Waiting List - last minute R.P.

[Vesper]

okay, I understand the process & what is required for a Student Residence Permit for a Non-EU applicant.

I'm on a waiting list, let's say a miracle happens and I get an acceptance letter in August.

Am I expected to start my classes at the end of August, if my residence permit could take up to 4-6 weeks to be approved? I know I have to wait for the residence permit to arrive in my home country. I'm not sure how the Finnish UAS system works if you miss the first couple of classes. I know in the US, if you miss like 3 or so classes you fail for the semester. I understand there are 2 periods, is it possible to start the 2nd period if my permit isn't approved in time?

[Pursuivant]

Yeah, its the periodic system that counts... some periods you can take a test and not attend, some you need to attend the labs, some you don't need to attend... depends on what the cous´rse is. UAS's do tend to have more attendance-required classes especially in the start. They're big in "group work" and "project methods".

[stewy]

At least when I first started (in my first semester) there were a few people who started late, up to 3 or 4 weeks, and they were allowed to complete the full semester. I would say that if you haven't started by the end of the first period then you have to wait until the next semester, otherwise it's ok. But of course, the sooner you're there the better because the first couple of weeks are the most important.