Starting your studies in Finland as an international student – this is how we help you settle in

Moving abroad and starting new studies may feel challenging at times, but luckily, plenty of support is available to help you settle into student life at LAB. All new students take part in orientation activities that are designed to help you get familiar with your studies, LAB’s campuses and life in Finland. Orientation equips you with the information and connections you need to start your student journey with confidence.

Pre-orientation activities

Once you have received your letter of acceptance from LAB (congratulations!), follow the instructions you received for accepting your study place, enrolling and completing any other practical steps you need to take prior to arrival in Finland. Moreover, make sure to familiarise yourself with the starting studies page on eLAB and read the new student checklist. It brings together all the important information and tasks you need to complete.

Before the start of the semester, LAB organizes an online pre-orientation session, where you receive further information about the beginning of your studies and have the opportunity to ask questions from the study services staff. There is also a Discord group for new students, where you can chat with tutors and ask questions.

Orientation week

Orientation week is the real kick-off for your journey at LAB. The programme of the week has been tailored separately for bachelor’s and master’s students. Bachelor’s students attend the orientation week on campus in either Lahti or Lappeenranta, while master’s students join their orientation online. During the orientation week, peer and teacher tutors introduce you to your degree programme, the campus, Finnish culture, and student services and associations. You will also get to know your fellow new students and make your first connections with new friends.

Peer and teacher tutors

Peer tutors are typically second- or third-year students who play an important role in the orientation. They help you get familiar with LAB, the campuses and student life, and guide you in matters related to everyday life in Finland. They also organise activities that help new students get to know one another.

Each student also has an assigned teacher tutor. They take part in the orientation of new students and later support you in evaluating your personal competencies, developing your strengths and creating your personal study plan.

Student Union KOE and student associations

LAB is home to an active student community that will help you get familiar with student life. Student Union KOE is the official student union of the LAB University of Applied Sciences. It represents students’ interests in decision-making and organises various events and leisure activities throughout the year. In addition, LAB has several student associations that bring together students from the same field of study.

Student Union KOE and the student associations organise a variety of activities for new students to make sure that you have plenty of opportunities to get to know people outside the classroom from the very beginning of your studies. Getting involved can help you settle into the community more quickly and expand your network in Finland.

Fuksiaiset – The first-year student celebration

One well-known tradition for new students is ‘Fuksiaiset’, a first-year student event hosted every autumn by Student Union KOE. It is a checkpoint race in which new students complete tasks at various locations to earn points, making it a fun way to get to know both the campus and the city. The theme of the race changes every year, and typically, the team that collects the most points and has the best costume is rewarded.