A few questions about studying in Turku

[Nitro]

Hello,
I'm from Azerbaijan, and have recently received a letter of acceptance confirming my admission to an MSc program at Åbo Akademi University. I have a few questions, which I would be very grateful if someone could answer. Could anyone please:

1. Recommend a reputable insurance company that will satisfy the Finnish Immigration Service. Of course, I mostly need it to apply for a residence permit, but it would be nice to know that, should something really happen, they will actually cover my expenses instead of citing a long list of exclusions. Also, one company mentioned in the welcome guide (AON, I believe) requires that the street address in Finland be indicated as well, which is a little strange, since I cannot possibly know that right now, before sending a housing application form and receiving housing offers.
2. Suggest some nice housing complexes in Turku, not too far from Åbo Akademi. The welcome package included a booklet with a description of most local housing locations, but it is essentially an advertisement, while I would like to read some real opinions.
3. Provide any other valuable advice and comments, or share experiences studying in Turku.

[truth]

Hello,
1. Recommend a reputable insurance company that will satisfy the Finnish Immigration Service. Of course, I mostly need it to apply for a residence permit, but it would be nice to know that, should something really happen, they will actually cover my expenses instead of citing a long list of exclusions. Also, one company mentioned in the welcome guide (AON, I believe) requires that the street address in Finland be indicated as well, which is a little strange, since I cannot possibly know that right now, before sending a housing application form and receiving housing offers.

The insurance company has to be from your home country. Contact the Finnish embassy where you want to apply for your residence permit to ask them what recommended companies you can use for your permit purpose.

Suggest some nice housing complexes in Turku, not too far from Åbo Akademi. The welcome package included a booklet with a description of most local housing locations, but it is essentially an advertisement, while I would like to read some real opinions.

You can check on http://www.tys.fi/en/tenant to see the housing foundation in Turku. I don't know if there is another one but in most places in Finland, there is usually one or two of these housing companies.

[Nitro]

Thanks for your reply.

The insurance company has to be from your home country. Contact the Finnish embassy where you want to apply for your residence permit to ask them what recommended companies you can use for your permit purpose.

Are you quite sure? I was under the impression that international insurance companies were not only allowed but also, in some cases, recommended, as local companies may not always offer insurance plans that will meet all requirements.

You can check on http://www.tys.fi/en/tenant to see the housing foundation in Turku. I don't know if there is another one but in most places in Finland, there is usually one or two of these housing companies.

Thank you, I already did. Actually, I meant not housing foundations (I believe there is only one in Turku, but I may be mistaken), but individual housing complexes, which are many. For examples, there are 17 complexes listed on this page:

http://www.tys.fi/en/renting_a_flat/fla ... /kuunsilta,

so I wanted to know which one's better (excluding Henrikki, which is only available for internal transfer,and Kiertotähti, which is seemingly not available for students).

[Pursuivant]

I think the situation with student housing is you are happy to get it anywhere - if you start being picky you're on the common market with the sharks.

[Nitro]

I think the situation with student housing is you are happy to get it anywhere - if you start being picky you're on the common market with the sharks.

Well, you're right, I guess, but still, if I'm not mistaken, it works like this: I choose a few housing locations or apartment types (six, I believe) and send an application. After they process it, they send me housing offers. So choices are involved - both before sending the application and after receiving the offers.

Anyway, I've already got some suggestions about locations that are generally a little better than others or will better suit my personal preferences. And, of course, I'm grateful to those who replied in this thread.