FAQ = Frequently asked questions
Just click the question to get the answer!
I am an exchange student and coming to Finland in autumn 2011, how do I get a student card?
Those exchange students who are coming to study in Finland In August 2011, don´t have to leave their student card application until they have arrived. We will give you more information at the arrival. Just make sure that you have a photo (one or more) of yourself when you are coming to Finland. Then getting the student card is easy!
How long does it take to get the student card?
As soon as we receive your application AND your payment, it takes about 2-4 weeks to get the card. (Bank transaction to account takes 2-5 days). We send you an email when the card is ready. Notice, that we handle first those applications that have been paid (in to our account or in offices). Be prepaired that at the beginning of semesters it´s always very busy when hundreds of students arrive in school but for example in the middle of the semester you can get the card within 1-2 weeks.
Do you send me the card? Where do I pick up the card?
We don´t send cards to other countries by post or using post office. You get an email from us where we tell when you can pick up the card from your own local Laurea study unit here in Finland. It´s simple as that.
If you have send your application and membership payment receipt to us earlier, and your student card is ready before you arrive in Finland, then our tutors give you the cards at the airport as soon as you arrive in Finland.
What is the easiest way to order a student card?
If you have difficulties to order the card in advance using bank transfer and post, the easiest way is simply visit one of our offices when you arrive in Finland! There you can leave your student card application and pay your membership fee at the same time. It takes about 2-3 weeks to make the card. Just remember to take a photo of yourself with you!
Should I order blue or green student card?
Blue student card gives you more benefits and it´s for full-time students.
All exchange students can order the blue card!
If you are a part-time student, you can apply for green card. Look up from our web-page: Student card/ Membership requirements, for more details. Leave your application as soon as you can so you get the card and all the benefits quickly.
Can I pay with a check?
No, we don´t accept check payments. Never use the bottom part of the application as a check payment!
I need help using the bank transfer! Can I send my fee by post?
a) In some countries it´s very expensive to make the bank transfer to our finnish account, and if you have any kind of difficulties to make the payment in your own country - please pay the fee rather in Finland. Simply visit on of our offices when you arrive! Then you can bring your application and pay your membership fee at the same time. It´s very easy way to join the student union, and it takes then about 2-3 weeks to get the card - so not that long after all, don´t you think?
b) Never send us any money by post! We simply can´t accept those.
c) All the information for the bank transfer are here on our web-page (student card/becoming a member). If those details won´t help you when you are using your local bank or bank machine, then we recommend again that you come and visit us in Finland. Also our tutors will give you guidance with the arrival at the airport.
Where can I find student unions offices?
A list of our offices is on our web-page: LAUREAMKO/Organization/ Offices and campuses. Our two main offices are in the school buildings: Tikkurila (Vantaa) and Leppavaara (Espoo). All local units and campuses have a LAUREAMKO´s local actors, who helps you within your own school. Local actors are students who usually serves our members, selling stickers and taking you applications, during lunch brakes and so on. Keep your eye on LAUREAMKO´s bulletin boards and ask more information from your own local actors, for example by email!
Can you help me with my passport problems, insurance matters, travel plans etc?
We can´t help you with these things, but check out our mascots Lenni´s links in the upper right for some useful web-sites. We try to gather helpful information there for exchange students and for all our members. Also our tutors will help you as much as they can with the arrival and later on during your studies. You should always try to contact your school´s Student Affairs office or Student Application office because they handle matters concerning your studies and practical things. See contact information from school´s pages: www.laurea.fi.
Where do I get information about the happenings, sports and parties?
Here, from our web-site of course! Also check out our news bulletin in every 2 weeks, you´ll find it from school restaurant´s tables, our web-site and from your email. LAUREAMKO organizes lots of different kind of happenings, you should enjoy them all and experience student life to the fullest as our member!
Why should I get myself a student card?
The student card is optional for everyone, you don´t have to order the card if you don´t want to. But. The student card gives you many benefits, for example travelling in busses, trains and subways in Finland can be as much as 50 % cheaper with the card. This is just one example. Also you get meals with student price in any restaurant of a University or University of Applied Sciences in Finland. This saves you a lot of money within a days!
Remember, when you have the student card, you are able to enjoy all the benefits with just one card and also quickly ensure to others that you are a real student of Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
How much is the fee when I order the card for the first time?
You must pay the card fee (6 €) plus the semester (18 €) or academic year (23 €) -sticker. The card is not valid without the sticker. For example: if you study less than 6 months, pay the card+semester (6€ + 18€)=24€. If you study more than 6 months, pay the card+academic year (6€ + 23€)=29€.
Long-term students/Degree students should consider paying the membership for the whole study period, like 3,5 or 4 years, because it´s much cheaper that way! Look up the prices from the above in our web-pages.
How much is the fee if I already have the card and I need just a new sticker?
Semester fee (just for autumn or for spring) is 18 €. Academic year fee is 23 €. You can buy the sticker from our offices, local units, and On-The-Road -stands, and you can pay the sticker by cash or by credit card. You can also pay the fee to our account - just take the receipt with you when you pick up a new sticker. Semester-stickers are valid during 1.8.2010-31.1.2011 (autumn) and 1.1.2011-31.8.2011 (spring). Academic year sticker is valid during 1.8.2010-31.8.2011.
Must I return my student card when I quit my studies in Finland?
No, you don´t have to return the card if you don´t want to. The student card is not valid without current/new sticker (semester or academic year - sticker).
What address do I send my application?
Send your application to: LAUREAMKO, Ratatie 22 01300 Vantaa Finland.
