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Things to consider before arriving

Insurance


Health Insurance Required from Third-Country Nationals as of 1 September 2007

As of the 1st of September 2007 third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) who will come to Finland to study or for a student exchange are required to have a health insurance if their studies or exchange period will last over three months.

This change in the § 46 of the Aliens Act will come into force on the 1st of September 2007.
The change is based on the so-called student directive of the EU (2004/114/EC).

In Finland the requirements of the directive are applied to students referred to in the Aliens Act. The requirement of a valid health insurance is added to the requisitions of a residence permit for studies in Finland.

The third-country nationals coming to Finland for studies are required to have an insurance that will cover the costs of health care. For those whose studies will last at least two years an insurance covering medicine costs is enough. The insurance has to be valid upon arrival to Finland and should be issued by a reliable and solvent company or institution.

Clothing


The weather in January varies sometimes. It should be snowy and cold, but your never know: sometimes it is +5 and raining. But anyway, be prepared for the "real" winter. Sometimes the temperature goes down to –30 C or even lower, but don´t worry – these cold periods do not usually last very long. The ordinary winter temperature is around –10 C.
You will need warm clothes, gloves, something on your head, warm shoes and an umbrella.

Special customs rules


Please check the customs rules and regulations. There are some limitations concerning alcohol and cigarettes.

Passport and Visa


Exchange students from EU countries:
You need to carry a valid passport or an official ID card with you. After 3 months of stay the EU students should be registered at the local police.

Exchange students from non-EU countries:
Whenever you travel to one of the EU Member States (including Finland), you must carry a passport and a valid student residence permit with you.

Before arrival


Important: Your should inform the international office of Saimaa University of Applied Sciences about the exact time of your arrival at least one week before the day of your arrival! This is very important to do this early enough, because our semester is just starting and your tutors are not perhaps in Lappeenranta or Imatra during holidays and we have to organize someone to meet you! You can send the information by e-mail as soon as you will have the tickets.

If you will go by car, It is very important that your car has winter tyres during the winter season (written in law). In Finland you have to drive your car with enabled lights. It can become very cold, so that your car don't start in the morning. So please take care that you carry with you a cable that helps you to start your engine. Some anti-freeze accessory and new windscreen wipers can be very usefull. When you want to stay longer than 6 months with your car in Finland you have to pay the Finnish car taxes.
 
 
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences Pohjolankatu 23, 53100 Lappeenranta, Finland Telephone: +358 2049 66411 Telefax: +358 2049 66505 info@saimia.fi