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 will find important information for new students and some tips for the early stages of your studies.
Checklist for new students
Most important:
- Register for attendance and pay the AYY membership fee. Save your membership fee receipt and keep it with you 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.
- 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.fi, 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, ensure you familiarise yourself with relevant practices well ahead of 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 the transportation options between your home and campus using the HSL route planner.
- Take a look at the Aalto Student Guide, where you will 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 point.
- For public transport, download the HSL application or get a travel card from HSL service point and activate the 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, for example, 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. Like or follow to keep up to date.
- AYY's Telegram channels AYY info and AYY events.
- Design Notebook – the notebook and pocket data bank for all Aalto members. Pick up yours for free at AYY service point!
- Notice boards. Ads for various events appear regularly on notice boards around the campus.
Whom can I ask for help?
- Your own tutor / ISO person / Fuksi Captain – they can usually guide you onwards.
- 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