Student Life at Kuopio

Living in Kuopio is safe and convenient, but especially at the beginning there can be many practical things to figure out. This page brings together essential information about student life in Kuopio and Finland. You’ll find useful links as well as practical tips to help you get started in your new environment.

You can jump directly to the section you need:

  1. Useful links
  2. Important documents and services
  3. Public transportation
  4. Emergencies
  5. Everyday Finnish words

Browse the links to learn more about transportation, healthcare, leisure activities, official services, and many other things.

The City of Kuopio

On the official City of Kuopio website, you can find information about services, events, and current topics.

The City of Kuopio
Talvinen Puijon mäki, jossa etualalla on paljon lumisia puita ja takana näkyy Puijon torni. Puijo Hill in winter, with many snow-covered trees in the foreground and the Puijo Tower visible in the background.

Newcomer's Guide to Kuopio

Comprehensive free guide to all things necessary to start your life in Kuopio.

Newcomer's Guide to Kuopio
Ilmakuva Kuopion keskustasta auringonlaskun aikaan talvella. An aerial view of downtown Kuopio at sunset in winter.

UEF – Practical Guide to Finland

University of Eastern Finland’s information on everyday matters such as housing, studies, and services in Finland.

Practical Guide to Finland
UEF Canthian rakennus ulkoapäin. Oikealla on Canthian punatiilinen rakennus ja vasemmalla parkkipaikka. The UEF Canthia building from the outside. On the right is the red-brick Canthia building, and on the left is the parking lot.

Hello Kuopio – How to get here

Instructions for travelling to Kuopio by different means of transport.

How to get here
Ihmisiä kävelemässä ja pyöräilemässä Kuopion torilla auringon paistaessa. People walking and cycling in Kuopio Market Square as the sun shines.

A Guide to Finnish Customs and Manners

Learn about Finnish culture, customs, and everyday behaviour.

Finnish customs and manners
Iltakuva Kuopion satamasta, jossa etualalla on Koski-laiva ja taustalla näkyy valaistu Wanha Satama sekä maailmanpyörä. An evening view of the Port of Kuopio, with the Koski ferry in the foreground and the illuminated Wanha Satama and Ferris wheel visible in the background.

Kuopio Event Calendars

Find current events, festivals, and things to do in the city.

Event Calendars
Kuopion torin kauppahallin edusta, jossa järjestetään lakitustilaisuutta vappuna. Tori on täynnä ihmisiä katsomassa lakitusta. The area in front of the Kuopio Market Hall, where the capping ceremony is held on May Day. The square is packed with people watching the ceremony.

Important documents and services

When moving to Finland, you will typically need:

  • Strong identification – This is used to check your identity when using the internet. You can also use online banking codes (which you can get when opening a bank account) and from your mobile phone operator. You can also use the suomi.fi e-identification. You may need to first apply for the foreigners’ identity card from the police before you can get the strong identification.
  • Foreigner ID card – This is a card issued by the Finnish police. You can apply for it online or at a police station. This is useful for setting up strong identification which is important for doing things online in Finland.
  • Personal identity code (henkilötunnus) – If you did not get this when you applied for a residence permit or registration as an EU citizen you can get more information from the DVV.
  • Bank account – Depending on which bank you choose, opening an account can take a while, so plan your finances ahead of your arrival in Finland. You need to book an appointment to open a bank account. Contact the bank in advance to ask about the documentation they require. The largest banks offer service in English, and you can use all major credit cards in Finland.
  • Kela card (Social Insurance Institution – Kansaneläkelaitos) – You can get a Kela card which serves as your personal health insurance and gives you some benefits under the National Health Insurance Scheme. You can apply for the card online or using an application form. Also, depending on your status in Finland and where you are from, you may be entitled to some other benefits from Kela.
  • Mobile subscription – You may only be able to get a prepaid card initially, but you can change later. Mobile phone use is inexpensive, and most plans offer unlimited data usage (rajaton).
  • Tax card – This is a document from the Tax authorities which shows your income tax rate. You do not necessarily need a printed version. You can find information about getting a tax-card on the Vero (Verohallinto) website.

Public transportation

The public transportation in Kuopio works very well, so you can travel to most places without a personal car. The Kuopio region public transport is Vilkku (vilkku.kuopio.fi). Vilkku organizes Kuopio’s bus system as well as the city bike service.

By bus

  • You can pay your bus fare with contactless payment, mobile tickets, cash or with the Waltti card (waltti.fi). Note that prices vary depending on the payment method you use. Cash is the most expensive option.
  • You can get a Waltti travel card at the service point at Suokatu 42, or you can order it online. Single tickets are valid for an hour, or you can opt to buy a day ticket which lasts 24 hours.
  • You can also buy season tickets. Discounts are available for different groups, namely students, seniors, children, youth and adults.

Emergencies

The number for all life-threatening emergencies in Finland is 112.
Calls are free and you do not need to input the area code.

You can also download the 112 Suomi mobile application.

© Newcomers’ Guide to Kuopio

Everyday Finnish words

  1. Kela – The Finnish Social Insurance Institution; provides benefits like student aid, and child support.
  2. Henkilötunnus – Personal identity number, required for almost everything (banking, employment, healthcare).
  3. Terveyskeskus – Public health center, where you go for doctor appointments and basic medical care.
  4. Maistraatti/Digi- ja väestötietovirasto (DVV) – Digital and Population Data Services Agency; handles address registration, identity, and official records.
  5. Postinumero – Postal code; part of your address and needed for forms and deliveries.
  6. Vero/Verokortti – Tax/Tax card, needed for working and getting paid properly in Finland.
  7. Matkakortti/Vilkku – Travel card/local transit system; used to pay for public transport in Kuopio.
  8. Alennus / Tarjous / Ale – Discount / Offer / Sale; common in stores, useful for saving money.
  9. Kahvi – Coffee; an important part of Finnish daily life, socializing, and workplace culture.
  10. Mualiman napa – Navel of the World, i.e. The center of the universe, i.e. Kuopio Market Square; symbolic heart of Kuopio and a beloved meeting place for locals. Located in the very center of the city, the square features a painted ground marking that humorously claims to be the center of the world, reflecting the warm, down-to-earth humor and strong local identity of the people of Kuopio.

+ BONUS:
Kiitos – Thank you.
Anteeksi – Sorry / Excuse me.
Moi / Hei / Terve – Hi / Hello.

© Kohtaamisia – The City of Kuopio’s Resident Magazine 2025