Find out more about the University organisation and matters related to your studies. Do you have questions? Write them down so that you remember to ask them during your orientation week!
Recognition of prior learning
Have you completed any previous studies that could be recognised for your new degree? The recognition of prior learning will be considered on a degree programme-specific basis during the autumn term. More details will be provided during your orientation week. However, you can already read about the recognition process here.
If you have questions about the recognition of prior learning, you should wait until the beginning of the academic year. Teachers, student advisers and education coordinators cannot make recognition decisions concerning individual new students in the summer.
Library
The Helsinki University Library operates in the Main Library in Kaisa House on the City Centre Campus as well as campus libraries in Kumpula, Viikki and Meilahti. The Library also has a learning centre on the City Centre Campus: Aleksandria. The Library facilities feature group work areas, computers and reading spaces – in short, everything a student needs!
You can start reading e-books immediately when your university username is activated. Activate your customer information in the Helka database by signing in with your Helsinki University user credentials. You need a Helka card only to borrow printed books. Students at the University of Helsinki can acquire a digital Helka library card via the Studies Service.
Find out more about the Helsinki University Library.
Student exchange
Although you are just beginning your studies, you may also be considering exchange studies at a university outside Finland or minor subject studies at another Finnish university. International Exchange Services can help you with your plans!
The specialists at International Exchange Services coordinate both student and staff mobility. You can contact International Exchange Services during office hours, by phone or by email for information about:
The bilingual university
The two main official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. The University of Helsinki is the only bilingual multidisciplinary university in Finland. Together the University students and staff members create a multilingual community where Swedish plays its own unique part. The University also contributes to the debate concerning the Swedish society in Finland. Over a hundred Swedish-speaking researchers and teachers work at the University of Helsinki to offer you courses and student services in Swedish. There are around 2,000 Swedish-speaking students within the university!
The various kinds of student services are provided in Finnish, Swedish an English. IT Helpdesk, Student Services such as student counselling, International Exchange Services and Admissions Services are available in these three languages.
The Bilingual Affairs (Svenska ärenden) at the University Services co-ordinates and develops bilingualism at the University. In our newsletter we communicate about Swedish speaking courses and events. If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter (in Swedish), please contact us at svenska-arenden@helsinki.fi
For more information on the bilingual university, please click here.
Support for studies
Several units and individuals at the University of Helsinki can help you during your studies. For information on events and low-threshold activities, see the well-being events page.
- On the Instructions for students website, see the Study support section for information about the individual arrangements and student counselling available to students.
- Career Services can support you with career planning, job seeking and traineeships – read the instructions available on the Instructions for students website: Jobs and career and Traineeships.
- Sometimes you may need someone to talk to. The University of Helsinki’s university chaplains can help you in situations related to studies and personal life regardless of your religion or beliefs!