If the longest time you have ever spent away from home was a two-week holiday, the idea of packing up your life into a few suitcases and moving abroad to study may feel overwhelming. That is especially true when the place you are moving to is completely different from home. So what can you do to make sure you are ready?

From packing the right clothes to making sure you have the correct visa, arranging accommodation, and learning the local language (or at least the basics), there is a lot you can do to prepare. We spoke to several international students at the University of Eastern Finland to find out how they made sure they were ready for student life in Finland.

Before you go...

Research your funding options

Before you send off your application, it is essential to understand your funding options. In Finland, non-EU/EEA/Swiss students studying for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees must pay tuition fees, which range from EUR 1,500 (about USD 1,800) to EUR 20,000 (about USD 24,500) per year, depending on the degree.

At the University of Eastern Finland, tuition fees vary by programme, with an average fee of EUR 10,000 in 2020. When considering your funding options, be sure to check whether the university offers tuition waivers or scholarships. This year, typical tuition waivers at the University of Eastern Finland covered 50-70% of tuition fees.

Once you have done that, work out your budget and consider opening a local bank account

Living in Finland is not cheap, but that does not mean you will only be able to live on the bare minimum once you arrive. Figuring out your budget before you go will definitely make life a little easier when you get there.

Having a local bank account is also a good way to avoid overseas transaction fees, which you may otherwise pay when using a regular bank card.

Consider finding a part-time job, if you want to work!

Part-time work is a good way to earn a bit of extra money while studying. It is also a great way to build skills your degree may not teach you. And depending on the job, you may even get employee discounts. Bonus!

The University of Eastern Finland is developing its own internal traineeship programme, which will offer top international students studying for a master's degree at the university fixed work opportunities on and around campus.

"We are currently preparing the traineeship programme and hope the first trainees will start in 2021," says Kristiina Väänänen, Director of International Relations and Development at the University of Eastern Finland.

Better yet, students selected for the traineeship positions will gain valuable experience in the field they are studying.

Sort out your visa and residence permit

This may be one of the least exciting parts of preparing for your study abroad experience, but it is also one of the most important.

You will want to make the process as simple as possible, so we recommend applying for your visa and residence permit as soon as your application has been accepted. This only applies if you are coming to study in Finland from outside the EU/EEA or the Nordic countries.

What should you pack?

This is the big question. Scarves, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, and all the warm clothing you own will not go amiss here. Still, it is easy to overpack, so before you begin, write down what you think you will need. Remember that while in Finland you can buy most things, not everything will be as budget-friendly as you might expect.

Second-hand shops are as common in Finland as cafes, bars, and restaurants, so it is easy to find essentials at student-friendly prices.

Be sure to bring a few home comforts, such as snacks, photos, and your favourite books. While we know you will feel at home before you know it, it is always nice to have a few reminders of home around you.

Consider your accommodation options

The kind of person you are will determine the type of student housing that suits you best.

Jie, a first-year master's student in Wood Materials Science from China, chose to live farther away from campus. "I prefer quiet places, and where I live now is surrounded by forest and close to a lake," he told us.

"The supermarket is also nearby, so it is a pretty good place for me. It is a bit far from campus, but the bus stop is right outside my apartment, which is really convenient."

On the other hand, Esteban, a first-year student on the European Forestry master's programme, chose the cheapest accommodation. He shares an apartment with three other international students from Russia and Spain, as well as one Finnish student.

"It may seem like a lot [of people], but since the apartment is quite spacious, we have a very good dynamic!" says Esteban.

Student housing in Finland usually means you get your own room too!

Arrange your travel and health insurance

Usually something you think about at the last minute, arranging your travel and health insurance as soon as possible is crucial. Not only does it mean one less thing to worry about, but if anything happens and you cannot travel, you will be covered by your insurance. It is also important to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Once you arrive in Finland, make sure you pay your student union membership fee. This gives you access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), where you can receive preventive and medical care, as well as dental treatment. Consultation fees for students at the FSHS are very reasonable, and appointments with nurses or general practitioners are free.

Check whether you need to take an English language proficiency test

English language tests are a common requirement for admission to many universities around the world where English is the main language of instruction, such as the University of Eastern Finland. If English is not your first language, you may need to take an English proficiency test as part of the application process.

If you are planning to study in Finland next year, now is the best time to start preparing for the test. Every university has its own English language requirements, so be sure to check their website for more information.

Speaking of language... try learning some basics of the local language

Although Finland is one of the top ten countries in the world for English proficiency, it is still a good idea to learn the local language. It is polite, and locals will appreciate the effort.

Here are a few words and phrases to get you started.

Hello: Hei

Goodbye: Hei hei

Thank you: Kiitos

My name is...: Nimeni on ...

Nice to meet you: Hauska tavata

Where is the bathroom?: Missä on vessa?

Research the place you are moving to

It does no harm to learn more about Finland's higher education system, the country's general customs and laws, the weather (!), and a fair amount of its culture.

It is good to know what your "home away from home" will be like, and the more you know about it, the better prepared you will be when you arrive.

When you get there...

Find out which student clubs you can join

University is about more than just studying. Student clubs are a great way to meet new people, take a break from your studies, and learn something new. Whether it is sports, choir, or drama, you are sure to find something you like.

"[The University of Eastern Finland] has many activities you can take part in, and they will help you meet more local people," says Jie.

Go where the locals go, and do not be afraid to say hello!

As Esteban told us, immersing yourself in local culture and truly getting to know your new home is half the fun of studying abroad. "I found things you cannot 'Google', like having coffee with Finnish families, eating berry pie and Karelian pies, which was amazing. Going to the sauna was great too."

"Finns, especially the locals here in Kuopio, are very helpful and nice. If you ask for help, they will take care of you. Although Finns claim they do not have good food, I love mämmi, Karelian pies, lohikeitto, pinaattikeitto, joulutorttu, glögi, and many more," says Pracheta De, a first-year master's student in Biomedical Engineering from Bengaluru.

Finally... keep travel plans in mind

You cannot move to one of the most fascinating countries in the world without taking time to explore.

"I am planning to go to Lapland in northern Finland. I think it is a place you absolutely need to visit," says Jie.

Williane, a Brazilian student in her second year of the master's programme in Medical Physics, told us she had already planned all her trips for the year. "Lapland in winter, Koli in spring, Hiekkasaari in autumn, and a metal festival in summer."

And remember...

Enjoy the opportunity and embrace it. It is okay to feel nervous; excitement will come knocking soon enough.