FSHS
The Finnish Student Health Service, known as FSHS, provides healthcare and medical services for degree students in universities, in accordance with the Health Care Act. You may also utilise public and private healthcare services if you wish. Exchange students are not entitled to use FSHS’s services, but they may use public and private healthcare services. In need of acute care, always contact your local health centre, as FSHS does not provide acute medical care.
Make sure to pay the healthcare fee for students in higher education via Kela’s e-service and fill out FSHS’s online health survey via Self.
In the event of serious illness during your studies, contact FSHS. For a sick leave of over two months, you may be entitled to Kela’s sickness allowance in place of the study grant.
Mental health support
In the Oulu area, help is available locally and nationally in cases of acute crises and need for immediate help.It is always advisable to be in contact with a professional if you need help or find self-care insufficient. You can practise self-care to maintain and improve your mental wellbeing, and use the self-care tools and peer support as you wait to get an appointment to a professional.
24-hour crisis help:
Local social and crisis services
Shelter helpline (Link in Finnish)
Substance abuse helpline (Link in Finnish)
Itsehoito ja vertaistuki:
Symptom navigator (Mielenterveystalo, HUS) (link in Finnish)
Omahoito-programs (Mielenterveystalo, HUS) (link in Finnish)
Information and tips about mental health
Sports (UniMove)
It is advisable to take good care of your physical fitness during your studies. Exercise improves wellbeing and gives you energy. UniMove provides the university sports services in Oulu. By paying the sports fee and downloading the app, you are entitled to participate in a wide selection of weekly classes and to register for different courses for a discounted price. Additionally, you can get significant discounts on sports services provided by partner organisations.
Dining
Kela provides a meal subsidy for student meals, which can be utilised by presenting a valid student card. Student meals with a meal subsidy are prepared in accordance with Kela’s nutritional requirements. A list of all student restaurants in Oulu can be found on the Kela website. Uniresta restaurants owned by university students from Oulu are located in Linnanmaa (Kastari), Kontinkangas (Medisiina) and the city centre (Pekuri).