LAPPEENRANTA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Survival Guide FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND TRAINEES IN LAPPEENRANTA www.lut.fi Spring 2021 1 2 Survival Guide for International Students and Trainees in Lappeenranta 1. Lappeenranta University of Technology ...................................................................... 4 2. Important Practical Matters ........................................................................................... 4 2.1. Residence / Work Permits ..................................................................................... 4 2.2. Health / Travel Insurance ...................................................................................... 7 2.3. Civil Registration ................................................................................................... 7 2.4. Taxation ................................................................................................................. 8 3. Arriving in Finland ......................................................................................................... 8 3.1. What to Bring Along .............................................................................................. 8 3.2. How to Get to Lappeenranta ................................................................................. 9 3.3. On Arrival / Tutors ............................................................................................... 10 3.4. Orientation Program ............................................................................................ 10 3.5. Check-List for International Students at LUT ..................................................... 10 4. Life in Finland .............................................................................................................. 11 4.1. The Country ......................................................................................................... 11 4.2. The Finns ............................................................................................................. 11 4.3. Equality ................................................................................................................ 12 4.4. Way of Life ........................................................................................................... 12 4.5. Visiting Friends ................................................................................................... 14 4.6. Nature and Seasons ............................................................................................ 14 4.7. Finnish Currency, Standards or Measurements and Time Systems ................. 15 4.8. Education ............................................................................................................. 15 4.9. Driving License .................................................................................................... 15 4.10. National Holidays .............................................................................................. 16 4.11. Sauna ................................................................................................................. 17 4.12. Alcohol and Smoking ........................................................................................ 17 4.13. Drugs ................................................................................................................. 18 5. Life in Lappeenranta ................................................................................................... 18 5.1. University ............................................................................................................. 18 5.2. Accommodation .................................................................................................. 18 5.3 The Cost of Living and Shopping ........................................................................ 19 5.4. Health Care .......................................................................................................... 20 5.5. Local Transportation ........................................................................................... 22 5.6. Banking ................................................................................................................ 22 5.7. Postal Services .................................................................................................... 23 5.8. Laundry ................................................................................................................ 23 5.9. Cinemas ............................................................................................................... 23 5.10. Public Libraries ................................................................................................. 23 6. Student Life ................................................................................................................. 24 6.1. Student Union ...................................................................................................... 24 6.2. Student Card ........................................................................................................ 24 6.3. University Clubs and Associations .................................................................... 25 6.4. Traditional Events ............................................................................................... 26 6.5. Sports .................................................................................................................. 27 7. Finnish Language ........................................................................................................ 30 7.1. Pronunciation ...................................................................................................... 30 7.2. Basic Expressions............................................................................................... 31 8. Useful Addresses and Phone Numbers ..................................................................... 31 OTHERS ........................................................................................................................... 31 3 Foreword Tervetuloa Lappeenrantaan! Welcome to Lappeenranta! The Student Services and the Student Union of Lappeenranta University of Technology welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay in Finland. The purpose of the Survival Guide is to provide you with information about Lappeenranta and Finland, as well as the Finnish way of life. We hope that this guide helps you to take your first steps in our country and town and, of course, at our University of Technology. You can find information about Lappeenranta at: www.lappeenranta.fi 1. Lappeenranta University of Technology LUT University was established in The university campus is located on 1969 as a national university of the shores of Lake Saimaa, which is technology. LUT, as well as the 13 the largest lake in Finland. The other universities in Finland, are all university is located some seven state-run and financed by the kilometres from the centre of the city Ministry of Education and Culture. of Lappeenranta and is surrounded by the picturesque Finnish nature. LUT University is specialised in technology and economics. About LUT University operates in modern 5,500 students study in the various premises. All teaching and research degree programmes offered by the buildings are located in a joint university, and about 1000 new campus area in which new facilities students are admitted each year. are constantly being built for the There are about 400 postgraduate university students and researchers. students and 900 members of staff. 2. Important Practical Matters The most outstanding feature of the university is the way in which it has successfully integrated expertise in 2.1. Residence / Work Permits technology and economics. LUT’s location on the border between the All foreign students who wish to EU and Russia has also had a major study in Finland for more than three impact on the university’s activities months are required to have a and orientation. residence permit (non-EU citizens) or register their residence (EU citizens). 4 5 Citizens of EU/EEA countries and must be able to prove that they have Switzerland must register their right at their disposal at least 560 EUR for to reside in Finland at the local a month or 6720 EUR for a year. Finnish immigration services. They also have to attach details of Citizens of the Nordic countries their comprehensive health (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and insurance which covers the types of Iceland) are registered by the Local treatment and costs that are covered Registry Offices. Nordic citizens must by municipal health care services register their stay if residing in and the public health insurance Finland for more than six months. system. To obtain a written certificate of Students are permitted to do a registration a student needs to fill out limited amount of paid work under a a form at the local Finnish residence permit issued for studies if Immigration services office and the work is practical training included include an attendance certificate in the studies or final project work. from LUT or a confirmation of the Part-time employment is possible if employment relationship or a the working time comes to an certificate of employment from the average of 25 hours per week at employer, a proof of having most. There are no limitations on adequate health insurance cover and working hours in full-time an account of livelihood. A student employment during holidays, needs to prove that he/she has at specifically the summer