. Apply for Required Documents
If you require documentation and permit to study in Finland, make sure to apply for the relevant ones well in advance. Processing times can vary, so it’s best to start as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. For EU citizens, only registration at DVV (digi- ja väestötietovirasto; digital and population data services agency) once arrived in Finland is required.
2. Arrange Accommodation
Finding a comfortable place to stay is crucial. Visit the page of TYS (Turku Student Village Foundation) for more information. Make sure to fill in the form 3 months before your scheduled arrival to ensure smooth moving in.
Further housing options may be available on the private market, yet beware of scammers.
A general thumb-rule is to never pay anything before arriving!
3. Pack for Finland’s Climate
Finland’s weather can be quite different from what you’re used to. Winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing, so bring warm clothing. Even in other seasons, layering is key to staying comfortable in Finland’s unpredictable weather.
Getting to Turku
Getting to Turku
Arriving at Turku Airport
Turku is directly connected to Stockholm and Riga by plane. Riga is connected to many major European cities. Check flights on AirBaltic and Finnair.
Turku Airport is a small and easy-to-navigate airport, with direct flights from Riga, Stockholm, etc.
To reach the city center, you can take a city bus, or grab a taxi. The airport is about 20 minutes away from the city center.
Arriving at Turku Harbour
Turku is directly connected to Stockholm, Sweden and to Mariehamn, Åland by ferries. Check the ferries on Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line.
The Port of Turku is centrally located and well connected. Ferries arrive daily from Stockholm and Mariehamn.
From the harbour, you can easily reach the nearby city center by city bus, taxi, or even a short bike ride.
Arriving by train
If you're coming through Helsinki, the most convenient way to reach Turku is by train. Check national train services on VR.
Turku has two train stations: the Turku Central Station and Kupittaa Station.
If you're heading to the Student Village or to the university area, Kupittaa is the more convenient stop. From either station, you can reach the city center quickly by bus, taxi, cycling or walking.
Arriving by bus
A convenient and affordable way to commute throughout Finland is by bus. Check the buses on Onnibus.
Turku’s main bus station is located close to the city center and serves long-distance and regional buses.
It’s easy to reach nearby neighborhoods, including the Student Village, by city bus, taxi, or a short walk. The station is well connected and easy to navigate.
Essential First Steps
Essential First Steps
Starting package
Starting package
The student unions of the universities in Turku (TYY, ÅAS), the student union of the Novia University of Applied Sciences (Novium), and the Turku University of Applied Science (TUAS) run a starting package storage where exchange students can borrow a package with household items which they then return before they leave Turku.
The Starting Package is both affordable and sustainable option for your stay in Turku.
ESNcard
ESNcard
The ESNcard is the membership of the Erasmus Student Network. It provides access to local and international benefits offered by ESN sections and their partners.
How to get your ESNcard?
Come to our office during opening hours (which you can find on our instagram and telegram) to get your own ESNcard.
SIM card
SIM card
Come to our office to get a free prepaid DNA SIM card.
Having a Finnish phone number can be very useful in many situations. It is often required to activate your account on many Finnish applications and websites. In addition, doctors and hospitals are often unable to contact non-Finnish phone numbers. Having a Finnish SIM card can be very useful!
More information in the Turku Surival Guide
More information in the Turku Surival Guide
Survival Guide 2025.pdfTurku Survival Guide
Turku Survival Guide
The Turku survival guide was made by our ESN volunteers to provide thorough useful information on many topics.
Make sure to have a look at it before and during your stay in Turku, and don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
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