Advocacy and guidance
Have you experienced harassment or mistreatment during your studies? Do you need help with coping with your studies? On this page, you will find help.
For new students
As a student of Aalto University, AYY is your student union. One of our most important tasks is advising and guiding new students. On this page, you'll find important information for new students and tips to help you get started with your studies.
Checklist for new students
Most important:
- Enrol as an attending student and pay the AYY membership fee. Save your membership fee receipt and keep it until you receive your student card.
- Order a student card from Frank and/or download Frank App or Kide.app. More information about the student card can be found on AYY's website.
- Pay the healthcare fee to Kela if you are an attending degree student. For healthcare chat and symptom assessment services download YTHSDigi app.
- Apply for AYY student housing and get a roof over your head. Another recommended housing provider for students in the metropolitan area is Hoas, the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region. You can also look for housing on the private market at Oikotie.fi or Vuokraovi.com, for example.
- If you are entitled to benefits from Kela, apply for a study grant and housing supplement on the Kela website. Remember to keep an eye on your income limits if you have any other income.
- If you are an international student, make sure you familiarise yourself with the relevant practices well before commencing your studies. You can find relevant information on Aalto's website, for example.
Before your studies begin
- Remember to submit a notification of change of address.
- Find out about the transport options between your home and campus using the HSL route planner.
- Take a look at the Aalto Student Guide, where you'll find plenty of information on university studies, student services, and your own degree programme.
- Find the subject association of your field of study on AYY's list of associations
In the beginning of autumn/spring
- Pick up your Design Notebook at AYY service office.
- For public transport, download the HSL application or get a travel card from HSL service point and activate your student status in order to get the student discount.
- Do not hesitate to ask your tutor about anything troubling you.
- Take part in the activities organised by your tutor group, AYY, and various associations and get to know new people – studying is much more fun in good company!
- Get involved with association activities! AYY has a huge number of various associations, which you are welcome to join. The associations include subject associations, recreational and study clubs, the Swedish-language student society Teknologföreningen (TF), and the guilds of technical students. The associations organise various events and bring together like-minded people.
Where can I find information?
- AYY’s weekly newsletter – subscribe here.
- AYY's Instagram and AYY Housing Instagram. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current affairs and relevant topics.
- AYY's Telegram channels AYY info and AYY events.
- Design Notebook – the notebook and data bank for all Aalto members. Pick up yours for free at AYY service office!
- Notice boards. Ads for various events can be found on notice boards around the campus.
Who should I contact if I need help?
- Your own tutor / ISO person / Fuksi Captain – they can usually guide you further.
- Course staff / study advisor – experts on study-related questions.
- Any student union employee or board member.
Frequently asked questions about member services
Here you will find answers to most of the questions students have about housing applications, student cards and membership fees.
Contact information